ryukin goldfish

Ryukin Goldfish

All About The Ryukin Goldfish

“The Hunchback Of Goldfish”

The Ryukin was directly developed from the Fantail goldfish.

However, their bodies are more rounded/egg-shaped than that of the Fantail.

The differentiating feature of the Ryukin is the presence of its dorsal hump which starts in the neck region.

Its head has a more pronounced pointed look because of the dorsal hump. 

Where did the Ryukin goldfish come from?

Interestingly, Ryukins were first known as the Fantail goldfish in China.

Through selective breeding with the Fantails, the Ryukins were officially developed in the 1770’s in China’s Kingdom of Ryuku; hence the “Ryukin” namesake.

It was not until 1879 that Japan saw the first of the Ryukin goldfish.

The Ryukins were bred so the side-view attributes could be fully appreciated through the invention of the glass fish tanks.

Scientific Name:

Carassius auratus auratus

Family:

Carp, Minnow Cyprinidae

Type:

Fancy

Environment:

Freshwater

Temperament:

Semi-Aggressive

Swimming Speed:

Competent

Tankmates:

Ryukins

Lifespan:

10-15 years

Size:

6-8”

Fantail vs. Ryukin In Appearance

The Ryukin is well-known for its dorsal hump giving it the appearance of not only being hunchbacked, but its head has a pointed look to it. Given that the Ryukin is a descendant of the Fantail, there are differences between the two.

  • The Ryukin’s hump starts in the neck/head area, whereas the Fantail’s hump starts mid-back.
  • The Ryukin’s head is more pointed.
  • The Ryukin’s caudal fin is wider.
  • CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS Of The Ryukin

    Size:

    • ​​​​​6-8” long

    Colors

    • Red
    • Red/White
    • Tricolor
    • Blue
    • Calico
    • White
    • Chocolate

    Shape

    • Egg-shaped

    Swim Characteristic

    • Competent swimmer

    Fins

    • Double anal fins divided into two matching halves

    Tail

    Comes in three varieties of tails:

    • Single

    • Long

    • Broad

    Eyes

    • Normal eyes

    Scales

    • Metallic

    Caring For Your Ryukin Goldfish

    Tank Size:

    30 gallons minimum

    (1” of fish per 1 gallon of water)

    Tankmates:

    Ryukins only (Ryukins are semi-aggressive and are best if with its own kind)

    Water Filtration System:

    Required because these fish are high producers of waste

    200 gallons/hour

    Air Stone:

    Required to keep the water oxygenated

    Water Parameters:

  • Temp:     65-75 degrees (F)
  • Ammonia: 0.0
  • Nitrate: <20ppm
  • Nitrite: 0.00
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Plants/Decor:

  • Crinum
  • Elodea
  • Anubias
  • Java Moss
  • FEEDING YOUR RYUKIN GOLDFISH

    FLAKES AND PELLETS

    Flakes or pellets purchased from a pet supply store are generally what most fish owners buy; however, there are not enough nutrients in dry food alone. Additional types of food should also be given.

    LIVE FOOD

    Live food is an excellent source of protein and is perhaps the most important thing you can give your fish.

    FROZEN OPTIONS

    Ryukin goldfish love little bits of seafood. Make sure that if it’s frozen, thaw it completely before feeding to your fish.

    VEGETABLES, FRUITS, AND PLANTS

    Vegetables and fruits provide a healthy source of nutrients that are beneficial to your goldfish. Before feeding to your fish, make sure it is soft and finely diced into tiny bits.

    Live plants are a treat they enjoy nibbling on. Consult your local pet supply on what types of live plants you can place in your aquarium. Also, use caution when putting too many plants in the aquarium because plants deplete the oxygen in the water when the lights are off.

    • Peas cooked (remove the outer layer)
    • Lettuce (uncooked)
    • Broccoli
    • Cucumber
    • Oranges
    • Apples
    • Live Plants such as duckweed, anacharis, azolla, salvinia
    • Seaweed
    • Algae pills

    RYUKIN GOLDFISH SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN:

    • Anything containing animal fat
    • Bread
    • Cooked Lettuce
    • Uncooked Peas

    FEEDING TIME

    • Feedings should be once or twice a day and should be done at the same time each day.
    • Feed a small pinch of food between your thumb and finger.

    HEALTH/DISEASE CONCERNS

    Various symptoms are indicators of potential disease. Ryukins are easily prone to swim bladder.

    Sympto​​​​m

    Pos​​​​sible ​​​​Cause(s)

    Breathing Issues (gasping, rapid, staying at surface)

    Poor Water Quality

    Refuses to Eat

    Poor Water Quality

    Internal Parasites

    Swimming erratically or upside down

    Poor Water Quality

    Swim Bladder Disease

    Dropsy

    Improper Feeding

    Laying at bottom

    Poor Water Quality

    Infection

    Reacts slowly to noise or stimuli

    Poor Water Quality

    Rubbing against wall of tank or other surfaces

    Parasites

    Fungus Infection

    Fins are closed, lethargic

    Poor Water Quality

    Parasites

    Fins are frayed

    Stress

    Fin / Tail Rot

    Raised fuzzy bumps

    Infection (fungal or bacterial)

    Spots that look like grains of salt

    Ich (highly contagious to other fish)

    Black Spots

    Ammonia burn

    Parasites

    Appears Bloated, scales are raised

    Dropsy

    Fed too much

    Gills are pale

    Parasites

    Lumps

    Parasites (usually visible)

    Eyes are Protruded

    (This is a natural trait of the Telescope Eye, however, if you noticed the eye(s) becoming unusually larger it may be an indication of “pop-eye.”)

    Pop-Eye

    Infection

    Appearance is slimy

    Velvet (parasite)

    Small sores on head

    Parasites

    Ulcers (open sores on body)

    Bacterial Infection

    Smooth white or pink warts

    Fish Pox

    Fungal Infection:

    Fungal infection is contagious to the other fish in the tank. If not treated quickly, you can end up losing your fish. This infection can become a secondary condition of fish that have already been sick from something else.

    Causes

    • Stress

    • Lowered immune system

    • Poor water quality

    Symptoms

    • White growths on body and fins

    Treatment

    • Purchase a fungal treatment at your local pet store.

    • Treat your sick fish (in the hospital tank) with the fungal treatment.

    • Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)

    • Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Fungal infection is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.

    • Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.

    • Wash gravel

    • Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.

    • Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.

    • Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.

    • Slowly add all fish back into the water.

    Fin/Tail Rot:

    Fin Rot and Tail Rot in fish are apparent when you notice your fish’s fins or tail appear as if they are frayed or torn. If treated promptly the tissue can grow back, however, if the rot is in the immediate area of the body, it will not grow back and can even enter the body of the fish which is fatal.

    Causes

    • Stress

    • Poor water quality

    • Overcrowding (too many fish)

    • Sudden water temperature change

    Symptoms

    • Fin / Tail appear frayed, torn or ragged

    • Edges of fin / tail become white from bacteria eating away

    Treatment

    • Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)

    • Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Fin/Tail Rot is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.

    • Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.

    • Wash gravel

    • Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.

    • Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.

    • Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.

    • Slowly add all fish back into the water.

    • Monitor the sick fish for a few days and if it does not improve, add a fin rot treatment (you can purchase at a pet store.)

    Hole in the Head:

    Hold In The Head is sores on the head of the fish. Appearing around the eyes, they become larger and can penetrate the skin.

    Causes

    • Stress

    • Poor diet

    • Parasites/bacteria

    Symptoms

    • Pits or sores around the eyes or on the head of the fish

    Treatment

    • Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container.

    • Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Hole in the Head is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.

    • Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.

    • Wash gravel

    • Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.

    • Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.

    • Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.

    • Slowly add all fish back into the water.

    Cotton Wool:

    Cotton Wool appears as fuzzy white patches on the fish. It is a fungal infection.

    Causes

    • Stress

    • Poor water quality

    • Low water temperature

    • Existing injury

    Symptoms

    • White patches on fish

    Treatment

    • You will need to purchase a treatment from your local pet store and dose according to directions.

    • Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)

    • Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Cotton Wool is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.

    • Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.

    • Wash gravel

    • Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.

    • Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.

    • Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.

    • Slowly add all fish back into the water.

    Anchor Worm:

    Common among fish, Anchor Worm is not a worm, but a disease that is caused by a parasite.

    Causes

    • New fish introduced to a tank may be carrying Anchor Worm which is contagious to the other fish.

    Symptoms

    • Green-like hairs attached to fish. Areas of attachment are red and inflamed.

    • Rubs up against tank walls or other surfaces.

    Treatment

    • You will need to purchase a medication (Dipterex 98%) at your local pet store.

    • Follow dosing instructions carefully.

    • Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)

    • Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Anchor Worm is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.

    • Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.

    • Wash gravel

    • Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.

    • Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.

    • Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.

    • Slowly add all fish back into the water.

    Fish Lice (Argulus):

    Fish lice are parasites that are often brought into your tank from new fish. Lice are prevalent in pet store fish tanks.

    Causes

    • New fish introduced to a tank may be carrying fish lice which is contagious to the other fish.

    Symptoms

    • Rubs up against tank walls or other surfaces

    • Disc-shaped parasites are visible on fish

    • Fungus appearance

    Treatment

    • You will need to purchase an anti-parasitic medication from your local pet store.

    • Follow dosing instructions carefully.

    • Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container.

    • Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Fish lice is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.

    • Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.

    • Wash gravel

    • Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.

    • Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.

    • Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.

    • Slowly add all fish back into the water.

    • Monitor the sick fish for a few days and if it does not improve, add a fin rot treatment (you can purchase at a pet store.)

    Gold Dust Disease (Velvet Disease):

    Gold Dust Disease is parasites that resembles small dust particles on the fish. It generally begins to develop on the spinal area of the fish, and because the parasites are so tiny, it’s difficult to see.

    Causes

    • Usually brought into tank water by new fish

    • Stress caused by poor water quality

    Symptoms

    • Film (pale yellow color) develops on fish

    • Fish rubs against tank wall or other surfaces

    • Clamped fins

    • Heavy breathing

    • Weight loss

    Treatment

    • You can treat with a medication called formalin (available at a local pet store.)

    • Use caution if treating with formalin. It can easily burn your fish’s fins.

    • Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)

    • Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Gold Dust Disease is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.

    • Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.

    • Wash gravel

    • Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.

    • Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.

    • Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.

    • Slowly add all fish back into the water.

    REPRODUCTIVE

    Sexing goldfish is the same for all varieties.

    MALE

    FEMALE

    Shape:

    • thinner

    • longer

    • streamlined body

    Shape:

    • thicker

    • Rounder

    • deeper body

    Breeding Behavior: chases females, attempts to push female against tank wall

    Breeding Behavior: develops roe (eggs) that cause bulge on side

    Vent (anal opening):

    • concave

    • narrow

    • elongated

    Vent (anal opening):

    • rounder

    • protrudes from body

    Maturity Age: 9 months to 1 year

    Maturity Age: 3 years

    Tubercles (white spots) are present on gill shields, pectoral fins, face, scales

    Female Ryukin goldfish spawn 3-10 times (laying eggs) at 8-10 day intervals. They will lay up to 1,000 eggs each time. The eggs are laid on any vegetation that is present in the tank. The fry (baby fish) hatches 5-6 days after the eggs are laid.

    The Ryukin Goldfish is almost as tall as it is wide!

    CONCLUSION

    The Ryukin goldfish is definitely a unique looking fish. Its overall rounded appearance with the hunchback feature will liven up a fish tank for sure!

     There does not seem to be a whole lot of information on this breed of goldfish online which shrouds the Ryukin in mystery.

    Great for beginners and being an overall hardy fish, the Ryukin is well worth raising and caring for.

    RyukinGoldfish Questions and Answers

    goldfisho mascot

    What is a Ryukin goldfish?

    Type: fancy

    Colors: red, red/white, tricolor, calico, white, chocolate

    Type of Swimmer: slow

    Temperament: peaceful

    Single or Twin-tail: twin

    Level of Care: great for beginners

    What does a Ryukin goldfish cost?

    $6 – $30 each

    What are compatible tank mates for Ryukin goldfish?

    Other twin-tailed goldfish; Fantails, Black Moors, Ranchu, Lionheads.

    Note: Slow swimming goldfish should not be placed with fast swimming goldfish. Fast swimmers are aggressive eaters at feedings.

    Characteristics and Traits of Ryukin Goldfish

    How large does a Ryukin goldfish get?

    6” – 10”

    What is the lifespan of Ryukin goldfish?

    10-15 years

    Diet of Ryukin Goldfish

    What does a Ryukin goldfish eat?

    Pellets

    Live food (bloodworms, shrimp)

    Fruits & vegetables

    Flake food

    Tank Requirements for Ryukin Goldfish

    What size tank does a Ryukin goldfish need?

    Minimum: 20-30 gallons

    Fish-to-tank Ratio is 1” of fish per 1 gallon of water

    What should the water temperature be for a Ryukin goldfish; and do I need to have a heater for the tank?

    65 – 75 degrees (F)

    A heater is required to maintain water temperature.

    Do I need to have an air stone (air pump) in my Ryukin goldfish’s tank?

    Yes

    Does a Ryukin goldfish’s tank require a filtration system?

    Yes, all goldfish should have a filtration system in their tank.

    Be careful that your filtration system’s water intake is not too powerful for the Ryukin because they are slow swimmers and too much movement in the water can be difficult for your Ryukin to tolerate.

    References:

    (n.d.) Ryukin Goldfish, Animal Planet, Retrieved from: http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/ryukingold/

    (n.d.) Ryukin Goldfish, Animal World, Retrieved from:

    http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/goldfish/RyukinGoldfish.php