Shubunkin Goldfish
Shubunkin goldfish are a type of fancy goldfish that first originated in Japan. The Shubunkin is also sometimes called the “Poor Man’s Koi” due to their appearance being slightly similar to that of the Koi fish. Koi fish are relatively expensive, due to their selective breeding to exhibit specific color patterns and variations. Shubunkin goldfish, by comparison, are relatively less expensive than Koi fish.
The Shubunkin goldfish only has a single tail, which is in contrast to other species of goldfish that have double, triple or even quadruple tails. Shubunkin are often cited as being simliar to the Comet goldfish and the Common goldfish in body shape and general appearance. Shubunkin goldfish possess unique “nacreous” scales, which is one of the reasons for their unique appearance. Having nacreous scales means that a fish has a mix of pearl-looking scales that are both transparent and metallic.
The Shubunkin goldfish was first developed in Japan, from a mutation that occurred in the telescope eye goldfish. This occured back in 1900, and the Shubunkin goldfish continued to increase in popularity after this time. Baby Shubunkin goldfish usually don’t have nacreous scales, rather, it takes them a few months for this type of pattern to develop. Common colors seen on Shubunkin goldfish include blue, grey, black, white and red. In most cases, these colors are seen in speckled combinations that create a unique pattern. Of all of these colors, blue is the most sought-after color for Shubunkin goldfish enthusiasts.