The Shubunkin has become one of the most popular pond fish in recent years. No wonder: this animal, which belongs to the goldfish family, not only impresses with its looks and size, but is also relatively easy to hold. The fish does not make great demands on its care and food. However, its habitat should fit. And this means that the pond in which he is to live must have certain requirements.
Shubunkin goldfish
The Shubunkin is a special breed that goes back to the common goldfish. It can be found in a variety of colors, most commonly white, yellow, orange, red, blue, and black. In addition, he scores optically with a spotted distribution of colors over the whole body, which also includes the fins. The wide range of colors and the attractive pattern combined with the stately size of up to 30 centimeters are reminiscent of the popular koi carp. This may be one of the reasons why Shubunkins are now extremely popular. However, they are far less demanding than koi and usually never reach their size. On the other hand, Shubunkins can reach an impressive age of 15 to 20 years. If you want to buy a full-grown koi in a specialist shop, you have to pay between 25 and 35 euros, depending on the size - so significantly less than for a koi.
tip: A goldfish of this species should be purchased either from a specialty store or from a trusted breeder. It is advisable to buy younger and smaller animals.
pond basics
Shubunkins can be kept both in an aquarium for freshwater fish and in a pond. Anyone who decides to keep them in a pond should be aware that the optimal condition of the small body of water is the most important prerequisite for the fascinating goldfish to feel comfortable in it, to grow, stay healthy and live as long as possible. If the husbandry conditions are right, the Shubunkin will also mate with a conspecific and produce offspring. But what about the pond? Well, the deciding factors are size, depth and water quality. The following key values should be observed:
- Depth: 1 to 1.5 m
- the depth must not fall below 70 cm
- However, shallow areas (15 cm) are important for possible mating and egg laying
- Water requirement: Approximately 1000 liters (1 cubic meter) per fish
- Water quality: pH value 6.5-8.3, total hardness maximum 10-12 dH
- Water must be free from nitrite and ammonia
- maximum 25 mg nitrate per liter possible
It goes without saying that the water quality should be checked at regular intervals and changed in stages if necessary. Installing a pond filter saves one from many problems related to water quality, but requires that the pond be technically upgraded. The situation is very similar with a pond pump, which enriches the water with oxygen, among other things. The water temperature is also of great importance. Under no circumstances should it exceed 25 °C. In hot summers, a cover must therefore be provided as sun protection - at least temporarily and at a distance of about 30 cm from the water surface.
tip: It is best to check the water quality and water temperature daily, especially when it is very hot. Appropriate aids and tools are available from specialist retailers.
Hold shubunkin goldfish
In the guide to holding Shubunkins, the first thing to always be that is always at least two should be of those fish that live in the pond. Of course, it's even better if the number is larger. Five or more animals have proven to be ideal. Shubunkins are typical schooling fish that do not feel comfortable on their own and usually cannot survive. The number of animals must be based on the capacity of the pond. With five Shubunkins, a water volume of at least 5000 liters is required. The species also gets along perfectly with other goldfish, koi and gold orfe.
lining
Since the fish will not find enough food in a conventional garden pond, they must be fed in any case. Special feed mixtures for Shubunkins should be used. The following applies: Only as much is fed as the animals eat within a maximum period of ten minutes after the feed has been given. If there is any food left over after this time, simply reduce the amount a little the next time you feed them. One feeding per day is sufficient. You should also schedule one diet day a week - a day when you don't feed. Since the animals live in a shock rigidity expired, does not have to be fed during this time. Typically, feed is given from March to October. There is nothing more to consider when it comes to food, and special instructions for feeding are not necessary.
tip: If you want to do without special food for Shubunkins, you can also use conventional flake or granulated food. However, it should definitely be easy to digest.
propagation
If the pond conditions and water quality are right, Shubunkins are extremely keen to mate, just like any other goldfish species. However, the animals are only capable of mating after a certain age. The minimum age is two years for males and three years for females. The mating itself usually takes place in a rather shallow part of the pond and can rarely be observed. Mating season is in April and May. If the female has laid eggs, these, the so-called spawn, stick either directly to the water surface or to stones or aquatic plants. The spawn is whitish-yellow in color and somewhat resembles a caterpillar. After about a week, the first young fish hatch. These must then be fished off and transported to an aquarium, otherwise they could be eaten by other fish. They should remain there until they have reached a size of about 4 cm. Only then can they go back into the pond.
wintering
The shubunkin goldfish and their fellow fish remain in the pond throughout the winter. They then fall into one hibernation and come to rest at the bottom of the pond. However, to ensure that this really works and that the animals are not harmed, an adequate supply of oxygen is necessary. In other words, the pond must never freeze completely, because that would prevent the exchange of oxygen and digester gases. If the pond surface is completely frozen, it is best to carefully thaw it again with hot water. On the other hand, it is taboo to break open the ice surface, as the associated vibrations could tear any Shubunkin goldfish out of its rigid state and make holding it more difficult as a result.
