Shubunkin goldfish can be purchased at fish and pond stores, though for optimal results you’ll want one with vibrant colors and healthy body structure. In addition, it should swim regularly around its tank.
These fish have an insatiable appetite and can be fed commercial fish pellets or high-grade flakes from commercial vendors, as well as an array of fresh and frozen foods.
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Hardy
Shubunkins are some of the hardiest goldfish available. They thrive both in ponds and aquariums provided that there is enough open space for exploration, being fast swimmers that ideally belong in a tank with other similar fish like common goldfish or fantails; although Koi fish could also live alongside Shubunkins.
These fish are omnivorous, meaning that they will feed on most foods provided to them, from flakes and pellets to fresh vegetables or frozen and live foods such as daphnia, blood worms, tubifex worms and brine shrimp.
These fish are adept scavengers and will feast upon most plant detritus and food scraps in an aquarium or pond, uprooting some live plants as they search for sustenance. Medium gravel substrate allows these creatures to more efficiently filter material.
Omnivorous
As with other goldfish species, shubunkin are omnivores, feeding on various flake foods, blood worms, daphnia, brine shrimp, fresh vegetable treats like blanched peas and other treats from their aquarium or pond environment. Furthermore, these fish act as scavengers consuming any debris at the bottom of the tank or pond environment.
Shubunkins can cohabitate in most environments, though for optimal success they should be kept with groups of their own species. Though generally peaceful fish, they may become aggressive during breeding season or battles over food sources. Their powerful swimming capabilities often outrace slower tank mates which could result in food theft; for this reason they should never be housed together with slow moving species such as Orandas and Fantails.
As with other coldwater fish, shubunkin goldfish are sensitive to sudden temperature changes; thus it’s best to gradually introduce them to their new environment. They require an environment with plenty of beneficial bacteria such as an inoculated tank starter kit or by using Fritz Turbo Start to introduce beneficial microorganisms into their tank environment.
Easy to care for
Shubunkin goldfish are one of the easiest species to care for, being readily available at most pet stores and often being less costly than their koi counterparts – ideal for beginners looking for their first aquatic pet! Living for years in garden ponds, Shubunkin goldfish need plenty of space as well as getting along well with other species; feeding high quality flakes free from food dyes and carbohydrates is recommended as they eat both plant matter as well as animals!
Active fish that actively search the bottom of their tank for plant detritus such as leaves or algae to graze on, including small worms or invertebrates that they consume as food sources. Feed them two or three times each day.
Maintain a medium-gauge substrate in the tank, adding driftwood and twisted roots for an authentic appearance. As diggers, fish will uproot plants unless securely fastened down; they are not particular eaters either – and will eat fake plants too!
Versatile
Like their goldfish counterparts, shubunkins are omnivorous fish who will consume pellets and flakes as well as live or frozen food sources. Furthermore, these scavengers will consume anything from detritus to plants.
These fish are easy to care for and live long lives, making them an excellent choice for novice hobbyists. If you keep them in an aquarium, make sure they have plenty of space so they can explore their environment freely; additionally, large tanks should be provided to prevent overcrowding.
These fish are highly active, spending most of their time exploring their surroundings. Being fast swimmers means they may outswim other tankmates so pairing them with slow swimmers should be avoided. Fungus infections may affect these fish; be on the lookout for white coatings on their head and mouth that may indicate this condition as a way of combatting it by decreasing humidity in your aquarium or pond, providing plenty of open space and providing ample ventilation.
