Page 337 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

GOLDFISH 335

Carassius auratus
Shubunkin Sloping Random dark
dorsal fin
speckling
This popular variety is very close in appearance
to the Common Goldfish. This is especially so in
the case of the London Shubunkin, which has an
identical body and differs only in terms of the
arrangement of its iridocytes. This particular Pale orange
variety was developed by London breeders during
the 1920s, by which time enthusiasts in the U.S. London Shubunkin This is the most commonly seen Bristol Shubunkin This form has rounded lobes on its
had already created the long-tailed American form of the Shubunkin, with a caudal fin resembling caudal fin. Enthusiasts strive to breed this and other
Shubunkin. In due course, the two varieties that of the Common Goldfish. goldfish varieties to prescribed exhibition standards.
were crossed by breeders of the Bristol Aquarist Coloration extends
Society in western England, creating the Bristol into the fins Long, flowing
Shubunkin—a very distinctive and different caudal fin
form with large, flowing lobes on its caudal fin,
which must not be allowed to droop. Shubunkin
coloration is generally very variable, but the
orange areas tend to be paler than those of
Common Goldfish. They may also display dark
speckling, as well as bluish shades that range from
pale-whitish through to violet. Darkly marked
Shubunkins are highly attractive when seen at
close range, but they are less conspicuous
in ponds unless the water is particularly clear.
American Shubunkin The caudal fin lobes of this variety
are much narrower than those of the Bristol Shubunkin;
they are tapering rather than rounded in shape.

Carassius auratus
Pearlscale

This ancient Chinese variety can be identified by Chocolate Pearlscale
its rotund body, double caudal fins, and The depth of chocolate
pearl-like markings on the sides of its body. Each coloration can vary from
scale has a raised whitish center, making it look reddish-brown to a much
as if a pearl is embedded in it. The variegated red- darker brown.
and-white form is the most common Pearlscale,
but there is also a nacreous variety (see p.333) that
resembles the Shubunkin in coloration. Pearlscales
are not strong swimmers and are usually kept in
aquariums rather than ponds, where their distinctive
appearance is easier
to appreciate. Symmetrical
caudal fin

No pearl markings
on the head

Entire body shows
pearly markings
Variegated Pearlscale The pearl-like markings are
evident on this goldfish, even against the white areas of
the body. These goldfish do not grow especially large.
ORIGINS Asia, originally from SIZE Highly variable; often DIET Goldfish food (flakes WATER Temperature 50–77°F TEMPERAMENT Relatively
waterways in southern China. exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds. or pellets) and live foods. (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0). social, but does not shoal.

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