Shubunkins (朱文金?) or, collectively, calico goldfish are an attractive, hardy & single-tailed fancy goldfish. The shubunkins are of Japanese origin. Shubunkins are similar to the common goldfish in appearance. They have streamlined bodies with well-developed & even fins. However, they possess nacreous scales (a mix of metallic & transparent scales that are pearly in appearance). The overlapping patches of red, white, grey & black (along with dark speckles) on a blue background normally extends to the finnage of shubunkins. It may take several months for the nacreous coloration to develop on a young fry but darker colored fish can maintain their colors with age. Shubunkins are excellent pond fish & they can reach an overall length ranging from 6 to 9 inches (15 to 35 cm)
Wakin
The Japanese wakin, pronounced (WAH-KEEN), "wakin" in Japanese literally means "Japanese Goldfish". It is basically Japan's equivalent to our common comet here in the US in prevalence. Even though this breed is the same species as the common goldfish, it is quite different in appearance. The double caudal (tail) fin is just one characteristic that makes the wakin so unique & especially beautiful when viewed from above in a pond setting.
The wakin, with its fantail, is a true mutation originally discovered in China. The wakin ancestor is thought to be the first type of goldfish brought into Japan around 1500AD. The wakin is ideally suited for fish ponds. It is very hardy. Any size pond can successfully accommodate wakin, unlike koi which do best in larger deep ponds.
Although the Sarasa, Shubunkin and Wakin Goldfish are the hardiest of the Pond Goldfish and will easily winter directly in the Garden Pond with adequate aeration, the Oranda & Ryukin goldfish make wonderful additions to the Summer pond
as long as you have adequate space to winter them indoors during our cold winters.