Calico Short Tail Ryukin - Carassius auratus

Calico Short Tail Ryukin (Carassius auratus)

The Calico Short Tail Ryukin is a striking fancy goldfish variety recognised for its deep, rounded body, pronounced shoulder profile and compact tail. Its calico colouration can include combinations of white, orange, red, black, blue-grey and metallic or pearlescent tones, making every individual visually unique. Peaceful and highly decorative, this variety is best suited to spacious, well-filtered aquariums with other fancy goldfish of similar size and swimming ability.

Common Name:
Calico Short Tail Ryukin, Short Tail Ryukin Goldfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Carassius auratus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 15–20 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Calico Short Tail Ryukin is a selectively bred fancy goldfish variety descended from domesticated Carassius auratus.

Ryukin have been developed specifically for ornamental aquarium keeping and are recognised for their deep body shape, elevated shoulder profile and decorative finnage.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–24°C
pH Range: 6.8–8.0
Hardness: Moderate to Hard
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low with regular maintenance

Temperament:
Peaceful

Calico Short Tail Ryukin are generally calm and sociable fish that are best kept with other fancy goldfish of similar size and swimming ability.

Avoid housing them with aggressive, fin-nipping or very fast-moving species that may intimidate them or outcompete them during feeding.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet based around high-quality sinking goldfish pellets or granules.

Supplement with suitable foods such as frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm, together with vegetable-based foods.

Sinking foods are generally preferable for fancy goldfish and can help reduce excessive surface feeding and air swallowing.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 120 litres for a small group, with additional space required as the fish grow.

Fancy goldfish produce a considerable amount of waste, so generous aquarium volume and strong biological filtration are important for maintaining stable water quality.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Calico Short Tail Ryukin is a steady and relatively compact swimmer that spends much of its time exploring the aquarium and searching the substrate for food.

Its deep body and shortened tail make it less agile than common or single-tailed goldfish.

Provide plenty of open swimming space and avoid strong currents that may make swimming unnecessarily difficult.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish

Best kept with other peaceful fancy goldfish such as Orandas, Ranchu and similarly built Ryukin varieties.

Avoid keeping them with common goldfish, Comets or other very fast feeders where competition for food may become a problem.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Excellent filtration is essential because goldfish have a relatively high biological load.

Regular partial water changes should be carried out to maintain low nitrate levels and stable water chemistry.

Use smooth gravel, rounded décor or fine sand to reduce the risk of physical injury.

Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain good oxygenation, particularly in warmer conditions.

Monitor body condition carefully, as deep-bodied fancy goldfish can be more prone to buoyancy and digestive issues if overfed or offered an unsuitable diet.

Because this is a calico variety, individual fish can vary considerably in colour balance, spotting, metallic sheen and pattern distribution.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.