CheckMyFishTank

Shubunkin Goldfish care

Carassius auratus · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Shubunkin Goldfish, painted illustration

A hardy, calico colored goldfish that grows large.

Smallest tank75 gallons
Adult size10 inches
Temperature60 to 74°F
pH6.5 to 8
GroupFine on its own
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsAll levels
Lives10 to 15 years
Watch for: Grows large and messy. Plan a tank of 75 gallons or more for a pair.

Feeding

Twice a day. Only what they finish in about 2 minutes, since goldfish always beg for more. Goldfish pellets, blanched vegetables, occasional protein.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Shubunkin Goldfish in a 150 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Black Neon TetraBlack Phantom TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlack Skirt TetraBlue AcaraBlue GouramiBristlenose PlecoBronze CorydorasBuenos Aires TetraComet Goldfish

Do not mix with

  • Cardinal Tetra: Cardinal Tetra and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Glowlight Tetra: Glowlight Tetra and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Rummynose Tetra: Rummynose Tetra and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Diamond Tetra: Diamond Tetra and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • X-Ray Tetra: X-Ray Tetra and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Emperor Tetra: Emperor Tetra and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Golden Pencilfish: Golden Pencilfish and Shubunkin Goldfish need different water temperatures.

Questions

What size tank does a Shubunkin Goldfish need?

At least 75 gallons. Adults grow to about 10 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Shubunkin Goldfish like?

60 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Shubunkin Goldfish should I keep together?

One is fine, and they can also live in small groups if the tank is big enough.

What do Shubunkin Goldfish eat?

Goldfish pellets, blanched vegetables, occasional protein. Feed twice a day: only what they finish in about 2 minutes, since goldfish always beg for more.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.