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Shubunkin Goldfish for Ponds

Shubunkins are calico single tail goldfish. They need a pond or very large tank.

Updated Oct 30, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Local fish shops and pond centers often stock shubunkins in spring. Online fish farms ship live fish overnight.

Some chains, such as PetSmart, sell them in store only.

Professional insight

Pond keepers pick shubunkins for color and health. Every new fish gets quarantined first.

Look for blue base color with red and black patches.
Clamped fins or white spots mean pass on that tank.
Ask whether the fish were farm raised or imported.
Read live arrival guarantee terms before ordering.

Check the label

Listing says shubunkin, not comet or common goldfish.
Fish size at sale, such as 2 to 3 inches.
Variety, such as London, Bristol or American.
Farm or country of origin stated.
Live arrival guarantee and claim deadline.
Shipping method, such as overnight with insulated box.
Local rules on keeping or moving goldfish.

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Shubunkin facts

Species: Carassius auratus
Adult size: Up to about 14 inches
Temperature: About 36 to 90 F

Types

Shubunkin varieties
Variety	Tail	Notes
American	Long, deeply forked	Most common in US shops
London	Short, like a common goldfish	Stocky body
Bristol	Large rounded lobes	Prized by show keepers

Setup tips

Plan on a pond or a very large aquarium.
Use a strong filter, since goldfish produce lots of waste.
Cycle the water before the fish arrive.
Float the bag to match temperature before release.
Quarantine new fish for a few weeks.

Common questions

Can shubunkins live in a small bowl?: No. They grow large and need lots of clean water.
Can they live with fancy goldfish?: They are fast swimmers and may outcompete slow fancy types for food.
When do they get full color?: Color often keeps developing until about two years old.
Can they stay in a pond over winter?: Yes, if the pond is deep enough not to freeze solid.