Jikin

Looks how to spot one

Scaled fish with metallic scales and a wide, X-shaped twin tail (peacock tail)

A slim to moderately deep goldfish with a broad tail root and a twin tail that opens wide and stands up so that, seen from behind, it forms an X. Seen from above the tail fans out like a butterfly's wings. The classic look is a white body with red on the lips, gill covers and every fin, a pattern known as the 'twelve points of red'. Body shape varies by region, stockier in Mikawa and longer in Owari.213

Personality what they are like

Calm and graceful. Best enjoyed in a quiet setting with other gentle fancy goldfish.15

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. A steady swimmer that likes open water without strong currents.26

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Japanese keepers traditionally raise jikin in green water, which is said to show the fish at its best. Otherwise care follows other fancy goldfish: good filtration, weekly partial water changes of about 30% with dechlorinated water, and a pH of roughly 6 to 8.178

Home where they are happiest

Plan for at least 60 litres of water per goldfish, with more being better; FishBase suggests a tank at least 100 cm long for a group. Good filtration, a wide water surface and gentle water movement suit long-finned fancy goldfish.785

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivores. Offer a goldfish-specific pellet as the staple, which suits their need for less protein and more carbohydrate than many fish foods. Add chopped vegetables such as peas or spinach and small amounts of daphnia or brine shrimp as treats. Feed two or three small meals a day, giving only what is eaten within two to five minutes.95

Company who they like around

Peaceful. Japanese sources advise keeping jikin with their own kind rather than in a mixed tank, and in general twin-tailed fancy goldfish do best away from fast single-tailed types.16

The story where it all began

The jikin arose in Japan from the wakin during the Muromachi era, when breeders kept fish whose tails had spread apart and whose bodies had shortened. It became the treasured goldfish of the Nagoya area in Aichi Prefecture and is often counted as Japan's first goldfish bred on purpose. In 1958 Aichi Prefecture declared it a natural monument.21

Recognised by the official bits

Aichi Prefecture

Designated a natural monument of Aichi Prefecture in 19581

Goldfish Society of Great Britain (GSGB)

Listed as a standard variety: slightly compressed body, X-shaped tail seen from behind, metallic fish mainly white with red fins and lips3