Jikin

Jikin is a rare Japanese variety of domesticated goldfish, Carassius auratus, developed from the wakin type and kept mainly by specialist breeders. It has a longer body than many fancy goldfish, but the tail is double and opens into four distinct lobes; when viewed from behind, the spread is often described as a peacock tail. The traditional show fish is metallic white with red confined to the mouth and fins, a six-point pattern often called rokurin in Japanese circles. Because both the tail set and the clean red-and-white marking are hard to fix, pet-quality jikin may vary considerably.

Care is closer to sturdy, streamlined fancy goldfish than to delicate bubble-eyed types. They need more swimming room than round-bodied varieties, strong biological filtration, and cool to moderate water kept stable rather than heated like tropical fish. Outdoor ponds can suit them where winters and predators are managed, but the tail can be damaged by rough handling or aggressive tankmates. Buyers should expect limited availability and should ask whether a fish is being sold for display, breeding, or as a cull from a color-selection program; breeding true jikin requires many fry and strict selection.

Colors: Black, Black and Orange, Black and White, Blue-Gray, Brown, Calico, Chocolate, Gold, Lavender, Matte, Metallic, Nacreous, Orange, Panda, Red, Red and White, White, White with Red Fins, Yellow