Here we have another beautiful goldfish, although not commonly found as of yet, but its on the rise in ponds and tanks - the wakin.
History
The word "wakin" literally means "Japanese goldfish', and thats exactly where he is bred. Its believed the wakin ancestors, like many fish before them, came originally from China, with the first wakin type of fish being imported to Japan around 1500. After two centuries of breeding and selecting in Japan, its became the Japanese official goldfish. It was very uncommon to see a wakin "representative" in an US held show, but this has changed over the last year quite a bit. Fish keepers have come to appreciate the beauty and hardiness of this wonderful fish, and they pop up more and more these days.
Features
The wakin is a rather slender fish, like a comet, but with a completely different tail shape. It is more of a fantail shaped caudal fin, although not long, and fans out nicely when viewed from above. His major colors are a bright red and a crisp white, and there are some amazing color patterns going on with this fish, from almost completely red, to a total white with only a few speckles of red. Each wakin has a unique color pattern, and is very easily recognized by it, almost like a Kohaku koi. And just like a koi, the wakin is best viewed from above.
There are a pair of each finnage - anal, pectoral and pelvic fins. As for size of the fish, anything is possible, especially if kept in a pond. So this is not a small breed, and the longest wakin has been measured in at 18 inches!
Housing
The wakin is an ideal pond fish, and thats where you find most of them. He will do fine in a tank too, but he does have a few requirements then, especially when it comes to tank size. The 10 gl rule doesn't quite cut it with this beauty, it falls into the category of comets and commons, so 20 gl really is a minimum he should be kept in. Bigger is always better with a wakin.
The wakin is a very hardy fish, well being able to handle cold winters in a pond, if there is a hole left open for oxygen exchange and de-gasing, if the pond freezes over. I have seen a video clip from a wakin breeding company showing wakin happily swimming about under the ice of a frozen pond.
Feeding
There are no special considerations neccessary when feeding your wakin - anything will be eaten! He keeps up well with koi, doesn't mind devouring their food, and is not shy when it comes to "waiting in line" either. Flakes, pellets, frozen foods, veggies, you name it - its in the wakins mouth. So beware, water lily owners, the wakin does not appreciate your love for those gorgeously blooming specimen, he could care less. All he knows is that those leaves taste awfully good, so you might as well take those lilies out..
A last thought....
The wakin is a very friendly, outgoing fish, and therefore ideal for any pond keeper who likes to watch his fish come up when feeding time approaches. But his friendly disposition doesn't mean you can keep a wakin with just anything. Its a fast fish, and does best with other fast fish - commets, commons, shubunkin, koi. Its not a good idea to have a wakin in with slower fancy goldfish like moors, telescopes, ranchu, bubble eyes, celestials and so for. Those poor fish will be starving to death, while the wakin strolls around with a full stomach. With his speed he also can do some damage to some more delicate parts of other fish, like the eyes, bubbles, .....
I have enjoyed wakin for a year now, and am up to 6 right now, trying to breed them this month. So my advice is - go and find your own wakin treasure......
Enjoy!
these guys sound great and thank you so much i really
thanks andrea!
