While Koi and Shubunkins may look similar, there are several key differences that set them apart. Koi have a wider range of colors and patterns, four barbels around their mouth, and a stockier body shape. Shubunkins have a blue-gray base color with speckles of orange, yellow, and white on their scales, longer fins than Koi, and a sleeker body Doesn't show up real good but it's well over 14" and still growing. As for water changes, It's best if based on your nitrates, anything over 2ppm it's time for a water change, In my own pond with 22 9"-17" koi I do weekly 300-500 gallon water changes with pure rainwater catch when ever possible.. Koi have been bred/developed by the Japaneese to have colourfull, broad backs for viewing from on top as in a pond type situation. Shubunkin is just a fancy name given to a specifically 4. Shubunkin Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock. The Shubunkin goldfish is a Japanese-bred fish with a beautiful combination of red, orange, and white with black spots mottled across their bodies and fins. The word “shubunkin” means “red brocade” in Japanese, and they stand out as a unique calico goldfish. Swim bladder disease is when a fish loses its ability to regulate the air going in and out of its swim bladder. This causes the fish to swim strangely, on its side, or even upside down. The job of the swim bladder is to help the goldfish stay stable in the water and control the way in which it floats. If the goldfish wants to swim upwards 1. Koi. koi fish. Scientific name: Cyprinus rubrofuscus. These colorful carp are probably one of the most popular pond fish in the world. With their beautiful colors, patterns, and short and longfin varieties, it’s easy to see why Koi are a stand-out choice. Differences in Appearance. While both koi fish and goldfish share a similar body shape, there are noticeable differences in their appearance: Size: Koi can grow much larger than goldfish, with some reaching lengths of up to three feet. Bodies: Goldfish typically have shorter and rounder bodies compared to the longer and more streamlined bodies As with goldfish, shubunkins are a very hardy, and attractive pond fish. They are very peaceful fish, that make a lovely addition to any garden pond. Shubunkins are extremely popular due to the fact that they are so hardy, but also because of there stunning multi-colours. Shubunkins will generally grow to sizes around 6-8 (15-20cm) in most Ghost Koi is a hybrid of a mirror carp and a metallic Ogon Koi. Ghost koi grow faster than standard koi, with a metallic shine, yellow scales, or a ghost white appearance. Koi thrive in a safe environment. How do you know whether a shubunkin is a man or a woman? There are a few minor physical differences between Shubunkins. The Shubunkin differs from the wild Carp in that it lacks the barbels on the mouth area, the markings at the base of the scales, and the size. The Shubunkin is a hardy fish, and has a mottled pattern of white, black, and orange. It may also be called the Speckled or Harlequin Goldfish. The ideal setup for the Shubunkin is a pond of at least 180 ja0XG7.