Full Grown Shubunkin Goldfish: Size, Appearance, Price & More

Shubunkin goldfish are a beautiful and hardy variety of goldfish that are very popular aquarium pets. However, what many people don't realize is just how large shubunkins can grow once they reach full adulthood.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about caring for a shubunkin goldfish that has reached its full grown size and maturity.

Size at Full Grown

On average, a fully grown shubunkin goldfish will reach 8-10 inches in length from head to tail. However, some larger specimens can get up to 1 foot long. Their bodies will also have filled out, with a rounded shape and noticeable girth compared to their juvenile form.

It's important to note that shubunkins will continue growing their entire lives as long as conditions are adequate, so these size ranges are general estimates and an individual fish's full size can vary.

Weight at Full Grown

Correlating to their length, the average weight of a fully matured shubunkin goldfish is 3/4 to 1 1/2 pounds.

Again, larger individuals may push 2 pounds or more.

Proper nutrition is key to supporting healthy growth, but overfeeding can also lead to obesity, so monitoring their weight and feeding amounts is important for goldfish welfare as they mature.

Appearance at Full Grown

In addition to being longer and heavier, several other changes occur in a shubunkin's appearance at adulthood.

Their dorsal fins will be fuller and more pronounced.

Scales will be thicker and more rigid feeling.

Colors may deepen or new patterns/markings emerge.

Also, males especially can develop pointed anal fins. It's normal for their eyes to shift slightly upward on the head as the body elongates too.

Overall, fully grown shubunkins look stately and elegant in the aquarium.

Personality at Full Grown

In my experience caring for shubunkins through adulthood, I've noticed their personalities tend to mellow a bit with age and size.

As juveniles, they can be playful and excitable. But mature shubunkins seem calmer and more sedate in their behaviors as they put energy into body maintenance instead of activity.

They still flare their fins during feeding or if feeling threatened, but aren't as likely to dart around nonstop. Their curiosity remains, following tank inhabitants with attentive gazes.

Price

While juvenile shubunkins can be found for under $5 each at many pet stores, their full grown size means the up-front investment is larger. Expect to pay $15-30 per adult shubunkin depending on quality, unique coloration/patterns, and availability from your local fish store or breeder.

Buying online may provide more genetic options but will incur shipping costs too. The higher price is balanced by their longevity as pets when properly kept at adulthood.

Food/Feeding

As big goldfish with slow metabolisms, adult shubunkins only require feeding 1-2 times per day and in smaller quantities than when younger.

High-quality sinking goldfish pellets are an excellent staple diet, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with small portions of frozen or fresh foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, chopped veggies, etc.

Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and health issues, so stick to only what they can consume in 2 minutes and remove any uneaten food to avoid pollution. Frequent small meals are best for mature shubunkins.

Lifespan

Goldfish are often said to only live 1-3 years in home aquariums, yet this statistic refers more to common or fancy goldfish varieties.

Shubunkins, like other larger bodied goldfish, if properly cared for at adulthood can live 10-15+ years!

With a tank size of at least 30-40 gallons and filtration equal to 5 times the water volume per hour, shubunkins have the potential for very long lifespans as rewaridng aquarium pets once reaching maturity.

Health at Full Grown

Some concerns that may arise with adult shubunkins include: tumors/lumps - common in aged fish but usually harmless; fatty liver disease from overfeeding; dropsy from organ damage; and parasites/bacteria if water quality declines.

However, with diligent maintenance many of these issues can be avoided.

High tank volume, weekly water changes, gravel vacuuming, balanced diet, and quarantines for new additions are preventative steps to keep mature shubunkins hale and hearty for their natural lifespan.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Grown

Care levels off once shubunkins reach adulthood in some ways as their growth period finishes. However, their needs become more specialized too. Water changes should be 30-50% weekly to manage waste from a large goldfish.

Filtration must match their tank size per our guidelines above. Enriching decor like plants, rocks, driftwood should also fill the space. However, these must be selected carefully for longevity and goldfish safety.

Monitoring parameters diligently is also key as bioloads increase with age. Their nutritional requirements remain carbohydrate-focused versus protein to mimic natures algae diet.

Costing

There are ongoing costs to caring for fully grown shubunkins long-term that must be budgeted for.

Expect to spend: $1-2/week on high-quality food; $5-10/month on water conditioners for large water changes; $10-15 for test kits annually; $20-40 every 2-3 years for filter media replacements; potential medication costs if illness strikes.

Tank maintenance products like gravel vacuums and nets are also consumables. Budget $50-100 annually minimum per adult shubunkin for quality long-term care as their needs and equipment demands are greater as large, old pets.

Possible Behavioral Changes of a Fully Grown

In the preceding "Personality" section, we touched on how shubunkins tend to become calmer in behavior as they mature.

However, other specific behaviors may differentially present including:

• Increased dominance displays toward tankmates as space becomes more valued;
• less timid and more bold in taking food and asserting priorities;
• seasonal breeding/flirting behaviors like fin erecting for males certain times yearly;
• preferences for certain areas of the aquarium and attachment to tank features/hides.>

  Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown

  A few defining traits really shine through in adult shubunkins such as:

  • Their stout yet streamlined physique provides ample girth with athletic capability.
  • Color patterning intensifies into vivid tones.
  • Scales transform into lustrous coats.
  • Fins enlarge into regal displays.

  And thoughtful, soulful gazes communicate a wisdom only time can impart. Truly, shubunkins grow into stunning aquatic royalty deserving top honors in the aquarium through maturity.