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Home > Goldfish > Wakin Goldfish: Pictures, Care Guide, Varieties, Lifespan & More

Wakin Goldfish: Pictures, Care Guide, Varieties, Lifespan & More

wakin goldfish in a tank

With more than 200 breeds of goldfish recognized in China alone,1 it’s safe to say that there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing one as a pet. One such option is the Wakin goldfish, which has vibrant coloring and a friendly personality.

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Quick Facts About Wakin Goldfish

two orange and white Japanese Wakin goldfish in the aquarium
Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock
Species Name: Wakin / Watonai
Family: Cyprinidae
Care Level: Moderate
Temperature: 65–78 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperament: Curious, peaceful
Color Form: Red, white
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Size: 10–12 inches
Diet: Plants
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Tank Set-Up: Substrate, freshwater, filters, heater
Compatibility: Community and species-only environments

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From diagnosing illnesses and providing correct treatments to proper nutrition, tank maintenance and water quality advice, this book will help you to ensure your goldfish are happy and to be the best goldfish keeper you can be.

Wakin Goldfish Overview

Like all goldfish, Wakin fish are freshwater dwellers that can live in ponds just like their carp cousins do. However, these are not bred to be eaten. Instead, these little fish are raised as pets and typically live in home aquariums. However, some people keep them in small backyard ponds. These friendly fish can live with many other types of fish.

orange wakin goldfish in aquarium
Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock

How Much Do Wakin Goldfish Cost?

The cost of Wakin goldfish varies depending on where you purchase one from. Places like Petco tend to sell their Wakin goldfish for about $10,2 while independent outlets like LiveAquaria sell them for about $30.3 You may find that your local fish store sells them for more or less than these prices. You must also make sure that you have all the proper equipment to care for your new Wakin goldfish, which can cost significantly more than the fish itself.

Typical Behavior & Temperament

The typical Wakin goldfish is peaceful and curious. They love exploring their surroundings and checking out caves, plants, and branches that are taking up space in their aquarium. They can coinhabit with most other types of peaceful fish, making them a great option for those who want to collect different species without maintaining multiple aquariums.

Appearance & Varieties

Waking goldfish are long and slender, just like the common goldfish. They have fanned tails and grow to be no more than about 12 inches long. Their red-and-white coloring may be displayed in any kind of pattern, giving each one a unique look. Some are almost all red, some are almost all white, and others display varied combinations of the two colors.

They are considered one of the most athletic types of goldfish, as they usually spend most of their time swimming around rather than just hanging out. These fish also happen to be extremely hardy, which makes them excellent pets for younger children who are just learning how to take care of animals.

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How to Take Care of Wakin Goldfish

Taking care of a Wakin goldfish is not nearly as complicated as caring for a cat, a dog, or even a chicken. However, there are a few things that you should know before you decide to head to the fish store and score yourself a Wakin goldfish as a new pet.

Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup

Your new goldfish will need a tank full of fresh water and other supplies to survive and thrive. Not just any setup will do. Wakin goldfish need a tank that is large enough to exercise and explore in, and there should be lighting, filtration, and plant life. Here’s what you need to know.

multicolored calico wakin goldfish at the bottom of the tank
Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock

Tank Size

The Wakin goldfish is quite active, so they require a tank that will allow them to move around and spend time in different areas throughout the day. Choose a tank that is at least 30 gallons in size for one Wakin goldfish. Add another 10 gallons in size for each additional fish that you intend to have live with your Wakin.

Water Quality & Conditions

Since Wakin goldfish live in freshwater, their aquariums can be filled up with water from the sink or filtered water. These fish can handle both hard and soft water situations. What matters most is that the water is clean. Wakin goldfish eat a large amount of food, so their tanks tend to get dirty with debris and rotting food. Therefore, their tank must be filtered consistently and cleaned out regularly.

Substrate

Substrate must be added to the bottom of your Wakin fish’s aquarium for a few different reasons. First, it minimizes reflection in the tank, which will help keep your fish calmer throughout the day. It also attracts tiny pieces of food, offering your fish an opportunity to scavenge for food while exploring. It even provides the opportunity for your fish to burrow within it for fun and/or protection.

The most common types of substrate that can be used in a Wakin goldfish tank include:
  • Gravel
  • Sand
  • Pear
  • Crushed coral

The type of substrate that you choose to use should be big enough that your Wakin fish cannot accidentally eat it, as these fish tend to nibble on everything that they come across.

orange calico wakin in the aquarium
Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock

Plants

Just about any kind of plant that is designed for home aquariums can be incorporated into your Wakin goldfish’s aquarium. The important thing is to include a variety of different kinds of plants, some that are small and some that are large. Try to create small caves with the plants for your fish to settle into when they rest. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Java fern
  • Water wisteria
  • Tiger lotus
  • Hornwort
  • Amazon sword

Lighting

Wakin goldfish do not require any extra lighting other than what the natural sunlight offers them during the day. However, you can add a small LED light to the aquarium for aesthetic purposes, so you can watch your fish when it’s dark in the room. Just make sure the light is not left on overnight.

Filtration

All aquariums that house Wakin goldfish must be outfitted with a filtration system that is designed just for fish tanks. There are several different types of filtration systems to consider, but make sure that whatever you choose is designed to handle at least 10 more gallons during a filtering cycle than what your fish’s aquarium holds. This will help ensure that the water is sufficiently filtered and stays cleaner between water replacements.

After setting up your fish’s aquarium, you should introduce your new fish to the aquarium slowly. A slow introduction is important because your fish must get used to the water in the aquarium — it will be different than the water that they swam in at the store. A slow introduction will also minimize stress levels and help ensure that your fish feels comfortable with the new environment once they are finally released to swim freely throughout it.

To introduce your new fish to their aquarium, place the sealed bag that they came in on top of the water inside the aquarium and let the bag float for about 10 minutes. This helps bring the temperature of the water in the bag to the temperature of the water in the tank so the fish isn’t shocked when they are set free. After about 10 minutes, put a cup of water from the aquarium into the bag and reseal it.

Then, let the bag float in the aquarium again for another 10 minutes. Finally, use a net to scoop your new fish out of their bag and gently add them to the aquarium water. Be careful not to let any of the water in the bag spill into your environmentally controlled aquarium.

a calico wakin goldfish in an aquarium
Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock

Are Wakin Goldfish Good Tank Mates?

Wakin goldfish are gentle and peaceful, so they can get along well with many other types of fish. Just be careful not to introduce any fish that are known for being aggressive in any way. For example, betta fish should never be considered. Less active fish, like fancy goldfish, may feel harassed by the extremely active Wakin goldfish.

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What to Feed Your Wakin Goldfish

Like other types of goldfish, Wakin fish are omnivores. Therefore, they can eat a range of things, such as vegetables, fruits, and insects. They can also eat commercial goldfish food, which is designed to meet your fish friend’s nutritional needs so it should be the main component of your fish’s diet.

However, you can also consider supplementing this food with items such as:
  • Blueberries
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Lettuce
  • Ants
  • Bloodworms

You can also offer your Wakin goldfish treats in the form of brine shrimp and live plants. Your fish should be able to eat all the food that you offer them at any given time within just a minute or two. If your fish isn’t finishing all the food that you add to their aquarium, chances are that you are overfeeding them and should cut back on the amount of food that you offer each day until the fish is eating it all.

Keeping Your Wakin Goldfish Healthy

The best way to make sure your goldfish stays healthy as time goes on is to keep their aquarium clean and to ensure that you are offering them a proper diet each day. Otherwise, your fish will take care of themselves. If you notice that your fish is acting lethargic or seems ill, you can consult with a veterinarian. You might be surprised at how many vets are able and willing to treat fish!

Breeding

Wakin goldfish will naturally mate when the water that they are swimming in is warm like it would be during springtime. If you can get your aquarium’s water temperatures to about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you may encourage your male and female Wakin goldfish to mate. It’s a good idea to seek the help of a professional fish breeder for information about how to properly and safely breed your fish.

Are Wakin Goldfish Suitable for Your Aquarium?

If your aquarium setup meets the requirements outlined in this guide, you should have no problem introducing a new Wakin goldfish to it. Just keep in mind that these fish do require a large amount of space to swim and explore, so don’t introduce too many fish at one time in the tank. Make sure the first one or two are thriving before adding more.

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In Conclusion

Wakin goldfish are perfect pets for young children and adults who don’t have much time for animal care in their lives. These are friendly, active fish that are fun to watch day and night. These red-and-white fish are easy to spot, even when they are hiding in the plants.

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Featured Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock

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