Wakin Goldfish: Care Guide, Varieties, Lifespan & More (with Pictures)

Introduction

Perhaps it’s their striking beauty, their inquisitive and charming demeanor, or something unbeknownst to us, but for whatever reason, goldfish are arguably the most popular pet fish in the world. Additionally, unlike some species, goldfish are easy to take care of, making them ideal for beginner aquarists.

Nonetheless, to provide any animal with proper care, you will need to familiarize yourself with the basics. Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about Wakin Goldfish.

Quick Facts about the Wakin Goldfish

Wakin Goldfish Overview

Goldfish have an intriguing story. They all trace their roots back to ancient China, where their ancestors (wild carp) were fished for food. Ancient Chinese culture has a preference for colored fish, and villagers eventually started raising them in both natural and artificial ponds. Thanks to how fast wild carp breed, people always had an easy and reliable food source.

However, every once in a while, they would spot a fish with bright orange or red pigmentation. They would separate such fish from the rest and keep them as pets.

They then began selectively breeding the mutants. Approximately 2,000 years of doing that is what has resulted in the more than 200 distinct varieties of goldfish that we have today.

The Wakin Goldfish is a lean-bodied goldfish and happens to be one of the rarest varieties.

How Much Do Wakin Goldfish Cost?

Depending on the breeder, Wakin Goldfish cost anywhere between $5 and $30. To enhance your chances of obtaining a healthy Wakin, consider purchasing from aquarium stores or reputable breeders instead of a pet store. Once you are there, start by observing the fish, as well as the setup for signs of illness and bad practices.

At the very least, you must evaluate the aquarium’s condition. Crowded or dirty fish tanks are signs of an unhealthy environment. Therefore, getting a fish from such an aquarium would be ill-advised.

Look at the condition of the fish in the aquarium. Do they have swollen eyes, torn or clamped fins, or white spots? Those are signs of ill fish. Additionally, observe the energy levels of the goldfish. Ideally, they should be colorful and swimming around effortlessly. Even though some goldfish can be slow in their movement, they should not be taking rests for extended periods.

Only if the fish looks vibrant, is active, and is in a clean environment should you consider making the purchase.

Typical Behavior & Temperament

Wakin Goldfish are social, gentle, and friendly creatures. This explains why they make such good pets. They can also be incredibly curious, constantly exploring their environment, checking out the various plants, substrate, and other items in the tank. They will also check out people in the room.

While not inherently aggressive, some goldfish varieties (lean bodies) such as the Wakin will nip at the fins of the slower-moving fancy bodies. However, this typically only happens if they are kept in tight spaces and food is not sufficient.

Nonetheless, you should not keep lean-body fish together with fancy bodies since the former are likely to bully the latter. They are faster, meaning that they will always have first dibs on food.

Appearance & Varieties

The Wakin Goldfish is one of the rarest varieties of goldfish. Ironically, they are among the hardiest, capable of surviving in a wide range of environments. As such, they thrive in both aquariums and ponds.

Wakins typically grow up to 10 inches long but have the potential of becoming larger if put in the right environment. This is because their growth is dependent on sufficient space, clean water, a good diet, as well as space. Therefore, do not expect a Wakin in a small bowl of murky water, eating a substandard diet to break any growth records.

This fish comes in red, white, or a combination of both colors. Under the right conditions, Wakins can live for up to 12 years.

How to Take Care of Wakin Goldfish

Habitat, Tank Conditions & Set-up

Aquarium Size

As mentioned, Wakin Goldfish are inquisitive creatures, always exploring their surroundings. This means that they require a lot of space to be comfortable. As such, despite what the movies would lead you to believe, goldfish cannot live in fishbowls.

The exact size of your tank will depend on the number of fish you plan on keeping. While a single juvenile Wakin can make do with a 10-gallon tank, it will outgrow it within no time. And if you do not put them into a larger tank, they will not attain their full size.

Experts recommend starting with a long-style 20-gallon tank, and even larger if you plan to keep multiple fish. Consider allowing each fish at least 10 gallons. Therefore, the ultimate size will be the number of fish multiplied by 10 gallons.

Water Properties

First and foremost, your water should always be clean. This will ensure that the goldfish do not contract diseases from swimming in water full of waste. As is the case with other goldfish, Wakins are also tremendous eaters. This means that their tanks are often laden with toxic ammonia. As such, you must have a filtration system to eliminate waste. Consider investing in a 3-stage high-quality HOB filter.

Fortunately, as Wakin Goldfish are freshwater fish, they can do well in just about any type of water as long as it is clean. They can adapt to live in both hard and soft water, thrive in pH levels of between 6.0 and 8.0, and prefer colder waters.

In fact, Wakin Goldfish do not do well in water with temperatures above 75° F, as it makes them lethargic.

Lighting

While lighting is good for aesthetic purposes, too much of it can be detrimental as it encourages algae growth. Therefore, stick to 8–12 hours of LED lighting to prevent that from happening. You should consider cutting back on it if algae growth becomes an issue.

Plants and Substrates

Wakin Goldfish are herbivores, meaning that they eat plants. This goldfish variety, however, takes it to the next level, as they will actively uproot your plants. Therefore, if you insist on having plants for decorative purposes, consider installing plastic ones. Throw in some rocks and sticks, too, for enrichment purposes.

Are Wakin Goldfish Good Tank Mates?

As mentioned, Wakin Goldfish are sociable and tend to get along with most fish. However, do not couple them with fancies, as they will harass their slow-moving cousins.

You should also not mix Wakins with aggressive species such as bettas and cichlids because they could get harassed.

• Apple Snail
• African Dwarf Frog
• Ghost Shrimp
• Rosy Barb
• Weather Loach
• White Cloud Mountain Minnow

In addition to social compatibility, another crucial factor to consider when looking for an ideal tank mate for your Wakin is the conditions it thrives under. Unlike most tropical fish, goldfish prefer cooler waters. Therefore, ensure that their potential tank mate can tolerate the same conditions.

What to Feed Your Wakin Goldfish

Goldfish, like humans, are omnivorous. This means that they eat both vegetables and meat. The benefit of being omnivorous is that they have a wider variety of food sources to choose from.

Wakins should be fed with high-quality fish food to ensure they get the nutrients they need. Experts recommend sinking pellets, as they allow the fish to feed naturally. Goldfish love scouring the bottom for food.

Make sure to vary their food so they can get a wider variety of nutrients.

Keeping Your Wakin Goldfish Healthy

Keeping your Wakin healthy comes down to keeping their tank clean. Ensure that you change water weekly, in addition to installing a filtration system for removing toxic waste. Clean water, lots of space, and a proper diet is all your goldfish need to live a long and happy life.

Breeding

In natural settings, Wakin Goldfish breed during spring. You can replicate that in their tank by getting their water to temperatures of around 65° F. This will stimulate the females to produce eggs and for the females to fertilize them. However, consider seeking expert advice for the best results.

Are Wakin Goldfish Suitable For Your Aquarium?

Wakin Goldfish are some of the best pet fish one could hope for. However, they are not a good fit for those with a tropical setup, as these fish prefer living in cooler waters. They also require a large tank, as they are avid explorers. If your setup meets their needs, there is no reason why you should not have them inside your home.

Featured Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock