The Ryukin 



LIUKIU GOLDFISH. NAGASAKI GOLDFISH. FRINGETAIL GOLDFISH 



Under the name ryukin the Japanese recognize a variety that has long been cultivated and 

 that probably was bred from ancestors similar to the wakin but became separated from the wakin 

 stem at a very early period in the history of goldfish culture. It has been contended by some 

 persons that the ryukin is a cross between the wakin and the ranchu, but this does not seem likely. 

 The term ryukin is derived from Ryukyu, the Japanese rendering of the Chinese Liukiu or Loochoo, 

 the name of the extensive group of islands lying between Formosa and the mainland of Japan ; 

 and doubtless indicates the origin of this variety or at least the route by which it entered Japan. 

 The characteristic features of this variety are the greatly shortened body, the rounded and 

 bulging abdomen, and the long, flowing fins. The back is elevated, the head rather pointed in 

 profile but broad when viewed from above, the lateral line makes a marked compound curve, and 

 the shortening of the body in its long axis, results in strong curvature of the spine that verges on 

 the anal fin is partly concealed by the caudal. The particular point to which this variety is bred, 

 deformity; but this is amply compensated for by the beauty of fins and colors. The caudal 

 exhibits. the most striking development. In the more highly cultivated fishes it is as long as the 

 body or even longer ; it is either united or split in the median line, and its delicate folds are so 

 ample that they would completely cover the body if properly applied. The depth of the fork 

 equals half or more than half the total length of the fin. The anal fin is either single or double, 

 and its base is nearly vertical and beneath the two parts of the caudal, while its pointed extremity 

 may extend beyond the middle of the fork of the caudal. The high dorsal fin extends beyond the 

 base of the caudal, and the pectoral and ventral fins far overlap the ventral and anal respectively. 



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