Three distinctive Japanese goldfish species, "jikin," "izumo-nankin" and "tosakin," were put on display at a special exhibition in Nagoya on Wednesday — the first time the three have been shown together, organizers said.
Jikin, found in Aichi Prefecture, izumo-nankin, from Shimane Prefecture and tosakin, of Kochi Prefecture, are being featured at a special exhibition at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium in the city's Minato Ward. Although the goldfish species exist in the nation's immediate surroundings, their origins remain unknown.
The jikin, also known as the peacock-tail, have a white body with red fins. Their unique body color is achieved as they shed their scales one by one while young, causing them to produce white pigmentation of the skin.
The white pigmentation is also found in the izumo-nankin. Traditionally, the body color of this breed has been adjusted artificially by applying plum vinegar, which removes the pigment.
The tosakin, or curly fantail goldfish, has a large tail fin that spreads out horizontally, like a fan, as a result of a specific breeding method.