Bristol Shubunkin — A "Heart" Lighting Up the Bottom of the Water. A Form of Noble Love Connected Across the Sea.
When you think of a goldfish's tail fin, you might imagine a figure hanging down gracefully. However, this goldfish born in the Bristol region of England has a magnificent "heart-shaped" tail fin that stands upright. Its name is "Bristol Shubunkin". The harmony of Japanese colors and British elegance met in the water, giving birth to a miraculous silhouette. Hello, I'm Juane *.
Today, I will talk about the story of the "Heart" of the goldfish "Bristol" shown in the photo, loved beyond cultural boundaries.
Colors of "Harmony" Polished in a Foreign Land
The roots of the Bristol Shubunkin lie in the Japanese "Shubunkin".In the Meiji era, Shubunkin that crossed over from Japan caught the eyes of British enthusiasts, and selection based on their own unique aesthetics was repeated locally.What they sought was not just speed or size, but "perfect balance" when viewed from the side.While keeping the brilliance of the five colors where red, white, and indigo born in Japan mix, by making the tail fin large, round, and standing upright with dignity, it evolved into a prestigious figure like a coat of arms.
Heart Drawn by "Independence" and "Harmony"
The greatest structural beauty of Bristol is undoubtedly its tail fin.While many goldfish have a "crucian carp tail" or "three-lobed tail" that is divided into two, Bristol has a powerful "single tail".It spreads widely, and the upper part curves roundly to form a heart shape.To keep this heart shape beautiful, the tension and suppleness of the goldfish's own muscles are essential. The figure swimming while proudly holding up its own "heart" without losing to the water flow seems to embody the strong and gentle shine emitted by an independent personality.
"Community" Resonating Beyond Boundaries
Bristol Shubunkin, born in Japan and completed in England.One root meets new values in a different place and is sublimated into an even more beautiful existence.That process seems to be the "sense of community" itself, where we accept cultures and values different from our own and try to create a new world together.It may be proof that the hearts cherishing life are connected as one, transcending borders and times.
Message of Love in the Water
Looking at the Bristol Shubunkin, I realize that there are feelings that can be conveyed only by its shape without using words. "Open your heart, be yourself, and live with dignity." We, Jun * Juane, actoss this sea, would be happy if we could spin this heart shape that came over, together with its proud swimming.
Establishment of the Variety : Around the 1930s, it was fixed by the Bristol Aquarists' Society (BAS) in the UK, based on Shubunkin imported from Japan, by setting unique standards. Even now, there are very strict judging standards in the UK, and not only the shape of the tail fin but also the coloration of the "blue" of the body is emphasized.
Morphological Features(Heart Tail) : While normal Shubunkin has a long and narrow crucian carp tail, the Bristol type has the upper and lower lobes of the tail fin developed large and round, and looking like a heart shape by standing upright.This shape is a rare example having very high ornamental value while being a "single tail".
Genetics of Coloration : Although there is a mixture of "transparent scales" and "ordinary scales" in the background of calico(three - color) patterns, in Bristol, individuals with a deep background "blue (indigo)" and vivid red and black scattered on it are considered ideal.This is the result of selective breeding reflecting the cool and elegant "British aesthetic sense".
