| Nankin | |
 |
|
 Name |
Nankin (Izumo Nankin) |
| Japanese name |
Nankin (Izumo Nankin) |
| Year of Origin |
Sometime between 1748 and 1750 |
| Country of Origin |
Japan |
| Breeder |
- |
| History/ Background |
The Nankin underwent improvements in the Izumo district (modern day Shimane
Prefecture) sometime between 1748 and 1750, and district clansman, Fumai
Matsudaira, demanded that the Izumo Nankin become known as a local goldfish. In regards to the name of this goldfish, there are stories its name came from Nankin in China, or cute goods imported from China called ‘Nankin’ during that era, but it is not clearly known. Since then, it has only been bred in the Izumo district as a rare goldfish with much history. It was registered as a protected species of Shimane Prefecture in 1982. Even now, the distribution routes are not known. It is not known how it came to exist but it is considered as an improved breed of the Marco (the Ranchu without a dorsal fin or lump on its head). |
| Features |
Features of the Nankin include a small head without a lump, no dorsal fin, a twin-tail, and long, narrow eyes. Red goldfish are usually favored but this is not the case for the Nankin, as a white and red body color is considered to be good. An attractive point of the Nankin is its aesthetic sense of Japanese simplicity and refinement. |
| Acquisition difficulties |
Difficult. It is difficult to acquire because they are hardly distributed. Except within Shimane Prefecture, this goldfish is generally unknown. |
| Rearing difficulties |
Difficult. It is difficult to rear because it is not constitutionally strong. The Tosakin, the Jikin, and the Nankin are the three major local goldfish, but all of them are difficult to breed, making them goldfish for the experienced. |
| Details of the above photo |
The Izumo Nankin in the picture is an excellent goldfish that received awards at the Goldfish Evaluation Convention (owned by Noriaki Izumi). |
| Other |
Traditionally, the body color of the Nankin is adjusted artificially by applying plum vinegar. Areas where plum vinegar is applied removes pigment, becoming white. |
