Yujin Freshwater Fishes (Mostly second releases)--walkarounds

I can only stand behind this tread and work which was done here as the Fishman on this forum i all kinds of ways. Sadly enough there are mostly coldwater-species, where the world knows so many ornamental fish in the aquarium-hobby, in which i am so instrangled in many ways.
But i would love to own this series, so if you can help me with this, i would be happy, as i don't use paypal.
Also in the fishmodels of other Japanese brands please!
Thanks you Christophe for pointing me at this tread!

WILLYBACOMAN wrote:

I can only stand behind this trea and work which was done here as the Fishman on this forum i all kinds of ways. Sadly enough there are mostly coldwater-species, where the world knows so many ornamental fish in the aquarium-hobby, in which i am so instrangled in many ways.
But i would love to own this series, so if you can help me with this, i would be happy, as i don't use paypal.
Also in the fishmodels of other Japanese brands please!
Thanks you Christophe for pointing me at this tread!

If Brett is around, contact him--there is a full set on Yahoo Japan, but you;d have to figure out payment. And, it's several hundred Euro/Dollars etc.

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But it's a beautiful, complete set:

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I just like remaining married, so there's no way I could spend that much on a set where I own most of them (or at least one version of each) already.

And no, I'm not giving up mine--my fish are far too precious in my collection!

This figure is the Three-spined Stickleback (or Tiddler in Great Britain, because that’s kind of hilarious), Gasterosteus aculeatus , number 12 from the first series. This is the only representative of the stickleback order in the set. They stand out primarily for the large, prominent dorsal spines in front of the more normal dorsal fin (3-spines is the norm, but 2 or 4 also occur). Three-spined sticklebacks are found throughout much of the hemisphere; this subspecies (right off the Yujin paper) is the one most commonly found in Asia (including, of course, Japan) all the way over to the UK. The adults are freshwater or brackish, but some populations are anadromous (young are born at sea) while others are strictly freshwater; there are occasional incidents of marine adults as well. Stickleback are notable for their reproductive behaviour—males build nests to attract mates, and then care for the brood on his own (or broods, if he can entice more than one female). Given the side geographic range, it’s no surprise that there is a wide range of morphological, reproductive and environmental variation. The Yujin model (and other sources) states that the normal size is around 10cm (5 cm is more common).

This model is about 4 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:3 (maybe even as much as 1:1, depending on the TL used). The figure is another brightly coloured one, but is almost subdued compared to some live ones. Unlike many of the Yujin models, this one is not distinctly male—or at least not a brooding male, as it does not have the bright red throat patch. It’s also more bluish than greenish, but given the variability in the species (or even the subspecies) this isn’t really a major issue. There is a lot of detail in the sculpting, complete with the thin creases along the body representing the lateral plating found in the species (given the depth and number, the figure represents a freshwater individual). The base for this one is the grey wood stem, although a stream bottom might make more sense; the research for these figures is making me think about this sort of thing now! I am pretty sure I have seen this species made by Kaiyodo a few times, possibly in the Birdtales line (I think it’s in a nest), but I don’t know for sure. Given the wide range and unique appearance, one would think there would be others.

Pictures:
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I refer to this one as the bowhunting tournament pose--a hole in it, tossed on its back...but it's easy to see the detail that Yujin puts into every side of the models (and can often see the numbers in the photos).
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NightLioness wrote:

Thank you for this topic! The time and effort are strong with this one :3
Yijin is a brand that I start to know as I collect more and more of their animals now.
These fish are absolutely stunning! The fine details and species chosen are great
The info with every fish is very interesting

My favorite? Hmm, hard one. I think it must be the Big-scaled Redfin    

I just caught this--don't pick a favorite yet! There are still about 20 to go! My favorite won't appear until well into Series 2...

Although the Redfin is a really nice little one.

Very nice and interesting again :)

This figure is the Barramundi (or Asian Seabass), Lates calcarifer , number 13 from the first series. The Barramundi is a large catadromous (migrates from freshwater to spawn in the sea) perciform fish that ranges over much of the Indo-Pacific region from the Persian Gulf to Northern Australia, north to southern Japan. In some regions the Barramundi can be strictly marine. The Barramundi is a popular food fish and sport fish in much of its range, and is also kept in aquaria—very large aquaria! It is unusual that this fish, in a Yujin series, is not much associated with Japan, but there is a related species, Lates japonicus , a slightly smaller species with some small but noticeable (to specialists) differences; the two species are similar enough that L. japonicus was only named in 1984. The Yujin Barramundi model gives the size of 100cm, but some sources say as much as 200cm, although fish of this size would be rare now.

This is also the last 'regular' model from Yujin’s Series 1 freshwater models! There are only a couple specials left in this series (not counting repaints).

EDIT--I recently discovered that this model is actually the SPECIAL version of the Barramundi, meant to represent a juvenile. It is still number 13, but this will not be the first time that a special is a repaint of the original.

This model is about 7 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:14 ranging to 1:29, depending on the TL used). This figure is not all that bright in colour, but this is in keeping with the natural colours of the fish—tan or brown fading to cream on the ventral surface, with just the faint hint of light bars on the sides and face—these patterns are easy to miss when simply glancing at the fish, but close inspection shows how much detail has gone into the paint work. The model itself is a deep and massive looking figure, befitting such a big and strong fish. One thing that is hard to miss is the deep red eyes of the fish, which may be a bit exaggerated but tend to be at least pinkish (the Japanese species is locally named for their red eyes. The base for this one is the brown gravel with plant. I know for certain that Lates figures have been made several times—often, they are made using the juvenile pattern of strong dark bands, as in a recent CapsuleQ figure. One of the most notable models is another version of this Yujin Barramundi, except more striped and, possibly, meant to represent the Lates japonicus or a juvenile of the same species. It is different enough to be worth tracking down and having both (but so far I don’t…).

Like the Chum Salmon and the Japanese huchen, the Barramundi also comes in two separate pieces (the head and pectoral fins are separate). This is a pretty large figure overall, so it may have been required to fit the package that it came in.

Pictures:
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This is the figure in two parts:

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I refer to this one as the bowhunting tournament pose--a hole in it, tossed on its back...but it's easy to see the detail that Yujin puts into every side of the models (and can often see the numbers in the photos).
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Beautiful model, and very interesting fish! Thank you for sharing!
By the way I think its eyes are a bit scary

This figure is the Asian Arowana (or Asian Bonytongue, or Dragonfish), Scleropages formosus , number 14 from the first series—but it’s the Special Secret (it is, however, labelled with a ‘14’)! In some ways, this is one of the easiest fish to write about, because this Southeast Asian bonytongue is a well-known and popular aquarium fish. On the other hand, its familiarity means that there is less to say, so I’ll be brief. Asian arowana are an osteoglossid, known as a group as the bonytongues due to the toothed bone on the floor of the mouth. They are voracious, large-bodied predators originally found in much of the Southeast Asian peninsula, although they are endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, hunting for food and collection for the aquarium trade. Fortunately they are also bred in captivity or on farms, and have produced a wide range of colours influenced by their geographic ranges (which may or may not indicate separate species—again, taxonomy). This figure represents one of the red varieties, but a rarer green dragon version also exists. The Yujin Asian Arowana model gives the size of 90cm, and I have seen live aquarium specimens of this size, which is a pretty impressive fish.

This model is 7.2 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:13. As I mentioned above, the fish is one of the red varieties, and each scale is painted red on the posterior margin with a dark brown or gold to the front—this paint job is fantastic, and the figure really shines. There is a great deal of attention given to the details of this fish, from the well-sculpted eyes and mouth margin, to the detailed fins and patterns on the opercula. This figure comes with one of the special bases—a mound of river bottom with sticks embedded in it; it is also painted in all of its details. I’m not even going to try to list all of the Asian Arowana models that area available—they have been made by Toba Aquarium, Kaiyodo in a several forms, Colorata, and even other, random companies. I have 7 different models myself, and I know that there are several others (including, as mentioned, a green dragon version from Yujin).

Although the figures is not as overall massive as the Barramundi or Huchen, the Asian Arowana is also a 2-part figure, with the separation occurring right at the back of the gills, which is really the most natural placement.

Pictures:
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This is the figure in two parts:

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I refer to this one as the bowhunting tournament pose--a hole in it, tossed on its back...but it's easy to see the detail that Yujin puts into every side of the models (and can often see the numbers in the photos).

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Uhhh, almost 190 Euros for the whole set
But I suppose they are worth it with 40 models and totally complete

SUSANNE wrote:

Uhhh, almost 190 Euros for the whole set
But I suppose they are worth it with 40 models and totally complete

It seems crazy...but then, one of the species I don't have--the koi (a Series II secret figure)--is on ebay for $80! On the other hand, I can't see anyone paying that. I really hope not!

But it would be a pretty good way to just get the complete set, and individually the price would be reasonable--it's just a lot at once!

The Arowana is really beautiful

This figure is the Chum Salmon egg and alevin (hatchling), Oncorhynchus keta , number 15 based on the number stamped into it—but it’s another Special Secret! The difference with this one is that the numbering would appear to place it in the Series 2 set—but the papers for series 2 start at 16, so it’s a little unusual for the Secret to be ‘first’ in the series. On top of that, the adult Oncorhynchus keta is part of Series 1, so we would expect them to be connected, but nope.

EDIT--I did eventually find definitive evidence that this figure is the Secret from Series II!

The figure represents the two earliest stages of a chum salmon life cycle—an egg that is close to hatching, and the newly-hatched alevin with egg sac still attached. I just recently visited a Rainbow trout hatchery and can attest that this model really does look like the real thing (seeing as they are in the same genus). Chum salmon are of course laid and born far upstream in rivers, migrating to the open sea to grown for a few years before returning to start the cycle all over again (assuming that a dam or oil spill didn’t happen). It is surprisingly difficult to find a size for the alevin, but a length of 1.3cm seems about right compared to the rainbow trout alevin I saw. Yujin doesn’t give a particular size.

This alevin in the model is 3cm long, making the figure roughly 2:1, making it one of the few models that is larger than the real thing. The model is really two separate but related models—one is an unhatched egg, with a detailed, near-hatching salmon inside—the eye and curled up body is clearly visible inside, which is quite the feat of sculpting, since the egg cannot be opened. The alevin is equally well-depicted, showing the major parts of the alevin body—undistinguished tail, bigger head with huge eye, and yolk sac. There is a lot of subtle detail involved, with a slight translucent plastic indicating the near-transparency of the alevin, and the red circulatory system being the only real colour. As well as being the only freshwater Yujin model with two individuals, this is also the only model that does not use the acrylic rods to mount the figures—each has a small peg as part of the mold, with a corresponding hole in the base where it belongs. The base itself is a small pile of brown and black rocks; being a special figure, the base gets more detail; and being a specialized base, this base can only work for the salmon baby set.

While I can’t be completely certain, I don’t think a salmon egg or alevin has been made before—although a life-cycle set with a fingerling, juvenile and non-breeding adult, plus the breeding-form adult, would be kind of cool!

Pictures:
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This is the egg close up:
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This is the alevin close up:
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It is fantastic that you keep updating this topic with your perfect walk arounds! Topics about less common figures and species are a really great contribution to the forum and can educate people like me to pay more atention to certain group of animals. figures
Lifesized figures are particularly tempting to me, though, that arowana is abdornamally beautiful!
I agree, a lifecycle of a salmon could be a good idea.

Roger wrote:

It is fantastic that you keep updating this topic with your perfect walk arounds! Topics about less common figures and species are a really great contribution to the forum and can educate people like me to pay more atention to certain group of animals. figures
Lifesized figures are particularly tempting to me, though, that arowana is abdornamally beautiful!
I agree, a lifecycle of a salmon could be a good idea.

Thanks--I have all of them photographed, it just takes time to do their write ups, even with a template!

I am only missing two species from the set (plus countless variations) so the whole series will be almost entirely here--it's just going to take a while!

And maybe Safari will see the comment regarding the salmon life cycle--they haven't done a tetrapod one for a few years!

This figure is the Langsdorf’s Goldfish (or Ginfuna in Japan), Carassius langsdorfii (according to Fishbase; most sources refer to it as the subspecies Carassius auratus langsdorfii ), number 16 and the first definite model from the second series. This is the first of several cyprinids in the series, and probably the least familiar of the ones made. Information about this (sub?)species is difficult to determine. From what I can tell, it is a ‘cryptic’ species in East Asian waters, primarily from Japan but possibly also parts of China, Korea and the Taiwan. From what I have been able to determine (using translated Japanese sources) this species is gynogenetic, meaning that the entirely female population only requires male input to activate the eggs. In which case, this fish is truly unique. Otherwise it appears to be a more or less normal ‘goldfish’. The Yujin model (and other sources) states that the length is around 30cm, although 15-20cm is more normal.

This model is about 5 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:6 scale (or as large as 1:3 using the common size of 15cm). The one that I have is painted as a captive fish, in a yellowish-brown colour fading to silver on the belly. This appears to be a natural pattern, as it would offer some camouflage to avoid getting eaten pretty quickly in a stream! It is a bright little figure, very goldfish-like, and looks like ones you would see in many shops; it is realistic to pass for a very small live fish! It is also in the morphology of a less-modified fish (gynogenesis may make creating strains and breeds more difficult) so the fins are short, and the body more carp-like with big shiny scales. The base is the grey wood stems. I am not aware of any other Langsdorf’s Goldfish figure; that said, it is possible that there is a different one in the Yujin Goldfish set (a separate set) but I don’t have any from that series, so I don’t know.

Pictures:
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I refer to this one as the bowhunting tournament pose--a hole in it, tossed on its back...but it's easy to see the detail that Yujin puts into every side of the models (and can often see the numbers in the photos).
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So I just learned something--apparently, the Barramundi figure I have up there is the special version--meant to be a juvenile barramundi (it often gets referred to as a snook).

I will also edit the original post, but I thought I'd point this out--I am learning things!

And an update--I found evidence that, indeed, the Chum Salmon egg & alevin are the secrets from Series II, despite the numbering.

This figure is the Common Goldfish, Carassius auratus , number 17 from the second series. Unlike the Langsdorf’s Goldfish, this one is almost too well-known to bother with describing in much detail! They are the classic fish-bowl fish (even if that is horribly cruel to them). Originally in the wild as a brownish or silvery (but variable) freshwater fish (the Prussian Carp), in China the Common goldfish has been reared for hundreds of years as both a food fish and as an ornamental pet. Their genetic plasticity has led to some very unusual morphologies and colours, and they are a staple of aquaria and ponds everywhere. Unfortunately, their adaptability means that they are also a staple among invasive and introduced species around the world (especially cooler regions)—my home province just put out a public notice requesting/demanding that people stop flushing and otherwise releasing them into wild water ways as they risk becoming established. The Yujin model (and other sources) gives a length is around 20cm, although larger ones are documented (and, of course, many don’t live to attain near those lengths due to poor husbandry habits…).

This model is about 5.5 cm long (this is TL, including the long tail), making the figure roughly 1:4 scale. This model is based on the breed referred to as a comet, which features a more-or-less unaltered body, but the two lobes of the tail fin are much longer than normal (see the Langsdorf’s Goldfish for an idea of the ‘wild’ state). These are also the strain most commonly found where I live as feeder goldfish. This model is actually the Secret or Special paint version; the regular is an olive-brown/grey model. This one is the ‘classic’ bright orange with white highlights typical of pet goldfish—the fins are a darker, translucent orange, giving a very realistic look to the fish. The belly is a distinct white. The base is a special painting of the gravel + plant, with each grain of sand and gravel individually painted in a variety of bright colours—perhaps to mimic the gravel of a fish tank? This would make sense, as that is the only way this fish could survive; even in outdoor ponds in yards I have heard of birds like herons stopping and taking all of the brightly coloured fish. The domestic goldfish is probably the most common fish toy/figure/model out there. Safari makes several in different sizes, Yujin has an entire series devoted to just goldfish strains, and every company has made at least a few, right down to low-quality novelties and dollar-level toys. To say nothing of the vast amount of artwork, sculpture, and other products that exist, which is logical given the long history of the fish as a pet.

Pictures:
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I refer to this one as the bowhunting tournament pose--a hole in it, tossed on its back...but it's easy to see the detail that Yujin puts into every side of the models (and can often see the numbers in the photos).
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This figure is the Japanese Perch (also known as Aucha perch or Oyanirami in Japan), Coreoperca kawamebari ), number 19 from the second series. This is a small-sized predatory perch that lives rivers and streams. Often in the middle parts of the water column hunting for invertebrates and anything else. They are found in southern Korea and parts of Japan, although they have been introduced to non-native regions of Japan as well. They are aggressively solitary (except as fry) and there is a big eye spot on the gill cover that is used in disputes between adults. The Yujin model gives a length of around 35cm, but most sources I could find said 11-13cm.

Note—I do not have a model of #18, the Honmoroko, Gnathopogon caerulescens . Maybe someday. The second release one is kind of neat, if I could hunt one down.

This model is about 6 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:6 scale; using the more frequently found average length of 12cm, the figure is closer to 1:2 scale. Given the very complex colours and patterns of the Japanese Perch, the paint scheme is very close to the real thing, with an excellent base of crème-color overlain by numerous dark brown bands. The ventral surface also has a number of thin horizontal reddish-ochre stripes from pectoral to vent. On the face, there are several stripes radiating from the back of the eye, fading from brown at the top of the head to a more reddish-ochre toward the jaw. The fins are translucent, almost transparent, with lots of little blue-white spots. The one feature that almost seems played down is the gill spot—this spot can be very large, bigger than the eye itself, but on the figure is light grey om one side and red & grey on the other, and a little smaller than the eye. Perhaps the model is meant to evoke a sub-adult or subordinate individual? Despite the small size, the figure does a good job of evoking the attitude that these fish have. The base is the raise vertical rock (probably the least appropriate base, given their habitat preference). Whereas this rock is grey in the Series I models, this one and most others from Series II appear to be grey with a brownish wash, which looks more natural. The Japanese Perch has shown up a few other times, as always from Japanese companies. There are at least 2 or 3 Kaiyodo models, and could be others as well.

Pictures:
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I refer to this one as the bowhunting tournament pose--a hole in it, tossed on its back...but it's easy to see the detail that Yujin puts into every side of the models (and can often see the numbers in the photos). It may be obvious, but I couldn’t the acrylic peg out of this one, so it may be a little more apt than normal to call this one a bow-hunting target.
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So, to break up the patterns here, I decided to put up a few pictures of the various Series I fish in one picture, as well as in a few group shots, showing the ones that are roughly close to scale. I probably should have done this immediately after the last Series I model, but I didn't because I didn't think of it! But I needed to give myself a little change. Plus, these will be STS exclusive, because I didn't set up a thread the same way at the Animal Toy Forum, so they don't get the photos (at least for now).

First, the whole bunch of them:

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Next up, the little fish, Scale 1:1 to 1:3.

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Left to right: Rosy Bitterling, Pale Chub, Japanese Rice Fish, 3-Spined Stickleback and Paradise fish

Now, the Scale 1:5 to 1:6

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Clockwise from upper left: Ayu, Cherry salmon, Big-Scaled Redfin, White-spotted Char (freshwater sizes)

The Scale 1:10 to 1:13 or so (now with diver human for scale comparison--these are the only ones where a scale model works; before that, I might as well stand next to them! And 1:5 is a weird one to do...)

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Left to Right: Barramundi, Chum Salmon, Japanese Huchen, White-spotted Char (saltwater sizes), Asian Arowana, Rainbow Trout

I would find it so fun to swim along a group like this. It's pretty much impossible, but still!

And now the big fish, to scale with people at their maximum recorded sizes, more for fun!

First, the Huchen, assuming 200cm, at 1:25 scale:

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Next, a couple of the Barramundi, also assuming 200cm in length, giving a scale of 1:29 or so!

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This one looks like less fun. Alligator guy below agrees (also to scale):

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This figure is the Amur Catfish, Silurus asotus , number 21 from the second series. This is a potentially large catfish (the only catfish in the series) that is fond of slower moving water such as irrigation canals and streams. They are found in Eastern Asia and Japan. Amur catfish are predators of smaller fish, which is obvious by the anterior-facing mouth; this is one of the larger native predatory fish in Japan. Despite their size they are kept in aquariums, and are reared or fished for food. Like the other large catfish of Japan, they are also locally associated with causing earthquakes, which is unlikely but gives them a special cultural regard there. The Yujin model gives a length of around 60cm (which is probably more common) but several sources mentioned that they can reach 130cm.

Note—I do not have a model of #20, the Carp, Cyprinus carpio . Maybe someday. There are actually 4 different versions—one is the wild, natural colouring of olive green or brownish; the other three are domestic varieties representing Cyprinus carpio haematopterus. These latter 3 are fairly uncommon.

This model is about 7 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:9 scale based on the Yujin value; using the larger maximum value the figure is closer to 1:19 scale. The figure is another very nice, subtle approach to colouring, with a dark brown base mottled with lighter brown patches throughout the body; the base colour fades to white on the distended belly. There are even shaded and highlighted patches, giving the impression of light and shadows casting over the fish. The fins stand out as translucent yellow, while the two pairs of whiskers (an adult trait) are molded into the body and are dark brown. Overall the fish has a definite hunting appearance to it—the bright black eyes make it look like a fish that is always ready to eat. The base is the raised vertical rock, again grey with a brownish wash. There are a number of silurid catfish made by Japanese companies, but I am not always clear if they intend to be this one, or one of the other 2 species found in Japan ( Silurus biwaensis and Silurus lithophilus ). Kaiyodo has made at least one of each of these other two, and I am certain that other models exist of all 3 catfish.

Pictures:
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I refer to this one as the bowhunting tournament pose--a hole in it, tossed on its back...but it's easy to see the detail that Yujin puts into every side of the models (and can often see the numbers in the photos).
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

sbell wrote:

SUSANNE wrote:

Uhhh, almost 190 Euros for the whole set
But I suppose they are worth it with 40 models and totally complete

It seems crazy...but then, one of the species I don't have--the koi (a Series II secret figure)--is on ebay for $80! On the other hand, I can't see anyone paying that. I really hope not!

But it would be a pretty good way to just get the complete set, and individually the price would be reasonable--it's just a lot at once!

Of course 190€ is not "nearly for nothing" but it means each model cost 4€75... A very interresting price for a fish replica collector  

sbell wrote:

So, to break up the patterns here, I decided to put up a few pictures of the various Series I fish in one picture, as well as in a few group shots, showing the ones that are roughly close to scale. I probably should have done this immediately after the last Series I model, but I didn't because I didn't think of it! But I needed to give myself a little change. Plus, these will be STS exclusive, because I didn't set up a thread the same way at the Animal Toy Forum, so they don't get the photos (at least for now).

Thank you for this, I was thinking to ask you something like this.

Showing pics in scale are very interresting and educational for ignorants like me, I didn't imagine how big or small are some of these fishes.

Could you make a comparison topic of your different Arronawas  one day?

Kikimalou wrote:

sbell wrote:

SUSANNE wrote:

Uhhh, almost 190 Euros for the whole set
But I suppose they are worth it with 40 models and totally complete

It seems crazy...but then, one of the species I don't have--the koi (a Series II secret figure)--is on ebay for $80! On the other hand, I can't see anyone paying that. I really hope not!

But it would be a pretty good way to just get the complete set, and individually the price would be reasonable--it's just a lot at once!

Of course 190€ is not "nearly for nothing" but it means each model cost 4€75... A very interresting price for a fish replica collector  

sbell wrote:

So, to break up the patterns here, I decided to put up a few pictures of the various Series I fish in one picture, as well as in a few group shots, showing the ones that are roughly close to scale. I probably should have done this immediately after the last Series I model, but I didn't because I didn't think of it! But I needed to give myself a little change. Plus, these will be STS exclusive, because I didn't set up a thread the same way at the Animal Toy Forum, so they don't get the photos (at least for now).

Thank you for this, I was thinking to ask you something like this.

Showing pics in scale are very interresting and educational for ignorants like me, I didn't imagine how big or small are some of these fishes.

Could you make a comparison topic of your different Arronawas  one day?

I can probably do something like that. It won't be for a while, I'm still working through these!

And it's true, if someone wanted to get the set, that box is still the best way, it just seems like a lot of money all at once! I was lucky--I got almost all of mine in a single ebay lot 10 years ago. Missing a few, but very inexpensive. I haven't seen anything like that again, ever.

Yes, ten years ago we were far less hunters for that kind of preys.