Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Goldfish > Lionhead Fancy Goldfish

Lionhead Goldfish

Family: Cyprinidae

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Carassius auratus auratus

   The Lionhead Goldfish is a popular fish. The top of its broad head is covered with a fleshy growth that looks somewhat like a lion's mane... hence the name "Lionhead"!

   In Japan the Lionhead Goldfish is called Ranchu.

   The Lionhead Goldfish are considered a rather delicate fish and are not recommended for beginners. As you can see in the picture above they also have no dorsal fin, just like the Water-Bubble Eye Goldfish.

* See Water-Bubble Eye Goldfish.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Dream Aquarium Build your own aquarium The Coolest and Funnest Screensaver in the World.

Comments from people who have kept this fish:

I have had a lionhead goldfish now for about 6 years. When I got her she was two inches long and brown, now she is 8 inches long and a gold-orange. She also developed what looked like telescope eye and everybody was telling me she was sick with pop-eye... but both of her eyes are popped out now for 4 years and she seems very healthy and she seems to just keep growing! Also, now that she's big, I have to be careful what I put in with her. If it's not bigger than her mouth, she will eat it. The only thing that can live with her is a comet goldfish that survived being eaten out of 15. The comet is now about 4-5 inches long. I've been thinking about selling my lionhead but can't seem to find a place that has a pricing scale.

I have two lionheads. They live with 2 orandas, a telescope, a black moor, 2 pearlscales, and a ryukin in a 90 gallon tank. They are really sweet fish and are full of personality. Kim Parker: Lionheads with dorsal fins are called orandas. Animal-World: Lionheads and ranchu are 2 seperate breeds.

I have read two articles on lionheads and both have said there is no dorsal fin and they are very delicate and not for beginners. Yet mine has a dorsal fin and is the least bit delicate. It is very spunky and active, pretty much the bully of the tank.

I was in PetSmart shopping for my dog and parakeets went passing the fish area I saw a lionhead chasing another lionhead ruthlessly. I felt sorry for the one being chased so I bought it. I have had tropicals so I had no fear to take on his care. Nemo has been a great fish. I have to watch his diet because he likes to eat way too much. I found a excellent brand of goldfish food made in Canada. He is a good choice, glad I was in the right place and the right time.

when I got this fish, I had a bad gut feeling. And, of course, my gut feeling was just a sign of bad things to come. I paid 79.00$ for it and was not worth it. Oh, no, don't get me wrong, I still have the beautiful darn fish, but it aggressively attacked all my other prized fish as soon as I dropped it in the tank. The results, a mess that I had to clean up. So before you even consider buying one of these little terrorists, just reconize all of the other fish's lives are over if you do. Also, watch your fingers when feeding it if you still want to get your five finger discount at your local convience store.

I have a Lionhead goldfish named Bubbles, and I don't know how old she is but I have had her for about 1 month and I absolutely adore and love her to pieces!!!! She thinks that she is a little piggy because all she wants to do is EAT! She is about 2.5 inches long, but I can't wait till she gets bigger!! :-)

I have two goldies, Gibson and Flash, that are housed with three Dojo loaches. I have seen no agressive activity, unless you are here at dinner time.. and all I can say is "piggy, piggy, piggy! I first bought the goldies when they were 2.5 inches they are now about 4 inches and look like they are going to keep growing. Being the considerate fishkeeper that I am I first made internet inquiries about housing, feeding and life expectency. I have the group in a 50 gallon with two filters, one canister (rated for 125 gallon) and a sponge filter (rated for 125 gallon). I have several plants with my goldies... Anubias, Vals, swords, momosa ball and Cryptocornye Wendetti. They love to munch on Duckweed! Which is good because I have an abundence in my other thanks. I do not recommend them for first time fishkeepers, they need really clean water and large tanks. Most people can't figure out why they can't keep them in a 10 gallon, they are high waste producers and will end up killing them selves with out the proper care. These fish are a great source of entertainment and attention! As long as you treat them well they will have healthy happy lives.

I personally love lionheads!! I have one now that I have had him (im assuming)for about 3 years. His name is Squeegy and he is extremely active. He has grown to about 5 inches long, and does not look like he is going to stop growing any time soon. I have noticed that he is quite fond of fresh peas, and is a pig when it comes to feeding time. I highly recommend this type of fish for anybody who loves goldfish. Lionheads are beautiful and they are funny to watch and raise.

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Author: David Brough. CFS.

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