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Ranchu GoldfishBuffalo-head Goldfish, Ranchu Fancy GoldfishFamily: CyprinidaeWFG_AcF207.jpg) Red and White Ranchu GoldfishCarassius auratus auratusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Asian Fisherman5893Latest Reader Comment - See More Ranchus are one of the most popular Goldfishes in Asia!
I am from SG, and I keep 3 of them in with a Lionhead and a Lionchu, they're all gorgeous and sweet!
Most... (more) twYANGzii The beautiful Ranchu Goldfish, called the "King" of goldfish, are some of the most treasured and costly goldfish on the market!Ranchu Goldfish Contents The Ranchu Goldfish is popular throughout the world. They originated in China and then in the later part of the 1800's were further developed in Japan. Having a round broad body and a large bulbous head, they are also known as the Buffalo-head Goldfish, especially in the Orient. The Ranchu Fancy Goldfish are much prized in the Orient, and are bred there for highly competitive shows. In Chinese shows they are judged from the side, while in Japanese shows they are placed in shallow bowls and judged from the top. Though they are impressive viewed from either direction, it is from above them that you can see their broad back. Rather than having the long slender body of the Common Goldfish or the Shubunkins, the Ranchu Goldfish is one of the more rounded or egg-shaped fancy gold fish. They closely resemble the Lionhead Goldfish with a compact broad body with short fins. Like the Lionhead, they lack a dorsal fin and will develop the fleshy 'raspberry' head growth. The Ranchu can be distinguished from the Lionhead by a much higher curved contour shape to its back and by its caudal (tail) fin. Its tail fin that splays out to the sides, often being almost horizontal and may have three or four lobes, while the Lionhead's caudal fin is quite similar to that of the Fantail Goldfish. These fish come in a variety of colors with the most common being bi-colored as in the Gold and White Ranchu Goldfish or the Red and White Ranchu Goldfish. Then there is a Calico Ranchu Goldfish which in Japan is call Edonishiki. They can also be a deep red overall, shaded overall in a reddish to yellow-orange, or have red scales edged in white. They have also been known to be completely white or in some cases black. The Ranchu Goldfish is considered a rather delicate fish and is not recommended for beginners. Its swimming ability is cumbersome because of its rounded body which is further diminished by the lack of a stabilizing dorsal fin, a trait that is also seen in the Lionhead Goldfish, Water-Bubble Eye Goldfish and the Celestial Eye Goldfish. Many of the elongated goldfish varieties like the the Common Goldfish, Comet Goldfish, the Shubunkin, are not really good companions for the Ranchu Goldfish because they are fast swimmers and too competitive during feeding time. Better tank mates would be the other similarly handicapped, dorsal less goldfish, or the less hardy Telescope Goldfish and Celestial Goldfish. It won't win any races, but if kept with other slow-moving varieties the Ranchu Goldfish should get plenty to eat and do well. For more goldfish information, see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The goldfish of today are descendants of a wild carp fish, known as the Prussian Carp, Silver Prussian carp, or Gibel Carp Carassius gibelio (syn: Carassius auratus gibelio) which was described by Bloch in 1782. For many years it was believed that goldfish had originated from the Crucian Carp or Golden Carp Carassius auratus auratus described by Linnaeus in 1758, but more recent research is pointing toward the former.
These wild carp originated in Asia; Central Asia (Siberia). They inhabit the slow moving and stagnant waters of rivers, lakes, ponds, and ditches feeding on plants, detritus, small crustaceans, and insects. In the early 1500's these fish were exported first to Japan and then to Europe and were developed into the wonderful colors and forms of gold fish we see today.
The Ranchu Goldfish is one of the older varieties of fancy goldfish. They originated in China and then in the later part of the 1800's were further developed in Japan. They are also known as the Buffalo-head Goldfish, especially in the Orient. Other common names of some of the Ranchu Fancy Goldfish varieties are Red and White Ranchu Goldfish, Gold and White Ranchu Goldfish, and Calico Ranchu Goldfish.
The Ranchu and all other dorsal less fish resulted from developments of this egg shaped fish. The Eggfish itself is not popular in the United States. Although it can be found in the orient, it is very rare in the US and would be expensive. Today there are more than 125 captive bred fancy varieties.
- Scientific Name: Carassius auratus auratus
- Social Grouping: Groups
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed - There are no wild populations of this captive bred variety.
The Ranchu Goldfish is an egg-shaped variety of goldfish. The body is short and stubby with short fins. They lack a dorsal fin and will develop a fleshy 'raspberry' head growth. The back is broad with a highly curved contour shape. The caudal (tail) fin splays out to the sides, often being almost horizontal and may have three or four lobes.
One of their most distinctive feature is the head, which except for its eyes, mouth and nostrils, can become completely covered with fleshy growth. The amount of head growth differs for each fish. For some the broad head, except for its eyes, mouth and nostrils, can become completely covered with fleshy growth (sometimes impeding their vision) while others may develop much less growth.
- Goldfish colors
These fish come in a variety of colors with the most common being bi-colored in gold/white or white/red, and a calico which in Japan is call Edonishiki. They can also be a deep red overall, shaded overall in a reddish to yellow-orange, or have red scales edged in white. They have also been known to be completely white or in some cases black. - Size - Weight
Ranchu Goldfish will generally reach about 5 inches (13 cm), though some aquarists report them growing much larger. - Goldfish lifespan
The average goldfish lifespan is 10 – 15 years, though living 20 years or more is not uncommon in well maintained goldfish aquariums and ponds.
- Maximum Size: 5.0 inches (12.70 cm) - If kept in excellent conditions this fish can grow to be larger than five inches, however five inches is a good length for this fish to reach.
- Lifespan: 20 years
Ranchu Goldfish are some of the more delicate species of goldfish. Unlike the flat-bodied types of goldfish, they have a lower tolerance for pollution. They will need good care and plenty of space. When it comes to feeding, they will not thrive well with fast competitive tank mates.
Many people will keep goldfish in small one or two gallon goldfish bowls with no heater or filtration. But for the best success in keeping goldfish, provide them the same filtration, especially biological filtration, that other aquarium residents enjoy.
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Difficult - This fish is often highly inbred leading to genetically weak specimens. The wen is very prone to infection. Ranchu Goldfish are generally considered to be among the less hardy of goldfish types.
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate - Ranchu Goldfish require a more experienced keeper to maintain their rather delicate health.
Since they are omnivorous, the Ranchu Goldfish will generally eat all kinds of fresh, frozen, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. To care for your Ranchu Goldfish, feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen), blood worms, Daphnia, or tubifex worms as a treat. It is usually better to feed freeze-dried foods as opposed to live foods to avoid parasites and bacterial infections that could be present in live foods. Due to their fleshy head growth they can have poor vision and a harder time seeing their food, so need extra time to feed.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
Regular weekly water changes of 1/4 to 1/3 is strongly recommended to keep these fish healthy. Snails can be added as they reduce the algae in the tank, helping to keep it clean.
- Water Changes: Weekly
Setting up an aquarium in a manner that will keep your fish happy and healthy is the first step to successfully fish keeping. Here are aquarium parameters to consider in choosing goldfish aquariums, filtration, lighting, and decor as well as temperature and water movement.
- Minimum Tank Size / Length:
The shape and size of the goldfish aquarium is important and depends upon the number of fish you are going to keep. Goldfish need a lot of oxygen and produce a lot of waste. Keep the tank size and shape in mind when you are buying your fish.- Tank Shape
A large surface area of water will help minimize goldfish suffering from an oxygen shortage. Surface area is determined by the shape of the tank. For the same volume of water, an elongated tank offers more surface area (and oxygen) than a tall tank. In a goldfish bowl, filling the bowl to the middle offers more surface area than filling the bowl to the top. Always provide the maximum amount of surface area. - Tank size
It's best to start with a 20 - 30 gallon tank for your first goldfish and then increase the size of the tank by 10 gallons for each additional goldfish. Providing a large amount of water per fish will help dilute the amount of waste and reduce the number of water changes needed - Formula: # of fish per gallon of water
A general rule of thumb, but only for young fish, is 1 inch of fish (2.54 cm) per 1 gallon of water. This rule applies only to young fish and is not adequate as they grow. Larger gold fish consume much more oxygen than young fish so maintaining this formula for growing fish will stunt them, and can contribute to disease and even death. - Fish: size and growth
To allow for growth, either buy fewer fish than the maximum number of fish (based on the formula above) or be prepared to get a larger tank. Larger gold fish consume much more oxygen than young fish so maintaining this formula for growing fish will stunt them, and can contribute to disease and even death
- Tank Shape
- Aquarium Lighting
Most aquariums come with a cover that includes lighting. A cover for the tank is desirable as it reduces evaporation and though they are not prone to jumping, on occasion some gold fish will jump out. Lighting is not essential for goldfish, but does make the aquarium a nice show piece and lighting will help if you have live plants. - Filtration
Goldfish produce a lot of waste. Good filtration, especially biological filtration, is very helpful in maintaining the water quality of the aquarium. Filtration systems remove much of the detritus, excess foods and waste. This helps keep the tank clean and maintain the general health of the goldfish. - Substrate
Provide a gravel substrate to help create a natural and comfortable environment for your fish. A medium sized gravel works best.. - Aquarium Decor
You can add some decor, but make sure that all ornamentation is smooth with no protruding points or sharp edges. Smooth rocks or driftwood, should be used sparingly if at all.
Aquarium plants would be the best choice of aquarium decor for goldfish, but unfortunately these fish are diggers. Consequently live plants may be uprooted. Artificial plants make a good substitute and silk plants are safer than plastic ones. - Temperature: Goldfish are a cold water fish and will do best at temperatures between 65 - 72° F (18°- 22° C). Unlike the flat-bodied types of goldfish, Ranchu Goldfish have a lower tolerance for pollution and cannot tolerate temperatures much below 60° F (16° C).
- Water Hardness: 5 - 19° dGH
- ph: 6.0 to 8.0
- Water Movement: Moderate.
- Water Region: These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gal (38 L) - Ten gallons is the absolute minimum required to house this fish. It has high oxygen requirements, produces a lot of waste, and will have very stunted growth if it is kept in a smaller aquarium or bowl.
- Suitable for Nano Tank: Sometimes
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 65.0 - 72.0° F (18.3 - 22.2° C)
- Range ph: 6.0-8.0
- Hardness Range: 5 - 19 dGH
- Brackish: Sometimes - Goldfish are freshwater fish, but they have some tolerance for slightly brackish water. Yet any salinity for C. auratus must be kept below 10%, a specific gravity of less than 1.002.
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: All
Goldfish are very social animals and thrive in a community. Not only are they a great community fish but they are great scavengers as well. It is really not necessary to add other scavengers or other bottom feeders to the aquarium when you have goldfish.
When choosing tank mates, keep in mind the physical traits of the Ranchu Goldfish. Like the Lionhead Goldfish, Telescope Goldfish and the Celestial Goldfish, the Ranchu can be visually handicapped. Further its swimming ability is cumbersome because of its rounded body and the lack of a stabilizing dorsal fin, a trait that is also seen in the Water-Bubble Eye Goldfish. While the Ranchu cannot readily compete for food with fast swimming types of goldfish, these similarly handicapped varieties can make good companions.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive (): Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
- Plants: Threat - Goldfish will eat many kinds of aquatic plants, and their constant search for food can end up uprooting plants that they don't eat.
Although is it impossible to sex Goldfish when they are young and not in breeding season, the male is usually smaller and more slender that the female. In the breeding season the male has white prickles, called breeding tubercles, on its gill covers and head. Seen from above the female will have a fatter appearance as she is carrying eggs.
Ranchu Goldfish are egg layers that spawn readily in the right conditions. See Breeding Freshwater Fish - Goldfish for more information on breeding Goldfish.
- Ease of Breeding: Moderate
Goldfish are subject to the same diseases as tropical fish. A couple of the more common problems are Ich, Swim Bladder Disease, and external parasites including flukes, lice and anchor worms. For more in-depth information about goldfish diseases and illnesses, see: Goldfish Care; Fancy Goldfish and Goldfish Diseases.
The Ranchu Goldfish is readily available in fish stores and on-line, but is a more costly than most other varieties.
- Animal-World References: Freshwater Fish and Plants
- David Alderton, Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish , DK Publishing, Inc., 2005.
- Marshall E. Ostrow, Goldfish (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals), Barron's Educational Series, Inc. 2003
- Geoff Rogers, Nick Fletcher, Focus on Freshwater Aquarium Fish, Firefly Books. 2004
- David Sands, Goldfish (Caring for Your Pet), Interpet Publishing, 1999
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