Ranchu Goldfish, Cute Lionhead Fish That’s Stealing Hearts

Are you looking to add a unique, cute goldfish to your aquarium? Then the Ranchu Goldfish might be just what you need! Known as the “King of Goldfish” in Japan, the Ranchu Goldfish is characterized by its cute rounded body, hooded head, and elegant swim.

It is one of the favorites among fish enthusiasts who prefer a pet with personality and unique looks.

We’re going to talk about everything you want to know about Ranchu Goldfish care, from feeding and tank setup to their peculiarities. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to keep these beauties happy and healthy!

 

What Makes Ranchu Goldfish Special?

Ranchu Goldfish are one of the fancy goldfish varieties that look quite peculiar. They are often described as chubby, cute, and utterly lovable. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Head Growth (or Wen):   The ranch has a “hood” or “wen” over its head. A win gives them a lion-like characteristic and is soft and meaty. The development begins young and grows into more flesh over time.
• No dorsal fin:   As most fish, goldfish do. But Ranchu goldfish have no dorsal fin because it is one of its distinguishing features in its backs, giving a curved smooth back, making its swimming kind of wobbly or cute.
• Short, rounded body:   Ranchus are the stockier and more compact goldfish. Their short rounded bodies make them look cute, though it also means they can’t swim very well.

How to Care for Ranchu Goldfish:

Ranchu Goldfish is a bit more sensitive than normal goldfish, so specific care is required. Let’s dive into Manchu basics:

 Tank Size:

A rancher needs space though they are small fish, and here is what to look for in your tank.  It is 20 gallons, for a single Ranchu. If you have two or more, add 10 gallons for each additional fish because these fish produce a lot of waste, and space helps maintain water quality.

Water Parameters:

Ranchus prefer slightly cooler water than tropical fish. Keep the temperature between 65°F to 75°F. pH should be neutral, at about 7.0 to 7.4.

Filtration:

Ranches are very sensitive to bad water quality, so it is a must that there is a good filter for them. A canister or sponge filter would work well since it keeps the water clean without too much current, which branches are not strong swimmers.

Substrate and Decoration:

You can go for a soft substrate, for instance, sand or smooth gravel. Some decorations have projecting points that can lacerate your fragile fins and also the body of your tiny Ranchu. Many plants can be used as they come; for example, select live plants thriving in no high light, no CO2.

 

 Feeding Your Ranchu Goldfish:

Ranchu Goldfish are a large fish species. In any case, feed them appropriately to avoid associated health conditions.

Diet:

A varied diet keeps the Ranchus happy. Good quality goldfish pellets are a staple, but supplement these with fresh or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They enjoy vegetables, too, such as peas (with skins removed), spinach, and zucchini.

Feeding Frequency:

Feed small portions 2-3 times a day. Overfeeding should be avoided since Ranchus tends to get digestive issues and swim bladder problems. A general rule of thumb is to only feed them as much as they can consume in a few minutes.

 

 Water Quality and Maintenance:

The quality of water should be maintained to have healthy Ranchu Goldfish.

Regular Water Changes:

Try to change the water once a week to around 25-30%. This maintains nitrates at a minimal level and prevents ammonia from piling up.

Check Parameters:

Invest in a water testing kit and keep tracking the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. The ranches are sensitive to bad water conditions, so the better the tank, the better they will be.

Health Problems in Ranchu Goldfish:

There are specific health conditions that affect the ranches primarily due to the body shape and head growth.

1. Swim Bladder Disorder

The ranches have a swim bladder problem due to their short and rounded bodies. If your ranch swims sideways or has difficulty in swimming, then your ranch may be experiencing a swim bladder disorder. Feeding them peas with the skin removed helps the mild condition.

2. Fungal and Bacterial Infections:

Sometimes, their fleshy head growth gets infected. The best way of preventing those infections is through keeping good quality water with a clean tank. Isolate the infected fish and add suitable medication if you notice white patches or red streaks.

3. Parasites:

As with any other goldfish, parasites such as ich and flukes can infest the ranch. Quarantine all new fish and make sure to keep the tank clean and free of contaminants. Some signs that could point out the existence of parasites in your ranchu goldfish include unusual behaviors like rubbing against objects.

Tank Mates for Ranchu Goldfish:

Ranchus are peaceful fish and can be kept with other gentle tank mates. However, since they are slow swimmers, you will want to avoid placing them with faster, more aggressive fish that might outcompete them for food. Here are a few compatible tank mates:

Other Fancy Goldfish:

Other types of fancy goldfish, like Orandas or Lionheads, are good companions for Ranchus. They share similar body shapes and swimming speeds.

Snails and shrimp:

They are excellent combinations with tankmates because they won’t outcompete your Ranchus for food at the feeding trough. They will also help snack algae to maintain cleanliness in an aquarium.
Don’t mix Ranchus with common goldfish or other fin nippers; they will mess with your gentle giant ranch.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: How big does a Ranchu goldfish grow?
A: Ranchus grows to about 5-8 inches in length. They can reach full size within a couple of years if cared for correctly.

 

Q: How long does a Ranchu Goldfish live?
A: Provided with good care, the Ranchu can live between 10 to 15 years. Some even survive up to 20 years if kept in optimal conditions!

 

Q: Can Ranchu Goldfish be kept outdoors in ponds?
A: Ranchus survive outdoors in ponds only when kept in a somewhat more subtropical climate, but they appear to be well-suited to life in an aquarium tank.

Q: Do you need a heater for your Ranchu Goldfish?
A:   Ranchus don’t need a heater because they keep cooler temperatures. If you live in an area that is colder, where the temperature goes below 60 degrees, you may need a heater to make your tank comfortable.