Ranchu
Carassius auratus
Also known as Buffalo-head goldfish, Japanese lionhead, King of goldfish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 61–75°F (16–24°C)
- pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Adult size
- 7.1 in (18 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 25 gal (95 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- A dorsal finless fancy goldfish refined in Japan from the Chinese lionhead, bred from domesticated Carassius auratus native to East Asian freshwater.
- Family
- Cyprinidae
Overview
House one ranchu in at least 95 L, adding about 40 L per extra fish, with gentle filtration since it dislikes strong flow. Target 16 to 24 C and a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Keep it only with other slow fancies such as lionheads, orandas and moors. Feed sinking pellets and vegetables, and watch that faster tankmates do not outcompete its slow, near sighted feeding.
In the wild
The ranchu is a dorsal finless fancy goldfish with a strongly arched back, a tucked tail and a wen that covers the head. It swims slowly with a wobbling motion and cannot manage any current. Prized in Japan as a top view fish, it is often kept in shallow tanks viewed from above. Keep it in cool, clean water around 16 to 24 C.
Good to know
The ranchu was refined in Japan from the Chinese lionhead and is nicknamed the king of goldfish for its show status. It has no dorsal fin at all, a trait fixed by selective breeding. The heavy wen is skin tissue that can grow over the eyes and needs clean water to avoid infection.
Did you know
Ranchu are judged from above in Japanese competitions, so breeders select for the curve of the back and tail as seen from the top rather than the side.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- LiveAquaria Freshwater and saltwater fish, inverts and corals
- Aqua Huna Freshwater fish, shrimp and plants with a three day live arrival guarantee
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Freshwater fish · Goldfish · Community fish · Coldwater fish
Keeping Ranchu?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Fantail
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)20 gal (75 L)59–73°F (15–23°C)
Lionhead
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)
Pearlscale
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
Black Moor
Carassius auratus7.9 in (20 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)
Common goldfish
Carassius auratus7.9 in (20 cm)24 gal (90 L)39–82°F (4–28°C)
Ryukin
Carassius auratus7.9 in (20 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–73°F (16–23°C)