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Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Here's a complete and detailed guide to the Ranchu Goldfish — one of the most beloved and distinct varieties of fancy goldfish, often called the "King of Goldfish" in Japan.


🐠 Ranchu Goldfish Overview

Category Details
Common Name Ranchu Goldfish
Scientific Name Carassius auratus (Fancy Goldfish)
Family Cyprinidae
Origin Japan (developed from Chinese Lionhead)
Lifespan 10–15 years (up to 20+ with excellent care)
Adult Size 5–8 inches (13–20 cm)
Temperament Peaceful, social, gentle swimmer

🧬 History & Heritage

  • Ranchu were bred in Japan in the 1800s from Chinese Lionhead goldfish.

  • Known as the “King of Goldfish” in Japanese culture, especially admired for symmetry and wen development.

  • In Japan, Ranchus are judged from a top-down view, as they’re traditionally kept in shallow ponds or bowls.


🧍♂️ Physical Characteristics

Feature Description
Body Shape Rounded, egg-shaped, deep belly; no dorsal fin (signature trait)
Head (Wen) Large bumpy head growth (wen) covering the cheeks and sometimes eyes
Tail Short, fan-like double tail carried at a downward angle
Back Smooth, curved arch without a dorsal fin
Eyes Normal size; vision may be partially obstructed by wen
Scales Metallic or nacreous (pearl-like), depending on variety

🎨 Color Variants

Type/Color Description
Red/White Most popular; white body with orange-red patches
Solid Red or Orange Classic Ranchu coloration
Calico Mix of white, black, and orange with nacreous (speckled) scales
Black Rare; fully black or deep charcoal
Chocolate Deep brown-red color
Panda White base with black markings (less stable coloration)

🧪 Water Parameters

Parameter Ideal Range
Temperature 65–75°F (18–24°C)
pH 6.5–7.5 (neutral preferred)
Hardness 5–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard)
Ammonia/Nitrites 0 ppm (extremely sensitive)
Nitrates < 30 ppm for optimal health
Water Changes 25–50% weekly recommended

🏡 Aquarium Requirements

Feature Recommendation
Tank Size 20 gallons minimum per Ranchu; 40+ gallons for groups
Tank Shape Long and shallow tanks preferred
Substrate Bare-bottom or soft sand; avoid sharp gravel
Filtration Gentle, sponge or canister filter with baffles
Water Flow Low to moderate (Ranchus are weak swimmers)
Tank Lid Optional; not prone to jumping
Decor Smooth rocks, silk or soft live plants (Anubias, Java fern), hiding spots
Lighting Moderate; avoid harsh light on wen growth

🍽️ Diet

Type Recommended Foods
Omnivorous - High-quality sinking pellets for goldfish
  • Blanched vegetables: peas (skin removed), spinach, zucchini

  • Live/frozen: daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp (as treats)

  • Gel food: Optional for enhanced nutrition and digestion |

Feeding Tips:

  • Feed small meals 2–3 times daily

  • Avoid overfeeding: can cause swim bladder or digestive issues

  • Soak dry pellets to prevent gulping air


🤝 Behavior & Tank Mates

Trait Recommendation
Temperament Gentle, social, calm
Best Kept With Other fancy goldfish only (e.g., Orandas, Lionheads, Pearlscales)
Avoid Slim-bodied goldfish (e.g., commons, comets), fast or aggressive fish
Schooling? Not true schoolers, but enjoy companionship
Special Needs Cannot compete with faster fish for food

🐣 Breeding

Feature Description
Spawning Type Egg scatterer
Breeding Age Around 1 year old
Spawning Season Spring (68–74°F)
Courtship Males chase females, nudging their sides
Eggs Laid 500–1000+ eggs per spawn
Fry Hatching Time 2–3 days
Fry Care Feed with infusoria or fry powder → baby brine shrimp
  • Parents often eat eggs/fry — separate if breeding intentionally

  • Selective breeding required to maintain high-quality body shape, tail angle, and wen


⚠️ Common Health Issues

Condition Symptoms Treatment
Swim Bladder Disease Floating, sinking, tilted swimming Fasting, peas, water changes
Wen Infections Fungus or bacteria in head folds Salt baths, topical meds, clean water
Ich (White Spot) White dots, flashing, lethargy Raise temp, Ich meds
Constipation Swollen belly, no appetite Fiber (peas), fasting
Fin Rot Frayed or decaying fins Clean water + antibacterial treatment

Preventive Care:

  • Keep water clean

  • Avoid overfeeding

  • Quarantine new fish

  • Gently clean the wen if needed with Q-tip (expert care only)


📚 Fun Facts

  • Top-view Ranchu competitions are held in Japan, judging symmetry, tail carriage, and back curvature.

  • Ranchus have no dorsal fin, which gives them their signature rounded “lion-like” look.

  • Wen development varies greatly by individual — some get huge, others stay subtle.

  • They are considered living water art by serious collectors and breeders.


🧽 Maintenance Tips

  • Weekly 30–50% water change

  • Gravel vacuum to remove waste

  • Rinse filter media in tank water

  • Monitor wen for dirt or infections


 

We process orders on all weekdays (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.

To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.

Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.

To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.

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