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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
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Ranchu were bred in Japan in the 1800s from Chinese Lionhead goldfish.
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Known as the “King of Goldfish” in Japanese culture, especially admired for symmetry and wen development.
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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 |
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Blanched vegetables: peas (skin removed), spinach, zucchini
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Live/frozen: daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp (as treats)
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Gel food: Optional for enhanced nutrition and digestion |
Feeding Tips:
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Feed small meals 2–3 times daily
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Avoid overfeeding: can cause swim bladder or digestive issues
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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 |
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Parents often eat eggs/fry — separate if breeding intentionally
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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:
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Keep water clean
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Avoid overfeeding
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Quarantine new fish
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Gently clean the wen if needed with Q-tip (expert care only)
📚 Fun Facts
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Top-view Ranchu competitions are held in Japan, judging symmetry, tail carriage, and back curvature.
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Ranchus have no dorsal fin, which gives them their signature rounded “lion-like” look.
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Wen development varies greatly by individual — some get huge, others stay subtle.
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They are considered living water art by serious collectors and breeders.
🧽 Maintenance Tips
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Weekly 30–50% water change
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Gravel vacuum to remove waste
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Rinse filter media in tank water
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Monitor wen for dirt or infections
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.
