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Contents
Overview
The lionhead and the ranchu are two closely related fancy goldfish varieties with a lot in common: a short, egg-shaped body, no dorsal fin, a short twin tail and a fleshy wen that covers the head. The lionhead is Chinese in origin and has a straighter back; the ranchu, refined in Japan, has a strongly arched back and a downturned tail, and is traditionally judged from above.
They are the same species as the common goldfish, yet so heavily modified that they live very differently: they swim slowly with a waddling motion and spend much of their time grazing along the bottom. They are calm, curious and full of personality. They suit keepers who can provide a purpose-built tank and consistent maintenance.
Care and tank setup
Allow at least 30 gallons (120 L) for a pair. Without a dorsal fin they struggle to stay balanced, so they prefer shallow, wide tanks: 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of water depth is ideal, and in Japan many ranchus are raised in shallow tubs.
- Minimal flow: a filter with good turnover but a diffused outlet, or a large sponge filter. If the fish hug the bottom or get pushed around, the current is too strong.
- Very clean water: the wen can become infected or overgrow the eyes and gills in dirty water. Change 30-50% weekly.
- Decor: an open sand or bare bottom, no narrow or sharp ornaments, and hardy plants tied to rocks.
This is the slowest goldfish of all: keep it only with other lionheads, ranchus or, at most, calm orandas. Next to comets, commons or even very active orandas it simply never reaches the food. Like any goldfish, it never belongs in a bowl and must never be released into the wild.
Feeding
An omnivore that forages along the bottom. Offer small, high-quality sinking pellets and add blanched, shelled peas, spinach and frozen brine shrimp or daphnia. Eating at the surface makes it gulp air, and its compact body is very prone to buoyancy problems. Feed small portions once or twice a day, with one fasting day per week.
Breeding
It breeds like any goldfish: in spring, males chase females, which scatter sticky eggs on plants or spawning mops. Japanese ranchu breeders cull rigorously through thousands of fry to keep a handful of show-quality fish, which shows how hard good results are. Getting a spawn at home is easy; raising quality fish and rehoming the rest is the real challenge.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Lionhead goldfish (ranchu). Calculated from the data in each profile.
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Zebra danio Danio rerio 16 gal (60 L) · 64–77 °F (18–25 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii 32 gal (120 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Panda cory Corydoras panda 16 gal (60 L) · 68–77 °F (20–25 °C) 
Otocinclus catfish Otocinclus vestitus 16 gal (60 L) · 70–79 °F (21–26 °C) 
Common goldfish Carassius auratus 79 gal (300 L) · 50–75 °F (10–24 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Lionhead goldfish (ranchu), and why.
- Tiger barb: nips long fins
- Discus: incompatible temperatures
- Clown loach: incompatible temperatures
- Oscar: incompatible temperatures, incompatible temperaments
- Ram cichlid: incompatible temperatures
- Celestial pearl danio: one may eat the other due to size
- Ember tetra: incompatible temperatures, one may eat the other due to size
- Neon tetra: one may eat the other due to size
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Lionhead goldfish (ranchu) healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Lionhead goldfish (ranchu) need?
At least about 120 liters for a group of at least 2 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Lionhead goldfish (ranchu) need?
Between 15 and 24 °C: it’s a coldwater species that doesn’t need a heater in a normal home. pH 6.5 to 8.
What fish can live with the Lionhead goldfish (ranchu)?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Bristlenose pleco, Bronze cory, Zebra danio, Guppy and Platy. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Lionhead goldfish (ranchu) be kept with shrimp?
Not recommended: because of its size or instinct, it will eat shrimp.
