Ranchu

Ranchu are Japanese dorsal-less fancy goldfish, Carassius auratus, developed from older Chinese lionhead-type fish and refined for viewing from above and from the side. A good ranchu has no dorsal fin, a smooth arched back, a tucked tail set at a distinct angle, and headgrowth that frames the face without overwhelming it. The body is deep but not simply round, with a strong peduncle leading into a paired tail. Red, red-and-white, black, calico, and metallic or matte forms are all kept, with standards varying between top-view and side-view communities.

Ranchu husbandry rewards quiet water and close observation. They do well in shallow tanks, indoor tubs, or protected ponds where they have room to turn without fighting strong flow. Their body shape and lack of dorsal fin make them poor companions for fast commons, comets, or shubunkins, especially at feeding time. Keepers use clean water, steady temperatures, and digestible foods to limit buoyancy and skin problems, while breeders sort large numbers of fry for back line, tail angle, headgrowth, and swimming balance. The best buying decision is often an active, well-proportioned fish rather than the most extreme-looking one.

Colors: Black, Black and Orange, Black and White, Blue, Blue-Gray, Brown, Calico, Chocolate, Gold, Lavender, Matte, Metallic, Nacreous, Orange, Panda, Red, Red and White, Red & White, Tri-Color, White, Yellow