Photo: Humanfeather, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ranchu
Carassius auratus 'Ranchu'
20 cm
Adult size
150 L
Minimum volume
2
Minimum group
15 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Carassius
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- small group
In the wild
Overview
The ranchu has no dorsal fin, like the lionhead it descends from. It has a smaller head growth, a more triangular head, a more arched back and a tail set lower.
It comes in red, red and white, black, blue, chocolate, yellow, calico and “red cap”. A slow swimmer, it needs spotless water.
- Scientific name
- Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)Current valid name; in the hobby: Carassius auratus 'Ranchu'
- Classification
- Cypriniformes › Cyprinidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Captive-bred form of Carassius auratus (a species native to China)
As a captive-bred form it has no natural habitat: the wild form of the species lives in calm, well-vegetated rivers, lakes and ponds in China.
It is a coldwater fish that needs no heater: ideal water is 15–23 °C, neutral to alkaline (pH 7–8) and moderately hard. Allow 100 L for one adult plus 50 L for each extra fish, so 150 L for two, with strong filtration but a gentle current, as these varieties are poor swimmers. Use decor without sharp edges; soft plants will be eaten.
Behaviour
Peaceful and sociable, it lives in a small group with other fancy goldfish. Avoid common goldfish and comets, which are faster, steal its food and nip its fins.
It does not mix with tropical fish: it needs cooler water, produces a lot of waste and swallows small fish and shrimp. A tank of its own is best. An omnivore and a glutton, it should be fed sinking pellets: gulping air at the surface can upset its buoyancy.
Sources:OATA Fishkeeper FishBase Wikipédia · Base map: Natural Earth