Prominent Features of Ranchu Goldfish

If you are having a pond at your home, Ranchu goldfish is very appropriate pet fish suitable for it. It looks attractive and colorful when you see it from above.

The variety of Ranchu goldfish was developed in the 19th century. It originates from China like any other goldfish. However, it was bred and brought to current shape and appearance by Japanese. The breeding for Ranchu is mainly done in Japan and they are imported to U.S.

The head of this goldfish looks like a buffalo. There are no specific standards for breeding Ranchu goldfish in Japan but there are some established norms which are followed by most of the Japanese breeders. They ensure that it looks elegant and graceful.

In fact, its body, head and tail should be balanced and proportional so that it can swim swiftly. If Ranchu goldfish is troubled due to its body shape or if it has problems while swimming, then the buyers will not be happy to buy it. The size is definitely important for appearance purposes but its proportions are also very important.

We can find many colors for Ranchu goldfish in the market. Some are having their entire body and tail in red while some are in a yellow - orange shade. Some are seen with a combination of red and white colors. Some are having red scales and white edge while some are totally white. Sometimes you can find them with calico coloration also.

While you buy Ranchu goldfish, you should look at some specific features. You should see that the back of the fish is wide and there is no dorsal fin. They head must be rectangular and there should be a reasonable distance between the eyes. Ranchu goldfish will have small eyes and they should be in the correct position. The tail is expected to be proportionate and gracefully attached to the body. When the fish is moving, the tail should be shut inside. When the fish stops, the tail should open up.

When Ranchu goldfish is exhibited in various shows, all these features are carefully checked by the buyers. Ranchu can have three or four tails and the buyers love to buy one with four tails.

Ranchu requires a good space. So it can either be kept in a pond or in a bigger tank. It creates a lot of waste like any other goldfish and the water conditions will deteriorate very soon. So the tank or pond requires very strong filtration. Constant testing of water is also required for the cleanliness and lowering the toxic levels. If you over-crowd the pond or tank with other varieties of fish, Ranchu gets uncomfortable and suffocated.

It will eat everything you feed but you should plan a balanced and varied diet for it. You can always combine the flake food with frozen food. You should include some vegetables in the diet like lettuce or cucumber.

The temperature the water should be constant around 70° F as Ranchu is basically a cold water fish. You should also adjust the food quantity considering variations in the temperatures due to seasons.

Ranchu goldfish is quite different than others and it will make your aquarium colorful and elegant but you need to put some time and effort on it.

Chintamani Abhyankar is a goldfish enthusiast and has been raising and breeding goldfish for many years. He is an expert on their care and an advocate for raising healthy goldfish the natural way. His famous digital book, "Secrets on Keeping Beautiful Goldfish", offers simple, easy to follow instruction for raising healthy, long-living goldfish. Visit his website http://www.goldfishcaretips.com to learn more about expertly raising your goldfish and to receive your FREE copy of his special report, "Fish-Keeping Hobby Secrets Revealed".