Ranchus are hella expensive....

[keokoi]

I don't see Pearl Scale Blacky in there.

I need the Blacky fish...

[bekko]

Top-view ranchu are just that - they are made to be seen from above. Top view ranchu originated in Japan and the good ones still come from Japan. Important characteristics include the squared-off shape of the head, wide caudal peduncle, the way the tail opens and closes, small scales along the back. Almost all top-view ranchu are red, white or sarasa although the breeders are slowly beginning to introduce new colors.

Side-view ranchu is a different variety and, as you might expect, are bred to be viewed from the side. Side-view ranchu were developed in China and the best ones are still found in China; although Thailand is coming on strong. The important characteristics include the smooth contour of the back, the angle between the back and tail, and the way the head growth wraps onto the side of the face. Side-view ranchu come in all colors with black and calico being popular at present.

There are four other goldfish varieties which were bred to be viewed from the top - wakin, watonai, jikin and tosakin. All are traditionally kept in shallow ponds, shallow bowls or tubs (boats). Top-view ranchu and tosakin, in particular, need the shallow depth to promote proper development.

Keeping top-view goldfish in an aquarium does not endanger fish health or anything, but you loose the intended effect. The breeder would be horrified. For an aquarium, get goldfish which were bred to be seen from the side. For a pond, get goldfish which were bred to be seen from above.

-stevehop k

[keokoi]

Stevie Hop, what is the best type of tank or aquarium to keep side view ranchu in? I think I am gonna sneek one in my home office so my wife cannot see it..

Joe

[bekko]

Joe, the fanatics use a bare all-glass aquarium. No gravel, no filter, just an airstone and fish. Water is aged (aerated) in a tub for 24 hours before being used for a weekly 90% water exchange in the aquarium.

The hard core fanatics also have a metal halide or other plant light over the aquarium to promote green water. The green water brings up the color and keeps the fish healthy.

-s tev

[aquitori]

Good info Steve thanks!!!!

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by keokoi I don't see Pearl Scale Blacky in there. I need the Blacky fish...

Joe we need to checkout Hung Ming Aquarium, 660 Broadway...They have the biggest and best selection of Ranchus in the Bay Area.

[cocoyboy]

Checked out Hung Ming on Mission, the other is on Broadway! Cocoy picked the RARE black one? Yeah right! Baby size buger!

[Sangreaal]

Tony,

What's the difference between a ranchu and a lionhead? I'm trying to see it but just can't.

M

[bekko]

Lionhead is the ancestral form and has a longer look to it. The lionhead has a dorsal contour that is relatively flat and the angle where it joins the tail is more than 90 degrees. The lionhead tail is like that of the fantail. The side-view ranchu is similar to the lionhead but has a much more curved dorsal contour, making an acute angle (less than 90 degrees) where it joins the upper lobe of the tail fin at the caudal peduncle. The ranchu tail is splayed sideways with the lower lobes sometimes lying almost horizontal. They also have something called a “lionchu” now.

-steveh

[koikiller]

nice....i like those goldfish there cute imma buy one.