Ranchu also known as Buffalo-Head or Maruko Goldfish is a popular species of Fancy Goldfish which is known well for not having a top dorsal fin and being very clumsy swimmers.
Originating in Japan.
Features.
Approx. Size; 5-6"/ 12-15cm
Origin; Japan.
Family;
Temperament; Peaceful.
Lighting; Moderate.
Water Conditions.
Ideal PH; 7-8.
Ideal Temperature; 18-22°C.
Idea; Waterflow; Low!(they cannot navigate through high flowing waters)
Ease of Care.
Ranchu Goldfish are relatively easy to care for as long as the water conditions are maintained and the tank is kept nice and clean they will live healthy and happy.
Diet.
Ranchu's diet mostly consists of sinking pellets - with any fancy fish sinking pellets are the best as if they have fish flake they will take to much oxygen and get a disease called swim bladder. They also like having frozen Bloodworm Brine Shrimp and Daphnia. Feeding a mixture of these helps meet the nutritional requirements to keep them nice and healthy.
Compatibility.
It is best to keep Ranchu's with other slow moving fish as you do not want other fish to be too fast that the Ranchu's do not get any food. these can include Fancy Fantails as well as Bubble eyed Goldfish.
Breeding/Sex.
Sexing Ranchu's is a very difficult thing as Male and Females almost look identical apart from at maturity Males will develop tubercles on their faces and gills(which are like little white dots).
Lifespan.
On average the Ranchu Goldfish will live between 8-15 years although like ost fish kept in captivity this is not always guaranteed.
