Description
The Ranchu Red Head Fancy is a captivating goldfish variety renowned for its unique appearance and playful personality. Originally bred in China, it has become a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts due to its charming features and relatively easy care requirements. Unlike many other goldfish species, the Ranchu Red Head Fancy lacks dorsal fins, which contributes to its distinctive, rounded body shape. This variety is highly prized for its aesthetic appeal and ability to adapt to different environments with proper care.
Shop live aquarium fish online with confidence, with our livestock delivery guarantee.
Features of a Ranchu Red Head Fancy
-
Body Shape: The Ranchu has a spherical, short-bodied shape with a deep, broad head.
-
Coloration: Typically bright orange with a characteristic red cap-like structure covering the head, giving it a "red head" appearance.
-
Lack of Dorsal Fin: Unlike many other goldfish, the Ranchu does not have a dorsal fin, which adds to its unique look.
-
Eye Position: The eyes are often placed in a slightly upward direction, giving the fish an inquisitive appearance.
-
Size: Typically grows to about 18 cm in length when fully mature.
The Best Aquarium Size for Ranchu Red Head Fancy
-
A minimum of 100 liters is recommended for a single Ranchu Red Head Fancy.
-
For multiple fish, increase the size to 200 liters or more to ensure proper swimming space.
-
This allows for adequate water filtration and space for the fish to thrive.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse our Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Tank Mate Compatibility for Ranchu Red Head Fancy
Ranchu Red Head Fancies are peaceful but prefer to be housed with other non-aggressive fish. Some suitable tank mates include:
-
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
-
Corydoras Catfish
-
Zebra Danios
-
Otocinclus Catfish
-
Plecostomus
-
Other Fancy Goldfish Varieties
Diet for Ranchu Red Head Fancy
Ranchu Red Head Fancies are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet. Their food should include:
-
High-quality goldfish pellets or flakes as a staple.
-
Frozen or live food such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms for protein.
-
Vegetables like blanched spinach, peas, and zucchini, which can aid in digestion.
Browse our High Quality Fish Food online.
Aquarium Setup for Ranchu Red Head Fancy
Aquarium Filtration
-
A powerful filtration system is essential to maintain water quality, as Ranchus produce a significant amount of waste.
-
Ensure the filter has an adjustable flow rate, as Ranchus are not strong swimmers and need a gentle current.
Browse aquarium filters here.
Aquarium Plants
-
Live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and hornwort are excellent choices. They provide hiding spaces and improve water quality.
-
Avoid delicate plants that can be uprooted by the fish or consumed.
Interested in live plants for your aquariums? Browse live plants here.
Aquarium Lighting
-
Moderate lighting is ideal. Excessive light can stress the fish, but too little can hinder plant growth.
-
A standard light cycle of 10-12 hours of light per day is recommended.
Need aquarium lighting for your fish tank? Browse our Aquarium Lighting.
Aquarium Heating
-
Ranchu Red Head Fancies thrive in water temperatures between 18°C and 24°C.
-
A reliable aquarium heater should be used to maintain a consistent temperature, especially in cooler climates.
- Water pH 6.5 to 7.5
Looking for a suitable fish tank heater? Shop aquarium heaters here.
Aquarium Substrate
-
A soft sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal to prevent injury to the fish’s delicate bodies.
-
Avoid sharp or large gravel, as it can cause harm to the Ranchu’s sensitive skin.
Shop a variety of Aquarium Substrates here.
Aquarium Decorations
-
Decorations such as caves, rocks, or driftwood can provide hiding spots and break up the aquarium space.
-
Ensure there are no sharp edges that could harm the fish.
Shop a variety of Aquarium Substrates here.
