Tankmates: Keep with other slow, dorsal-less breeds (ranchu, lionhead, bubble eye); faster goldfish outcompete them.
Feeding: Sinking or pre-soaked foods reduce air gulping in round-bodied breeds. Overfeeding causes bloat and fouls water quickly.
1–0 of 0
The ranchu is often called the "king of goldfish". It has no dorsal fin, a short, thick body with a smooth arched back, and a head that develops a wen as it matures. Malaysian hobbyists call it ikan emas ranchu, and it has a loyal following among keepers who appreciate subtle shape over flashy fins.
Ranchu are slow, gentle swimmers and are best kept with other calm fancy goldfish. FishyHub lists ranchu from Malaysian sellers and breeders, so you can compare body shape, colour and size with prices in RM.
Bred to be appreciated from above, with a broad back, a strong curve to the tail base and a tail that spreads out neatly. Judging focuses on the top view and on how the fish swims.
Often with a larger head growth and a more prominent tail, and usually viewed from the side as well. These are common in the Southeast Asian trade.
Lionheads also lack a dorsal fin but have a longer body and less arched back. Names are used loosely between sellers, so compare photos rather than relying only on the label.
| Care point | Guide |
|---|---|
| Temperature | About 20–27°C ideal. In Malaysian rooms at 26–31°C, rely on shade, aeration and a fan to keep the water below 30°C. |
| Minimum tank | 2 kaki (60 cm, about 55–65 L) for one or two; wider is better than taller. |
| Adult size | Around 12–18 cm, but very thick-bodied. |
| Temperament | Very peaceful; slow swimmer. |
| Diet | Sinking pellets, gel food, vegetables, occasional frozen or live foods. |
| Beginner-friendly? | Fairly, if water quality is kept high and tankmates are gentle. |
Without a dorsal fin, ranchu are less stable in the water and have to work harder to swim. Deep tanks with strong flow tire them out. Many Malaysian keepers use low, wide tanks, ponds or even large tubs, which also helps with oxygen exchange in warm weather. If you use a standard 2-foot tank, keep the filter outflow gentle and leave plenty of open space.
Heat plus a heavy-bodied fish means oxygen is the main concern. Keep an air pump running, don't overstock, and keep the tank out of the sun. Always treat tap water with anti klorin before it goes in. Ranchu are prone to buoyancy problems, which are often linked to overfeeding or poor water, so feed small amounts of soaked, sinking food and keep up with water changes.
Body shape matters most with ranchu, so look for top-view and side-view photos or a video of the actual fish. Check its size, the seller's location, delivery or self-collect options and any live-arrival terms. Prices in RM depend on shape, head growth, colour and the breeder's reputation. Ranchu are popular as Chinese New Year gifts, so good fish can go quickly around then. Buyers in Sabah and Sarawak should check with the seller about delivery first.
Kedua-duanya tiada sirip belakang. Ranchu ada belakang yang lebih melengkung dan badan lebih pendek, manakala lionhead lebih panjang dan belakangnya lebih rata.
Biasanya masalah pundi renang, selalunya kerana terlebih makan atau kualiti air yang kurang baik. Kurangkan makanan, tukar air dan beri makanan tenggelam yang sudah direndam.
They stay compact, but they still produce a lot of waste. A 2-foot tank for one or two fish is a sensible minimum.
Other slow fancies such as bubble eyes, telescopes and other ranchu. Avoid fast single-tails like wakin.
Compare ranchu goldfish from sellers across Malaysia, with photos, sizes and prices in RM. Also browse bubble eye goldfish and our wider goldfish category for compatible tankmates.
No products found
