How to Raise Telescope Goldfish and Ranchus | Tips for Keeping Round-Bodied Goldfish Healthy
A guide to breeding round-bodied goldfish such as telescope goldfish and ranchus. Covers how to manage protruding eyes and weak digestion due to short intestines, water quality management, prevention of swim bladder disease, and proper feeding techniques.
Key Takeaways
A guide to breeding round-bodied goldfish such as telescope goldfish and ranchus. Covers how to manage protruding eyes and weak digestion due to short intestines, water quality management, prevention of swim bladder disease, and proper feeding techniques.
Related Species
Characteristics and Basic Care of Telescope Goldfish and Ranchus
Telescope goldfish (Demekin) and ranchus (Ryuukin) are two of the most popular goldfish varieties in Japan, alongside fantails and comets. Both are characterized by their rounded, bulbous body shape (round-bodied goldfish), and their charming appearance makes them highly sought after.
However, this rounded body shape brings several important care considerations.
Telescope Goldfish (Demekin): Their defining feature is the large, protruding eyes extending from the head. These protruding eyes are delicate and easily injured, so sharp-edged layout materials must be avoided. They come in various color variations, including tricolor, black, and blue.
Ranchus (Ryuukin): These have a tall, compact, egg-shaped body. They are known to be particularly prone to swim bladder disease (caused by abnormalities in the swim bladder).
Tank Environment Suitable for Round-Bodied Goldfish
Tank Size and Water Volume
Round-bodied goldfish move more slowly than fantails and consume more oxygen, making it essential to maintain adequate water volume. A 60cm tank (60L) is appropriate for 2-3 fish.
Filter and Water Flow
Round-bodied goldfish do not tolerate strong water currents well. Adjust the water flow by directing the outlet of an overhead or external filter toward the tank wall to reduce current strength.
Layout Considerations
The eyes of telescope goldfish are extremely delicate. Avoid sharp rocks, driftwood edges, and sharp plastic materials, and choose rounded layout materials instead.
Feeding and Digestive Management
Round-bodied goldfish have a tendency toward digestive issues due to intestinal compression caused by their body shape.
Food Selection: Sinking pellets or sinking flakes are recommended. Floating food causes fish to ingest large amounts of air, which can lead to swim bladder disease.
