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Lionhead Goldfish
IntermediateChinese goldfish considered the ancestor of ranchu. Large wen covering entire head resembles a lions mane. No dorsal fin.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
5〜30℃（適温18〜24℃）
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
12-20cm
Diet
Goldfish pellets
About
The Lionhead is a Chinese goldfish variety considered to be an ancestor of the Japanese Ranchu. It is named for the large, lion's-mane-like wen that covers the entire head, including the cheeks and gill covers—more extensive than is typically seen on the Ranchu. Like the Ranchu, the Lionhead lacks a dorsal fin and has a rounded, egg-shaped body. The quality and density of the wen is the primary criterion in Chinese goldfish competitions. Lionheads are gentle, slow-moving fish that do best in low-flow tanks of 60 liters or more with clean, stable water conditions. The crevices of the wen require close monitoring to prevent bacterial infections. As with other round-bodied goldfish, swim bladder disorder is a risk, making moderate, easily digestible feeding important.
Basic Info
Origin
China
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
12-20cm
Temperature
5〜30℃（適温18〜24℃）
Diet
Goldfish pellets
Care Guide
Tank
60L+. Gentle flow
Wen
Wen maintenance is important
Temperature
15-25°C
Care Specifications
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 5–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 18–23℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate
Sources: FishBase / Aqueon Goldfish Care Guide
Morphs (Varieties)
金魚品種は体型・尾型・鱗・色の選抜固定(line-bred)。出目・透明鱗(キャリコ)・白子等は単一座。
PolygenicContinuous trait from multiple genes; intensified by selective breeding.
Head growth (wen)
Line-bredEstablished by selective line breeding.
Dorsal-lessEgg-shaped body
Sources: Wikipedia - Goldfish (Varieties) / 金魚 - Wikipedia (日本語版・品種)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cyprinus thoracatus Valenciennes, 1842, Carassius burgeri Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Cyprinus chinensis Gronow, 1854
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · FishBase: Carassius auratus · GBIF: Carassius auratus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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