Edonishiki
IntermediateCarassius auratus
A Ranchu whose brown and blue (seibun) tones blend into a purplish color. The color is said to appear when genes for both blue and brown are present; most fish are imported from China. Its in-between tone separates it from Chocolate and Blue Ranchu.
Menou (agate) Ranchu is a Ranchu — dorsal-less with a developed head growth — in the color called menou. Menou is a rare, purplish color said to appear when genes for both blue and brown are present, giving a blend of brown and the blue-grey of the Seibungyo; the name comes from the agate gemstone. It is identified by color: the Chocolate Ranchu is a solid copper brown and the Blue Ranchu is grey-blue, while the Menou mixes both into a purplish tone. It is a base body color rather than a mottled pattern like calico. Menou coloring also appears, rarely, in Butterfly Tails, Ryukin and Orandas. Foreign Ranchu have been improved with different aesthetics from Japan, and black and brown traits little valued in Japan have become established as varieties such as the Menou Ranchu. In Japan, fish imported from China are sold by goldfish specialists and online shops. Body shape and care are the same as the parent Ranchu. Blue-type goldfish can fade toward white as they grow, so menou coloring may also shift over time.
The Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) lives With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce).
The Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) grows to Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce.
The ideal temperature for the Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) is 20〜23℃.
Origin
China (most fish on the market are Chinese-bred)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Carassius auratus · FishBase: Carassius auratus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+, 2026-09-23) and are not designated Invasive Alien Species in Japan. Never release pet goldfish into rivers or ponds.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce)
Size
Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce
Temperature
20〜23℃
Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia)
A purplish base color blending brown and blue-grey; the Chocolate Ranchu is solid brown and the Blue Ranchu grey-blue.
The ideal range for fancy goldfish is about 20-23°C, pH around 7.0-8.4. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.
Allow roughly 38 L (10 gallons) or more per adult fish; as a top-view variety, a wide, shallow container also works well.
Dorsal-less and slow; keep with other Ranchu or dorsal-less varieties.
Feed goldfish pellets as the staple in small portions several times a day.
Blue-type goldfish can fade toward white as they grow, and menou coloring may also shift; do not assume the color is fixed.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) is 20〜23℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) is With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) typically reaches Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) feeds on: Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Menou Ranchu (Agate Ranchu) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
