Lionhead Goldfish 4cm

Lionhead Goldfish

When it comes to the world of fancy goldfish there is an absolute sea of different variations to choose from. They range in colours, shapes, and sizes which often makes them lovely fish to keep in a dedicated display. One of these fantastic strains is the lionhead goldfish. The lionhead goldfish are actually derived from the beloved ranchu which originates from Japan. Lionheads were selectively line-bred in China to have slightly different features whilst still maintaining the lovely features of the normal Ranchu.

The main difference in Lionhead goldfish when compared to normal ranchus is the abundance of bubbly, fleshy facial growth also known as the wen. The meeting of the spine and tail is also a lot less upturned when compared to standard ranches which are bred to have an evident flick upwards. Aside from these differences, the body shape, colours, behaviour, and activity are all the same as ranches. Lionhead goldfish come in a range of colours like red, white, grey, and all these colours combined!

Whilst goldfish are cold water tolerant and can be kept in outdoor ponds, it is better to keep lionhead goldfish indoors. These fish are not the best swimmers and are bred in tropical countries, they may not be able to hide swiftly from predators outdoors or even tolerate the near-freezing temperatures that comet goldfish can live in. Breeding these fish in captivity however is possible, sexing these goldfish is a difficult task but once males and females reach maturity they can show some chasing behaviours. Females may also appear to be larger when filled with eggs and have clear cheek plates whereas males tend to develop star-shaped bumps.

Tank Recommendations for Goldfish Lionhead
The lionhead goldfish can get fairly big at 15 cm meaning that an individual would need around 100 litres, but a larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one lionhead goldfish? Two lionhead goldfish of course!

The thing to note however with lionhead goldfish is that they are not the best swimmers, so a slower flow is better. A sand substrate is best as Lionhead goldfish will actively sift through the sand; smooth river stones can be added for further decoration. Sharp materials should be avoided in the aquarium like pointy driftwood as lionhead goldfish can easily get injured by them. These fish can tolerate plants to an extent as well, avoiding any fine-leaf plants would be best however a range of robust species can be considered like crypts.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Lionhead goldfish are great fish as they are not aggressive in the slightest and can be kept with tank mates. Common tank mates they can be kept with are active and small cold-water tolerant fish. The goldfish however might eat fry produced by these smaller fish however they will be perfectly fine with adults. Fin nipping species however should be avoided entirely as they will make short work of the slow-moving goldfish fins.

Usually Compatible
Medaka ricefish, paradise fish, giant danios, zebra danio, White Cloud Mountain minnows

Sometimes Compatible
Species that can be fin nippers like rosy barbs and also tropical species such as angelfish, dwarf cichlids, mollies, and species of a similar sort.

Rarely Compatible
Larger cichlids and fish have a mouth large such as Oscars, and jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Goldfish Lionhead
Feeding Lionhead goldfish should be a breeze, they should immediately take to any aquarium food practically within 24 hours of being added to their new home. Having other lionhead goldfish as well will really cost their confidence making them an almost ravenous pack when feeding (all friendly though). Slow-sinking foods would be best as lionhead goldfish have been known to at times get swim bladder issues after frantically gulping for food at the surface. Good quality pellets or flakes that are rich in algae or spirulina content are best to suit their herbivorous diet.

Plant Safe?
No - however rough-leafed plants like Anubias may be okay.