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Lionhead Goldfish

By | Last Updated: 18th May 2020

Lionhead goldfish is a variety of fancy goldfish, bred in China as early as the 15th century to honor their mythical lion dog. The hood on its head, extending to the gill plates and cheeks, gives it an adorable, chubby appearance. China introduced this fish to Japan in the 17-18th centuries, with its popularity eventually spreading to Europe and America as well. They are delicate compared to most other fancy varieties, needing a lot of care.

Lionhead Goldfish

 Quick Information

Other Names Chinese lionhead goldfish
Origin China, Japan
Type Freshwater fish
Conservation Status Not recorded
Breed Standards BAS
Behavioral Characteristics Social, adaptable, friendly, gentle
School Size 3 – 4
Tail Type Fantailed (double tailed)
Physical Traits Short, stubby, egg-shaped body; hooded head; fat cheeks, arched back; short finnage (twin tail fin, double anal fin and no dorsal fin)
Scales   Nacreous, matte, metallic
Colors Orange, red, blue, black, white, chocolate, black and white, red and white, black and red
Size (How big do they get) Medium; 6 inches (15 cm)
Growth Rate An inch a year (lessening as the fish matures)
Lifespan (How long do they live) 10 – 15 years (up to 20 years in a well-maintained aquarium)
Sexual Dimorphism Present; Males: Pronounced hood and a heavy body; mature males shed patches of it periodically;
Females: Less prominent hood and a slimmer body
Probable Diseases  Dropsy, ich, fin rot, swim bladder disease 
Approximate Price $5 – 10
Lionhead Goldfish Size

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level Expert
Tank Size 20 – 30 gallons (76 – 114 liters)

Water Parameters

pH Level 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature 65 – 72° F (18.3 – 22.2°C); unable to bare low water temperature
Hardness 5 – 19 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow Low (since they have a sluggish movement)

Tank Ambience

Lighting Brightly lit 
Substrate Type Gravel (without sharp edges); sand, river rocks,  real or artificial plants  
Tank Mates Compatible with: Bubble eye goldfish, celestial goldfish, telescope goldfish
Incompatible with: Fast-moving fishes like the common goldfish, shubunkin, comet goldfish
Suitable Position in the Tank Middle

Feeding

Diet Sinking food like brine shrimp pellets, crab and lobster bites;  live food like bloodworms, daphnia, and tubifex; plant matter
Frequency  3 times a day
Black Lionhead Goldfish

Important Things To Know For Fish Keepers

  • Their head growth or wen (as referred to in Chinese) is susceptible to infection. If you spot rawness around the area or observe your fish showing irritation by acting restless or not wanting to eat, attend to it immediately.
  • For some, the hood would grow so much that it may cover a major portion of their head, obstructing vision. Such lionheads would display an uncoordinated movement, facing trouble in searching for their food, needing to be fed using a food cone or clip.

FAQs

Q. What is the difference between the lionhead goldfish and ranchu?

The lionhead has a large, round head, and a flat profile, while the ranchu possesses a wide head with a curved profile.

Q. Why is the lionhead goldfish slow-paced?

Because they lack dorsal fins which helps in maintaining stability in movement.

Q. How different is the Japanese lionhead from the Chinese variety?

The lionheads in Japan differ a little than their Chinese counterparts having a more rounded back profile, lessened head growth as well as a modified tail.

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