My so called ranchu

[mattpadrigan]

These are so "ranchu" I picked up at a not so local fish store. Didn't know much about them at the time so I went ahead and got them. I think one of them turned out to be a lionhead instead. Take a look and tell me what you think!!!

http://goldfishkeepers.com/forum/album.php?u=3582

[small_ranchu]

Be honestly, side view profile is not good enought for a good ranchu. Do you have any top view picture?

[suphi]

I think the 2nd one has decent profile, need more head growth though. Feed (overfeed) a lot of bloodworms and see what happens in a few months

[bigbettadan]

Actually I expected worse(not counting the calico).... Would need to see a top view, but the peduncles look weak from the side. They are pet grade ranchu..... not worth breeding IMO. After conversing with you a bit and your goals, get better stock.

Dan

[Cincy Ranchu]

I think those fish are great to start with, especially #2 from the left. It will be interesting to see if you can get headgrowth. Lots of room and some high protien food 4 times a day and you will be off to the races......

[mattpadrigan]

thats exactly why i said that i didnt know much about ranchu except that they didnt have a back fin and the rounded back. i know they are very far from the impressive type of ranchu.

[mattpadrigan]

btw, thank you for all you honest opinions!!!!

[suphi]

Since this is your first time as a ranchu keeper I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just try to get a hang of feeding, grooming, cleaning, etc. Check out pictures of fish that won show awards from time to time to see what a show fish should look like. If you want a true ranchu then go with top-view fish in the future, they're stronger than side-view type and are less prone to swimbladder problem as their body is much less distorted.

These guys won't be your last for sure since they typically don't live past 6-7 years. Once you have more experiences and can keep them alive long term then you can start looking for higher-quality fish.

[Mikey V]

I have been keeping lionhead for years, and just last year started getting into ranchu ("side view"). I started like you have with pet store fish, and to be honest, I dont want to purchase TVR until I'm positive I have fish keeping down...the idea of losing a $400 goldfish because of a stupid mistake terrifies me. I also commute to and from school, so until i graduate next year I cant justify the investment. Go to goldfish shows in your area, usually you can get good deals from vendors, especially towards the end of the shows-that's how I was able to afford my SVR

[Mikey V]

PS- How old is the lionhead (the last one)? I think with some Hikari Lionhead (look for it online ot some of the vendors here) and a year or so of heavy feeding w/ good water quality she could look great when her wen grows and back straightens a little!

[mattpadrigan]

what do you think about this ranchu of mine?
wondering if i have a potential fish or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvZpomDjFGs

[bigbettadan]

It's too dark to see....... Is it a Matsuyama from Rob???

Dan

[Virginia ranchu]

....Bitch!!

[mattpadrigan]

HAHA!!! Rob, soo sorry!!!

Dan, no its not. i got this fish at the a LFS. it is the one in my ALBUM. :[