Lionhead Goldfish

Lionhead Goldfish

Description of the Lionhead Goldfish
The Lionhead Goldfish is also commonly known as the Ranchu in Japan. It can be recognised by its lack of dorsal fin and also has a  large growth on its head which is thought to resemble a bunch of grapes! It is not recommended for beginners, it is not as hardy as fancy goldfish varieties.

Profile of the Lionhead Goldfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Lionhead Goldfish species.

• Size: 13cm

• Diet / Feeding: Commercial Dried Fish Food Flakes

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Habitat:Outdoor Pond or Coldwater Tank

• Behaviour: Good community fish but a slow swimmer, ensure it is getting enough food

Scientific Classification of the Lionhead Goldfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Carassius auratus auratus

• Popular Name: Lionhead Goldfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Cypriniformes

• Family: Cyprinidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Lionhead Goldfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Lionhead Goldfish slimy?
Lionhead Goldfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Lionhead Goldfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Lionhead Goldfish have gills?
Gills enable the Lionhead Goldfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Lionhead Goldfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Lionhead Goldfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Lionhead Goldfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Lionhead Goldfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Lionhead Goldfish