Ah, the sturgeon fish ! A little aquatic jewel that has never ceased to fascinate me since I started managing the ornamental fish department in our pet shop. With its round body and graceful swim, it adds a touch of elegance to any aquarium. Let me tell you more about this charming fish that so many aquarists love!
Unique characteristics of the ranchu: an extraordinary fish
The ranchu is no ordinary goldfish, believe me! It's a real little ball of charm with an unusual physique. Here's what makes them so special:
Surprising morphology
The body of the ranchu is truly distinctive. Imagine a small, compact, oval ball with no dorsal fin and a well arched back. Its broad head has a protrusion called a "bonnet", which is less pronounced than on its cousin the lionhead fish. And what about its big, expressive eyes? It's almost as if they're following your gaze as you walk past the aquarium!
Colours to die for
Ranchus are real little aquatic chameleons! They come in a multitude of colours:
- Bright red
- Pearly white
- Ebony black
- Bright orange
- Deep blue
My favourite? The calico ranchu, with its pretty multicoloured spots that make it look like a little sea clown. It's a real feast for the eyes!
Size and longevity
As adults, these little fellows grow to between 10 and 20 cm. Not bad for an ornamental fish, eh? With the right care, they can live for ten years or so. I've even heard of one ranchu celebrating its 15th birthday! A real fish grandpa.
Housing and care: pampering your ranchu
Now that you've fallen under the spell of this little fish, let's talk a little about its well-being. Because yes, a happy ranchu is a healthy ranchu!
A suitable aquarium
These little gluttons need space to thrive. Allow at least 50 to 100 litres per fish. Personally, I always recommend thinking bigger: a nice indoor tank will do them a world of good. Don't forget good filtration and effective oxygenation, as these fish are a bit sensitive.
Here's a quick summary of the ideal conditions for your ranchu :
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 17-28°C |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5-15 |
Balanced diet
Ranchos are real omnivorous gourmets. To keep him in top form, vary his menu:
- Special goldfish pellets
- Cooked vegetables (spinach, courgettes)
- Bloodworms or artemia (as snacks)
A little professional tip: I like to give them lettuce leaves from time to time. They love it and it's great for their digestion!
Maintenance and surveillance
Ranchu require a little more attention than their goldfish cousins. Their heads, in particular, are susceptible to infection. Regular water changes (around 30% per week) and daily observation will enable you to spot any problems quickly.
If you're a fan of these charming little balls, you'll certainly appreciate the koi carptheir Japanese cousins. These magnificent fish are just as fascinating!
The ranchu: star of ponds and competitions
Did you know that the ranchu is a real celebrity in the aquatic world? In China and Japan, they are considered a national treasure. I've even heard that there are beauty contests for these little fish!
The ranchu is appreciated for its unique aesthetic. Its rounded silhouette and graceful swimming make it a real living jewel. It's a bit like the mannequin of aquariums, if you ask me!
There are several varieties of ranchu, each with its own special characteristics:
- Chinese ranchu: the oldest, with a longer body
- Japanese ranchu: rounder, with a larger head
- American ranchu: a mixture of the two above
Each variety has its fans, but they all share the elegance that is so characteristic of ranchu. I was lucky enough to attend a ranchu competition during a trip to Japan, and believe me, it was impressive!
If you're curious to discover other aquatic wonders, I recommend you take a look at this exceptional koi carp. It's amazing what nature can create!
Adopting a rancher: points to consider
Have you fallen under the spell of the ranchu and are you thinking of adopting one? Congratulations, you won't regret it! Here are a few tips to help you get off to a good start with this little fish:
- Preparing your home Make sure you have a sufficiently large and well-equipped aquarium before welcoming your ranchu.
- Choose a healthy fish Observe the behaviour and appearance of the fish before buying. A ranchu in good shape is lively and has a skin free of suspicious spots.
- Plan a period of adjustment The first step: Give your new companion time to get used to his new environment. Don't worry, he'll soon be like a fish in water!
- Socialise Ranchus are sociable fish. Consider adopting several to ensure their well-being.
As a keen aquarist, I can tell you that looking after a ranchu is an enriching experience. These little fish really do have an endearing personality!
Le sturgeon fish is much more than just an ornamental fish. It's a real little living jewel that will add a touch of elegance and originality to your aquarium. With the right care and a little attention, it will quickly become the star of your tank. So, are you ready to dive into the ranchu adventure?
Sources :
English 
French