Ranchu vs oranda

The differences

• Dorsal fin. The oranda has one; the ranchu has none. This is the fastest way to tell them apart at any age.
• Tail. Oranda tails are long, flowing and held high. Ranchu tails are short, tucked and spread wide when seen from above.
• Body. Both are round, but the oranda is longer with a visible back line; the ranchu is a short, deep egg with an arched back.
• Wen. Both grow head growth. The oranda's is usually a cap on top of the head; the ranchu's covers the head and cheeks. See anatomy.
• Size. Orandas grow larger, commonly 8 to 10 inches with tail, and faster.
• Swimming. Orandas are quicker and more stable. Ranchu are slower and more prone to floating.

Can they live together?

Yes, and the pairing is common. Both need the same water, temperature and sinking food. Watch feeding: a large oranda reaches food first, so scatter sinking pellets across the tub and give the ranchu time. Keep the flow gentle for the ranchu's sake. Space is per fish, not per species; check the tank calculator.

Ranchu and oranda crosses

They are the same species and will spawn together. The fry are a mixed bag: most have partial dorsal fins or spikes, medium tails and neither parent's outline. Some shops sell such fish as "lionchu" or under invented names. They can be healthy pets, but they are not ranchu and will not develop a ranchu shape. If you want ranchu, keep the sexes of your two breeds apart in spring or accept the results as pets.

Which to choose

An oranda is the easier first fancy goldfish: hardier, faster growing, more forgiving of floating food. A ranchu asks for more attention to feeding and depth and gives back a stranger, quieter, more sculptural fish. The lionhead comparison covers the other dorsal-less breed people confuse with ranchu.