The lionhead goldfish, also known as the ranchu or flowerhorn, is a medium-sized fish. It can grow to a length of 20-40 cm and has a stout and flat body. Its head is raised with a short snout and a large mouth. The lips are finely serrated, and the eyes are large with mostly red irises, although some individuals may have white or gold irises. The lionhead goldfish displays a variety of bright and vibrant colors, with its scales often having a shiny golden or spotted reflection. Most varieties have irregular black markings on their forehead and along their lateral line. They are carnivorous and can feed on pellet food. They have a fierce temperament and a strong sense of territory. The lionhead goldfish has a broad body shape, with a flattened and elongated body. Its body length is similar to its body height, and its forehead is prominent and full. Its eyes are distinct, with red eye circles. It has a low disease incidence and is easy to keep. The lionhead goldfish has a varied diet and can be fed with both natural and artificial feed. In general, it can be fed with shrimp, shrimp meat, fish, bloodworms, and earthworms.
Lionhead goldfish is a new type of ornamental fish bred by Malaysian aquarists in 1996 through continuous hybridization and selection of several species of South American cichlids, including Qingjinhu, Zihonghuokou, Jiu Jianboluo, Jinqianbao, Jinguangyingwu, and Hongmogui. It is named after its raised head resembling a Luohan. At that time, this new variety of fish sparked a frenzy of Flowerhorn breeding, sweeping across the entire Asia-Pacific region. Fish enthusiasts from Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, and other places rushed to purchase, causing a sensation in the aquarium industry.
1. Ichthyophthyosis
Discover that the fish body grows "white hair", the disease develops, and the affected muscles rot and appetite decreases, eventually leading to death. This disease can occur at any time of the year.
Treatment methods: A. Soak the diseased fish in a 3% saline solution once a day for 5-10 minutes each time. B. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 2 ppm potassium permanganate and 5% saline solution for 20-30 minutes once a day. C. Wash the diseased fish with a 1-2 ppm malachite green solution for 20-30 minutes twice a day. D. Soak the diseased fish in a 5 ppm furazolidone solution until it recovers.
2. Pine scale disease (pine cone disease)
The scales of the diseased fish stand up like pine cones.
Treatment methods: A. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 1/100,000 unit of tetracycline for 2 hours twice a day. B. Mix a 2% sodium chloride solution with a 3% sodium bicarbonate solution. The diseased fish should be bathed in this solution twice a day for 10 minutes each time. C. Add 0.5 grams of chloramphenicol per 40 kilograms of water for bathing.
3. Fluke disease
When the fish is diseased, it swims rapidly in the tank.
Treatment methods: Put the diseased fish into a formalin solution. Add formalin ICC to 4 kilograms of water. After soaking the diseased fish for 10-20 seconds, immediately remove it and place it back in the original tank. This treatment should be done twice a day for 2-3 consecutive days.
4. Cold
The fish remains motionless, floats on the water surface, and loses its skin and fin gloss, becoming dull in color.
Treatment methods: Keep the water temperature constant and soak the diseased fish in a solution of baking soda or 1% saline solution to increase illumination and gradually restore its health.
5. Fish lice disease
The skin of the diseased fish becomes inflamed and ulcerated. When the parasites adhere to the fish body, the fish rubs against the glass, etc.
Treatment methods: Put the diseased fish into a 1.0-1.5% saline solution. After 2-3 days, the parasites can be removed.
6. Ichthyophthiriasis
In the early stage, there are individual small white spots on the fins and body of the fish. The fish has appetite and no significant change in spirit. In the middle stage, white spots are everywhere on the fins and body, the fish loses its appetite, does not like to move, and scratches itself everywhere, and the color becomes dark. In the late stage, white spots cover the whole body, the fish floats on the water surface or sinks to the bottom of the tank. The fish has weak breath, sways from side to side, the surface of the body has increased mucous membranes, difficulty breathing, and suffocation leading to death.
Treatment: This disease requires comprehensive treatment. Medication alone has little effect, and strengthening feeding management is important. First, stop feeding for 4-5 days to reduce pollution; at the same time, keep the water temperature constant, and it is best to raise the temperature by 2-3°C higher than the original water temperature. In the absence of aquatic plants, appropriate medication can be used, as aquatic plants quickly wither when exposed to various drugs.
7. Black spot disease
The fish grows "black spots", which are grayish white. The fungal hyphae entangle and adhere to the tissue of the wound, causing tissue necrosis. At the same time, the diseased fish has reduced appetite and eventually dies.
Treatment: When stocking new fish in the aquarium, a small amount of salt can be added to inhibit the occurrence of water mold. Pay attention to cleaning and disinfection when adding live feed. Keep the water clean to isolate the growth of water mold. This can generally prevent the occurrence of this disease.
Lionhead goldfish is a very active fish. The fish tank for breeding Lionhead goldfish requires a length of at least 80 cm, a width of not less than 35 cm, and if conditions permit, it should be as wide as possible. The height should be above 50 cm because the deeper the water, the greater the pressure, which is helpful for the development of the Lionhead goldfish's head. A large and spacious living space can give Lionhead goldfish enough sense of security, allowing them to show their best posture. Lionhead goldfish does not have strict requirements for water quality, but they prefer weakly alkaline water, so breeders can control the pH value between 6.0-7.8. The water temperature that Lionhead goldfish can tolerate is 26-32 degrees, but their favorite water temperature is 28-30 degrees, so it is best for breeders to control the temperature at around 28 degrees, which can make their physique healthier.
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