Kaix
05-18-2006, 10:54 AM
GOLDFISH originated in China, they are also the main exporter of fancy goldfish today. With a thousand-year tradition of goldfish keeping, collecting and appreciation, our Chinese "mentors" have much to teach us in this type of endeavor.
Goldfish were introduced into Japan about 500 years ago from their place of origin. They were brought to trading ports in western Japan, especially the merchant city of Sakai, near Osaka, which was a center for trade with China at the time. It is thought that the first goldfish to arrive in Japan from China were of the variety closely resembling what is now known as the "Wakin" - which means, ironically, Japanese goldfish.
The Ranchu is similar to the Chinese Lionhead, but its back is more arched and its tail is much shorter and tucked in at sharp angle. It is perhaps the most highly prized variety in Japan, and standards there are very strict. The Ranchu, by common agreement, is the king of Japanese goldfish. It has a short, round body and short fins, except for the dorsal fin, which it lacks entirely.
The tail is set at a sharp angle to the back, and may have head growth covering the entire head. It may have three or four lobes.
The most important objective principle of the Ranchu standard is not the size, however, but balcance and proper proportions. This is looked for first in the way the fish holds itself and swims, not only because the deportment of the fish is very important in itself, but also because it is believed deportment quickly reveals any faults in conformation that destroy the perfect balance and proportion that is the ideal.
Goldfish were introduced into Japan about 500 years ago from their place of origin. They were brought to trading ports in western Japan, especially the merchant city of Sakai, near Osaka, which was a center for trade with China at the time. It is thought that the first goldfish to arrive in Japan from China were of the variety closely resembling what is now known as the "Wakin" - which means, ironically, Japanese goldfish.
The Ranchu is similar to the Chinese Lionhead, but its back is more arched and its tail is much shorter and tucked in at sharp angle. It is perhaps the most highly prized variety in Japan, and standards there are very strict. The Ranchu, by common agreement, is the king of Japanese goldfish. It has a short, round body and short fins, except for the dorsal fin, which it lacks entirely.
The tail is set at a sharp angle to the back, and may have head growth covering the entire head. It may have three or four lobes.
The most important objective principle of the Ranchu standard is not the size, however, but balcance and proper proportions. This is looked for first in the way the fish holds itself and swims, not only because the deportment of the fish is very important in itself, but also because it is believed deportment quickly reveals any faults in conformation that destroy the perfect balance and proportion that is the ideal.