Lionhead Goldfish

Lionhead goldfish is a variety of fancy goldfish, bred in China as early as the 15^th century to honor their mythical lion dog. The hood on its head, extending to the gill plates and cheeks, gives it an adorable, chubby appearance. China introduced this fish to Japan in the 17-18^th centuries, with its popularity eventually spreading to Europe and America as well. They are delicate compared to most other fancy varieties, needing a lot of care.

 Quick Information

Other Names	Chinese lionhead goldfish
Origin	China, Japan
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded
Breed Standards	BAS
Behavioral Characteristics	Social, adaptable, friendly, gentle
School Size	3 – 4
Tail Type	Fantailed (double tailed)
Physical Traits	Short, stubby, egg-shaped body; hooded head; fat cheeks, arched back; short finnage (twin tail fin, double anal fin and no dorsal fin)
Scales	Nacreous, matte, metallic
Colors	Orange, red, blue, black, white, chocolate, black and white, red and white, black and red
Size (How big do they get)	Medium; 6 inches (15 cm)
Growth Rate	An inch a year (lessening as the fish matures)
Lifespan (How long do they live)	10 – 15 years (up to 20 years in a well-maintained aquarium)
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males: Pronounced hood and a heavy body; mature males shed patches of it periodically; Females: Less prominent hood and a slimmer body
Probable Diseases	Dropsy, ich, fin rot, swim bladder disease
Approximate Price	$5 – 10

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Expert
Tank Size	20 – 30 gallons (76 – 114 liters)

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0 – 8.0
Temperature	65 – 72° F (18.3 – 22.2°C); unable to bare low water temperature
Hardness	5 – 19 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Low (since they have a sluggish movement)

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Brightly lit
Substrate Type	Gravel (without sharp edges); sand, river rocks,  real or artificial plants
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Bubble eye goldfish, celestial goldfish, telescope goldfish Incompatible with: Fast-moving fishes like the common goldfish, shubunkin, comet goldfish
Suitable Position in the Tank	Middle

Feeding

Diet	Sinking food like brine shrimp pellets, crab and lobster bites;  live food like bloodworms, daphnia, and tubifex; plant matter
Frequency	3 times a day

Important Things To Know For Fish Keepers

• Their head growth or wen (as referred to in Chinese) is susceptible to infection. If you spot rawness around the area or observe your fish showing irritation by acting restless or not wanting to eat, attend to it immediately.
• For some, the hood would grow so much that it may cover a major portion of their head, obstructing vision. Such lionheads would display an uncoordinated movement, facing trouble in searching for their food, needing to be fed using a food cone or clip.

FAQs