LIONHEAD GOLDFISH

The Lionhead is the oldest of the dorsal-less breeds, originating as an offshoot from the Eggfish. The Lionhead itself originated in China around the 1600s.

After being exported to Japan, it was further refined into the Ranchu variety in the mid-1800s. Ranchus are the most expensive goldfish you can buy. Though the Ranchu steals much of it's thunder, the Lionhead is a very popular breed in it's own right. Ranchus are discussed in detail in the "Variants" section below.

The body depth should be equal to 1/2 the body length or more. Modern Lionhead standards seem to be migrating in the direction of Ranchu-like fatter bodies (both width and depth). The back should be a smooth shallow arch from head to tail, with no imperfections such as bumps or spikes (vestigial dorsal fins). Old drawings of Lionheads show them with straight backs, but modern Lionheads should have at least a mild arch to their back. Lionheads are now exhibiting the same steep rear dorsal arch as Ranchus, though not as deep as with Ranchus.

Lionheads should have a full hood, dense and well developed. It should be even on all sides (as opposed to the Oranda wen, which is denser on top). As their name implies, they have wide massive heads compared to other goldfish. Their faces look like fish versions of bulldogs.

All fins should be paired and have a rounded appearance. There should be no dorsal fin (if there is, it is not a Lionhead but a Tigerhead variant of an Oranda). Caudal fins should be divided and moderately forked. Lionheads have short stiff fins that are slightly rounded on the ends. Lionhead Caudal fins are either straight (horzontal to the body) or slightly inclined up from the tail. Color saturation of the fins is not only desired, but seems to be the norm for this breed. Even from common pet store specimens.

Most Lionheads are orange or a mix of orange and white, but they come in virtually all colors. Black seems to be the new favorite.