Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Lionhead Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Also called Lionhead
From China; reached Japan in the 17th and 18th centuries1
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, short-bodied, dorsal-less twin-tailed goldfish with a full hood
A short, deep-bodied goldfish with a fairly straight or gently curved back, short fins and no dorsal fin. Its signature is a thick, bumpy hood that wraps the top of the head, the cheeks and the gill covers, giving a puppy-like face. The double tail should be held out neatly rather than drooping, and the hood takes around a year to come in.13
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and slow-moving. Without a dorsal fin it is not a fast swimmer, so it does best with other gentle fancy goldfish rather than speedy, competitive feeders.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. Enjoys calm, open swimming space with gentle water flow.14
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs a good filter, regular partial water changes with dechlorinated, temperature-matched water, and routine tests showing zero ammonia and nitrite. Smooth decor and good water quality keep the soft hood looking its best.42
Home where they are happiest
Keep in a filtered aquarium, not a bowl. Aqueon suggests at least 40 litres (10 US gallons) per adult fancy goldfish, while the RSPCA advises at least 60 litres per goldfish, with wider tanks giving more stable water. Fancy goldfish are comfortable at about 20-23 °C (Aqueon gives 68-74 °F), and the RSPCA notes goldfish in general live at 10-21 °C without a heater. A pH of roughly 6.0-8.4 is fine (FishBase gives 6.0-8.0, Aqueon 7.0-8.4).245
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Offer a goldfish flake, granule or sinking pellet once or twice a day, only as much as is eaten in two to three minutes, with frozen or live foods as occasional treats.25
Company who they like around
A sociable fish that likes company; FishBase suggests goldfish in groups of five or more. Pairs well with ranchu, orandas and other slow fancy goldfish.52
The story where it all began
The lionhead was bred in China to call to mind the mythical Chinese lion-dog. It was taken to Japan in the 1600s and 1700s, where breeders reshaped it with a rounder back, a different tail and a smaller hood, which led to the ranchu.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The lionhead was bred to look like the mythical Chinese lion-dog, known as shishi in Japanese legend.1
- 2
Its hood covers the head, cheeks and gill plates, which many people say gives it a puppy-like face.1
- 3
Crossing lionheads with ranchu produces a type nicknamed the 'lionchu'.1
- 4
Young lionheads need about a year before their hood really starts to show.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy
- Dorsal-less, twin-tailed fancy variety of the domestic goldfish with a full hood; ancestor of the Japanese ranchu3
- IUCN Red List
- The parent species Carassius auratus is assessed as Least Concern5
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lionhead Goldfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 25 to 30% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Lionhead Goldfish?
Feed your Lionhead Goldfish once or twice a day, giving only as much food as it can eat in two to three minutes. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed once daily. Overfeeding can harm water quality, so stick to small portions.25 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Lionhead Goldfish eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Lionhead Goldfish is an omnivore and enjoys goldfish flake, granule, or sinking pellets, with frozen or live foods as occasional treats. Never feed it anything that could cause digestive issues, like bread or human foods; always check with a vet for specific concerns.25
How much space does a Lionhead Goldfish need?
Aqueon suggests at least 40 litres (10 US gallons) per adult fancy goldfish, while the RSPCA advises at least 60 litres per goldfish. A wider tank provides more stable water, so aim for a spacious, filtered aquarium rather than a bowl.24
What temperature, light or water does a Lionhead Goldfish need?
Keep the water at about 20-23 °C (68-74 °F) for fancy goldfish, though goldfish in general can live at 10-21 °C without a heater. A pH of 6.0-8.4 is fine, and you'll need a good filter with regular water changes to keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.245
How often should I clean a Lionhead Goldfish's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25-30% water change, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter once a month. Always use dechlorinated, temperature-matched water.4 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Lionhead Goldfish live with others?
Yes, your Lionhead Goldfish is peaceful and sociable, and FishBase suggests goldfish in groups of five or more. It pairs well with other slow fancy goldfish like ranchu or orandas, but avoid speedy, competitive feeders.125
How long does a Lionhead Goldfish live?
With proper care, a Lionhead Goldfish can live for many years, often a decade or more. Lifespan varies greatly depending on water quality, diet, and tank size, so ask a good breeder or vet for more specific expectations.
Can I handle a Lionhead Goldfish?
It's best not to handle your Lionhead Goldfish, as it can damage its delicate hood and scales. If you must move it, use a soft, clean container with tank water. Always prioritize its comfort and safety.4
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Ranchu
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Celestial Eye Goldfish
Bubble Eye GoldfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Lionhead (goldfish) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, body, hood, colours, size, fun facts
- Goldfish Care Sheet - Aqueon aqueon.comused for temperature, tank size, diet, tankmates
- List of goldfish varieties - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for variety status
- Fish environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for tank size, filtration, water changes
- Carassius auratus - FishBase fishbase.seused for pH, group size, diet, IUCN
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.