HIGH RANCHU: A WAY TO RAISE RANCHU ● FEEDING REGIMENT

Amount of Food & Water temperature

Ranchu's physiological functions are greatly affected by the ambient water temperature. It is very important to adjust food type and amount in accordance with the water temperature. If not fed correctly, ranchu might develop indigestion problems and their immune system may get weaken, making them prone to decease.

32-43 F (0-6°C) - fish hibernate, no food is required
44-54 F (7-12°C) - physiological functions are slow; give only small amount of easily digestible food
55-64 F (13-18°C) - physiological functions are not to their fullest; increase the food amount carefully; use easily digestible food
65-75 F (19-24°C) - fish is active, food amount must be increased
76-86 F (25-30°C)- very active growth; provide enough food, but watch for signs of obesity
87-97 F (31-36°C) - fish appetite is lower; provide appropriate amount of food
98-100 F (37-38°C) - upper limit of water temperature for ranchu
above 100 F (38°C) - temperature is harmful for ranchu

Feeding Depends On the Weather & Seasons

Adjust amount of food according to the weather and season, especially for the fish kept outside. If the water temperature changes due to the air temperature drop or rain, reduce the amount of food. Feed 2 hrs before the rain forecast. When temperature rises back up, increase food amount.

During hot summer days feeding in the morning is preferable due to cooler water temperature. In colder seasons, when water temperature starts to drop in the afternoon, feeding late may cause indigestion. Suggested feeding times during the sunny weather for ranchu that are kept outside:

spring - from 7:30am till 3pm
summer - from 6am to 4pm; watch for the rain that will lower water temperature; to make ranchu grow faster, give food 2 hrs before it gets dark.
fall - from 7:30am till 3pm
winter - at low temperatures no food is usually given; if given, should be around noon

Amount of a Single Feeding

Ranchu has no stomach. In order to provide proper digestion time, the single food portion must be eaten within 5 min. Try to avoid food leftovers, as it will effect the water quality.

Number of Feedings

It is best to feed after previously given food has been digested. In the warm temperature you can feed as soon as previous food has been digested, up to five feedings per day for young fish, when a single portion can be eaten in 5 min. Remember different foods have different digestion times.

Feeding On the Day of Water Change

There is an old saying: “Refrain from food on the day of new water”. With a large water change the fish is stressed and its physical condition is weakened.

“Refrain” however, doesn’t mean to completely avoid food. Right after the water change the fish' somatic nerve system is stimulated by the fresh water, making them more active. At the same time gastrointestinal function is reduced. After 30 minutes of fish being in the new water, somatic nerve system usually calms down, normalizing functions of gastrointestinal tract and releasing stress. At this time you can give a single portion.

When Fish is Not Eating

Not eating can be influenced by several factors. It is important to quickly determine what causes it and take an action:

fish condition - improve the way you feed, check for disease or start a treatment
food quality - change the food type, change the way the food is stored
water quality - watch for water quality deterioration, perform regular water changes
environment - make sure water temperature is between 64-86 F (18-30°C), improve aeration and shading, adjust stocking density of the fish

Prevention of Fish Obesity