Here is my last ranchu from the same spawn of April 15, 2014. This male OYA is a very nice looking fish with bright red color and neat, well arranged scales. This ranchu is very similar to the ranchu I described in part II, in terms of scaling, coloration, body shape and tail.
Little over 3 months old. Photographed on July 28, 2014
Little over 5 months old. Photographed on September 27, 2014
Little under 10 months old. Photographed on February 6, 2015
Little under 1 years and 7 months old. Photographed on November 2, 2015
Little under 3 years and 3 months old. Photographed on July 5, 2017
COMMENTS
Currently, this male Oya ranchu is close to 6 in (15 cm) long. As you can see, nothing much changed in his body and tail shape, other than him getting bigger. The head has formed into Shishigashira type, which is somewhat vintage for a modern ranchu. His tail, however, ended up with more red markings.
CONCLUSION
As NISAI fish transitions to OYA, it is harder and harder to keep them in shape. While the tail may not have any dramatic changes with age, the body and head do. My goal is to raise "lean" TVR. I prefer the body outline, as viewed from above, to be more elongated, with no protruding belly, so that the sides from head to beginning of O-Tsutsu (tail peduncle) are somewhat parallel. I also like it if the head width stays not much wider than the width of the back, a cigar shape.
From the side, I like Se-Koshi (back curvature) to be as flat as possible up to the start of O-Tsutsu (tail peduncle). Reminiscent of a long Japanese boxwood comb. For body parts terminology please click here.
Quality of food and its portioning, along with exercise, is crucial to keeping ranchu in good shape. I will write about this subject in a separate article, reflecting on my experience.
Finally, I got around to photographing my nisai. They have grown a lot and shaped nicely. The color is brilliant and I already can see several characteristics that I would like to keep and pass in my ranchu breeding program. These are my breeding ranchu for the next spring.
It has been a while since I posted a video of my ranchu. Here is one I made yesterday during the water change. All are nisai age, all happy and growing, but ...
As sad as, I gave up on having any spawns this year. Instead, I will be concentrating on grooming and conditioning my "lazy" ranchu for the next year. I will be working on their feeding schedule and diet and keeping their water in the top shape condition.
For now my fishing net remains dry and my baby ranchu food is sealed and stored in refrigerator. Once more, I have the proof of how unpredictable and uneasy raising ranchu can be.
As I learn about ranchu standards and grooming techniques, I train my eye to recognize qualities of a good ranchu. In Japan, each ranchu master works on its own line (bloodline) that will ultimately reflect the master's vision for a "perfect" ranchu. Through a scrupulous process of selection, the breeder seeks fish that carries one or several desired qualities. By carefully selecting parent fish with such qualities and breeding them, followed by many years of selection, the goal can be reached. It truly is a "living sculpture".
A preference for my own "perfect" ranchu is now more clear. My vision is shaped by studying the many looks of ranchu and recognizing what is most pleasing to my eye. These are as follows (looking at the ranchu from above):
long rectangular body outline
rectangular head outline with funtan slightly protruding on the right and left of the head (I call it a hammer shark look)
not much headgrowth development on top of the head
thick tail peduncle and bracelet
triangle shaped tail with supportive shoulders, that are only gently curved, with side lobe tips curved slightly more
when swimming the tail must take a rounder shape and return to its original shape when fish isn't moving
small uniform scales
bright reds
Early bloomers might not look as good at an older age, with their headgrowth overdeveloped, ruining the overall balance. Vise versa, those not fully developed tosai can turn into a beautiful fish when older.
All of the above must be in balance. Proportions between head, body and tail are very important and rely on personal perception. I am very interested in creating a ranchu that blossoms slowly, reaching its desired shape by the end of nisai and maintaining that look through its oya years. This, in my opinion helps to raise a healthier fish, that can live longer. In most cases, ranchu that are judged at the All Japan Ranchu Show, are groomed for a specific age category - tosai, nisai or oya. In all of the competition's history, it is very rare that a single ranchu is able to win the grand prize in all three categories tosai, nisai and oya in three consecutive years.
Ultimately, my "perfect" ranchu must be a great swimmer, projecting calm, power, strength and balance.
Through digital manipulation, I have created an oya ranchu of the shape and proportions I desire. To make this composite, I took various parts from several of my ranchu and exaggerated the parts that I still need to work on. Hope one day, I can match my drawing board fantasy with an actual ranchu in my pond. The vision in the making.
At eleven months my High Ranchu are developing well. Although, faults are present, there is a lot of positive traits that I really like and want to use in my future breeding. In each of these nisai there are qualities that I am thrilled to observe. Besides good body shape and uniform scaling, the red color is very intense. The "white" female nisai is acquiring a light canary yellow sheen. I am curious to see what she is going to be. It could be my first yellow ranchu. I have never seen one before.
High Ranchu nisai♂
High Ranchu nisai ♀
High Ranchu nisai ♀
High Ranchu nisai♂
It is very educating to rear them, learning and polishing my grooming techniques along. They are under my constant watch with their diet, water quality, light, etc. In return for the tremendous amount of attention I have given them, I get tremendous joy watching them evolve.
One of the main successes with ranchu, as a breeder, lies in training yourself to be able to identify and recognize merits of this fine goldfish variety. This very ability of the breeder ensures that ranchu standards will be preserved and further improved. Being under scrutiny for over one hundred years, ranchu were "molded" to fit into strict standards set by high Japanese aesthetics. Therefor, Japan Ranchu Association (JRA) has established a series of rules, by which the ranchu to be judged. These rules are vague and has to be interpreted by a group of most experienced judges on the show.
I found these rules posted by Hugoboss on Arofanatics website in 2008. According to the post these are the rules of Japan Ranchu Association that have been translated to English. With further improvement in translation, I am re-posting these rules here. For identifying ranchu body part click on "Defining What Is What".
One of the quality ranchu in Japan
THE RULES
ARTICLE 1 - Particular Matters of Concern 1. Overall fish shape and balance Overall shape is defined by the characteristics of the head, torso and tail and their balance with each other and as a whole.
2. Fish to be thick and sturdy Thicker and sturdier fish in proportion to its size to be graded as superior.
3. Scaling and color Scales that are neatly lined and small in proportion to the body of the fish to be graded as superior. Fish with deep red or gold colours and high luster to be graded as superior, regardless of being aka (red), sarasa (mottled) or shiro (white).
4. The fish movement must be as graceful as possible
5. Fish maintaining noble grace to be regarded as superior
6. Swimming Swimming fish must be elegant, with light wagging of tail resulting in fluid movement.
ARTICLE 2 - The way to view fish body parts 1. Head
To have wide mehaba (spacing between the eyes) and wide mesaki (distance between the eyes and the mouth). Part of the head past the mouth, which is adequately wider and longerto be graded as superior (with variety of Tokane, Kamicho, Ryuutou etc.). 2. Back
To have a broad back with a gentle curve and adequate roundness.
3. Stomach
To be well-positioned compared to the back and spaced adequately from the tail.
4. Tail Peduncle
To chose the fish with more rounded and robust tail peduncle in proportion to the back width. There must be apparent roundness at the point where the tail joints the back.
5. Tail
Tail must be beautiful with bilateral symmetry of its tail lobes and with adequate ozara (under tail plate). This equally applies to yotsuo, sakurao, mitsuo tail types. The tail must neither exceed approximately 90 degrees angle in relation to the tail peduncle, nor rise above the back. 6. Fins
All fins must be uniform in movement and size. Fish to be judged equally regardless whether they have double or a single anal fin.
ARTICLE 3 - Size of fish must not be taken into consideration for judging
ARTICLE 4 - Fish must be judged according to their quality on that particular day
Supplementary provisions. Names of color patterns are designated as follows.
ARTICLE 5 - Fish to be disqualified if the respective defects are excessive 1. No judging of fish with dorsal fin, double tail or other deformities.
2. Uneven or broken back curve or tail peduncle.
3. Pinched, closed, irregular, curled or stripped tail.
4. Extrusion of anal fin(s); head tilted upwards; head tilted downward; tail with one-sided tilt; covered, protruding or indented eyes.
5. Sick fish
ARTICLE 6 Obese or juvenile fish that lacks of grace and poise shall be disqualified
ARTICLE 7 Prizes will be revoked in case of falsifying the age of exhibited fish Here are some videos of the champion ranchu in each age group (tosai, nisai and oya) taken by Mr.Boss (Boss Ranchu Nursery, Thailand) during All Japan Ranchu Show, 2013.
Now I can look back and reflect on my first breeding experience with TVR. After my nisai,Matsuyama x (Matsuyama x Oishi) bloodline, have neared their sexual maturity, I realized that I had four females and only one male. I also realized that I didn't have good enough quality fish to breed. Each of the five individuals had one or a combination of major faults manifested in asymmetrical tail position, small head frame, poor back and tail peduncle curve, weak tail shoulders among other defects ...
After receiving two additional nisai males, Suzuki x Kageyama bloodline, with some flaws as well (asymmetrical anal fins and tail position), I was left with not so perfect parents. The desire of having that "perfect" ranchu had prompted me to develop my own line, by adding and improving characteristics that I find attractive in Japanese top view ranchu. However, I had to start working with what I had and through selection to achieve my goals.
Selection started with the parents. I had my eye on the best female to be "paired" with my two best males. But even that wasn't completely under my control. The female that possessed the best qualities wasn't breeding. Instead, the two Suzuki x Kageaya males chased and bred with the Matsuyama x (Matsuyama x Oishi) female with the poorest qualities.
Breeding female with poor back and tail peduncle curve, thin tail peduncle,
weak tail and narrow head with late head-growth development
Breeding male #1 with asymmetrical anal fins
Breeding male #2 with asymmetrical anal fins and asymmetrical placed tail
The resulting offspring are hybrids, F1 generation, and as a hybrid they display a vigor and physical superiority compared to their parents. Not all, of course, from the nearly 700 hatched. Only 20-30 BBR had acceptable features, which is more or less to be expected. Limited by space, I kept only six of these ranchu for myself. Collectively, these six had features that I was looking for - wide and more rectangular heads, broader backs and thicker tail peduncles, longer bodies, stronger tail shoulders, symmetrical fins and tail placement. Next spring I intend to breed between the best out of the six siblings and see if I get any further improvements.
I learned so much more about the selection process, which is of utmost importance in creating a bloodline. I also learned that even not so perfect parents will give enough offspring variety to be able to select a good quality fry to work with and improve upon. It is a long process and it takes years to see the results. It can be rewarding and equally disappointing. The chance of achieving that perfect ranchu is slim, but the road leading there is full of wonderful experiences and can be traveled as long as one desires. One thing I am certain of is that there is no dead end in this journey.
While it may seem like Japanese top view ranchu are scrutinized by breeders for their physical appearance, in reality it is all about their overall presence, character and grace. This in my opinion, is one of the fascinating things about the ranchu, where form and function is one. Contrary to their chubby look, they are powerful but elegant swimmers, agile on turns. It is almost hypnotic to watch them swim through the water and I find it calming and meditative.
Created to be admired from above, Japanese top view ranchu are not often shown from their side. Yet, when they are, their appearance is alluring. Quality ranchu must look as good from its side as it looks from the top.
Below are two photos of my nisai male ranchu taken from the side.
The art of creating and keeping Japanese top view ranchu has come a long way, setting strict standards. Because these standards have been closely followed and refined for over a century, TVR have reached the level of perfection we find today, and at the same time has burdened the breeders and keepers with extreme difficulty to produce quality fish.
Through reading and asking questions, I have found that there are a few variations in ranchu head, body and tail shapes equally accepted according to Japanese standard. In a sense it was a relief for me, as adhering to only one standard would be very difficult due to a great level of deviation in ranchu offsprings.
The shape of the head growth or wen is mainly divided on two types shishigashira and tatsugashira. Shishigashira or lion head is square or rounded in shape. Tatsugashira or dragon head is rectangular with developed funtan or protruding cheeks. Tatsugashira is more popular nowadays, nonetheless, shishigashira type can be very beautiful. There is also a third type, transitional between the two mentioned above types. The main objective here is to have size and shape of the head in balance with the rest of the body. It is not desirable to have head growth as developed in tosai, as it is found in nisai and oya ranchu.
The body length is accepted as short, medium and long. Longer body would be my choice, it balances best the head, especially in nisai and oya fish, when the head growth develops more. The body shape and especially back curve must be reminiscent of traditional Japanese boxwood comb, that can be short or long.
Long boxwood comb
Short boxwood comb
The tail, which we scrutinize at the early stages of ranchu development, continues to be in the center of attention throughout the fish life. Unlike head or color pattern, tail doesn't just presents with ornamental value, it plays critical role in how the ranchu swims. That is why over the century certain tail traits were identified to produce good swimmers. All in all, there are three tail types accepted: yotsuo or ⅔ split in the middle of the tail, sakurao or a small split at the tip of the tail and mitsuo or no split.
Ranchu personality and ability to swim in elegant and powerful manner can overpower certain imperfections of its shape, turning the fish into a praised possession.
Today, finally, the water temperature has reached over 70 F (21 C). The cherry trees outside are in full bloom. Spring is finally here! The ranchu are actively eating and swimming. Sun rays light up the pond, where ranchu gather, shining like golden jewelry.
I just acquired two new ranchu Suzuki X Kageyama cross, spawned and raised by Jeff Thompson (Ranchu Notes). Jeff, produces quality ranchu and I definitely think that one of his assets as a ranchu master is being an artist. Decisions made during the culling process are crucial in producing a high quality ranchu. The ability to recognize future potentials in very young fish, requires years of experience and an artistic eye. I believe this is what makes one ranchu master more successfully than another.
Here is a short story about how this ranchu strain came to the USA. The parent fish from bloodlines developed separately by two notable Japanese ranchu masters Mr. Kazuo Suzuki and Mr. Shigeru Kageyama were imported to Thailand by Mr. Boss (Boss Ranchu Nursery) in 2009. They were cross-bred by Mr. Boss resulting in Suzuki X Kageyama cross, also known as SxK. The offsprings were imported to the USA in 2010 by Paul (Ranchumaniax) and spawned later the same year. Since then, these ranchu were bought, sold and distributed among US ranchu breeders and keepers.
The ranchu I received, were spawned by Jeff in the Summer of 2013 and I hope with the right grooming they will turn into even more beautiful fish. Here they are, so please see for yourself:
male
male
With the purchase of these ranchu I got a surprise present from Jeff - two glass medallions with Japanese ranchu design.
Jeff makes these glass medallions in his glassblowing studio and individually colors them to give each a unique look. I quickly found a good place for them - on the bottom of my ranchu pond.
I have been grooming my ranchus since October, 2013. Finally, I am starting to see some noticeable changes that I can share here. Their sex is also recognizable now. Here is their progress report side by side. The ranchus have grown quite a bit and are now measuring 4 to 4.5 inches from the mouth to the tip of the tail.
female
male
female
female
female
All that feeding with bloodworms and brine shrimp, besides everything else, is starting to pay off. There is a considerable head-growth development on some of the ranchu and it is taking a very nice shape.
Next week I am anticipating the arrival of two new ranchus. Very exciting! Until next progress report.
With water temperatures now above 64 F (18 C) I feed my ranchu more with pellets (Ranchu Lord and Saki-Hikari Purple) and once a day bloodworms. Also, I can finally give them Saki-Hikari Red for "extreme" color enhancement. Color enhancing food combined with more sunlight that they are now receiving, has already produced brighter colors. I am also noticing more head growth development and on some fish funtan (cheek protrusions extending forward on both sides of the mouth) becoming more pronounced. As far as their bodies, I am seeing that backs and peduncles are becoming wider and more muscular. Their body remains desired elongated shape, primarily due to their bloodline (read my post on bloodline), but also positively effected by grooming in 10 inch deep water. Overall, I am happy to see that the ranchus are making a good progress.
It has been five month since I had my ranchus and I feel now a bit more confident in keeping them. This year's winter in Washington DC has been quite cold and the water temperature in my indoor pond is staying in upper 50th - lower 60th F (13-17C). On the coldest days the fish is less active and I feed them less accordingly. Despite slower time of the year my ranchus have grown and their head growth got fuller.
I acquired five ranchus - Matsuyama bloodline outcrossed by Robert Crosby with Oishi x Matsuyama cross (earlier produced by Gary Hater). So technically the fish I have are ¾ Matsuyama and ¼ Oishi. Both Matsuyama bloodline created under Mr. Ishikawa and Mr. Yasusaru Oishi's ranchu bloodlines were introduced to USA from Japan by Steven Carney of Neo Ranchu USA, around 2004-2006.
Each ranchu bloodline corresponds to breeder's personal selection, preferences and new trends. Head growth and body shape, color pattern, etc. all vary between different bloodlines, giving them a set of specific characteristics. Matsuyama bloodline inherits classic TVR body shape, where back outline is long and reminiscent of a Japanese comb. Their scales tend to be small and neatly placed, creating seamless and beautiful body cover.
Classic Long Japanese Boxwood Comb
Matsuyama ranchu do not develop large head growth during their tosai age. However it appears to be a good thing, as developing slowly the head growth has a higher chance to be more proportionate and balanced with the rest of the body as the fish matures. A little mix of Oishi bloodline could add a stronger head growth and peduncle. The balance in ranchu appearance is one of the most important characteristics of this goldfish.
My ranches are close to 10 month old now and I have been observing their head growth development for over five month. It slowly takes shape, but still needs more time to develop. I have been using foods that help to boost the head growth - bloodworms and chicken eggs. (One thing with eggs - they can be messy and can easily spoil the water. So, I feed it once a week in a separate container where my fish waits during the water change.)
All I need now are warmer days, the time when ranchu will start developing faster, reaching their sexual maturity.
