Lionchu Goldfish Care Guide: Tank, Food, and Wen

The Lionchu is a fancy goldfish with a thick, rounded body, no dorsal fin, and a big, bubbly wen. It looks like a mix of a Ranchu and an Oranda. Lionchu are slow and gentle, so they need a calm, clean tank. Here is how to keep one healthy.

What Is a Lionchu?

The Lionchu has the sturdy body of a Ranchu and the large head growth of an Oranda. Not sure which fish is right for you? Read our comparison of Ranchu vs. Oranda vs. Lionchu.

Lionchu Tank Size

• First Lionchu: at least 20 gallons
• Each extra Lionchu: add 10 to 15 gallons

Their heavy bodies make a lot of waste, so give them room.

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 68 to 75°F for long-term care
• pH: 7.0 to 7.8
• Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: under 20 ppm

New Lionchu from Thailand are used to warm water. Keep the tank around 76 to 78°F when they first arrive and acclimate slowly. See our acclimation guide.

Gentle Filtration

Lionchu are not strong swimmers. Use a sponge filter or turn down the flow of a larger filter. Keep biological filtration strong and do 25 to 50 percent water changes each week.

Wen Care

A big wen can cover the eyes and cheeks. That means the fish may not see food well and the folds can trap dirt.

• Use smooth decor only.
• Keep nitrates low.
• Watch for redness, white fuzz, or sores.
• Make sure food reaches them, since they may be slow eaters.

What to Feed Lionchu

• Sinking pellets as the staple
• Soak dry food before feeding
• Blanched peas to help digestion
• Frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp as treats

Our premium fish food includes a sinking pellet made for fancy goldfish.

Tank Mates

Keep Lionchu with other slow fancy goldfish like Ranchu and Oranda. Avoid fast goldfish like commons and comets.

Common Lionchu Problems

• Swim bladder issues: See our swim bladder guide.
• Wen infections: Fix water quality right away.
• Fin rot: A sign of poor water.

Quarantine new fish first. See how to set up a quarantine tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Lionchu get?

Most reach 6 to 8 inches.

How long do Lionchu live?

With good care, 10 years or more.

Are Lionchu good for beginners?

They can be, but they need clean water and gentle flow. Orandas are a little more forgiving.

Why can't my Lionchu see its food?

A large wen can block the eyes. Use sinking pellets and feed slowly so they can find it.

Shop Lionchu at Garage Aquatics

Browse our Lionchu goldfish. Each fish is photographed individually, and we ship from San Diego, CA.