For beginners, it is often easy to confuse Yuanbao Lionhead with Cheqi Shou (short-tailed lionhead), especially when the breed characteristics are not fully developed. At the same time, short-body Thai lionheads can also look quite similar to Yuanbao lionheads. In this article, we will compare these varieties and provide some practical insights for goldfish enthusiasts.
1. Yuanbao Lionhead (Ryukin Lionhead)
The Yuanbao Lionhead has a distinctive shape: the head and back form an angle of about 145 degrees, with a high body, peaked back, pointed head, and short tail, creating a diamond-like outline. The body lines are tense and powerful, combining the strong body of the short-tailed Ryukin with the prominent headgrowth of the Thai lionhead.
In fact, the Yuanbao Lionhead was developed mainly by crossbreeding Thai lionheads and short-tailed Ryukin, and over time it became a stable goldfish variety.
Although its formal name is Ryukin Lionhead, the name “Yuanbao Lionhead” is more popular. This is partly because the name has a positive cultural meaning, and partly because its high head, curved back, and short, upturned tail do resemble the shape of a traditional Chinese ingot (yuanbao).
- Side view: resembles a Thai lionhead’s head combined with a Ryukin’s body and tail.
- Top view: looks like a short-bodied, short-tailed Thai lionhead.
2. Short-Tailed Lionhead (Cheqi Shou)
Some hobbyists call the short-tailed lionhead “Cheqi Shou,” meaning a ranchu with a dorsal fin. However, this naming is not entirely accurate. Ranchu are classified as egg-shaped goldfish and are defined by their lack of a dorsal fin. Once a dorsal fin is present, the fish should naturally belong to the wen (dorsal-fin) type of goldfish, rather than the ranchu category.
From above, the short-tailed lionhead does resemble a ranchu, but overall its form is essentially a ranchu with a dorsal fin.
3. Key Differences
Yuanbao Lionhead vs Short-Tailed Lionhead:
- Yuanbao lionheads: high back similar to a Ryukin; short body.
- Short-tailed lionheads: back shape more like a ranchu’s comb-like curve; longer body.
Yuanbao Lionhead vs Short-Body Thai Lionhead:
- Both share a high back and large headgrowth.
- The difference lies in the tail: Yuanbao lionheads have short tails, while short-body Thai lionheads have large tails.
4. Care and Husbandry
The care of Yuanbao Lionheads and short-tailed lionheads can generally follow the methods used for Thai lionheads and ranchu.
Water Flow
- Juvenile goldfish should be kept in still water.
- Strong water currents can restrict headgrowth and body development, while causing the tail to grow excessively. This results in poor body proportions and reduces ornamental value.
Feeding
- Follow the principle of small but frequent meals.
- During the growth season, provide intensive feeding to ensure sufficient nutrition.
Water Quality
- In hot summer months, goldfish are in their peak growth period.
- Change large amounts of fresh water daily to stimulate growth and maintain water quality.
