The color of the ranchu is quite variable. Originally the color seems to have been more or 

 less uniform, and at present the most popular fish are those with a uniformly golden or red body 

 and a bright red head; about twenty years ago, however, examples with variegated backs began to 

 be produced, and such are now cultivated in large numbers. A striking color phase sometimes met 

 with is a white fish with individual, regularly distributed scales of the back and sides bright red, 

 and with the head pink. An otherwise white fish may have bright red fins and red head. 



A full-grown ranchu is 6 inches long, including the caudal fin. The largest size attained appears 

 to be about 7y* inches. 



The ranchu is a clumsy fish, with swimming powers reduced to a minimum. The absence 

 of dorsal fin combined with the neaily globular body has resulted in a loss of ability to maintain a 

 normal position, and in consequence the fish often swims upside down or vertically with the head 

 downward. The variety is weak, delicate, and difficult to keep ; and although very extensively grown 

 in Japan has rarely been exported to foreign countries. Limited numbers have been brought to 

 the United States from Europe or directly from Japan, but the fish is known to very few people 

 in this country. Its cultivation should be more generally undertaken both on account of itself and 

 because of the opportunities afforded for producing new forms by crossing with other varieties. 



