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The properly arranged aquarium con- 
taining beautiful fishes and plants is 
really an object of art equally interesting 
to rich and poor, man and woman. All 
may and do enjoy it. Of all the aquatic 
animals the goldfish lends itself best to 
the conditions of the aquarium. 
The popular breed in Japan is the 
Marukc, which means “the round-shoul- 
dered little fish.” In fact it is the “ex- 
clusive” goldfish, no other so appealing 
to the fancier, who considers that it has 
many lovable characteristics. Rich in 
harmonious color, with a rather small, 
compact and symmetrical body, it is tame, 
intelligent and serene in its movements. 
The commercial value of the Maruko is 
SOS OS 6 PS i 8 8 8 a a 
The Japanese Ranchu Or Maruko 
K. ITO, Japanese Artist and Ichthyologist 
TRANSLATION BY MASA CHIBA 
RANCHU OR MARUKO (LIONHEAD) 
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OWNED BY FRANKLIN BARRETT 
Ra a SES 9S SN Fh 1S ER ES ER SDH RH i Ee 
SS TN ET OTs 5s POs OL, 
consequently high, and at times a few 
thousand yen (yen, gold, about 99 cents; 
silver yen, 75 cents) will be paid for a 
rare specimen. 
In most large cities of Japan there is 
a goldfish society, or rather a ranchu or 
maruko society, composed largely of peo- 
ple of influence and wealth. Though ex- 
clusive in character, any person inter- 
ested in the goldfish and its culture may 
be admitted to membership. The organ- 
izations do not concern themselves with 
profits, and are purely interested in the 
Maruko as a priceless object of nature 
and art. The public exhibition, an an- 
nual occasion, is an important event to 
the enthusiastic members. Only quali- 
