Lionchu

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The Lionchu is a special class of Goldfish which bears the deep body, back and tail profile of a Ranchu (Carassius Auratus), and having the headgrowth of a Lionhead. It is a variety of the Ranchu family and is bred to be viewed from the side. Ranchu and Lionhead, although closely related, exist as 2 different classifications of goldfish, each having their own set of standards for appreciation. Lionchu is a hybrid of both and enjoys the best of both ends.

[edit] Origin and History

The lionchu is known to be first bred in Thailand. It was an evolution from the Side View Ranchu, which is till now, a specialty of Thailand. Lionchu first came into existence when the preference of side view ranchu connoisseurs shifted to "ranchus with more prominent and fuller headgrowth". The thai breeders were quick to address to this surge in market demand, and thus cross-bred their home-grown side view ranchus with the lionhead species from china.

The term "lionchu" was first coined by a group of avid goldfish hobbyists in Singapore. And it was first publicly mentioned in their local goldfish forums RafflesGold. It was then after, that the term became popular and was soon widely accepted as the name to describe "a side view ranchu that bears prominent lionhead headgrowth".

The Lionchu was first officially recognized as a classification by itself in the "My Fancy Goldfish Competition 2006" that was held in Singapore on 26th May 2006. The competition saw 10 classifications of goldfish, with Lionchu as a unique class. That was first of its kind in the history of goldfish.