looking for lionheads

Hello to all,
I am brand new to this site and Im hoping for some help.I am a amercian living in japan .I have just got into goldies especially red cap and other orandas but id like to start another tank with lionheads.Im a little confused abut the difference between ranchus and the lionhead.Im having trouble comunacating with shop keepers becuse my japanese is not good.I would love to buy some lionheads online perhapas or be directed to the proper place around kokoura japan.
thanks

In Japan you just have to say Ranchu and the shops will sure to get it. I would like to suggest that you read some of the sticky postings here in the Ranchu Club and also at the Pattern NK Forum for they will help explain some of the questions about ranchu. Here are some pictures of each of the different types. There are the Topview Ranchu which are originated from Japan by the Ichigawa family long time ago. Sideview Ranchu is a recently creation originated from Thailand. There are also Chinese Lionhead and Black Ranchu as well. Chinese Lionhead the head formation (wen) is more afro like. I hope that this will help in your questions.

In Japan, I suggest that you grab a copy of the Kingyo Densho (Pisces Publication) which will gives good layout of the GF society in Japan. You will also find adds of many respected dealers which you will be able to get the best quality GF of ranchu. Most fish shops will sell dismal ranchu at break neck prices. There are numerous species of GF in Japan, however, the SVR, Black Ranchu and Chinese Lionhead are not available. These will be easier to buy from other countries in Asia such as China and Thailand, for example.

The first picture is of a topview ranchu by Mr.Kashino of Okayama, second is of a beautiful Sideview ranchu by the NK Farm, and next is a Chinese Lionhead and last but not least the Black Ranchu both also from NK.

Attached Images

    

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Thanks fo the info.Im going to look tomorrow I like the black lionhead best so far if I understand you correctly Im not able to get the chinese lionhead here?Do you know if i would be able to get one mail order from a online sorce?

I know that there are some available. Please be aware that there is quite a large difference between the Chinese Black Ranchu and the Thai Black Ranchu. Thai Black Ranchu are all black while the Chinese Counterpart often have yellow belly showin.

I know that I have seen some in fish shops in Tokyo but the prices are very pricey. The best large black ranchu (Comp Grade - 6 inches up) in Thailand cost about 20,000 baht only, which is about 60,000 yen or 800 SG dollars.

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so what do you sugest i do?Is there a way I can get these fish like overnightmailorder online?What do you think about me buying some baby ranchues in a local fish shop The other day I saw a black ranchu or was it a black oranda i have some problems with the language here in japan i am amercian

In order for orders to be initiated with the Pattern NK Farm, you will need to send your request order to PatternNKfarm@yahoo.com or visit the PatternNKfarm.com site. We have just uploaded some really nice black ranchu that just arrived at the farm too. I am about to upload similar pictures at the PatternNkfarm Forum here at Petsfanatics. The pictures will be much bigger and easier to view here.

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Loyalty above all else, except honor.