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Matthew28

(1,931 posts)
3. It's a fancy goldfish, most likely a Ranchu
Sun Jun 21, 2026, 03:46 AM
Sunday

It's a fancy goldfish, most likely a Ranchu (or possibly an Oranda).

@volcaholic1

From the X post video, it's a classic fancy goldfish with a large, bumpy "wen" (the fleshy head growth), rounded body, and prominent eyes. It's actively eating long strands of green filamentous algae (string algae), which explains the humorous "natural maintenance" caption for a giant green pool.

@volcaholic1

Key identifying features:Wen (head growth): The textured, cauliflower-like lump on top of the head is a hallmark of Ranchu and Oranda varieties.
Body shape: Short, egg-shaped body typical of fancy goldfish (selectively bred from common goldfish).
Color: Pale orange/peach with some yellow tones.
Behavior: Enthusiastically munching algae, which these fish do well in ponds or large setups.

Ranchu goldfish are a Japanese breed often called "lionheads" due to their wen; Orandas are similar but usually have a dorsal fin (this one appears finless on top, pointing more to Ranchu). Fancy goldfish like these are popular in ponds and can help control algae, though they're best in well-maintained water (not heavily treated pools).

youtube.com

One reply in the thread even calls it a "ranchu goldfish" directly.

@volcaholic1

These are hardy but sensitive to poor water quality—perfect for a joke about cleaning up green water! If you have more details or another angle, I can refine this.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I think this fish is the solution. Matthew28 Sunday #1
Is this a tropical fish? Emile Sunday #2
It's a fancy goldfish, most likely a Ranchu Matthew28 Sunday #3
No, it's not a tropical fish. It's a coldwater/temperate fish Matthew28 Sunday #4
Thanks for the information. Thinking that would be a great way Emile Sunday #8
An Ozone Infusion Pump can clear lakes and will not harm waterfoul. If done right, it will protect them from pathogens. TheBlackAdder Sunday #5
But the water will still be full of orthoclad Sunday #11
The pump needs to run 24x7, while robotic bottom skimmers clean the organic material that settles. TheBlackAdder Sunday #16
I thought that was what they were using... LeftInTX Tuesday #18
Let's just throw Trump in and let him suck it up Grim Chieftain Sunday #6
Add his DOJ lawyers for help. multigraincracker Sunday #7
Only if it's a shitless fish. A complete ecosystem is required OR chemical sterilization. Maru Kitteh Sunday #9
Yes. It's an ecosystem, not a swimming pool. orthoclad Sunday #13
Invasive species. They would colonize the Potomac, orthoclad Sunday #10
catfish are native, they can use those (I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't part of the pool already) LeftInTX Tuesday #17
In the US, native catfish are predators rather than algae eaters jmowreader Tuesday #19
I recommend that they fill it with pirhanas malaise Sunday #12
And snakeheads orthoclad Sunday #14
Bwaaaah malaise Sunday #15
It's going to take a lot more than a thousand of them jmowreader Tuesday #20
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Would a thousand of these...»Reply #3