I've had a baby lionhead about 2 inches long not including the tail for about 3-5 months now and it doesn't seem to be growing any wen. She just has like a little 2mm of a wen. I feed her flakes, bloodworms, peas, goldfish crisps, and sometimes broccoli. Is it possible that some lionheads do not grow wens? or does she need to grow more to start developing them?

I have 6 lionheads and only 2 have any kind of wen. I have had one of them for over 2 years. Mostly its about genetics.

Thankss. I was hoping that my lionhead would get a nice big wen, but I still love her. <3

Is there any way that i could maybe encourage wen growth?

Thankss. I was hoping that my lionhead would get a nice big wen, but I still love her. <3

Is there any way that i could maybe encourage wen growth? even if it is genetic?

You could try something with high protein such as Hikari lionhead(oranda would work too) pellets or bloodworms.

Also, how old is the fish? I know orandas are said to not start growing their wens until they're 1 or 2 years old (although I have seen mighty little fish with mighty big wens!)

My oranda is good sized (3 inches, maybe 3 and a half?) and his wen is just like, non-existent, so I figured he must not have the genes for it.

Then out of nowhere, four months after I got him, his wen is starting to grow I'm super happy.
I feed them LOTS of food though, because I want big fish and I finally have the space for them!

I'm not sure how old she is.. I got her when she was about 1 inch..maybe?
she's probably 1 years old.. she does lay eggs.. if that helps. I have an oranda with a fairly good wen that is about the same age as her I believe.

I am on the same page as you SpaceCakeGirl. I bought a 30 gallon tank for my two goldies so they will grow big and fat. =)

edit: spelling

well... you could always say that your fish is not a Lionhead, but an egg fish

I've also got a lionhead with just a little wen. I'm hoping that the wen comes in at a later date, but I'm not too worried. So cute the way he is right now, I can't imagine having him be anything other than adorable, large wen or not. At least if he doesn't grow a large wen, I won't have to worry about it covering his gills, mouth or eyes.

Haha I could call her an egg fish. =P

It's true.. I'm glad I dont have to worry about any wen trimming.

I am really relieved to hear that wrens can take a couple of years to grow as I have 120 babies that are 12 months old and I have been panicking as no wren is growing as yet on any of them but their parents had great oranda shape and big wrens. So there is hope yet?