My new black Ranchu, Jeffrey, has a fused tail (very small split about 1/2" long). I looked up the standards of the breed and it says both split and non are acceptable. What are your thoughts on this? Is this a common occurance in ranchu? I thought that fused tails were not a desirable trait in goldies, but then again, I know very little about ranchu. Thoughts on this?

I love him either way, just wanting to learn more about conformation/breed standards and such.

Hi,
Fused tail is a big problem in the top view ranchu(TVR) world. But I am not sure in SVR though.

I'm not sure if my ranchu is TVR or SVR, but his tailfin is fused as well.

90% of ranchu in US are SVR.

I though it was the other way, as in TVR can have fused/split tails while SVR should have only have split tails

(looking at TVR pics, there's plenty of them with fused tails)

So how does one tell the difference between SVR and TVR? A few different sites with breed standards have all said that fused tail is acceptable, but they don't specify TVR or SVR, nor do they explain the differences between them.

I appreciate your expertise

I am not sure, but in one of the SG base site, they are culling fused tail for TVR heavily.

I understand that the ideal to strive for is for a completely split tail - all the way if possible. This, however, is an ideal - something that is very rarely, if ever, truly acheived. Tails come split in all presentations from nearly full split all the way to fully fused. The more split, the better.

In most show fish, a lack of substantial split will be considered a flaw - the more fusing, the more the flaw. It is a rare show in the US that would disqualify a fully fused tail, though.

Thanks everyone Trying to learn as much about my new friend as I can.

From what I have found online, which really isn't much... TVR are longer and chunkier to appeal to the eye from above. The smoothness and roundness of the back is not as important, as this is not as much noticeable from the top. Wen shape (squarish face) and peduncle are more important here than in SVR. In SVR, roundness of the back is most important, as that is primarily what you would notice in an aquarium setting, from the side. SVR ranchu usually have the shorter, deeper body. Tail tuck angle is also quite important (should be 45 degrees). Again, nothing about fused tail - just says "acceptable". Have not found anything stating otherwise.

Thanks, Daryl Not worried about being picked last for gym class or anything , just think I should have some more knowledge of these things before the show arrives. Plus it's fun to research things.

TVR standards also place importance on the development of "buffalo cheeks" for the specimen's face.

With this being a thread originally about tails, concurrent with another thread about goldfish butts - I'm glad you clarified where the "buffalo cheeks" should be.

That would suggest that my ranchu could be a flawed version of either one. He has characteristics of both, but I still love him just the same.

Daniel:

LOL'd at that.

How often is there a perfect example of anything really? We are all flawed in some way. That's what the standard is there for - if all the ranchu were perfect, then there would be no need to have a standard to compare to. We love our fish and they are pretty much perfection in our eyes. I adore all my fish and always think they are the best looking ones (like the mother who thinks her bratty son is an angel ).

I still have not found much information regarding the tail issue, other than that it is a definite no-no in the TVR world. As for SVR, it doesn't seem to be as much of an issue. Good thing, since I have an SVR anyway... now that I know what that means Thanks again everyone.

Nice to know that somene appreciates my really lame humor.