I came across this lionchu on Ebay and it's so cute. I am wondering though if it seems like a healthy fish to everyone else. I hope I copied the link correctly. Does his back seem a little deformed to you? or is this normal?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgohlP9fzVg

he looks a little deformed to me, but i am by NO means a ranchu/lionhead/lionchu expert!

I agree with alex and the water current is a bit too strong for the fish..

Nope - that one is not a good example of Ranchu. The back is poorly shaped and bumpy.

he sure is cute though!

I know! He is such a cutie! My hubby is going to take me to this big "fish store" tomorrow and hopefully they will have some ranchus!!! This place is 45 minutes from my home, so not too bad.
I hope it is worth the drive because the store owner said they have about 4 ranchus so I hope they aren't all gone by the time I get there!

That youtube account routinely labels its fish with exaggerated accolades such as "SHOW QUALITY!", "RARE!", or "ULTRA RARE!" but I tend to always find most of the fish as commonplace, mediocre or just plain defective.