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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWould a thousand of these fish be able to clean up the
Would a thousand of these fish be able to clean up the green filth in our pool that Trump fucked up?
Anyone know of a giant green pool that needs some natural maintenance? This guys available and enthusiastic
Link to tweet
Matthew28
(1,926 posts)Emile
(44,025 posts)Matthew28
(1,926 posts)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 qualityperfect for a joke about cleaning up green water! If you have more details or another angle, I can refine this.
Matthew28
(1,926 posts)No, it's not a tropical fish. It's a coldwater/temperate fish (specifically a fancy goldfish variety like Ranchu or Oranda).Why it's not tropical:Temperature preferences: Fancy goldfish like Ranchus and Orandas do best in cooler water, typically 6574°F (1823°C). They can tolerate a wider range (down to near-freezing in ponds or up to the mid-80s°F briefly), but long-term tropical heat (7582°F / 2428°C, standard for tropical fish) stresses them, speeds up metabolism, shortens lifespan, and increases risks like swim bladder issues or organ strain.
aqueon.com
Origins: Goldfish (Carassius auratus) come from temperate East Asia. While some modern breeders (e.g., in Thailand) raise them in warmer conditions, they are still classified as coldwater fish, not true tropicals.
jimmygoldfish.com
Comparison to tropical fish: Tropical species (like tetras, bettas, or most cichlids) need consistently warm, heated water and often come from equatorial regions. Goldfish thrive in unheated indoor tanks or outdoor ponds that experience seasonal changes.
In the video, this guy is happily eating algae in what looks like a large pond setupperfect for its hardy, coldwater nature. If you're thinking of keeping one, avoid mixing it with true tropical fish due to mismatched needs. Let me know if you have care questions!
TheBlackAdder
(29,983 posts)They just need to spend a grand or two on a pump to generate enough ozone to kill the algae and bacteria, while remaining safe to drink. Just one ozone pump will clear a small lake in a few days. But this administration are the fuckups who can't shoot straight.
Grim Chieftain
(2,283 posts)He created the problem...