Japanese culture, aesthetics, and concepts regard these attributes of both ranchus and sumo wrestlers as an imposing and solid figure composed of massive circles and squares, which are abstract representations of balance, proportion, dignity, graceful movement and power. Top-view ranchu (TVR) In ancient China, goldfish were kept in large jars made of pottery or porcelain, so the only way one could see the fish was from the top. For this reason, generations of people selected goldfish with big bellies, big wens, and dragon eyes genes. Therefore, the top view ranchu is considered better aesthetically in Japan and China. The TVR should have a rectangle shape, a short tail, and big wen on the head. When swimming, their appearance should resemble a worm moving in water, which gives the ranchu its name (in Chinese, "luan chong" means "egg shape worm"). Side-view ranchu (SVR) A ranchu's back (seen from the side) is comparable to a traditional Japanese comb, which comes in two shapes. The negate or long style is long with rounded corners and is similar to the koban coin. The mature or the round style is shorter and is similar to a round coin viewed from the side, but still not as round as any circular coin. Both comb shapes are acceptable in Ranchu exhibitions and competitions. Selection and judging Most goldfish shows and competitions judge ranchus in an aquarium setting. Judges view the fish from the side and the top, taking note of its comportment and conformation to physical standards, motion, and movements. The attachment of the tail to the caudal peduncle is also evaluated. True Japanese ranchu are judged from above in shallow bowls but not glass tanks. Although the overall shape of the ranchu is taken into account it is the top view that is the most important. Western goldfish societies tend to use glass tanks for judging, but a number of societies based on Japanese methods are now operational and follow the traditional way the ranchu are bred, kept, and judged. True Japanese ranchu enthusiasts keep their ranchu in shallow ponds or vats. Clinical and pathological effects Goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus) are a domesticated variety of the Chinese Crucian carp "Gibelio" (Carassius auratus gibelio), a common Chinese carp. Perhaps 700 years ago, egg goldfish were first bred for their lack of a dorsal fin. Prior to the 17th century, lionhead goldfish with this trait were kept in