While collectibles like bugs and fish have been a staple in Animal Crossing from the beginning of the franchise, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has increased the number of available bug and fish species dramatically, even introducing new varieties like the Mahi-Mahi and the Ranchu Goldfish. There are currently 80 species of fish for players to catch in the game, split seasonally between the two global hemispheres. Each month, new fish are introduced while others migrate away. However, as in the case of newcomer Ranchu Goldfish, some fish species are available in both hemispheres year-round.
In real life, the Ranchu Goldfish is a fancy goldfish popular in Japan. It has a head bulge that experts call a "hood." In the game, the Ranchu Goldfish is rare and can make a cute pet or a fantastic source of bells. Players don't have to be completionists to enjoy collecting all the available fish species in the game. There are rewards for finding every available bug or fish in the form of DIY Recipes for tools in the Gold series. These Gold Tools are more durable than any of the other kinds of tools in the game, able to catch up to around 100 bugs or fish each. Players who collect and donate at least one of every fish will also complete the Museum, which can be a big accomplishment for an island. Here's how to find and catch the Ranchu Goldfish to add to a player's collection or make a good companion inside the player's home.
Find the Ranchu Goldfish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Ranchu Goldfish are available in both hemispheres all year. They can be found in the holding pond on a player's island, but they are among the rarest fish spawns in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They are active only for a short time each day, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Players can spot a possible Ranchu Goldfish from its shadow size. These fish are small and cast a smaller shadow, though they are not tiny. There are only two other fish of that shadow size that will spawn in the pond, the Frog and Crawfish, though both are much more common than the Ranchu.
Catch the Ranchu Goldfish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Players who seek to catch a Ranchu Goldfish should cast their lines into the pond during the fish's active hours. There is a chance they will have better luck finding the fish in the rain, as it seems rare fish spawn more often in rainy weather.
To increase the number of spawns in a location, including the number of rare spawns, players will want to craft and use plenty of fish bait. While this may not be as useful as it would be for ocean fish, the increased spawn rate of fish increases the chances of coming across a Ranchu Goldfish.
Players have also experienced good luck catching rare critters while on Mystery Island Tours. If players can save the Nook Miles, it may be a good idea to search a pond on another island during the Ranchu's active hours to reel one in.
Because the Ranchu Goldfish is so rare, it sells well. Players can earn 4,500 bells per fish at Nook's Cranny and a whopping 6,750 bells each when sold to CJ. They are not a great way to farm bells because it may take a while to find one, but for those not looking to keep one as a pet, they fetch a nice price. Players should also always remember to donate the first one they catch to Blathers at the Museum.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available for the Nintendo Switch.