The oranda goldfish is one of the most beautiful freshwater fish. This ornamental species originally hails from China. In recent years, it has become a very popular addition to home aquariums across the world. They descend from common goldfish and wild carp but are not found in the wild. Their bright caps (or “wens”) give them a distinctive appearance. In this guide, we’ll look at all you need to know about keeping oranda goldfish.
1. Oranda Goldfish Need Spacious Aquariums
Oranda goldfish are larger than standard goldfish. They typically reach seven inches in length, but some have been even bigger. Needless to say, these fish will likely outgrow their aquariums; 40 gallons would likely be suitable for a pair and be easier to keep clean.
Note that oranda goldfish can live for between 15 to 20 years, and in that time, they can reach impressive sizes. Caring for this domesticated goldfish properly will prolong their lifespan.
2. These Goldfish Need Stable Water Parameters
The good news is that owners won’t need to invest in any unique equipment to keep oranda goldfish. These freshwater fish need a standard tank with a strong filter. This is crucial because they produce plenty of waste.
A strong filter will also help preserve their health by reducing the risk of algae blooms and the chance of the fish suffering from stress. Another great option is bringing the freshwater aquarium outdoors. The fish love cold water so this is a great option in cooler climates. Take care to secure the lid from potential predators and be wary of subzero temperatures.
A good substrate is also important for orandas. Sand is a great option because it will help their digestive systems. It’s also safe for them because there’s no risk of them cutting themselves. It’s also essential to regularly test the tank’s water parameters. These goldfish need a pH level of 7.0 to 8.0 and prefer temperatures of 68 to 74°F. We recommend using a de-chlorinator if you fill their tank from the tap.
3. A Balanced Diet Helps These Fish Thrive
Oranda goldfish can consume a standard diet of goldfish pellets. Nonetheless, we recommend giving them an occasional nutritional boost. They’ll enjoy blanched green vegetables as well as live foods. Chasing shrimp and bloodworms will also provide enrichment for the orandas. Some owners even give them a little bit of boiled egg. This provides them with an extra protein kick.
Only feed your orandas as much as they will eat in three minutes. If there’s anything left over, the means you’re overfeeding them. Feed them up to three times per day but be wary. Goldfish are notorious overeaters and can suffer from obesity. Bloating is the most obvious symptom of obesity, and this puts pressure on their organs. It may take a bit of experimentation in the beginning to create the ideal diet for your fish, but it’s not too complex!
4. Understand Your Goldfish’s Temperament
There are several varieties of oranda goldfish. Let’s look at some sub-species now:
- Red cap oranda: This variant has a silver-white body and a red cap. They grow up to seven inches in length. Red caps have a lively temperament and make a fun tank addition.
- Oranda short tail: These orandas have shorter tails than other variants. They’re available in a variety of colors and have less prominent crowns. Also, they are very peaceful fish.
- Oranda fan tail: Another version of the oranda, this type has gorgeous flowing fins. Usually, they are red or orange and white.
- Tri-color oranda: These orandas are red, black, and white. They can be very expensive because of their premium breeding.
Generally, there shouldn’t be an issue with keeping different oranda types together. Just note that you’ll need a spacious aquarium; these fish can get big!
5. Quarantine New Fish to Prevent Spreading Disease
Oranda goldfish are relatively hardy fish if owners care for them properly. However, they are susceptible to some unique and common health problems. Firstly, their anatomy can affect them. Some orandas suffer from blindness because their wens grow over their eyes. Their shape can also make them vulnerable to buoyancy problems. This is something to be mindful of when buying from breeders.
Otherwise, oranda goldfish can contract standard fish diseases like ich, bacterial infections, and kidney disease. Prevention is always better than treating sick fish. Always clean your freshwater tank regularly. This will drastically reduce the chance of your pets contracting health problems. Also, quarantine new fish so they don’t introduce unwanted bacteria or viruses to the main tank.
6. Choose Suitable Tankmates for Oranda Goldfish
Oranda goldfish have very relaxed temperaments, and they’re not territorial. Many owners keep five or six orandas because they enjoy social interaction. If you want a community tank with different species, there are plenty of options. Zebrafish are a good choice because they’re small but too quick for the orandas to eat. Other goldfish varieties will live in harmony with your orandas, too.
We don’t advise tetras or guppies because the orandas may swallow them. Meanwhile, corydoras can be dangerous because of their sharp spines. The orandas may try to eat them and inadvertently harm themselves. Cichlids and bettas are also bad choices because of their aggression.
