Oranda Goldfish is a variety of Goldfish known for its beautiful appearance. This fish species has one of the most beautiful features, unique body shape, and multi-colored appearance. It contains a hood above its head. This hood has multiple names including Wen and Crown. It belongs to the Goldfish, and the name of this type or variety of Goldfish is Veiltail, which comes from the fact that their tails are large and thin, like a veil. It is one of the most popular varieties of Goldfish that is loved by fish keepers from around the world.
According to research, this fish is native to China, and Japan. The original Goldfish underwent multiple selective breedings processes. This created a large number of varieties of Goldfish, and Oranda Goldfish is one of them. It was a very popular choice in Imperial China and Japan. Oranda Goldfish has a colorful appearance. Each subspecies or variant of the Oranda Goldfish can have different sizes, shapes of head, and colors. Orange-Golden, White and Golden, White Spotted Golden, are some of the popular variants of the Oranda Goldfish that are seen in most aquariums.
Basic Facts Table
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years |
| Size | Up to 10 inches |
| Colors | Golden, White, Gray, Black, Red |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Freshwater or Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Care Level | Medium |
| Compatibility | Peaceful Aquariums |
Tank Companions
Here is a list of the possible tank mates or tank companions of the Oranda Goldfish.
- Fancy Goldfish
- Large Cyprinid Fish
- Large Catfish
- Leopard Pleco
- Black Moors
- Pearlscale Goldfish
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
- Cherry Barbs
How To Select Tank Companions?
Selection of the possible tank mate or companions for Oranda Goldfish can be difficult. This is because it is a large fish species that may display signs of aggression against other species of fish. It eats smaller fish as food and attacks the larger fish in the tank to assert dominance. Also, this fish has large fins, and most smaller species of fish like to nibble their fins. This can create a lot of problems for the Oranda Goldfish, including fin and tail rot infections. That is why you need to be careful when selecting a possible tank mate for the Oranda Goldfish. Here is a complete guide to help you select possible tank mates for the Oranda Goldfish inside your tank. You need to consider three basic things or factors: size, living conditions, and nature of the fish.
Size: As mentioned above, the size of the tank companion for the Oranda Goldfish is very important. It cannot be kept with very large or very small fish species. You need to make sure that all the tank mates of the Oranda Goldfish tank have similar sizes. Smaller species can be eaten by the Oranda Goldfish, so you should not pair any small species of fish with them. Meanwhile, some medium-sized fish species can be kept with the Oranda Goldfish that can defend themselves against the Oranda Goldfish, but these fish species like to nibble on the fins of the Oranda Goldfish.
For that reason, you cannot put them in the same tank as the Oranda Goldfish. These include many danios, neon, and betta fishes. Also, you cannot pair them with very large species of fish. This will create territorial issues in the tank and your fish will keep fighting all the time. So, if you want a peaceful environment in your tank, select a tank mate that has the same size as the Oranda Goldfish. Most Oranda Goldfish can reach 8 inches, so any fish that does not nibble on the fin and has 8 inches size can be kept with the Oranda Goldfish.
Living Conditions: Size is not the only factor that has great importance, the living conditions are also a very important factor. Because the living conditions determine if a fish species can be kept in the same tank with the Oranda Goldfish or not. This is simple to understand, you cannot pair a Goldfish with any marine species of fish. This is because it is a freshwater fish species, you cannot put them in the tank of marine species of fish. The living conditions in those tanks are harmful to the Oranda Goldfish and vice versa. So, you can only put them in a tank where the living conditions are the same.
Living conditions include water salinity, temperature, hardness, pH level, light, and movement. If a tank mate can live in an environment or living conditions that are similar to the environment or living conditions of an Oranda Goldfish tank, it can be kept within the same tank otherwise it cannot be kept in the same tank. You will need to know the living conditions and match them before pairing any fish species with the Oranda Goldfish.
Nature/Behavior: This is also an important factor when selecting a tank mate for the Oranda Goldfish. It is a passive-aggressive or semi-aggressive fish species that can sometimes attack the other members of its tank. For that reason, you need to make sure that you select a tank mate that is peaceful, and that would not disturb or hurt your Oranda Goldfish. Also, you need to make sure that this tank mate is capable of defending itself if the Oranda Goldfish in your tank attacks them.
You cannot put a very aggressive or a very peaceful fish in the same tank. This is because the aggressive fish in the same tank would fight and it would kill the peaceful fish. You need to select a tank mate that is passive-aggressive or partially aggressive. That stays calm and peaceful unless it is attacked and if it is attacked it should be able to defend itself. Pairing to passive-aggressive species in the same tank would allow you to maintain peace in your tank.
After considering these factors, you can select the right potential candidate for the tank mate or tank companion, or Oranda Goldfish.
Species Overview
The Oranda Goldfish is a subspecies or variety of the Goldfish that was created using crossbreeding. The scientific name of this breed is Carassius gibelio forma auratus and it is known as Oranda Goldfish, Red Cap, and many other common trade names. According to researchers, it was crossbred with several fish species to produce different variants that we can see in aquariums these days. It was crossbred to create specific color variants such as red, black, white, and golden. There is a lot of debate when it comes to the origin of this fish species. A lot of researchers agree that it originated in China or Japan in the 15th century.
The original variety of Oranda Goldfish was known for its golden scales, and hood or crown over its head. It is also one of the most commonly found Oranda Goldfish varieties that you can find for your aquariums. Other variants are expensive and rare because they are a product of a specific breeding process. Fish keepers from around the world love this fish because it can be bred with other species to create new varieties. Also, this breeding process is easy as compared to most other fish. It can breed with most Gold Fishes and fish from their genus.
Also, this is a large fish species with a long lifespan. But this lifespan only extends to 15 years if you are taking proper care of them. The Oranda Goldfish is a large species of fish, that is why they need a large tank along with good care. According to expert fish keepers, the size of the tank impacts the size of Goldfish and the lifespan of Goldfish. That is why it is very important to keep them in a large tank. There are a lot of varieties of this species that come in different sizes, colors, and shapes.
This might confuse you because your Oranda Goldfish might not look like what you have seen in pictures on the internet. You may get a different color, shape. But one thing that can help you identify if it is an Oranda Goldfish or not, is the head of the fish that contains a huge crown/hood or growth. Apart from this, you can also identify them using their very large and thin veil-like fins. If you are buying an Oranda Goldfish from the market, just make sure that you select a healthy individual that has a bright and shiny appearance.
A lot of fish keepers advise that you should not keep them with fish species that nibble on the fins and tails of other fish that are slow. Because the Oranda Goldfish is one of the slow swimming fish, if you keep them with fish that nibble on the fish, their fins will be eaten by the smaller and more active fish. It can induce fins and tail rot infection, which can change the appearance of your fish and is not good for the health of your fish.
Appearance
The Oranda Goldfish has one of the most unique appearances, not only among the Goldfish but among fish from other families as well. The most unique and most noticeable feature in their appearance is the permanent mass growth above their head. Sometimes, this mass growth can cover their entire face as well. This fish also has many other features that attract the eyes of anyone watching it. For example, this fish has very long and thin fins. In most varieties these thin fins and tails are white, but in some varieties, these fins are also colorful.
The color Oranda Goldfish depends on the variety of Oranda Goldfish that you are selecting for the tank. Black, Blue, Orange, Golden, and White are some of the most common variants that you can buy. The shape of this fish is typically calendrical and similar to other Goldfish, but their heads have a distinct appearance. It can be 8 to 10 inches long if kept in a large tank or a pond. If you provide them excellent care, they can grow longer than 10 inches but if the care is not excellent, it can impact their size. Most of the Oranda Goldfish that you can buy from the aquarium markets are four to six inches long.
In this variety of Goldfish, the long and thin fins and tail are just for appearance, as they do not help the fish swim faster. When these fins move in the water, it looks like they are dancing. Their fins can have multiple colors depending on the subspecies or variety of Oranda Goldfish that you are selecting. Apart from these large fins, they also have some small fins on the sides of their belly, and near their face. These are actual fins that help the fish swim. The large size, thin fins, prevent the fish from swimming fast.
Here is the list of some of the most unique color varieties of Oranda Goldfish.
- Red Cap Oranda Goldfish
- Blue Oranda Goldfish
- Black Oranda Goldfish
- Black and White Oranda Goldfish or Panda Oranda
- Orange Oranda Goldfish (Wen)
Apart from these, there are a lot of other colored variants of the Oranda Goldfish available in the market. You can buy one according to your color preferences. Care guidelines for all of these variants of the Oranda Goldfish are the same.
Origin/Native
The Original Goldfish were native to Japan and China, where they were selectively bred, and crossbred to create different varieties. According to researchers, this variety was created during that time. It became a popular choice for the fish keepers in the United States and Europe because of its unique coloration, and appearance. Fish keepers started to crossbreed them with other species of fish to produce more varieties of the Oranda Goldfish.
Natural Habitat
This is a variety of Goldfish that was created using the selective breeding and crossbreeding processes. This fish is not found in any natural habitat across the world. But it can be seen in many aquariums, and ponds across the world. The original species of Goldfish, which is known as common carp, live in many different areas of Asia, specifically in China, and Japan. It needs a moderately warm, neutral, and freshwater habitat. Similarly, the Oranda Goldfish also needs similar conditions to live.
Oranda Goldfish Lifespan
This is one of the fish species that can live for a long time in your aquarium. But only if you provide them excellent care. The average lifespan of Oranda Goldfish in large aquariums is 15 years. But if the tank size is short, or the care is not excellent, your fish would die before reaching the average lifespan.
Habitat and Tank Conditions
As mentioned above, if you want your fish to stay healthy and live for a long time, you will have to provide them with excellent growing conditions and a perfect tank habitat. There are a few things that can help you create a perfect habitat, and tank conditions for the Oranda Goldfish. These include the size of the tank, setup of the tank, water parameters of the tank, and water source for your tank. If you get all of these rights and maintain the parameters, your fish will live longer and will be healthier. Here is a guide about creating perfect habitat and tank conditions.
Tank Size
The first thing that you need to consider when creating a habitat for the Oranda Goldfish is the size of the tank. There are a lot of tank sizes available, but you need to select the latest possible tanks with more surface area. There are long and wide tanks, and then there are taller tanks, you should select a wide and long tank instead of a taller tank. Because the taller tanks have a smaller surface area and small territory for your Oranda Goldfish to explore. Meanwhile, selecting a wide, less tall tank would provide your fish with more space and surface area.
More surface area allows more oxygen to be absorbed in the water. So, it helps you prevent oxygen shortage in the tank. Apart from this, wide tanks provide more surface area for your fish to occupy as a territory. This reduces the risks of territorial disputes among the tank mates. You can select a tank using the simple equation. If you are planning on keeping one Oranda Goldfish, you will have to use a ten gallons tank, for two Oranda Goldfish, you will need double the size and for three, you will need triple the size of the tank.
So, for every fish that you put in the tank of Oranda Goldfish, you will have to increase the capacity of the tank by ten gallons. So, if you are planning on keeping four or five Oranda Goldfish, you will need a 40 to 50 gallons tank. You can use a smaller tank but that will not be an ideal choice because it would create multiple problems for the tank members.
Tank Setup
Once you are done with the size of the tank, you should start working on the tank setup. The tank setup for Oranda Goldfish should be simple. You can add stones, some sand, pebbles, or fine-grained substrate for the bottom layer of the tank. This is not very important because the Goldfish rarely visit the bottom layer. But it is important to make sure that you do not put anything sharp in the bottom layer because any sharp object such as stones with sharp edges can cut the fins and body of the Oranda Goldfish. This injury can get infectious and kill your fish.
So, you must check your stones, pebbles, and substrate before adding them to the tank. Also, make sure that everything was cleaned and washed before being put into the tank. Once you are done with the bottom layer, you can move on to the next step. Which is planting some plants inside the aquariums. There are a lot of aquatic plants that you can use for this purpose. Select an appropriate slow-growing plant and put it inside your tank. A lot of people do not like putting the plants inside the tank of Oranda Goldfish, but that is not a very good choice as these plants provide oxygen and act as a shelter.
After that, you will need to start putting some decorations inside the tank so that your fish can enjoy playing with them. You can also add some caves in the tank. Apart from these, you also need to put a water heater inside the water to control the temperature in cold regions. Meanwhile, in the warm regions, you will have to make use of ice cubes or cold water to keep the temperature within the recommended limits.
You will also have to add a filter inside the tank to clean the water and provide movement or flow inside the water. Use a strong filter if you are using a large tank because smaller filters would not be able to recycle the water completely. Also, use a lid to cover the top of your aquarium, and put some standard aquarium lights to keep the tanks lit during the day.
Water Conditions/Parameters
Here are the water parameters that you need to maintain.
- The temperature at 65°F to 72°F – slightly cold.
- pH level at neutral or around 7.
- Hardness under 20 dGH
You will have to maintain these parameters inside the fish tank or pond year-round. Any change in these parameters can kill your fish. For example, if the temperature falls below the recommended range, it would kill your fish as it controls its internal temperature using water. Also, pH and hardness changes can change the chemistry of the water and that can cause health issues. Apart from these, you will also need to recycle the water and maintain hygiene inside the tank.
Water Source
You can use water from any source including your tap, but you will have to make sure that water is not contagious and is safe for your fish. If it is not safe, you should filter it before putting it inside the tank. Otherwise, your fish would die because of parasitic diseases, bacterial infections, and chemicals that are present in unfiltered water. That is why using clean and filtered water is better.
Behavior and Temperament
The Oranda Goldfish is a passive, and peaceful fish. It is also a social species of fish that likes to connect with the other members of the tank. This fish cannot survive alone, and that is why it should be kept in groups. It is a slow-moving fish and when it moves, its fins and tail create a dancing motion. It does not attack other members of the tank, but tank mates can attack its fins and try to eat them. So, you should select tank mates after complete consideration to prevent this from happening. They play with the ornaments that you put in the tanks. They spend most of their time in the middle layer wandering and exploring it.
Breeding Oranda Goldfish
One of the benefits of keeping an Oranda Goldfish in your tank is that it is very easy to breed. You can breed them without any issues. This easy breeding nature of the Goldfish is the reason behind so many variants that are available these days. Below is a complete guide about breeding the Oranda Goldfish.
- Start by creating a new tank for breeding. Make sure that this tank follows the same guidelines that are given above. Put male and female in the same tank for breeding.
- You will have to plant something in the breeding tank because this fish likes to lay eggs on the leaves. There is no need for changing temperature or inducing rain-like conditions.
- Just feed the males and females and put them in the tank and keep feeding them. Male would circle the female to start spawning and they would mate. Afterward, females would lay eggs. A single Oranda Goldfish can lay up more than 1000 eggs.
- The Oranda Goldfish likes eating its eggs, so it is better to remove the adults as soon as the egg-laying process is finished. Fertilized eggs will take some time to hatch.
Eggs and Fry Care
Eggs hatch after 72 hours and start to feed on the egg sacs and unfertilized eggs. You can also feed them special food such as Infuriosa. Let the fry grow for a few months before introducing them into a separate tank or in the same tank as their parents. If you introduce too small fry, the Oranda Goldfish will eat them, so it is best to create a new tank for them.
Diet of Oranda Goldfish
The Oranda Goldfish is an omnivorous species. It is capable of eating multiple types of food, and that helps you a lot. You can feed them live food, pellets, and frozen meat. As these are large creatures, they need more food. But make sure that you do not put too much food in their tank as the extra food would decompose and release carbon in the tank.
Diseases of Oranda Goldfish
Here is a list of the possible diseases of Oranda Goldfish.
- Ich: It is caused by the Ichthyophthirius multifiilis and is also known as the white spots disease. This is because it causes the white spots to form on the scales of the fish. It is a very contagious disease that can kill your entire tank. But it can be treated by isolating the infected members and using medications.
- Fin Rot: The common cause of the fin and tail rot is the nibbling of their fins and tails. They are slow-moving fish and when they are paired with fish that nibble on their fins, it can cause infections and the fins start to rot. It is also avoidable, and treatable.
- Flukes: It is caused by the Mongenean trematodes, which is a parasite that infects the gills of the fish. It prevents the fish from breathing oxygen properly. It can suffocate the fish and kill it. But it can be prevented by keeping the tank clean and treated using the medicines.
What is the Ideal Size For The Tank?
For a large size fish like Oranda Goldfish, you need a large tank. The ideal size of the tank for this fish depends on the number of fish that you want to keep in the tank. For a single Oranda Goldfish, you need 10 gallons tank, for two you need 20 gallons tank and for three you need a 30 gallons tank. The fish per gallon ratio of Oranda Goldfish is 10 gallons per fish. So, you should select your tank according to that.
Is Oranda Goldfish Saltwater or Freshwater Species?
Oranda Goldfish is a freshwater fish variety that is found in aquariums all over the world.
Is the Oranda Goldfish a schooling species or not?
No, Oranda Goldfish is not a schooling fish species. It displays the social behavior of swimming together, but this is not according to schooling or schooling behavior. For that reason, it can be said that this is not a schooling fish.
Conclusion – Is Oranda Goldfish Suitable For Your Aquarium?
Yes, the Oranda Goldfish is a suitable fish for your tank. There are many reasons to support this argument, including the fact that it is one of the most popular, most unique-looking, and colorful species of fish. Apart from these, this is also one of those fish species that last very long and require minimum care. Also, it is good for the new and experienced fish keepers.
FAQs
Question: Are there any types of Oranda Goldfish?
Answer: Yes, the Oranda Goldfish has multiple sub-varieties. These are created using crossbreeding. These include Black Oranda Goldfish, Black and White Oranda Goldfish, Red Cap Oranda Goldfish, Blue Oranda Goldfish, and many more.
Question: What is the ideal temperature for the tank of Oranda Goldfish?
Answer: The ideal temperature range for the Oranda Goldfish tank is 68°F to 71.5°F. It needs moderate temperature to live a healthy life.
Question: Are Oranda Goldfish easy to care for?
Answer: Yes, it is one of the easy to care for species of fish. It does not require special attention or hard work. You just need to maintain the parameters and feed them properly and they will live for decades.
