Gold Fish Care |
Oranda Goldfish
Other Common Name:Tigerhead in Far East. Origin:China, Japan Size:It can grow up to 6 - 10 inches (15 to 25 cm), body length is 2.25 inches (5.5 cm), caudal fin length is 3/4th of the body length, and depth of the body is 2/3rd of the body length. Lifespan:Average lifespan is 18 years. Physical DescriptionOriginally bred in China, Oranda is now the most popular variety of Goldfish found in the Western World. The hood is well grown at the top of the head (cranial region) while the hood is less developed in the cheeks & gills (infra orbital & opercular regions). Oranda looks like Veiltail but it doesn't have long tails as Veiltail and it has a hood likeLionhead Goldfish. But hood isn't equally developed in all three parts (cranial region, infra-orbital and opercular regions) of the head.
Oranda has a single dorsal fin and other fins are paired. Caudal in is well divided and forked. Color Varieties of OrandaThe Oranda occurs in red, black, blue, chocolate brown, bronze, white, calico, red and black, red and white and red, black andwhite. The scales of this fish can be matte or glossy. Redcap OrandaRedcap Oranda is very popular in the world. This is one of the color varieties of Oranda. But some of its special features make this variety distinct from other one. Redcap Oranda has all the parts filled with white color except the cherry red hood. Hood of the fish is developed only in the top of the head (cranial region). All other internal and external features are the same as Oranda. Due to the red color hood, it is named as Redcap Oranda. HousingThe Oranda is a hard fish and can be kept in an outdoor pond. If winters in your region are severe, it is best to bring your Oranda indoors at this time. Each Oranda requires a 15 - 20 gallon tank. The fish is not born with the hood. It grows between the age of 3 months and 2 years. Proper and regular cleaning of the water tank and good quality of water is required for the growth of hood. Absence of maintenance leads to infection from bacteria and fungi. So, this fish not recommended for beginners.
Temperature:Oranda can survive well in 65 to 75 degrees F (18 - 23 degrees C). We have to provide high lighting effect for this fish. Water Condition: You have to maintain water condition in the tank with pH as 6.5 - 7.5 and dH as 4 to 20. You have to fill fresh cold water in the tank. Moving Level in Water:Oranda can swim in the middle level ofwater. Do not put them in the same space as the faster swimming fish such as the Comet and Shubunkin. FeedingLike other varieties of Goldfish, Oranda aren't fussy eaters. You should put them on a varied diet that includes soaked pellets, flakes, vegetables, shrimp and bloodworms. Put a few plants on the bottom of the pond or tank for your Oranda to snack on. Avoid using live foods as they may induce parasite infection. Feed them with 30 percent protein diet to enhance hood development. ReproductionOranda variety Goldfish are easy to breed them. Ideal pond/tank mates for the Oranda are the Ranchu, Lionhead, Moor and Pearlscales. They lay eggs between 800 to 1000 eggs per breeding. Selecting a good Oranda1. The body should be short with a smooth outline.
|