The Oranda goldfish is a very beautiful breed of goldfish which is easily characterized by a prominent bubble-like ‘hood’ on the head. The hood or headgrowth of this fish is also known as Wen or Crown. This may be a prominent growth on the top of the head (cranial region) or may encase the whole head except for the eyes and mouth.
The Oranda goldfish was first imported from China to Japan. And it was mistakenly thought to be native to the Netherlands, and was therefore dubbed the ‘Holland Lionmask’, from which it’s English name ‘Oranda’ derives. It was actually developed in the late 1500s.
Currently the Oranda goldfish is one of the most popular goldfish in the world. And is very common in both America and in the far east. However, read some more information about this goldfish variety below.
Oranda Goldfish Characteristics
The Oranda goldfish is one of the most beautiful goldfish varieties. It is favored for it’s hood, which is a fleshy growth on the top of it’s head (called the wen). And the wen generally starts to show at about 3-4 months, but only really begins to form at about 1-2 years. And the hood is fully developed when the fish gets to be about 2-2.5 years old. The scales of the Oranda goldfish is a metallic or matte which is similar in appearance to the Veiltail Goldfish.
These goldfish generally have a large, long and deep body accompanied by a long quadruple tail. This four-lobed and contracted tail normally spreads out broadly when the oranda stops swimming. The back does not rise up to form a Ryukin-like hump. The Oranda goldfish are available in a variety of colors. Their most common coloration are calico, red-back-and-white, chocolate, bronze, white, black-and-white, silver, blue, black, red-and-black, red-and-white and orange. The mature Oranda goldfish can reach between 8 and 12 inches body length. Photo and info from [1].
Diet
The Oranda goldfish are omnivores like many other goldfish varieties. They are mainly feed on plants, small crustaceans, insects and detritus.
Breeding
The Oranda goldfish can be tricky to breed, like most other fancy goldfish breeds. For breeding, they generally require a period of cooler weather followed by warmer temperatures and adequate tank space. The females can lay up to 1,000 eggs per spawning. And they can reproduce like crazy in pond environment.
Uses
The Oranda goldfish are ornamental fish species. They are raised mainly for ornamental purpose, and also raised as pets.
Special Notes
The Oranda goldfish are sensitive to low water temperatures and can be kept with other goldfish varieties. Generally they can tolerate temperatures ranging from 17-28 °C. If their wen grows too much, it may hinder vision. So it is advised to keep them with other goldfish varieties with similarly poor vision. Doing so will make sure that they do not starve because of the able-sighted competition. Their wen is also susceptible to injury from rough objects placed in their residence.
Currently there are many varieties of the Oranda goldfish are available. Common varieties are Azuma Nishiki, Red-cap Oranda, Telescope Eyed Oranda, Hana Fusa or White Pompom Oranda, Nagate Oranda and Panda Oranda. Average lifespan of these fish is up to 15 years. However, review full breed profile of the Oranda goldfish in the table below.
| Name | Oranda Goldfish |
| Other Names | None |
| Breed Purpose | Ornamental, pet |
| Special Notes | Very beautiful, sensitive to low water temperatures, can be kept with other goldfish varieties, can tolerate temperatures ranging from 17-28 °C, it may hinder vision if the wen grows too much, many varieties available, up to 15 years of average lifespan, raised for ornamental purpose, can reproduce like crazy in pond environment, common varieties are Azuma Nishiki, Red-cap Oranda, Telescope Eyed Oranda, Hana Fusa or White Pompom Oranda, Nagate Oranda and Panda Oranda |
| Size | Between 8 and 12 inches |
| Breeding Method | Artificial and natural |
| Climate Tolerance | Almost all climates |
| Body Color | Most common coloration are calico, red-back-and-white, chocolate, bronze, white, black-and-white, silver, blue, black, red-and-black, red-and-white and orange |
| Rarity | Common |
| Availability | Worldwide |
