Blue Oranda Goldfish

Fish Medication

Blue Oranda Goldfish are very colorful fish (although the vibrancy can vary a bit). They can range from light bluish-gray to a deep and rich blue. Some specimens also have other colors. It’s common to see patches of white, black, or orange mixed in with the blue.

Species Summary

Considered by many to be the crowning jewel of fancy goldfish, the Oranda Goldfish is a beautiful sight to behold. A product of selective breeding, this type of goldfish has been around for centuries and continues to captivate aquarists all over the world!

Like other goldfish species, Orandas are descendants of wild carp. The exact origins of the Oranda Goldfish are not known, but early records of this fish date back all the way to the 15th century. They were one of many fancy goldfish species created throughout east Asia.

Today, these fish are a popular choice for both ponds and aquariums. With their flowing fins and distinct crowns, Oranda Goldfish add an air of peaceful beauty to any tank.

Average Oranda Goldfish Size

The typical Oranda Goldfish size is about eight to nine inches in length when fully grown. While this isn’t massive by any means, it is a bit larger than some aquarists realize.

Lifespan

With proper care and the right living conditions, Oranda Goldfish have a potential lifespan of up to 15 years. If raised in a large pond, it’s not uncommon to see these fish reach 20 years of age.

Their life expectancy is heavily influenced by the quality of care you provide. In cramped quarters and inferior water conditions, these fish will experience disease and even premature death. To help maximize how long they live, you must provide them with top-notch care.

Appearance & Popular Colors

Orandas aren’t like your average goldfish. They have several identifying features that make them instantly identifiable!

The first is its shape. Instead of the slender shape of common goldfish, Orandas have egg-shaped bodies. They have large bellies that are nearly as wide as the fish’s length!

The fins are unique, too. With the exception of the dorsal fin, every fin on this fish is paired. These fish aren’t the most powerful swimmers, but you can watch them use their paired fins to control their movement in the water.

The most breathtaking fin of all is the caudal fin. It’s paired as well, creating quadruple points. The tail fin is expansive and fans out whenever the fish isn’t moving.

Fins aside, the most distinct feature of the Oranda Goldfish is the cap on its head. Often called the wen or crown, this warty cap develops as the fish gets older.

In most cases, it doesn’t start appearing until the fish is about three or four months old. Even still, it doesn’t fully develop until they reach the age of two years old.

The cap has a thick and rough texture. For some fish, the cap will stay on top of the head. But for others, it can continue growing until it covers the entire head and face.

The most common color for Oranda Goldfish is shimmering orange or yellow. However, there are several noteworthy varieties available, too. Below are some of the most popular kinds.

Black Oranda Goldfish

If you want a more sinister look to your tank, the Black Oranda Goldfish is a great choice. They have all the same physical features you would expect from an Oranda. But, this variety is covered in dark black. This includes the fins.

You might see some hints of orange here and there. Oftentimes, the cap is a bit lighter than the rest of the body as well.

Blue Oranda Goldfish

Blue Oranda Goldfish are very colorful fish (although the vibrancy can vary a bit). They can range from light bluish-gray to a deep and rich blue. Some specimens also have other colors. It’s common to see patches of white, black, or orange mixed in with the blue.

Red Cap Oranda Goldfish

Perhaps the most popular color morph is the Red Cap Oranda. These fish are almost entirely white. However, the iconic head cap is bright red.

Usually, the cap is smaller than what you’d see with other Orandas. It rarely covers the entire face. Instead, the cap is a beautiful crown of red that stands out against their pure white body.

Oranda Goldfish Care

Oranda Goldfish care is quite manageable if you understand their basic needs and are willing to put in the time to maintain a consistent and healthy habitat.

These fish are hardy like their carp ancestors. But with that being said, these designer fish have some unique needs that need to be addressed. In our opinion, they’re best for aquarists with intermediate experience.

To help you provide the best life possible for your fish, here are some important care guidelines to follow.

Tank Size

They might not be speedy swimmers like some other goldfish species, but Oranda Goldfish still need ample room. While it’s commonly said that these fish can do fine in a tank that’s 20 gallons in size, we believe that should be considered the bare minimum.

Fresh Water Fish Breeds

Learn about different species of freshwater fish, including popular breeds like bettas, guppies and catfish.