Giant Oranda - Select 18cm

Giant Oranda - Select 18cm 

Oranda would have to be one of the most popular strains of fancy goldfish, their endless colours, comical look, and elegant fins make them a fish that aquarists will often dedicate their entire hobby to keep. Whilst Oranda can be as cheap as a few dollars as juveniles, it’s often very hard to know what they will look like when adults, the true fin structure, colours, and body shape are something that changes very frequently through the early stages of the fish’s life. This is why dedicated goldfish keepers often get very selective of their fish often only letting the most high-quality fish reach full adulthood to ensure the integrity of the Oranda is maintained. As a lot of time, effort, and resources are put into raising a few show-level fish, this can often result in higher prices. These specially select Oranda Goldfish will be a fantastic consideration for high-end goldfish collectors or aquarists looking for a stunning, showpiece display fish.  

These full-grown, select orandas are large fish that have essentially reached full adulthood which means that the colours and body shape they have will have little to no change for the rest of their lifespan. Oranda in general are quite a spherical fish with a curved back and large fins. They are also bred to have a localized growth of bubble-like skin called the wen around the top of the head. In regards to colours, this is something that varies greatly in Oranda, they can range from solid colours such as white or red to a complete mix such as the fish pictured. It really comes down to the individual lineage of the fish which is what makes them such a popular fish for breeders who like to play with colours present in the fish. 

Breeding these fish in captivity is possible and quite easy especially with fully grown fish like these. Sexing these goldfish is possible but can be difficult without seeing behavioural signs however females will tend to appear to be larger when filled with eggs and have clear cheek plates whereas males tend to develop star shaped bumps. Males will chase the females and entice them to scatter eggs which males will fertilize. The goldfish however exhibit no parental care so it is best to take the parents once the eggs have been raised. 

Tank Recommendations for your Giant Oranda 

These oranda goldfish can get fairly big at 20 cm both in length and height meaning that an individual fish would need a minimum volume of 120 litres. A larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one personable and adorable giant oranda goldfish? Two giant oranda goldfish of course!

The thing to note however with oranda goldfish is that due to their compact body and flowing fins, they are actually not the best swimmers so a slower flow is better. A sand substrate is good as these fish will sift through the substrate in search of food however, they can thrive in a bare-bottom system. Smooth river stones can be added for further decoration however sharp materials should be avoided in the aquarium as these large oranda can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Oranda goldfish are great fish as they are not aggressive in the slightest and can be kept with tank mates. Common tank mates they can be kept with are active and small Cooler water tolerant fish. The goldfish however might eat fry produced by these smaller fish however they will be perfectly fine with adults. Fin nipping species however should be avoided entirely as they will make short work of the slow-moving goldfish. 

Usually Compatible

Medaka icefish, paradise fish, giant danios, zebra danio, White Cloud Mountain minnows

Sometimes Compatible

Species can be fin nippers like rosy barbs and also tropical species such as angelfish, dwarf cichlids, mollies, and species of a similar sort.

Rarely Compatible

Larger cichlids and fish which have a mouth large such as Oscars, jaguar cichlids, and shrimp should also be avoided as these large oranda goldfish would eat shrimp in an instant.

Feeding your Giant Oranda

Feeding oranda goldfish should be a breeze, they should immediately take to any aquarium food practically within 24 hours of being added to their new home. Having other goldfish as well will really boost their confidence during feeding time. Slow-sinking foods would be best as these rounder strains have been known to at times get swim bladder issues after frantically gulping for food at the surface. Good quality pellets or flakes which are rich in algae or spirulina content are best to suit their herbivorous diet. Feeding some natural colour enhancers will also seriously make these fish shimmer.