Oranda Yuan Bao - Short Tail 9cm

Oranda Yuan Bao

The Yuan Bao goldfish is one of the most recent entries to the near-endless types of goldfish currently available. This strain has been developed in china and is a result of crossing a Ryukin with a Ranchu to create a super round, bulky fish. These will be a fantastic consideration for high-end goldfish collectors or aquarists looking for a stunning, showpiece display fish.  

Yuan Bao goldfish are quite comical in their look, as they are a cross between two already bulky, round fish, the Yuan Bao take this to another level. These fish develop to look almost like a basketball, their incredibly spherical body, compact tail, and short fins give them quite a unique swimming pattern. Like Ranchu, these fish have a bubbly when that wraps the face with a slither higher concentration of growth near the head. Much like fantails the Yuan Bao goldfish tends to have a three to four-prong tail and smaller fins. This strain specifically is bred to have much shorter fins when compared to most other fancy strains. The colouration of this fish however is really dependent on the individual but the major colour is a vibrant orange. There can also be streaks of white, grey, black, and even red.

Whilst goldfish are cold water tolerant and can be kept in outdoor ponds, it is better to keep Yuan Bao goldfish indoors. These fish are not the best swimmers and are bred in tropical countries, they may not be able to hide swiftly from predators outdoors or even tolerate the near-freezing temperatures that comet goldfish can live in. Breeding these fish in captivity however is possible, sexing these goldfish is a difficult task however once males and females reach maturity, they can show some chasing behaviors. Females may also appear to be larger when filled with eggs and have clear cheek plates whereas males tend to develop star-shaped bumps. 

Tank Recommendations for Oranda Yuan Bao 

The Yuan Bao goldfish can get fairly big at 15 cm both in length and height meaning that an individual fish would need a minimum volume of 120 liters. A larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one personable and adorable Yuan Bao goldfish? Two Yuan Bao goldfish of course!

The thing to note however with Yuan Bao goldfish is that, due to their compact body and short 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 like pointy driftwood as Yuan Bao goldfish can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Yuan Bao 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 saved 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 Yuan Bao goldfish would eat shrimp in an instant.

Feeding your Oranda Yuan Bao

Feeding Yuan Bao 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 sometimes 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.