Red Cap Oranda 5cm

Red Cap Oranda

The Red Cap oranda is arguably the most popular strain of fancy goldfish in the world and is often one of the first types of goldfish aside from comets that aquarists get. The contrast of white and orange, the bubbly cap, and the compact body really do attract aquarium keepers of all ages and interests, These fish will be a great addition to a mixed oranda tank. 

Red cap oranda are really known for one thing, the bright red-orange cap they have on the head. The colouration of these fish is quite simple, red cap oranda tends to have a platinum white body that is just one uniform white. This is shared on the flowing fins and the only other contrast is provided by the orange head. This strain like other oranda has a round compact body, with long flowing fins, The tail sorts a fantail look which looks quite pleasant from above. These reflective scales really catch light well and create a glittering effect in the aquarium. Whilst goldfish are cold water tolerant and can be kept in outdoor ponds, it is better to keep oranda 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 behaviours. Females may also appear to be larger when filled with eggs and have clear cheek plates whereas males tend to develop star-shaped bumps. The females scatter eggs which the male then fertilizes, Once the fry hatch, they do tend to grow quite fast however because of how these fish are line bred there are quite a lot of deformities that need to be culled.

Tank Recommendations for Red Cap Oranda

The red cap oranda 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 litres. A larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one personable and adorable red cap oranda goldfish? Two Red Cap Oranda’s of course!

The thing to note however red cap oranda 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 red cap oranda goldfish can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Red cap oranda is a peaceful species and can be kept with many different tank mates. It is best to keep them with smaller, non-aggressive, or fin-nipping species. 

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 fish such as angelfish, dwarf cichlids, mollies, and other higher temperature-loving fish. 

Rarely Compatible

Larger Cichlids and fish that have a mouth large such as Oscars, jaguar cichlids, and shrimp should also be avoided as red cap goldfish would eat shrimp in an instant.

Feeding your Red Cap Oranda

Feeding red cap oranda 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 that are rich in algae or spirulina content are best to suit their herbivorous diet.