Oranda Fancy Goldfish Profile

The oranda goldfish is a very popular breed of goldfish and is widely available in the aquatic hobby. Their defining characteristic is their brain-like head growth called a wen. The oranda has a deep body and short or long flowing tail and fins. They can be found in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The oranda is a social goldfish that should only be kept with other fancy goldfish varieties.

Special Characteristics:

The wen is the most prominent and defining characteristic of the oranda. The wen is a gelatinous rasberry looking growth on the head of the oranda. The wen should be well developed and may include wen growth on the head, opercula and/or infroorbital (cheeks). Oranda goldfish do not show signs of wen growth until they are a few months old. By two years the oranda has a prominent wen. Most fish have wens that match their colour/markings (calico/orange/white etc) but they can come in a striking white, pink/peach, yellow as well.

Size:

The oranda is a deep bodied goldfish that can grow up to seven to twelve inches.

Colours and patterns:

Red-cap (all white with red wen), panda (black and white), calico, chocolate, blue, black, red/black, yellow/black, orange, white, yellow/black, bronze. Scales are metallic or matte or a combination.

Fins:

The oranda has a dorsal fin, pectoral fins, single or double anal fins and a double tail. Orandas may be short or long finned.

Care requirements:

The care required for an oranda goldfish is the same for all fancy goldfish, however, they have the potential to grow larger than ryukins or fantails. See our Goldfish Care Sheet.

Special Care Concerns:
Buoyancy issues:
Like most of the fancy varieties, orandas are also susceptible to buoyancy issues in some cases due to their round body type. Read our article Buoyancy Issues in Fancy Goldfish for additional information. As a result, we recommend feeding high quality sinking and fresh foods. See our articles on goldfish nutrition and the GAB Goldfish Diner.

Wen overgrowth: In some specimens, the wen may grow so large as to cover their eyes and hinder their vision. We recommend trimming the wen in that case. Please ask about this in Sick Fish Forum and read our article on Wen Trim Surgery.

Tankmates: Orandas and other fancy goldfish should be kept only with other fancy goldfish only. If you opt to try other groups of fish, please see Goldfish Tankmates.