Red Oranda Goldfish

The word "Oranda" is Dutch for Lionhead, but unlike the Lionhead goldfish, the Oranda has a prominent dorsal fin. Like the lionhead goldfish, oranda goldfish were selectively bred to create the bubbly head the Chinese call the "wen" and we usually call the "crown" or "cap".

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Orandas produce a lot of waste, so give them plenty of room and a strong filter. Change 25–30% of the water every week.

Feeding: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in about two minutes. Mix a quality sinking pellet or flake with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, plus blanched peas or other vegetables now and then.

Tankmates: Keep them with other fancy goldfish of similar size and speed. Avoid fast single-tail goldfish like comets and shubunkins, which will outcompete them for food. Also avoid tropical fish, which need warmer water, and fin-nippers.

Ponds: Orandas can live in ponds in mild climates, but they are less cold-hardy than comets and shubunkins. Bring them indoors where winters are harsh, and keep them away from fast, aggressive pond fish.

Good to know: The wen (crown) keeps growing for the first couple of years and can trap debris, so clean water is the key to a healthy, full wen.