Oranda Calico

Introduction

The Oranda Calico is a beautiful and unique variety of fancy goldfish, known for its vibrant calico coloration and distinctive wen (head growth). This elegant fish is a favorite among goldfish enthusiasts due to its striking appearance, graceful swimming, and friendly nature. The Oranda Calico thrives in well-maintained aquariums and ponds, making it a wonderful addition to both beginner and experienced fish keepers’ collections.

Scientific Name

Carassius auratus

Common Name

Oranda Calico Goldfish

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
• pH Level: The ideal pH range is 6.5 to 7.5, ensuring a stable and healthy environment.
• Ammonia & Nitrite: Keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm, as goldfish are sensitive to poor water conditions.
• Nitrate: Should be kept below 20 ppm to prevent health issues.
• Filtration: A strong filtration system is essential to maintain water quality, as goldfish produce a significant amount of waste.

Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous
• Pellets and Flakes: High-quality sinking goldfish pellets or flakes provide balanced nutrition.
• Vegetables: Blanched vegetables such as peas, spinach, and zucchini help with digestion.
• Live or Frozen Foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia can be offered as occasional treats to enhance their diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small portions 2 to 3 times a day, avoiding overfeeding to prevent digestive issues.

Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Other fancy goldfish such as Ranchus, Ryukins, and Lionheads.
• Avoid: Fast-swimming or fin-nipping fish like common goldfish or barbs, as they may outcompete Orandas for food or damage their delicate fins.
• Group Size: Orandas are social and do well in groups, so keeping them with other fancy goldfish is ideal.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Substrate: Smooth gravel or sand is recommended to prevent injuries.
• Plants: Live or artificial plants such as Anubias or Java Fern provide hiding spots, but avoid sharp decorations that can damage their delicate fins.
• Ornaments: Provide open swimming space and avoid overcrowding with decorations.

Sexing

• Male vs. Female: Males may develop small white tubercles (breeding stars) on their gill covers and pectoral fins during breeding season, while females have a rounder body shape when carrying eggs.

Breeding

• Spawning Behavior: Oranda Calicos are egg scatterers and spawn in well-maintained aquariums or ponds.
• Breeding Conditions: Encourage breeding by gradually increasing water temperature to around 72°F to 75°F (22°C to 24°C) and providing a spawning mop or fine-leaved plants.
• Egg Care: Parents do not care for their eggs, so they should be removed after spawning to prevent them from being eaten.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: Oranda Calicos can grow up to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) with proper care.
• Lifespan: They can live for 10 to 15 years, and even longer with excellent care.

General Information

The Oranda Calico is a stunning fancy goldfish variety, admired for its flowing fins and beautiful mix of red, orange, black, and white patches. Due to their delicate wen and long fins, they require a clean environment and gentle tank mates. They thrive in spacious aquariums with high-quality filtration and regular water changes.

A Fun Fact

The Oranda’s wen continues to grow throughout its life and can become quite large. Some owners trim the wen if it starts obstructing the fish’s vision, ensuring their Oranda remains active and healthy!