Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Carassius auratus (Red & Black Oranda variety)
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Origin: Originally developed in China and Japan through selective breeding to enhance color contrast, wen development, and flowing fins.
- Popularity: Highly admired for its bold red-and-black color combination, striking wen, and elegant movement — a premium choice among fancy goldfish collectors.
🎨 Appearance
- Color:
- Glossy black body mixed with deep, velvety shades.
- Contrasting bright red head, fins, or patches depending on the line.
- Some variations have red on the wen (“red cap”) with black body, while others feature red blazes or splits.
- Structure:
- Prominent wen (head growth) characteristic of Orandas.
- Rounded, egg-shaped body.
- Flowing double tail (fantail), soft and graceful.
- Large dorsal and anal fins that give a majestic look.
- Size:
- Typically 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in body length; can grow larger in ponds.
- Lifespan: 10–15 years, potentially longer with excellent care.
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for one; +20 gallons per additional fish.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Hardness: 5–15 dGH
- Lighting: Moderate — brings out red color while protecting sensitive eyes.
- Substrate: Smooth sand or rounded gravel.
- Habitat Setup:
- Provide open swimming space; avoid clutter.
- Add smooth rocks, driftwood, and hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern.
- Use gentle filtration — strong currents stress fancy goldfish.
🍽️ Diet
- Type: Omnivorous.
- Foods:
- High-quality sinking goldfish pellets (reduces buoyancy issues).
- Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.
- Fresh veggies: peas (deshelled), spinach, lettuce.
- Feeding Tips:
- Feed 2–3 small meals daily.
- Avoid overfeeding — this variety is prone to digestive sensitivity.
🤝 Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful, calm, gentle.
- Tank Mates:
- Perfect with other fancy goldfish (Telescope, Oranda, Ryukin, Fantail).
- Avoid slim-bodied fast swimmers (Comet, Shubunkin).
- Grouping:
- Can be kept alone or with friendly fancy goldfish groups.
- Behavior: Curious, social, and graceful — enjoys exploring and slow swimming.
💡 Care Notes
- Requires very clean water — perform weekly 30–40% water changes.
- Wen should be monitored for overgrowth or infection.
- Avoid sharp decorations — delicate fins and wen can tear easily.
- Red coloration intensifies with good diet, warm stable water, and low stress.
- A stunning showcase fish — the Red and Black Oranda adds dramatic contrast and elegance to any coldwater aquarium.
