Lion Head Oranda

 

fish description – Lionhead Oranda Goldfish Care Guide (Carassius auratus)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Carassius\ auratus$
Common Name	Lionhead Oranda, Oranda Goldfish, Fancy Goldfish
Origin	Aquarium-bred hybrid (descended from wild carp in Southern China)
Adult Size	8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
Temperament	Peaceful, slow-moving, voracious eater
Lifespan	10–15+ years
Care Level	Moderate (Sensitive to water quality and prone to swim bladder issues)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A heavy, ovoid (egg-shaped) bodied goldfish with a large, delicate, bulbous growth (wen) covering the top and sides of the head. Unlike a true Lionhead, this fish possesses a dorsal fin. They are often poor swimmers due to their rounded bodies.
• Coloration: Comes in various colors (red, orange, white, calico, black). The intensity of the wen coloration varies. Sexing is difficult outside of spawning season; males develop white tubercles (breeding stars) on the head and pectoral fins, while females are rounder and noticeably plumper/fatter when carrying eggs.
• Fins: Long, flowing fins (caudal, dorsal, anal). The large wen can obstruct the fish’s eyesight.
• Behavior: A very peaceful, docile, and slow-moving fish. They are voracious eaters and produce a large amount of waste (high bioload). They will root/dig through the substrate.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) minimum for the first fish, plus 10–20 gallons for each additional fish. A 50–75 gallon tank is a suitable starting size for a small school (3–4 fish).
• Schooling: Highly social; best kept in groups of 2 or more of similar slow-moving fancy varieties (e.g., Ranchu, Fantail).
• Temperature: Cold/Cool Water Range: $65^\circ$–$75^\circ\text{F}\ (18^\circ$–$24^\circ\mathrm{C})$. Avoid tropical temperatures, as higher heat stresses them and increases their metabolism.
• pH Level: Highly adaptable: 6.5 to 8.0. They require robust filtration (rated 3–5 times the tank volume) and frequent partial water changes (25–30% weekly) to manage high waste output and keep nitrates low.
• Aquascape: Requires smooth, fine substrate (sand is best) to allow digging without injuring the wen or eyes. All decor must be smooth and dull-edged. Provide open swimming space. Hardy plants may be used, but soft-leaved plants will be nibbled or uprooted.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Lionhead Oranda is an omnivore, leaning towards a herbivorous diet, and is susceptible to digestive issues.

• Staple Diet: High-quality sinking goldfish pellets or granules (sinking food is essential to prevent gulping air, which causes swim bladder issues).
• Supplementation: A diet rich in fiber and low in processed carbohydrate fillers. Offer blanched fresh vegetables (shelled peas, zucchini, spinach) regularly. Frozen/live protein (bloodworms, brine shrimp) should be offered 2–3 times a week.
• Schedule: Feed small portions twice daily. Never overfeed. Fast the fish one day a week to clear the digestive system and prevent swim bladder disorder.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Very poor competitors for food due to their slow swimming and poor eyesight. Do not keep with fast-swimming tropical fish (Danios, Barbs) or known fin-nippers.
• Good Tank Mates: Only other slow-moving Fancy Goldfish (e.g., Fantails, Black Moors, Ranchu). Larger, peaceful bottom-dwellers like large Mystery Snails or large weather loaches can also be suitable.