Red Cap Oranda Goldfish - 2-2.5"

To protect our animals and to ensure they get to our customers healthy and thriving, we will only ship our orders via UPS Next Day Air.

The Red Cap Oranda Goldfish is a beautiful and distinctive variety of the common oranda goldfish, known for its prominent red growth on the top of its head, known as a wen. This wen is a fleshy, dome-shaped mass that grows as the fish matures, giving it a unique and striking appearance. Here are some key details about the Red Cap Oranda Goldfish:

1. Appearance:

• Size: Red Cap Orandas can grow to about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length, though some may reach even larger sizes in spacious, well-maintained tanks or ponds.

• Coloration: They are typically orange or red with a contrasting white body. The red color often appears on the wen (the fleshy growth on the top of their head), which is one of their most defining features.

• Wen: The wen, the red cap, is especially pronounced in adult fish and can be quite large. It can sometimes grow unevenly or asymmetrically, which gives each fish a unique look.

• Fins: They have long, flowing fins that are characteristic of fancy goldfish varieties. These fins can give them a graceful, almost flowing appearance when they swim.

2. Temperament:

• Peaceful and social: Like most goldfish, Red Cap Orandas are generally peaceful and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.

• Social creatures: They tend to enjoy the company of other goldfish and can be kept with other goldfish breeds such as Ryukins, Fantails, or Shubunkins.

• Shy behavior: They might be a little shy at first, especially in a new tank, but they usually become quite friendly over time.

3. Habitat:

• Water conditions: Red Cap Oranda Goldfish prefer cold-water aquariums or ponds. The ideal temperature range for them is 65-75°F (18-24°C). They can tolerate a variety of water conditions but thrive in water with a pH of about 7.0-8.4.

• Tank size: Since they can grow quite large, they require a spacious aquarium—ideally, a tank of at least 30 gallons for one goldfish. If you keep more, you’ll need a larger tank, as goldfish produce a lot of waste and need plenty of swimming space.

• Filtration: Good filtration is essential, as goldfish are messy eaters and will quickly pollute their water if it’s not kept clean.

• Space to swim: It’s important to ensure there are no sharp objects or decorations that could injure their delicate fins. Smooth rocks, plants, and soft substrates are recommended.

4. Diet:

• Omnivorous: They are omnivores, which means they’ll eat a variety of foods. Their diet can include high-quality goldfish pellets, frozen or live food such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, and also blanched vegetables like peas or spinach.

• Algae: They can also graze on algae in the tank, though it's better to provide them with specific food designed for their nutritional needs.

• Feeding habits: Goldfish are constant eaters and will often appear to beg for food. However, they should be fed in moderation, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and water quality problems.

5. Lifespan:

• Red Cap Orandas can live for 10 to 15 years or longer if properly cared for. In ideal conditions, they may even live beyond 20 years, especially in outdoor ponds where they have more space to grow.

6. Breeding:

• Breeding Red Cap Orandas can be challenging, but with the right conditions, it is possible. Typically, the males will chase the females, encouraging them to lay eggs. The eggs are fertilized externally, and once hatched, the fry require special care, such as small live foods like infusoria, until they are large enough to eat standard goldfish food.

7. Care considerations:

• Delicate wen: The wen can be a bit delicate, and in some cases, it may become infected or inflamed. Keeping water quality high, with regular water changes and clean, gentle filtration, is crucial for preventing this.

• Oxygen and water quality: Good water circulation and oxygenation are also important for Red Cap Orandas to thrive.

8. Tankmates:

• Red Cap Orandas are best kept with other calm, cold-water fish. They can share a tank with other goldfish, but it's not a good idea to house them with faster or aggressive species, as the Orandas may not compete well for food.

9. Health tips:

• Regularly check for signs of disease, such as unusual spots, cloudy eyes, or loss of appetite. Goldfish are prone to common freshwater diseases like ich or fin rot if water conditions aren’t optimal.

• Water changes: Regular water changes (about 25-30% every week) are essential to maintain a healthy environment for your goldfish.

Fish may not be identical to the pictures you see online, most are the photos are of the parents and to show what they will grow up like to resemble.