Oranda Goldfish Care Guide: Tank, Food, and Wen Care

Orandas are one of the most popular fancy goldfish. They are known for the soft, raspberry-like head growth called the wen and their flowing fins. They are friendly and active, and they are a good first fancy goldfish for many keepers. Here is how to care for one.

Oranda Tank Size

• First Oranda: at least 20 gallons
• Each extra Oranda: add 10 to 15 gallons

Orandas can reach 8 inches or more. Bigger tanks mean cleaner water and healthier fish.

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 68 to 75°F for long-term care
• pH: 7.0 to 7.8
• Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: under 20 ppm

Orandas from Thailand are used to warm water. When they first arrive, keep the tank around 76 to 78°F and follow our goldfish acclimation guide.

Filtration

Orandas make a lot of waste. Use a filter rated for a larger tank than yours, and do a 25 to 50 percent water change each week. Make sure your tank is fully cycled before adding fish.

How to Keep the Wen Healthy

The wen is soft and can get hurt or infected.

• Use smooth decor with no sharp edges.
• Keep water clean and nitrates low.
• Check the wen often. Redness, white fuzz, or sores mean you should act fast.
• Do not touch or scrub the wen.

A larger wen means more care, but a healthy wen is a sign of a well-kept fish.

What to Feed Orandas

• Sinking pellets as the main food
• Soaked dry food to prevent bloating
• Blanched peas now and then
• Frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp as a treat

Feed small amounts 1 to 2 times a day. See more in our guide on what to feed fancy goldfish.

Oranda Tank Mates

Orandas do best with other slow fancy goldfish like Ranchu and Lionchu. Avoid fast single-tail goldfish and fin-nipping fish.

Common Oranda Problems

• Wen infection: Improve water quality right away.
• Swim bladder issues: See our swim bladder guide.
• Fin rot: Usually a sign of dirty water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Orandas live?

With good care, 10 to 15 years.

Are Orandas good for beginners?

They are hardy for a fancy goldfish, but they still need a large tank and strong filtration.

What colors do Orandas come in?

Red, white, red and white, calico, panda, and tiger patterns are all common.

Do Orandas need a heater?

Not always, but a heater helps keep temperature steady.

Shop Thai Oranda at Garage Aquatics

See our current Thai Oranda collection. Every fish is photographed individually, and we ship from San Diego, CA by Next Day Air or 2-Day.