Our Guide To Keeping Chocolate Oranda Goldfish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Carassius auratus
- Common name: Chocolate Oranda Goldfish
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Origin: Selectively bred, originally from China and Japan
- Adult length: 15 to 20 cm
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years (can live up to 20 years with proper care)
- Diet: Omnivore
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
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Tank Setup:
- Chocolate Orandas require a tank of at least 100L for a single fish, with an additional 40L per additional fish.
- Decorate the tank with smooth gravel or sand substrate and avoid sharp decorations to protect their delicate fins and head growth (wen).
- Provide plenty of open swimming space and some gentle decorations like silk plants for enrichment.
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Water Parameters:
- Maintain a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal health.
- Keep the water temperature between 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- Use a powerful filter with adjustable flow; Orandas produce a lot of waste, so strong biological and mechanical filtration is essential.
- Ensure water flow is gentle as strong currents can stress them due to their flowing fins and wen.
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Diet:
- Chocolate Orandas enjoy a varied omnivorous diet including high-quality pellets or flakes formulated for goldfish.
- Supplement with blanched vegetables (peas, spinach, zucchini) and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent swim bladder issues.
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Tank mates:
- Best kept with other fancy goldfish varieties of similar size and temperament.
- Avoid fast, aggressive, or fin-nipping species, as Orandas are slow swimmers and easily outcompeted for food.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- Chocolate Orandas are gentle, social, and enjoy the company of their own kind.
- They may root around the substrate, so ensure tank decorations are secure and safe.
- Monitor interactions to ensure all fish are feeding well and not being bullied or stressed.