Unique Chocolate Oranda Goldfish - Care, Breeding, Buying Tips

Chocolate Oranada Goldfish: A Unique Variety

Goldfish are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish kept by hobbyists around the world. The oranda variety, distinguished by their signature bubble-shaped hoods atop their heads, are especially beloved for their peaceful nature and unique appearance.

While the common oranda goldfish sports a bright reddish-orange coloration, a special chocolate brown varietal has emerged from selective breeding. Referred to as chocolate orandas or chocolate oranda ranchus, these fish feature the same body type as a regular oranda but boast a rich cocoa hue.

Origins of the Chocolate Oranda Variety

As with the development of other ornamental aquarium strains, dedicated goldfish keepers and breeders are responsible for propagating chocolate orandas. By selectively breeding fish expressing darker brownish coloration, eventually solid chocolate brown ranchus were produced.

Given their recent development and limited availability, chocolate orandas tend to be more expensive than traditional orange and red orandas. Yet their uniqueness continues to drive demand in the goldfish trade and hobbyist circles.

Appearance and Physical Features

Chocolate oranda goldfish look much like regular orandas, featuring the iconic encased cranial crest, a rounded body shape, and evenly matched eyes. However, as their name suggests, chocolate orandas display a rich cocoa brown pigmentation rather than the typical reddish-orange.

The chocolate hue can manifest in various shades, from milk chocolate to dark chocolate. Some variants may exhibit a brownish-orange or brown and white color pattern instead of a solid chocolate tone. These fish may start out paler when young and develop a darker chocolate color as they mature.

Care Requirements for Chocolate Orandas

Caring for these specially-bred goldfish is quite similar to keeping regular oranda varieties. Here are some key care guidelines to follow for chocolate orandas:

• Space - A minimum 30 gallon aquarium, ideally larger
• Water - Consistent water quality and temperature around 70° F
• Diet - Flake foods, vegetables, live/frozen treats
• Tankmates - Peaceful bottom-dwellers like corydoras catfish

Be sure to monitor ammonia levels, nitrite, nitrates, and pH routinely and perform partial water changes as needed to keep chocolate orandas healthy.

Behavior and Temperament

The temperament and behavior of chocolate ranchus essentially match that of other oranda varieties. These goldfish tend to be peaceful, slow moving fish that thrive in lightly stocked community aquariums. They generally co-exist well with other docile tank mates.

Chocolate orandas exhibit the sweet and gentle personalities goldfish are prized for. Given their unique head growths, provide ample swimming space near the surface where they can easily reach food. Be sure any tank decor has smooth edges to avoid damaging delicate bubble hoods.

Finding and Selecting Healthy Specimens

Chocolate oranda goldfish are still considered somewhat rare compared to traditional variants. You may need to search a bit to find high quality breeders and dealers offering them.

When selecting individuals, inspect overall health just as you would any other goldfish. Look for:

• Active movement and alertness
• Intact fins with bright finnage
• Clear, evenly sized eyes
• Proper swimming and balance
• No spots, lesions, fuzz, parasites, etc.

The rich chocolate hues should appear quite uniform. Avoid any fish showing signs of illness or physical damage. Quarantine new acquisitions before adding them to an existing tank.

Price and Availability

Retail pricing for chocolate oranda goldfish ranges widely based on size, quality, age, breeder reputation, and other factors. Expect to pay $20 to $60+ per fish on average. Very high grade, mature specimens might cost over $100.

Availability tends to fluctuate throughout the year, with more selection after major spawn times. Be prepared to get on waiting lists or pre-order chocolate orandas which tend to sell out quickly whenever new stock enters the pipeline.

Breeding Chocolate Oranadas

Experienced goldfish keepers may wish to try selectively breeding chocolate orandas themselves. However, this endeavor requires comprehensive knowledge of goldfish genetics and access to high quality breeding stock.

By mating chocolate orandas exhibiting optimal coloration and confirmation, subsequent generations can concentrate those desired traits. Careful culling is vital for managing defects and discontinuing weaker bloodlines.

A dedicated breeding program demands intensive effort, equipment, space and time. Yet for experts passionate about advancing unique color strains like chocolate orandas, it can prove highly worthwhile and stimulating.

Challenges and Considerations

Some key challenges facing chocolate oranda breeders include:

• Sourcing and affording quality foundation stock
• Providing ideal grow-out systems for fry
• Culling aggressively to remove flaws
• Managing high volume spawns year-round
• Raising only the healthiest, fastest-growing juveniles

Additionally, marketing and distributing specially-cultivated varieties remains critical but challenging in the ornamental aquaculture industry.

The Rewarding Pursuit of Perfection

While breeding chocolate orandas is no small feat, the pursuit of the perfect specimen keeps many aquarists dedicated to this rewarding endeavor.

For the right individual with sufficient resources and room for expansion, producing chocolate oranda goldfish can make for an engaging and potentially profitable specialty.

Even if breeding isn't feasible, keeping a high grade chocolate oranda remains a source of joy. Their warm, velvety coloration and sweet disposition continue attracting goldfish enthusiasts around the globe.

FAQs

What do chocolate oranda goldfish look like?

Chocolate orandas have the same body shape and signature bubble hoods as regular oranda goldfish. However, instead of the typical reddish-orange coloration, chocolate orandas display a rich brown tone ranging from milk chocolate to dark chocolate hues.

How big of a tank do chocolate orandas need?

Chocolate orandas require at least a 30 gallon aquarium, although a larger tank is ideal. Be sure to provide enough room near the surface for swimming and feeding.

What should I feed my chocolate oranda goldfish?

Offer a varied diet including flakes, vegetables, live and frozen foods. Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues.

Where can I buy a chocolate oranda goldfish?

Chocolate orandas are still quite rare. You may need to contact specialty aquarium dealers and get on waiting lists when new shipments arrive to have the best chance of acquiring one.