Chocolate Oranda Goldfish - A Guide to Their Care, Behavior, and Appearance

An Introduction to Chocolate Oranda Goldfish

Goldfish are one of the most popular freshwater fish kept as pets. Their vibrant colors, peaceful nature, and affordable care make them an ideal beginner fish. One unique and increasingly popular variety is the chocolate oranda goldfish. With their distinct coloration and bubbly personalities, chocolate oranda goldfish make a fun addition to any home aquarium.

What Are Chocolate Oranda Goldfish?

Chocolate oranda goldfish are a color morph of the common oranda goldfish. They get their name from their unique brownish-orange hue. While regular oranda goldfish have a metallic orange or red color, chocolate orandas have a darker, chocolate-like shade.

Like all oranda goldfish, chocolate orandas have a distinguishing hood-like growth on their heads known as a wen. Their wen starts small but grows larger as the fish matures. A fully grown chocolate oranda will have a very prominent bubble-shaped wen.

Origins of the Chocolate Oranda

Chocolate orandas originated from Asia and were first bred in China and Japan. They came about through selective breeding programs aimed at developing new color varieties of oranda goldfish.

By crossbreeding different color mutations, breeders were able to create a goldfish with a rich, chocolate brown hue. The new color morph quickly became popular in the ornamental fish trade and could be found in fish stores around the world.

While they may not have the bright orange sheen of a normal oranda, chocolate orandas appeal to aquarists looking for something a little different. Their unique appearance and playful personality have helped them gain a following in the fishkeeping community.

Appearance and Size of Chocolate Orandas

Chocolate oranda goldfish have a short, rounded body shape typical of fancy goldfish. As they mature, they develop a prominent hood-like wen on their head that covers their eyes and face. The wen is made of fatty tissue and will continually grow as the fish ages.

These fish have a dark brownish-orange coloration. Their scales have a matte appearance compared to the metallic sheen of regular orandas. The chocolate hue can range from a light tan to nearly black in some specimens.

Mature chocolate orandas typically reach 6-8 inches in length when kept in proper aquarium conditions. Their wen may protrude an additional 2 or more inches above their body as it develops.

Temperament and Behavior

Chocolate oranda goldfish have playful, friendly personalities. They do well in community tanks with similarly sized fish. Good tank mates include other types of goldfish, koi, and peaceful medium-sized species.

Orandas are slow but strong swimmers. They may initially be shy, but most will become very interactive once acclimated. They will readily come up to the tank front when humans approach. Hand-feeding can help them become even friendlier.

Keep in mind that the protruding wen can impair vision in mature fish. Care should be taken to not startle or harm them. Avoid fast-moving tankmates that can nip fins or knock into them accidentally.

Proper Care for Chocolate Orandas

Caring for chocolate oranda goldfish requires a large tank, robust filtration, and regular water changes. As messy eaters and big waste producers, they need pristine water conditions to stay healthy. Here are some key care guidelines:

• Tank Size - At least 40 gallons for the first fish, plus 10-20 gallons per additional fish.
• Filter - Canister filter rated for at least twice the tank size.
• Temperature - 65-75°F. Avoid extremes.
• pH Level - 6.5-8.0.
• Decorations - Smooth gravel or sand substrate. Driftwood, rocks and artificial plants.
• Water Changes - 25-40% weekly. Gravel vacuuming during water changes.
• Tank Mates - Other medium goldfish or peaceful community species like danios, tetras, loaches, etc.

High-quality flake or pellet diets should make up the main portion of their diet. Supplement with vegetables, live foods and gel foods for variety.

With the right environment, chocolate oranda goldfish can live 5-10 years. Their enlarged wens require diligent care to prevent infections or injury.

Chocolate Orandas Make a Unique Addition

For aquarists wanting something other than the standard orange goldfish, chocolate orandas are a great option. Their rich coloration and bubbly wens give them loads of personality. While they require large tanks and plenty of care, they will reward their owners with years of antics and beauty.

FAQs

How big do chocolate orandas get?

Chocolate oranda goldfish typically reach 6-8 inches in length when fully grown. Their wen or hood may extend an additional 2+ inches past their body. Provide at least a 40 gallon tank for one fish, and 10-20 more gallons per additional oranda.

What causes the wen growth in chocolate orandas?

The wen is made of fatty tissue that continually develops as the fish matures. It begins as a small hood but can grow to engulf the entire head. Proper nutrition and clean water help maintain wen health.

Are chocolate orandas good community fish?

Yes, chocolate orandas are peaceful and mix well with other medium-sized goldfish and tropical fish. Avoid fin nippers and aggressive species. Their poor vision means they should not be housed with fast, hyperactive fish.

How can I prevent wen problems in chocolate orandas?

Keep their water pristine through frequent partial water changes, strong filtration, and tank maintenance. Monitor for any tears, bite marks or infections. Quarantine new fish and use high quality foods to support wen health.