Specialty Goldfish: A Guide to the Most Beautiful Oranda and Other Ornamental Fish Varieties

Not all goldfish are the same! Over the years, thanks to selective breeding and crossbreeding, spectacular varieties such as Oranda, Ranchu, and Ryukin have emerged. In this article, we discover the characteristics, colors, and behaviors of the most unique goldfish—perfect for those seeking an elegant and unique aquarium.

Oranda: the queen of goldfish

Origin and curiosities (it descends from the common goldfish, selected in China and Japan).

Main feature: the head “wen” , that is, the fleshy mass that develops on the upper part.

Most common colors: red, orange, black, calico, white-red.

Types of Oranda:

• Oranda Red Cap (red head and white body)
• Oranda Calico
• Oranda Black
• Oranda Blue (rarer)

Behavior: peaceful, suitable for quiet aquariums.

Be careful of excessive current and temperature (18–24°C).

Ranchu: the Japanese “king”

Also called “the backless goldfish”.

Compact body and very pronounced head.

Slow, elegant and majestic movement.

Highly appreciated in exhibitions.

It loves clean, oxygenated waters, but not strong currents.

Ryukin: the elegant and vigorous variety

Of Japanese origin, characterized by a tall body and a hump behind the head.

Long, flowing fins, bright colors (red, white, calico).

More energetic than Oranda and Ranchu, but still peaceful.

Other interesting ornamental goldfish

• Lionhead (similar to Ranchu, without dorsal fin)
• Fantail (double fan tail, very common)
• Veiltail (very long, elegant tails)
• Black Moor (black variety with protruding eyes)
• Bubble Eye (with fluid pockets under the eyes)

Tips for care and setup

Ornamental goldfish, such as Orandas and Ranchus, require specific care to live long and healthy lives. Unlike traditional goldfish, these varieties require spacious, well-filtered aquariums , as they produce a fair amount of waste.

👉 Size matters: For a pair of special goldfish, a tank of at least 60–80 liters is recommended, and larger is even better. Adequate space allows them to swim freely and reduces stress, which can compromise their well-being.

An efficient biological filter is essential for keeping the water clean and oxygenated. It's good practice to perform partial water changes of 20–30% every week , using dechlorinated water at the same temperature as the aquarium.

As for feeding, these fish are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. The ideal is to use granules or specific food for ornamental crucian carp , alternating occasionally with blanched vegetables (such as peas or courgettes) and small amounts of live or frozen food , such as mosquito larvae or daphnia. This helps maintain good digestion and enhances the natural colours.

Pay attention to the water temperature , which should not exceed 24°C . Goldfish love a cool, stable environment: sudden changes in temperature or excessively hot water can weaken their immune system.

Finally, avoid placing them in a tank with tropical or overly lively fish . Ornamental goldfish varieties are slow and calm, so it's best to pair them only with compatible species or, even better, keep them in a dedicated aquarium.

Specialty goldfish like Orandas and Ranchus are not only beautiful to look at, but also the true stars of sophisticated freshwater aquariums. With proper care, they can live for more than 10 years!

Visit us at Animal Instinct Rome to discover accessories, food, and tips for taking the best care of your ornamental fish.