Neptun
The oranda or red cap is a helmeted breeding form of goldfish. Some researchers believe that it was known in Japan as early as the fifteenth century. Japanese beauty standards not always understood by Europeans say that this fish is more beautiful the more fatty growth on its head.
Oranda Variety Description
In the species of oranda this growth is located mainly on the top of the head and is most often red in color, whence another name of the breed – red cap. According to the same Japanese standards, the width of the body of the fish should be approximately equal to 70 percent of its length. Easily distinguish the oranda from other helmeted forms allows the dorsal fin, the only one of the fins of the fish is unpaired.
Other helmeted breeds do not have a dorsal fin. All other fins in oranda, including pelvic fins – bifurcated. Caudal fin, also paired bifurcated should be at least 70 percent of the body length. And another feature of purebred and the most expensive specimens of oranda – the tail should not form a fork. The tail should resemble that of the skirted form of the voiletail. But, of course, in the varietate oranda it is not so long. Oranda, like most varieties of goldfish – a large fish. The length of the body of an adult can reach sixteen to eighteen centimeters. Coloration is also varied. The most beautiful white forms with a red cap and chintz orandas.
A variety of similar variations
There are many similar varietals described on the internet. But what are these varietals? Really new varieties or culling of classic orandas or hybrids of goldfish breeds I am not going to judge now. I hope, readers will correct me, if I am wrong in something, then I will make their corrections in this article or describe another breed of goldfish.
Although compliance with breed standards is important only in breeding to maintain the purity of the line. I, for example, more like vualekhvostov and have never seen a fish with a tail, the length of which would be six times the length of the body (as described in Zolotnitsky). But from this these peaceful, trusting, beautiful creatures have not become less attractive when kept in an ornamental aquarium.
Oranda maintenance in the aquarium
Oranda is probably one of the biggest sissies among the varieties of goldfish. Red cap will not tolerate a drop in temperature below eighteen degrees Celsius. The optimum temperature for her is 18-22 ° C. Therefore, varietet oranda in our latitudes in pools and ponds can be kept only in the summer. It is also necessary to take into account that the red cap is relatively clumsy, and therefore, releasing it in the pond, it is necessary to take care that it is not eaten by cats. Measures should be taken to ensure that our favorites from the cat family do not have free access to the gentle banks of the artificial pond. Before the onset of cold weather, the fish should be transferred to a room aquarium.
It is better to keep oranda with other breeds of goldfish. In a vessel of about 100 liters you can keep a couple of individuals. Feed, as with all goldfish, live feeds their substitutes and plant feeds.
If the oranda is over or undernourished its main ornament, the red cap on its head, may disappear.
Plants for the oranda aquarium – vallisneria, cabomba, elodea.
Otherwise, the conditions of keeping, feeding and breeding oranda is almost no different from its ancestor – goldfish.
