Calico Short Tail Oranda - Carassius auratus

Calico Short Tail Oranda (Carassius auratus)

The Calico Short Tail Oranda is a distinctive fancy goldfish variety admired for its rounded body, compact tail and prominent head growth, known as a wen. Its calico colouration can include combinations of white, orange, red, black, blue-grey and metallic or pearlescent tones, giving every fish an individual appearance. Peaceful and sociable, this variety is best suited to spacious, well-filtered aquariums with other fancy goldfish of similar size and swimming ability.

Common Name:
Calico Short Tail Oranda, Short Tail Oranda Goldfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Carassius auratus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 15–20 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Calico Short Tail Oranda is a selectively bred fancy goldfish variety descended from domesticated Carassius auratus.

Unlike wild-form goldfish, Orandas have been developed specifically for ornamental aquarium keeping and are recognised for their deep body shape, characteristic wen and decorative finnage.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–24°C
pH Range: 6.8–8.0
Hardness: Moderate to Hard
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low with regular maintenance

Temperament:
Peaceful

Calico Short Tail Orandas are generally calm and sociable fish that are best kept with other fancy goldfish of similar size and swimming ability.

Avoid housing them with aggressive, fin-nipping or very fast-moving fish that may intimidate them or outcompete them at feeding time.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet based around high-quality sinking goldfish pellets or granules.

Supplement with foods such as frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm, together with suitable vegetable-based foods.

Sinking foods are generally preferable for fancy goldfish, as they reduce the amount of air swallowed while feeding at the surface.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 120 litres for a small group, with additional space required as the fish grow.

Fancy goldfish produce a considerable amount of waste, so generous aquarium volume and strong biological filtration are important for maintaining stable water quality.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Calico Short Tail Oranda is a relatively gentle swimmer that spends much of its time exploring the aquarium and searching the substrate for food.

Its compact body and shortened tail mean it is not as fast or manoeuvrable as common or single-tailed goldfish.

Provide plenty of unobstructed swimming space and avoid sharp or abrasive decorations that could damage the fins or head growth.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish

Best kept with other peaceful fancy goldfish such as Orandas, Ranchu, Ryukin and similar slow-swimming varieties.

Avoid keeping them with common goldfish, Comets or other very fast feeders where competition for food may become a problem.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Excellent filtration is essential because goldfish have a relatively high biological load.

Regular partial water changes should be carried out to maintain low nitrate levels and stable water chemistry.

The prominent wen can continue developing as the fish matures and should be observed regularly to ensure it remains healthy and does not interfere with feeding or vision.

Use smooth gravel, rounded décor or fine sand to reduce the chance of accidental injury.

Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain strong oxygenation, particularly in warmer conditions.

Because this is a calico variety, individual fish can vary considerably in colour balance, spotting, metallic sheen and pattern distribution.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.