Rosetail Oranda
IntermediateCarassius auratus
An Oranda with a short, balloon-like rounded body. The wen tends to grow large, giving a puffed-cheek look. It belongs to a different body line from the long-bodied Oranda kept in Japan since the Edo period.
Balloon Oranda is the short, round-bodied line of the Oranda shishigashira. Japan has long kept a relatively long-bodied line (the 'nagate' Oranda), while a short, rounded line imported from China in recent decades is called the Balloon Oranda. It is identified by body shape: seen from the side the body is deep relative to its length, close to a sphere. 'Balloon' names a body type (a short body), whereas 'Short-tail' names a tail type, so fish with both traits may be sold under either name. The wen tends to grow large, giving a puffed-cheek face. It swims slowly and should not be kept with fast varieties. Round-bodied goldfish that suffer indigestion are prone to buoyancy problems (floating upside down), so feed sparingly and keep water quality stable. In Japan, fish imported from China, Indonesia, Thailand and elsewhere are regularly available from goldfish specialists and online shops. The parent Oranda is said to have reached Nagasaki from China via Ryukyu in the Kansei era of the Edo period.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Balloon Oranda lives With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce).
The Balloon Oranda grows to Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce.
The ideal temperature for the Balloon Oranda is 20〜23℃.
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Carassius auratus · FishBase: Carassius auratus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+, 2026-09-23) and are not designated Invasive Alien Species in Japan. Never release pet goldfish into rivers or ponds.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Origin
A line imported from China; many fish now also come from Southeast Asia such as Indonesia and Thailand
Lifespan
With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce)
Size
Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce
Temperature
20〜23℃
Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia)
Look for a short, near-spherical body. 'Balloon' refers to body shape and 'Short-tail' to tail shape, and some fish have both, so check the fish itself rather than the name. The long-bodied Nihon Oranda has a much longer head-to-dorsal distance.
The ideal range for fancy goldfish is about 20-23°C, pH around 7.0-8.4. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.
Allow roughly 38 L (10 gallons) or more per adult fish, with a generously sized filter.
A slow swimmer; keep with similarly round-bodied goldfish.
Round-bodied goldfish are prone to buoyancy problems after indigestion; give small portions the fish can finish and avoid overfeeding.
Sensitive to sudden water changes — change small amounts often — and avoid sharp decor that could damage the wen.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Balloon Oranda is 20〜23℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Balloon Oranda is With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Balloon Oranda typically reaches Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Balloon Oranda feeds on: Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Balloon Oranda varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
