Carassius auratus
An Oranda with distinct red, black and white patches. Unlike the finely mottled calico pattern, the colors sit in clear blocks, and the two sides of the fish often look very different. Most are imported from Indonesia.
Tricolor Oranda is a trade name for Orandas — the variety with a developed head growth (wen), a dorsal fin and a long split tail — colored in red, black and white. The parent variety, the Oranda shishigashira, was fixed from Ryukin that developed a wen and reached Japan from China in the Edo period. The key identification point is how the colors are laid out: instead of the calico pattern, where red, black and blue-grey speckle finely over mosaic transparent scales, the three colors sit in clearly separated patches. Many fish carry very different patterns on the left and right sides. The similar Japanese Azuma-nishiki is a calico Oranda and shows a bluish (asagi) tint within the white. Black tends to fade as the fish grows, so the pattern of young fish can change. Care follows the Oranda. In Japan, imported Indonesian fish are regularly available from goldfish specialists and online shops. Among round-bodied goldfish the Oranda is said to be less prone to buoyancy disorders and is relatively hardy.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Tricolor Oranda lives With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce).
The Tricolor Oranda grows to Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce.
The ideal temperature for the Tricolor 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
Indonesia (mainly imported fish); the parent Oranda originated in China
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)
Red, black and white appear in large, separate patches. The calico Azuma-nishiki has a bluish tint in the white and finer mottling.
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.
Keep with other slow, round-bodied goldfish; fast swimmers such as Wakin or Comets outcompete it for food.
Feed goldfish pellets as the staple, in small amounts the fish can finish.
Black tends to fade with growth and young fish may change pattern, so do not assume the current pattern is permanent.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Tricolor Oranda is 20〜23℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Tricolor 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.
Tricolor 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.
Tricolor 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 Tricolor 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