A pom-pom oranda is a type of fancy goldfish known for the distinctive, fluffy, pom-pom-like fleshy outgrowths on each side of its head, combined with the rounded body and flowing fins of an oranda.
Characteristics
- Nasal Growths: The most prominent feature is the bundles of loose, fleshy outgrowths, which are enlargements of the nasal septum, resembling wool or cotton wool. These can vary in size and in some cases hang past the mouth.
- Body and Fins: They have an egg-shaped body, a double anal fin, and a double split caudal (tail) fin. Unlike the standard pom-pom variety, which typically lacks a dorsal fin, the pom-pom oranda variety has a dorsal fin.
- Size and Lifespan: They can grow up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in aquariums and, with proper care, can live for 10–15 years.
- Colors: They come in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, black, silver, white, blue, and a patchy mix of black and orange (tricolor or chocolate).
Care Considerations
- Tank Mates: Due to their slow-moving nature and ornate finnage, they should only be kept with similar, non-aggressive fancy goldfish varieties (e.g., other orandas, lionheads) to ensure they are not outcompeted for food or stressed.
- Aquarium Setup: A minimum tank size of 20-30 gallons is recommended for one fish, with an additional 10 gallons for each extra fish. The aquarium should have smooth decorations (e.g., well-rounded river rocks) and a fine substrate to prevent injury to their delicate nasal growths or body.
- Water Quality: Excellent filtration is vital as goldfish produce a lot of waste. Maintain water temperature between 65–78°F (18–25.6°C), pH between 6.0–8.0, and perform regular partial water changes to keep ammonia and nitrites at zero.
- Diet: They are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets or flakes supplemented with fresh vegetables like blanched peas or spinach. Soaking dry pellets before feeding can help prevent swim bladder problems
