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The Golden Orfe is a yellowy-gold variety of a
Eurasian fish known as an Ide, or Leuciscus
idus. Description and adult
size Orfe are streamlined, slender fish with
large tail fins. They are clearly built for speed, and compared to
Goldfish are very active, even hyperactive. They are very jumpy and
have been known to jump out of small ponds. Under typical pond
conditions adults reach a length of around 12 inches/30 cm, though
maximum lengths in the wild are very much
greater. Water chemistry and
temperature Water chemistry and temperature aren't
critical issues provided extremes are avoided, but like most other
Eurasian fish, hard rather than soft water is best, and the pH should
be above 7 rather than below it. On the other hand, Orfe are extremely
sensitive to poor water quality. They will not last long in small,
unfiltered ponds. Realistically, they are only suitable for ponds
measuring 1000 gallons upwards, and a decent, high-turnover biological
filter is absolutely essential. Water features such as fountains that
help to drive off CO2 and increase circulation are a major
plus. Unlike Goldfish, Orfe aren't likely to
do well in ponds that freeze over. It is very important that a pond
heater or similar device is used to keep an ice free patch on the pond
that allows oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. During the winter they
will tend to remain active but in deeper water. Diet and social
behaviour Unlike Goldfish and Koi, Golden Orfe are
predatory, and generally don't damage plants or do much digging.
This makes them a great addition to ponds where clear water and
delicate plants are desired. Indeed, their natural diet includes things
like snails and mosquito larvae, so they're quite beneficial fish
in terms of aquatic ecology. Besides worms, insects, snails and
crustaceans, captive specimens can be expected to do well on a good
quality flake or pellet food, but unlike the flake or pellets used for
Goldfish and Koi, these need to be meat-based rather than plant- or
wheatgerm-based. Earthworms are another popular food. Generally, Orfe
take food from the surface and ignore food once it has sunk more than
an inch or two down the water column. Orfe are quite greedy fish and
will need regular meals, even when the water is quite cold, though
feeding them once ice forms is probably
unnecessary. Orfe must be kept in schools of six or more
specimens. They are notoriously shy when kept in smaller groups, and
singletons rarely live for long. Orfe in the United
States Orfe are legal in most states, but are prohibited in some, including Texas; check with your local fish and wildlife department if you're unsure about the legality of this species in your area. Although not a major pest species, Orfe do have the potential to establish themselves in US waters, and in doing so, could cause problems for native species of fish and invertebrates.
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