[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Cyprinids – Golden Orfe (Leuciscus idus)

Leuciscus idus is usually available as a gold morph—known as the Golden Orfe—and is one of the most popular pondfish kept in Europe. However, growing numbers are now also kept in aquaria, either temporarily (for subsequent release into a garden pond) or on a permanent basis. In addition to the gold morph, there is the wild type (silver) morph and a blue variety that looks particularly attractive in aquaria.

Other common name

• Ide

Synonym

• Idus idus

Subfamily

• Leuciscinae

Distribution

• Most of Europe.

Size

• Up to 39in (1m) in the wild; cultivated varieties do not normally exceed 24in (60cm), even in large ponds.

Behavior

• Active shoaler that prefers the upper layers.

Diet

• All foods accepted, but livefoods preferred.

Aquarium

• Very spacious aquarium with open swimming areas and well-fitting cover. Well- oxygenated, well-filtered water is very important. Water chemistry not critical Temperature range: from near-freezing to over 86 F (30 C), but higher temperatures should be short-lived.

Breeding

• Infrequent in aquaria. Egg-scattering species. Hatching may take up to 20 days at cool temperatures.