Description

Golden Orfe – Leuciscus idus

The Golden Orfe is a domesticated version of the European Ide. Due to their heritage, these fish function better in colder water than many other pond fish. They can become quite restless during the summer and it isn’t uncommon to find them jumping out of ponds, especially during storms. Having a deeper and well oxygenated pond tends to reduce this behaviour.

Golden Orfes do make ideal fish for larger ornamental ponds that are too shallow for carp as they are not prone to eating plants and seldom succumb to sickness. They need stronger flow and high levels of oxygen, making them the ideal fish to go alongside sturgeon. They are very sensitive to heavy metals in tap water and certain medications, so a good water conditioner should always be used when performing water changes or topping up. Though most orfes will survive such pollutants, they often develop permanently kinked spines as a result of it.

Golden Orfes are very active fish and enjoy hunting insects. Juveniles will eat an astonishing number of mosquito larvae, but as they grow, care must be taken as they will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths, Larger fish are typically ignored.

It is worth noting that Orfes are a very social, shoaling species. It’s best to get them in reasonably large groups as single specimens and lower numbers may not act as confident as a group would.

Orfes are sensitive to a number of pond medications. Always check the label of any treatment or medication used to ensure the fish are not harmed. Due to their large adult size, orfes are generally better suited to larger ponds and lakes, rather than smaller garden ponds.

If you have any questions about keeping these fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly pond team will be more than happy to offer advice on best practice.

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