Fin's Fish Guide
The Golden orfe (Leuciscus idus var. orfus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 85 cm.
Farmed form kept in ponds worldwide; feral fish live in fresh water, often within the range of the ordinary ide.
Description
The golden orfe is the orange to golden-yellow farmed form of the ide (Leuciscus idus). Linnaeus still described it in 1758 as a separate species, Cyprinus orfus, but it is the same fish with a deviating colour, kept as an ornamental form in ponds. Golden orfe swim in small groups just below the surface, where they hunt insects. Through stocking and escapes they regularly turn up in ditches, canals and ponds, where their bright colour makes them vulnerable to herons and predatory fish. In build, diet and reproduction the golden orfe does not differ from the ordinary, silvery ide, which can reach about 85 cm.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Golden orfe?
The Golden orfe has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Slender cyprinid with an orange to golden-yellow back and flanks, a pale belly and a small terminal mouth; swims in small groups at the surface.
Where does the Golden orfe live?
The Golden orfe lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Farmed form kept in ponds worldwide; feral fish live in fresh water, often within the range of the ordinary ide.
How big does the Golden orfe get?
The Golden orfe grows to a maximum of about 85 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Golden orfe dangerous to humans?
No, the Golden orfe is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Golden orfe edible?
The Golden orfe is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Golden orfe and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Leuciscus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Golden orfe?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Golden orfe is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone