Arandas unusual head growth & dying

Question
Hi! We have a 55 gallon aquarium which I started with some Arandas & a few Mollies. The question is this: I noticed that on the Arandas, as they grew, their head adornment (bubbly part) started growing as well, to the point of growing over their eyes & eventually causing blindness. Is this normal? or am I inadvertently causing this? Then they die! What is going on? Thank you.  

Answer
Orandas are prone to having their head growths (also called 'wens') grow over their eyes, causing blindness as you have seen. Feeding too much protein can cause your goldfish to grow too fast. This may be part of your problem... Make sure you only feed a simple diet with no additives or too much protein. I have found OMEGA ONE brand goldfish flakes has worked out alright for me. It seems to contribute to steady but good growth. Just make sure you aren't feeding too high a protein or rich foods. Include mostly fiber based foods. Special 'Oranda head growth' foods may be a problem too and can be too rich. I think it's best to feed only a basic diet with no extra additives.

I don't think their excessive head growth could have caused their unfortunate endings. But if it causes blindness and they can't find food, this could be a cause.
If you noticed any different behavior changes, or any other symptoms of illness before you lost your fish. Please let me know. I don't really know exactly what could have caused this to happen but here is one ruling factor-- water quality. Goldfish need lots of room and lots of consistantly clean water to be healthy. Fancier varieties like Orandas can be a little more difficult to care for than your average goldfish. And often need warmer water than normal comets or Shubunkins. You didn't mention how many Orandas you kept in your 55 gallon but in order for them to grow to a healthy size and for their good overall well-being, 4-5 mature Orandas pretty much crowd the 55 gallon themselves. Overcrowding and unclean water could have caused your problem. Goldfish in general live to be 10-20 years old on average. If they die after 3-8 years, they have most certainly been mistreated. Not that I am blaming you for anything. But is is most important to remember they are big waste producers and somewhat delicate fish requiring very frequent water changes and a good overall not-to-rich diet. Good filtration and Aeration is essential. A very high efficient working power filter such as CASCADE brand is wonderful. Additional use of airstones also provide the much needed oxygen all goldfish need. Depending on your stocking level an average stocked aquarium with about one Goldfish per 10-20 gallons should recieve about a 30%-50% water change once or twice a week with filter rinsings in old aquarium water. Feed a balanced diet of a staple of flakes or pellets of a good quality brand, include vegetables like Zucchinni, green peas, even romain lettuce on occasion. Plus sinking Algae wafers and even Orange slices. Freeze dried or Frozen worms, Brine shrimp, Krill, and even crickets also provide good variety to their diet.  Remember to feed little amounts, often and never feed just one type of food.

Insuring your fish have very clean water, a good diet, and are stressed as little as possible insure good health and long life. Frequent water testing for ammonia, nitrite and pH levels are also important in making sure your water is at it's very best. I reckon your troubles are most certainly related to water quality.

Well, I really hope this helps! If you have anymore questions, feel free to email me...

My very best wishes to you and your fish!!!!!

Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~