Description
The ide (Leuciscus idus) or orfe, is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae found in larger rivers, ponds, and lakes across Northern Europe and Asia. It has been introduced outside its native range in Europe, North America, and New Zealand. It is a popular ornamental outdoor pond fish.
The Orfe is native to Europe and western Asia from the rivers draining into the North Sea east through southern Scandinavia and eastern Europe to the Caspian Sea drainage and the River Lena. As a popular ornamental fish, it was introduced to Great Britain in 1874 and is now widespread in England and Wales, but only has a localised distribution in Scotland. The ide was introduced into France and from there and Germany was introduced as an ornamental fish into the Netherlands.
Golden orfe are golden or orange in colour with some black spots on its neck, near the head. The less common blue variety is known as the blue orfe. Orfe require better oxygenated water than koi or goldfish, but can be kept in association with these species. Orfe were very popular as an ornamental pond fish until koi became readily available in the 1960s. This listing is for the Golden Orfe only - with gold/orange colouration. Photo is for illustrative purposes.
The typical prey of the Orfe is larval and adult insects, snails, and other invertebrates for smaller fish. However, they tend to eat what will fit in their mouth, so larger pond snails such as the popular ramshorn snail, should be perfectly fine to keep with Orfe in your ponds.
Can you keep Orfe and Goldfish together?
Yes you can keep orfe together with goldfish and koi in your pond. Golden and Blue Orfe species are also compatible and can be kept together.
Approx. supplied size: 2-3" / 5-7cm
Maximum size: 16" / 40cm
Origin: Europe, Western Asia
Family: Cyprinidae
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: low
Ideal number kept together: 5+ schooling
Water Conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 16 °C
Ideal pH: 6.0–8.0
Water flow: low, moderate or fast
Temperature: 2–28 °C
Ease of Care
Easy. Can grow moderately large but at a fairly slow rate.
Feeding
Feed a mixture of pond flake, and floating pond pellets.
Breeding
Egg layers, known to spawn during milder to warm temperatures.
Life Span
Orfe can live 20+ years in perfect conditions.
Photo is for illustration only - one supplied.
For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.
Shipping Cut Off Times
- In stock orders placed before on working weekdays before 2pm will be despatched on the same working weekday.
- In stock orders placed on a Saturday before 10am will be despatched on that Saturday.
- Orders that include pre-order items will be shipped together in total once the pre-order items arrive back in stock using the delivery service chosen at checkout.
None of these cut-offs apply to palletised items, pond plants or fibreglass ponds.
SERVICE | SPEND | COST |
Packet/Courier items | ||
Royal Mail (2-3 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £2.99 |
Royal Mail Next Day (1-2 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £4.99 |
DPD Local Next Day (1 day) | £0.00-£49.99 | £7.99 |
DPD Local Saturday | £0.00-£49.99 | £14.99 |
DPD Local Sunday | £0.00-£49.99 | £14.99 |
DPD Local Next Day (1 day) | £50 and up | FREE |
DPD Local Saturday | £50 and up | £9.99 |
DPD Local Sunday | £50 and up | £9.99 |
Pallets (booked in) | aquariums / bulky items | |
Pallets Standard (3-5 days) | - | FREE |
Pallets Express (1-2 days) | - | £39.99 |
*EXCLUDED ITEMS | extra delivery fees apply | |
Fibreglass Ponds (booked in) | ||
Zone 1 (7-10 days) | - | £79.99 |
Zone 2 (7-14 days) | - | £149.99 |
Zone 3 (7-21 days) | - | £249.99 |
Pond Plants (direct from grower) |
||
All pond plants (3-10 days) | one-off fee regardless of order size/value | £5.99 |
Further delivery information
All delivery services are working day services and do not include delivery on Saturdays and Sundays or public holidays as standard.
Deliveries are usually Monday to Friday only, although some Royal Mail items may be delivered on weekends as standard if the service is available in your area.
Orders over £50 that are under 2kg may be sent by a Royal Mail Tracked 24 service rather than via DPD Local (depending on parcel size).
Orders over £50 delivering to non UK mainland locations may be despatched via a Royal Mail (2-3 days) service rather than an express shipping option.
Please see our full delivery information page and terms and conditions for detailed information on shipping policies and zones