Golden Orfe (Leuciscus idus)
Current record: 8lb 5oz
Water: Lymm Vale
The orfe, also known as ide or golden orfe, is a freshwater fish species that belongs to the carp family Cyprinidae. Its scientific name is Leuciscus idus. Native to Europe and Asia, orfe are known for their striking golden or silver coloration, sleek body shape, and deeply forked tail fin. These characteristics contribute to their popularity among pond and ornamental fish enthusiasts, as they add aesthetic appeal to water features.
Orfe are well-suited to a variety of aquatic environments, thriving in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and ponds. They prefer clear waters with moderate vegetation, and their adaptability allows them to endure a range of temperatures. In addition to their visual appeal, orfe are valued for their active swimming behavior and schooling tendencies, making them an engaging species to observe in aquariums or outdoor water gardens.
Orfe are omnivorous, with their diet consisting of both aquatic insects and larvae, as well as plant matter. This eclectic feeding habit contributes to their versatility and adaptability in different aquatic ecosystems. In captivity, orfe are commonly kept with other peaceful fish species, and their diet may include commercial fish pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods.
Orfe are often selected for ornamental pond stocking due to their beauty and ease of care. However, responsible ownership involves providing them with an appropriate environment, including ample space, proper water quality, and suitable companions. Aquarists and pond keepers appreciate orfe for their resilience, as they can withstand variations in water parameters better than some other ornamental fish.
Conservation efforts related to orfe primarily focus on maintaining the health of their natural habitats, including efforts to prevent pollution, habitat degradation, and the introduction of invasive species. The responsible management of ornamental populations is also essential to prevent potential negative impacts on local ecosystems. By striking a balance between admiration and responsible stewardship, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of orfe and their native environments.
The ide is a fish with a deep body that is somewhat fat, sturdy, but not particularly so. The caudal fin's peduncle is substantial. Ide have dark backs and silvery sides while they are young, but as they age, the fish acquire a golden sheen along the flanks. The pectoral fin and anal fin are reddish in coloration, while the eye is always yellow. Three spines and 8–11 soft rays are present on the dorsal fin, three spines and 8–11 soft rays are present on the anal fin, and 19 rays are present on the caudal fin.
Ide typically live in schools in the crystal-clear pools of bigger rivers, ponds, and lakes, although they may migrate to deeper waters throughout the winter before returning to shallow freshwater in the spring to reproduce. The fish spend their first year of life in rivers in Sweden before following the more adult fish as they move downstream into the Baltic Sea during the summer. The species is also found in the Baltic Sea, which has a lower salinity than most seas. The fish then make their way back to the rivers in the autumn, where they spend the entire winter in the lower reaches and close to the mouths.