At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, streamlined cyprinid
A slender, fast-looking fish with the classic ide outline. The blue form has a bluish or steel-blue back above silvery flanks, setting it apart from both the silver wild type and the orange golden orfe.21
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and sociable. Young fish happily form shoals and they live comfortably with koi and goldfish.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A very active swimmer that needs long open stretches of water. It spends much of its time in the upper layer of the pond.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs clean, well-oxygenated water, more so than koi or goldfish, so good aeration and filtration matter. Wild ides live at about 4 to 20 C with a pH of about 7.0 to 7.5.13
Home where they are happiest
A pond fish. FishBase advises against home aquariums, noting a tank over 2 m long would be needed, so a large garden pond with open water is the right home.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore that eats insects and their larvae, snails and other small invertebrates plus some plant matter; large adults also take small fish. In ponds it takes floating pond-fish food readily.132
Company who they like around
Keep in a group rather than alone. Juveniles shoal readily, while big adults roam in smaller groups.13
The story where it all began
The ide has a wide range from northern Europe to Siberia and was introduced to Great Britain in 1874. Ornamental orfe were the leading pond fish until koi became widely available in the 1960s. The blue form is a rarer colour variety kept alongside the golden orfe.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The ide is one of the most salt-tolerant European whitefish and also lives in brackish coastal waters.2
- 2
A female can lay up to about 100,000 eggs in a spawning season.2
- 3
Orfe were the most popular decorative pond fish in Britain until koi took over in the 1960s.1
- 4
Ides can reach an age of around 29 years.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Wild species Leuciscus idus assessed as Least Concern (22 October 2023)3
- Ornamental trade
- A much rarer ornamental form than the golden orfe1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Orfe. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingOnly in the warm seasonevery day
- Pond checkevery day
- Water testevery 2 weeks
- Filter cleanevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Blue Orfe?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding once daily, but only during the warm season. In colder months, their metabolism slows and they need little to no food. Always adjust based on water temperature and your fish's activity. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Blue Orfe eat, and what should it never eat?
Blue Orfes are omnivores and enjoy insects, larvae, snails, small invertebrates, and some plant matter. Large adults may also eat small fish. They readily take floating pond-fish food. What they should never eat varies by individual; ask your exotic-pet vet for a safe list.132
How much space does a Blue Orfe need?
Blue Orfes need a large garden pond with long, open stretches of water for active swimming. FishBase advises against home aquariums, as even a tank over 2 meters long would be too small. A spacious outdoor pond is the right home.13
What temperature, light or water does a Blue Orfe need?
They thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water with a temperature range of about 4 to 20°C and a pH of 7.0 to 7.5. Light needs vary; ask your vet or a good breeder for specific guidance on lighting for your pond.13
How often should I clean a Blue Orfe's home?
Furry Diary's plan includes a daily pond check, a water test every 14 days, and a filter clean every 30 days. Regular maintenance keeps the water clean and well-oxygenated, which is even more important for Blue Orfes than for koi or goldfish.13 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Blue Orfe live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and sociable. Young Blue Orfes form shoals and they live comfortably with koi and goldfish. Keep them in a group rather than alone, as adults roam in smaller groups.13
How long does a Blue Orfe live?
Blue Orfes have a long lifespan, typically living between 18 and 29 years with proper care. A spacious, clean pond and good diet help them reach their full potential.32
Can I handle a Blue Orfe?
Blue Orfes are pond fish and not meant for handling. They are active swimmers that need open water, and touching them can stress or harm their slime coat. If you need to move one, ask your vet for the safest method.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Golden Orfe
Koi
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Ghost KoiWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Wikipedia: Ide (fish) en.wikipedia.orgused for ornamental forms, size, weight, habitat, diet, behaviour, pond keeping, history
- Wikipedia (German): Aland (Fisch) de.wikipedia.orgused for blue colour form, lifespan, size, weight, salt tolerance, spawning
- FishBase: Leuciscus idus fishbase.seused for max length and weight, max age, water parameters, diet, aquarium note, IUCN status
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.