Black Moor Goldfish

The Black Moor Goldfish is a selective breeding form of goldfish with a characteristic egg-shaped body and long, often veil-like fins. The main feature of the species is its large, protruding telescopic eyes, which develop as it matures. The coloration is velvety black, sometimes with a bluish or bronze tint. Adult specimens reach 15–20 cm in length. Sexual differences become noticeable during spawning: males develop small white tubercles on their gill covers and pectoral fins, while females appear more rounded.

This species is not found in the wild, as it is the result of centuries of selective breeding, originating from the goldfish (Carassius auratus). In natural conditions, the ancestors of goldfish inhabit freshwater bodies in Asia. In an aquarium environment, Telescope Goldfish are adapted to cool water, but require stable parameters without sharp temperature fluctuations.

These are peaceful and slow-moving fish, prone to calm swimming. Due to the specific structure of their eyes, their vision is severely limited, making them vulnerable and slow when searching for food. It is recommended to keep them in species-specific tanks or with other slow-moving goldfish varieties. Active or aggressive fish that might snatch food or damage their sensitive eyes should not be housed with them.

A spacious aquarium with effective filtration is required for keeping these fish, as they produce a lot of organic waste. The decor should exclude sharp stones, driftwood, and decorations that could damage the fish's eyes or fins. Recommended water parameters: temperature 18–22 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, hardness 5–19 dGH. It is better to use plants with tough leaves, as the fish may nibble on them or uproot them.

Omnivorous fish that require a varied diet. The basis of their diet should be high-quality dry foods in the form of sinking pellets, as telescopes have difficulty collecting food from the surface due to their poor eyesight. The diet must be supplemented with plant-based foods, such as blanched lettuce leaves or peas, as well as live or frozen foods. It is important to avoid overfeeding to prevent digestive system diseases.

Breeding is possible in a separate spawning tank with a large number of fine-leaved plants. A gradual increase in water temperature to 20–24 °C and frequent water changes serve as a stimulus for spawning. After spawning, the parents should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. Fry are fed specialized starter foods, Artemia nauplii, or "infusoria."

These fish are susceptible to diseases caused by poor water quality, including bacterial infections and eye damage. Due to their body structure, swim bladder problems, manifested by impaired coordination, are common. Prevention involves regular water changes, maintaining substrate cleanliness, and a balanced diet that prevents air swallowing during feeding.

When purchasing, choose active individuals with clean fins and symmetrical, undamaged eyes. Avoid fish with signs of lethargy, film on the body, or an unnaturally bloated abdomen. It is important to ensure that the fish's eyes do not have cloudy spots or mechanical damage, as they are extremely sensitive and heal poorly.