Bug Eyed Black Goldfish: Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving Care
Have you ever seen a fish that looks like it’s perpetually surprised and dressed in a velvet tuxedo? If so, you’ve likely met the charming and slightly goofy bug eyed black goldfish. Their unique, protruding eyes and deep, velvety black color make them an absolute standout in any home aquarium.
But I get it. Those incredible eyes can also look a bit… delicate. Many aspiring aquarists see them and worry they might be too difficult to care for. They wonder if they have what it takes to help these unique creatures thrive.
Let me promise you this: you can absolutely create a stunning, healthy home for these fish. With a little knowledge and the right setup, the bug eyed black goldfish, more properly known as the Black Moor, is a wonderfully peaceful and rewarding pet. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for dedicated beginners!
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything. We’ll cover how to set up the perfect tank, what to feed them, and how to solve common problems. You’re about to become a Black Moor expert.
Meet the Black Moor: More Than Just a Bug Eyed Black Goldfish
First things first, let’s get acquainted. The “bug eyed black goldfish” is the popular name for the Black Moor, a type of fancy goldfish. They are part of the Carassius auratus species, which has been selectively bred for centuries to create a stunning variety of shapes, colors, and features.
The Black Moor’s most defining features are its deep black coloration and its incredible telescopic eyes. These eyes sit on the end of stalks or cones that project from the sides of their head. It’s a look you won’t forget! They also have a rounded, egg-shaped body and elegant, flowing fins.
One of the key benefits of bug eyed black goldfish is their temperament. They are known for being incredibly peaceful, docile, and slow-moving. This makes them a calming presence in an aquarium, but it also means we need to be thoughtful about their environment and tank mates, which we’ll cover later.
Why Are They Called “Moors”?
The name is thought to be a reference to the Moors of North Africa, who were historically associated with the color black in some European cultures. While they originate from Asia, the name stuck and has become their common identifier in the fishkeeping world.
Setting Up the Perfect Home: Tank Requirements and Setup
Creating the right environment is the single most important step for success. Think of it as building the perfect, safe home for your new friend. Here are the bug eyed black goldfish best practices for tank setup.
Tank Size: Bigger is Always Better
Forget the classic goldfish bowl. It’s a myth and entirely unsuitable for any goldfish, especially a fancy one. Black Moors need ample space to swim and grow, and a larger volume of water is more stable and easier to maintain.
- For one Black Moor: A 20-gallon (75-liter) tank is the absolute minimum. A 30-gallon tank is even better.
- For each additional fancy goldfish: Add at least 10-15 gallons (40-55 liters) of water.
Providing enough space prevents stunting, reduces stress, and keeps the water cleaner for longer. It’s a non-negotiable part of responsible fishkeeping.
Filtration: The Unsung Hero
Goldfish are notoriously messy. They produce a lot of waste, which breaks down into ammonia—a substance that is toxic to fish. A powerful filter is essential to run the nitrogen cycle and keep the water safe.
Look for a hang-on-back (HOB) or canister filter rated for a tank slightly larger than the one you have. This ensures it can handle the bioload. Make sure the filter’s outflow isn’t too strong, as Black Moors are not powerful swimmers and can be buffeted around by strong currents.
Substrate and Decorations: Safety First!
This is where their telescopic eyes require special attention. Because their vision is poor and their eyes are delicate, the entire tank needs to be “Moor-proofed.”
- Substrate: Opt for smooth, rounded gravel or sand. Sharp, jagged substrates can easily scratch and injure their eyes as they forage for food along the bottom.
- Decorations: Choose silk plants over hard plastic ones and select smooth rocks and driftwood. Avoid any decor with sharp points or tight spaces where your fish could get stuck or injured.
A little forethought here prevents a lot of potential heartbreak down the road. This is a core part of this bug eyed black goldfish guide.
The Complete Bug Eyed Black Goldfish Care Guide: Water & Diet
Now that the house is built, let’s talk about daily life. Consistent care is how you turn a surviving fish into a thriving one. This section covers exactly how to bug eyed black goldfish care works day-to-day.
Pristine Water is a Must
Stable water parameters are the foundation of good health. Your goal is to mimic a clean, natural environment. Before adding your fish, you must cycle your tank to establish beneficial bacteria that process waste.
Here are the ideal parameters:
- Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C). They prefer cooler water and do not require a heater unless your home’s ambient temperature drops significantly.
- pH Level: 7.0 – 8.0. A stable pH is more important than a “perfect” one.
- Ammonia: 0 ppm (parts per million). This is toxic.
- Nitrite: 0 ppm. This is also toxic.
- Nitrate: Below 40 ppm, and ideally below 20 ppm. This is the end-product of the nitrogen cycle and is removed with water changes.
To maintain these levels, perform a 25-30% water change every week. Always treat new water with a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramine, which are harmful to fish.
A Healthy, Balanced Diet
Black Moors are omnivores with a hearty appetite. A varied diet is key to their health and vibrant color.
A high-quality, sinking pellet formulated for fancy goldfish should be their staple food. Sinking pellets are crucial because they prevent your Moor from gulping air at the surface, which can lead to buoyancy problems like swim bladder disease.
Supplement their diet with treats a few times a week:
- Veggies: Blanched peas (deshelled), zucchini, and spinach are excellent for digestion.
- Protein-Rich Foods: Frozen or gel-based daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms are fantastic treats. Avoid live foods unless you know they come from a disease-free source.
Feed them only what they can consume in about one or two minutes, once or twice a day. Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes in fishkeeping and leads to poor water quality and health issues.
Common Problems with Bug Eyed Black Goldfish (And How to Solve Them)
Even with the best care, you might encounter issues. Don’t panic! Identifying problems early is the key to solving them. Here are some of the most common problems with bug eyed black goldfish.
Eye Injuries
This is the most obvious concern. Scratches or “cloudy eye” can occur from sharp decor or poor water quality. Bacterial infections can also set in.
- Solution: Immediately check your tank for any sharp objects and remove them. Perform a large water change to ensure the water is pristine. If the eye looks infected (fuzzy or excessively swollen), a quarantine tank and veterinarian-recommended medication may be needed.
Swim Bladder Disease
If your Moor is struggling to stay upright, floating to the top, or stuck at the bottom, it likely has swim bladder disease. This is often caused by constipation or gulping air during feeding.
- Solution: Fast your fish for 2-3 days. Then, feed it a single, deshelled, blanched pea. The fiber can help clear its digestive system. Switching permanently to sinking pellets is the best long-term prevention.
Fin Rot
This bacterial infection causes fins to look ragged, torn, or milky at the edges. It’s almost always a direct result of poor water quality.
- Solution: Test your water immediately! Your ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels are likely too high. Begin a routine of more frequent water changes (e.g., 25% every other day) until the fins start to heal. Clean water is the best medicine.
Color Change
Is your Black Moor turning orange or gold? This is surprisingly common! It’s not usually a sign of illness. It can be due to genetics, diet, water parameters, or simply age. A healthy, happy Moor can still lose its black pigment over time. As long as it’s active and eating, don’t worry about the color change.
Choosing the Right Tank Mates for Your Gentle Giant
Due to their poor eyesight and slow swimming, Black Moors cannot compete with fast, aggressive fish. They will be outcompeted for food and may get their fins nipped.
The best tank mates are other slow-moving, similarly handicapped fancy goldfish. Excellent choices include:
- Other Black Moors
- Telescope Eye Goldfish
- Celestial Eye Goldfish
- Lionhead Goldfish
- Ranchu Goldfish
Avoid fast, single-tailed goldfish like Comets or Shubunkins. Also, avoid small, nippy fish like some tetras or barbs. A peaceful, fancy-goldfish-only tank is the recipe for a harmonious community.
Sustainable Fishkeeping: An Eco-Friendly Approach
Part of being a great aquarist is being a responsible one. Adopting a few sustainable bug eyed black goldfish practices can make a big difference.
An eco-friendly bug eyed black goldfish setup considers the entire lifecycle of your aquarium. Here are a few tips:
- Source Responsibly: Whenever possible, purchase your fish from reputable local breeders or stores that prioritize the health and ethical treatment of their animals. This reduces stress from long-distance shipping and supports good practices.
- Conserve Water: The water you remove during changes is full of nitrates, making it an excellent natural fertilizer for houseplants or your garden. Don’t just pour it down the drain!
- Reduce Waste: Avoid single-use plastic containers for fish food by buying in bulk or trying DIY gel food recipes, which can be stored for weeks in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Eyed Black Goldfish
How big do bug eyed black goldfish get?
With proper care and a large enough tank, a Black Moor can reach 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) in length. This is why starting with a 20-gallon tank or larger is so important!
Can a bug eyed black goldfish live in a bowl?
No, absolutely not. Goldfish bowls are far too small, unfiltered, and provide an unstable environment. Keeping a Black Moor in a bowl is inhumane and will lead to a short, unhealthy life. They require a large, filtered aquarium to thrive.
Why is my Black Moor turning orange or gold?
This is a very common genetic trait. Many Black Moors lose their black pigmentation as they age, revealing a bronze or orange color underneath. As long as the fish is behaving normally—eating well, active, and showing no signs of disease—this color change is not a cause for concern.
How long do bug eyed black goldfish live?
A well-cared-for Black Moor can live for 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer! This is a long-term commitment, so be prepared to provide a stable, loving home for many years to come.
Your Journey with the Black Moor Awaits
The bug eyed black goldfish is truly one of the most unique and endearing fish you can welcome into your home. They may require a little extra thought when it comes to tank setup, but their peaceful nature and captivating appearance are more than worth the effort.
Remember the key takeaways from this guide: provide plenty of space, keep the water pristine with a great filter and regular changes, “Moor-proof” the tank with smooth decor, and feed them a quality sinking diet. These simple bug eyed black goldfish tips will set you on the path to success.
You now have the knowledge and confidence to not just keep a Black Moor, but to help it flourish for years to come. Go create a beautiful, safe haven for your new aquatic friend. Happy fishkeeping!
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