How difficult is it to keep Telescope Eye Goldfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Telescope Eye Goldfish?

The ideal temperature for Telescope Eye Goldfish is 20〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Telescope Eye Goldfish?

The average lifespan of Telescope Eye Goldfish is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Telescope Eye Goldfish get?

Telescope Eye Goldfish typically reaches 12-18cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Telescope Eye Goldfish?

Telescope Eye Goldfish feeds on: Goldfish pellets, bloodworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Telescope Eye Goldfish?

The price of Telescope Eye Goldfish varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Telescope Eye Goldfish

Intermediate

Carassius auratus var.

Defined by large protruding eyes. Black Moor is the most popular variant. Poor eyesight requires smooth decor without sharp edges. Slow-moving and charming.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

15〜26℃

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

12-18cm

Diet

Goldfish pellets, bloodworms

About

The Telescope Eye goldfish, developed in early 18th-century China where the trait was called "dragon eyes," is instantly recognizable by its dramatically protruding eyes. The Black Moor is the most widely known variant, familiar to many Japanese people from traditional goldfish-scooping festivals. The eyes, while visually striking, impair the fish's vision significantly, requiring a tank free of sharp decorations and rough substrates that could cause injury. Their round body shape and flowing tail fins make them graceful swimmers, though notably slow-moving. Telescope Eyes are gentle in temperament and thrive best when kept with similarly slow varieties. Regular water changes and stable water quality around pH 7.0 are essential; black-colored individuals may fade if water quality deteriorates.

Lifespan of the Telescope Eye Goldfish

The Telescope Eye Goldfish lives 10-15 years.

Size of the Telescope Eye Goldfish

The Telescope Eye Goldfish grows to 12-18cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Telescope Eye Goldfish

The ideal temperature for the Telescope Eye Goldfish is 20〜24℃.

Basic Info

Origin

China

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

12-18cm

Temperature

Care Specifications

pH: 6–8
Hardness (GH): 5–19 dGH
Water Temp.: 20–24℃

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: FishBase / Aqueon Goldfish Care Guide

Morphs (Varieties)

Goldfish varieties are line-bred for body shape, tail type, scale type, and coloration. Traits such as protruding eyes, transparent scales (calico), and albinism are single-locus traits.

RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).

Protruding (telescope) eyes

Line-bredEstablished by selective line breeding.

Deep body / dorsal humpFantail (paired caudal)

Sources: Wikipedia - Goldfish (Varieties) / Goldfish — Wikipedia (Japanese edition, varieties)

A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Carassius auratus var. (Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cyprinus thoracatus Valenciennes, 1842, Carassius burgeri Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Cyprinus chinensis Gronow, 1854

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · FishBase: Carassius auratus · GBIF: Carassius auratus

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.