Black Telescope
The Black Telescope goldfish is a striking variety known for its glossy jet-black body and prominent, protruding "telescope" eyes. A beloved fixture at summer festival goldfish-scooping games in Japan, it has been a favorite for generations. These goldfish are calm, slow-moving, and easygoing by nature, and they tend to grow comfortable around their keepers, making them a good choice for beginners. They typically live 8 to 12 years and reach 10 to 18 cm as adults, thriving on a diet of prepared fish food and bloodworms. With their gentle temperament and unmistakable look, Black Telescopes make wonderfully calm, long-term companions.
View Black Telescope encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
6 Transparency Commitments from Br-Choku
All Goldfish listings from Breeder include the following details. We guarantee transparency in lineage (Yamato/Yatomi/Edo) and competition awards.
- Lineage
- Real Photos
- Breeder Lineage
- Award History
- Competition History
- Age Stated
Browse all 26 breeds
Care Difficulty
Verified breeders wanted for Goldfish
Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
About Black Telescope
Black Telescope goldfish are known for their glossy black bodies and large protruding eyes. Calm and beginner-friendly, they live 8-12 years and grow to 10-18 cm as adults.
7 things to know before welcoming a Black Telescope
1Protect the Eyes
Because black telescopes have large protruding eyes, choose tank decorations without sharp edges or points that could cause injury. Smooth, rounded layouts help keep their eyes safe.
2A Slow, Gentle Swimmer
Telescope eyes give these goldfish a somewhat limited field of vision and a slower swimming style. If kept with faster-swimming goldfish, they may struggle to compete for food, so consider tankmates carefully.
3Choose Compatible Tankmates
Black telescopes do best when kept with goldfish of similar swimming ability, such as other telescope-eyes or ryukin. Pairing them with fast swimmers like comets can cause unnecessary stress.
4Keep the Water Clean
Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so a good filter and regular water changes are essential for their health. The delicate eye area is especially sensitive to declining water quality.
5Avoid Sudden Temperature Swings
Goldfish are fairly hardy, but sudden temperature changes can stress them. Take extra care during seasonal transitions and acclimate them slowly when introducing them to a new tank.
6Calm and Friendly Nature
Black telescopes tend to be docile and easygoing, and they often become comfortable around their keepers. Many will come to the front of the tank when someone approaches, making them easy to bond with.
7Prepare the Tank in Advance
Since adults can reach 10 to 18 cm, set up a tank and filtration system with enough room for their eventual size before bringing one home. Preparing the environment in advance helps them settle in smoothly.
Frequently asked questions about Black Telescope
- Q.Can beginners keep a Black Telescope goldfish?
- A.Yes, Black Telescopes are considered a beginner-friendly variety. That said, their large protruding eyes call for some basic precautions, such as avoiding sharp tank decorations.
- Q.How long do Black Telescope goldfish live?
- A.They typically live around 8 to 12 years. Maintaining good water quality and consistent feeding helps them live a long, healthy life.
- Q.How big do Black Telescope goldfish grow?
- A.Adults typically reach 10 to 18 cm in length. It's a good idea to prepare a tank with enough room for their full-grown size in advance.
- Q.Can they be kept with other goldfish?
- A.They do best alongside goldfish with similar swimming ability, such as other telescope-eyes or ryukin. Housing them with faster swimmers can make it harder for them to compete for food.
- Q.What should I feed a Black Telescope goldfish?
- A.They readily eat prepared fish food as well as bloodworms. Feeding a balanced diet in regular, appropriate amounts helps support their health.
Useful tools for Black Telescope care
Learn more about Black Telescope in the encyclopedia
View Black Telescope encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.