Telescope Goldfish

Carassius auratus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

Variety of Fancy Goldfish · telescope

📍 East Asia (China)

A fancy goldfish variety defined by its dramatically protruding, globe-shaped eyes that extend outward from the skull, paired with a rounded body and a split caudal fin; black telescope goldfish are commonly called Black Moors. The protruding eyes are highly vulnerable to injury and infection, requiring a tank free of sharp decorations, low competition for food, and pristine water quality.

Size7"

Min Tank20g

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Feed high-quality sinking pellets and flakes formulated for goldfish once daily, adjusting portions so food is consumed within 2-3 minutes. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with blanched vegetables (peas, zucchini) and occasional frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp to support digestive health and coloration.

Behavior

Telescope goldfish are peaceful, slow swimmers that spend most time in mid-water levels foraging and exploring. They are social and do well alone or in groups of fancy goldfish, though their protruding eyes make them vulnerable to injury from aggressive tank mates or sharp decorations.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Spawning requires cooler water temperatures (around 60-65°F), larger tanks, and specific conditioning with live foods; fry are extremely difficult to raise due to their small size and high mortality rates.

Tank Mates

Fancy Goldfish

Same species and care requirements; compatible with other fancy varieties like Ryukin or Oranda

excellent

Gold Mystery Snail

Peaceful scavenger that helps clean debris without competing for food or injuring delicate eyes

good

Ramshorn Snail

Small, non-aggressive snail that aids in tank maintenance and poses no threat to goldfish

good

Nerite Snail

Hardy algae eater that won't compete aggressively and is too hard-shelled for goldfish to damage

good

Common Diseases

Eye Infections and Injuries

Symptoms

Cloudy, swollen, or protruding eyes; redness around eye socket; eye loss or damage

Treatment

Remove sharp decorations immediately; perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; treat with aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) and maintain pristine water quality; consult a vet if infection persists

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

Small white spots on body and fins; flashing or rubbing against objects; rapid breathing

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 74-76°F; treat with aquarium salt or commercial ich medication; perform daily 25% water changes; maintain treatment for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins; discoloration at fin edges; fin tissue loss

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; maintain water quality and temperature stability; treat with antibacterial medication if severe; remove any sharp tank decorations

Swim Bladder Disorder

Symptoms

Floating at surface, sinking, or inability to maintain buoyancy; tilting or listing to one side

Treatment

Reduce feeding temporarily; feed blanched peas to aid digestion; maintain stable water temperature; perform frequent partial water changes; consult a vet if condition persists