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Blackmoor Goldfish 3-4cm
SKU VC55
$24.95
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Price incl. GST (15%) $3.25
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Dunedin 105 Cumberland Street
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Blackmoor Goldfish 3-4cm
Product Details
Black Moor Goldfish: The Velvet-Eyed Enigma
The Black Moor Goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus) is a captivating and unique fancy goldfish, instantly recognizable by its prominent, protruding "telescope" eyes and its velvety, deep black coloration. Originating from China, the Black Moor is a variant of the Telescope Eye goldfish, specifically bred for its striking dark pigment. While typically black, some individuals may develop bronze or orange undertones, especially when young, or may lighten with age or suboptimal conditions.
Their body shape is typically rounded and egg-like, similar to a Fantail, and they possess elegant, flowing double caudal (tail) fins. The combination of their distinctive eyes and leisurely swimming style gives them a somewhat regal and mysterious appearance in the aquarium. However, their unique features also necessitate specific care considerations.
Care Level: Moderate
While hardy in terms of water parameter tolerance, Black Moors require "moderate" care due to their specialized physical features. Their protruding eyes make them more susceptible to injury and also impair their vision, impacting their ability to compete for food and navigate their environment. This means careful tank setup and thoughtful tank mate selection are crucial for their well-being.
Temperament: Peaceful and Slow
Black Moors are generally very peaceful and social fish. They are not fast swimmers due to their rounded bodies and long fins, and their vision is notably poor. This makes them less competitive at feeding time and more prone to being bumped by faster, more agile tank mates. Therefore, they should only be housed with other slow-moving, fancy goldfish varieties that also have impaired vision or similar swimming abilities (e.g., other Telescope Eyes, Fantails, Orandas, or Ryukins). They are unsuitable for ponds where they might struggle to compete or become prey.
Diet: Omnivore (with special consideration for buoyancy)
Black Moor goldfish are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet. Due to their compact body shape and internal organ arrangement, they can be prone to digestive and buoyancy issues (swim bladder disorder). To mitigate this:
- Sinking Pellets: These should be the staple of their diet. Sinking pellets prevent the fish from gulping air at the surface, which can lead to buoyancy problems.
- Blanched Vegetables: Offer blanched and shelled peas, spinach, zucchini, and other leafy greens frequently. These provide essential fiber for healthy digestion.
- Occasional Treats: Live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp can be offered as occasional protein boosts.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, only what they can consume within 3-5 minutes. Overfeeding is a common cause of swim bladder issues and poor water quality.
Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 18-24°C (65-75°F). While Black Moors are cold-water fish, maintaining a stable temperature within this range is beneficial for their health, especially to help prevent swim bladder issues. An aquarium heater set to a stable temperature is often recommended to avoid fluctuations.
- pH: 6.5–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline).
- Water Hardness: 6-18 dGH (moderately soft to moderately hard).
- Filtration: Black Moors, like all goldfish, produce a significant amount of waste. A robust filtration system (e.g., a powerful canister filter or hang-on-back filter) is essential to maintain excellent water quality. Good aeration is also critical.
- Water Changes: Weekly partial water changes (25-30%) are mandatory to dilute nitrates and other waste products. Always use a quality water conditioner.
Max Size: Up to 25 cm (10 inches)
Black Moors can grow quite large, typically reaching 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in body length, with some individuals potentially growing larger (up to 25 cm) in optimal conditions. Their adult size must be considered when planning their habitat.
Minimum Tank Size: 75 Litres for one fish, then add 38-45 Litres for each additional fancy goldfish.
This is a critical requirement. A 75-liter tank is the absolute minimum for a single Black Moor. For a pair or small group of fancy goldfish, significantly larger tanks (e.g., 150-200 litres or more) are strongly recommended. Providing ample space is crucial for their growth, water quality, and overall well-being. Goldfish bowls are never suitable for Black Moors due to inadequate space, filtration, and oxygenation, and can lead to severe health problems and premature death.
Special Considerations for Black Moors:
- Eyesight: Their protruding eyes make them visually impaired. Ensure smooth, non-sharp decorations and substrate (fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel) to prevent eye injuries. When feeding, make sure the food is sinking and that they are actually finding and eating it, especially if housed with faster tank mates (though this is not recommended).
- Buoyancy: Monitor for signs of swim bladder disorder (e.g., floating upside down, difficulty swimming upright). This is often linked to diet and water quality. Fasting for a day and then feeding blanched peas can often help.
- Coloration: While typically black, their color can lighten due to stress, poor water quality, or age. Maintaining a clean, stable environment and a good diet helps preserve their dark pigment.
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