Black Moor
Carassius auratus
Also known as Black telescope goldfish, Dragon eye goldfish, Popeye goldfish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 61–75°F (16–24°C)
- pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Adult size
- 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 25 gal (95 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- A black, telescope eyed fancy goldfish, a selectively bred strain of domesticated Carassius auratus whose wild form lives in slow East Asian freshwater.
- Family
- Cyprinidae
Overview
One black moor needs at least 95 L, plus about 40 L per extra fish, with strong filtration but gentle flow. Keep it 16 to 24 C at a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Because of its poor sight, house it only with other slow, gentle fancies and remove any sharp rocks or plastic plants. Feed sinking pellets and soft foods, giving it time to find its meal.
In the wild
The black moor is a velvety black fancy goldfish with protruding telescope eyes set on stalks. The bulging eyes give it very poor vision, so it feeds slowly and bumps into things. It has the deep, rounded body of other fancies and swims slowly. Keep it in a smooth, hazard free tank at cool temperatures, around 16 to 24 C.
Good to know
The black moor is a black colored telescope eye goldfish, a strain of Carassius auratus selected for domed, outward pointing eyes. The eye shape results from fluid pressure and gives the fish weak eyesight rather than any advantage. Many moors fade toward bronze or orange as they age or in warmer water.
Did you know
A black moor relies on smell and touch far more than sight, so keepers often tap the surface at the same feeding spot to train it to gather there.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Aquatic Arts Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with an arrive-alive guarantee
- LiveAquaria Freshwater and saltwater fish, inverts and corals
- Aqua Huna Freshwater fish, shrimp and plants with a three day live arrival guarantee
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Freshwater fish · Goldfish · Community fish · Coldwater fish
Keeping Black Moor?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Common goldfish
Carassius auratus7.9 in (20 cm)24 gal (90 L)39–82°F (4–28°C)
Ryukin
Carassius auratus7.9 in (20 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–73°F (16–23°C)
Fantail
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)20 gal (75 L)59–73°F (15–23°C)
Lionhead
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)
Pearlscale
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
Ranchu
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)