Celestial Eye Goldfish: Care Guide, Varieties & Lifespan (with Pictures)
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Few fish have as many variations as the goldfish. The striking feature of the Celestial Eye Goldfish is its upward-facing eyes. It’s one reason that you may hear this species called the Stargazer. Like many subspecies, this fish began as a mutation. The Chinese selectively bred them to preserve this unusual trait.
Quick Facts about Celestial Eye Goldfish
| Species Name: | Carassius auratus auratus |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Care Level: | Intermediate |
| Temperature: | 65–70℉ |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color Form: | Solid black or orange; calico |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Size: | Up to 6” L |
| Diet: | Commercial flakes or pellets, supplemented with vegetable matter and live or freeze-dried aquatic organisms, such as brine shrimp |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 gallons or more |
| Tank Setup: | The eyes of the Celestial Eye Goldfish make it vulnerable to injuries from hardscape in the tank. Live or artificial plants will provide the necessary cover and decor in the aquarium. |
| Compatibility: | Best with fish of its species or other goldfish, such as Telescope Eye Goldfish or Bubble Eye Goldfish |
Celestial Eye Goldfish Overview
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is a mutation of the Telescope Goldfish that also sports an unusual eye shape that bulges out from its head. The Chinese first domesticated goldfish from a local carp species during the Sung Dynasty (960–1279). The Celestial Eye Goldfish came on the scene during the latter part of the 19th century. The Japanese further defined the species to its appearance today.
The unique feature of the fish that may entice you to get one in the first place is also the thing that boosts their care level to the intermediate bracket. It affects nearly all aspects of having a Celestrial Eye Goldfish as a pet, from the choice of the tank to decor. Otherwise, the basics of health and maintenance are similar to other goldfish species.
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is friendly enough. It’s just that its eye position means that its vision is fair to poor. That makes it particularly vulnerable around aggressive or fast-moving fish. The other factor involves its fins. The larger caudal or tail fin and lack of a dorsal fin put the Celestial Eye Goldfish at a disadvantage when it comes to maneuverability.
How Much Do Celestial Eye Goldfish Cost?
The same things that affect the care of the Celestial Eye Goldfish also come into play with the availability and price. You may find it challenging to find fish to add to your tank. The price varies with size and color. You can expect to pay at least $10 or more for a single fish. Shipping is likely to cost as much as the cost.
Typical Behavior & Temperament
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is a gregarious fish like others of its ilk. It will fare well with others of its kind, albeit as long as they aren’t aggressive. It’s a peaceful, slow-moving animal that will spend most of its waking time scavenging. That describes most goldfish. Bear in mind that it’s not unusual for the Celestial Eye Goldfish to uproot plants. They can do a number on more delicate species, like hornwort.
Appearance & Varieties
The Celestial Eye Goldfish has a stubby body shape compared to the typical goldfish. It has both double anal and caudal fins. Unlike its parent species, the Telescope Eye Goldfish, this one also lacks a dorsal fin. That gives the fish a rounded appearance. Of course, the eyes are the standout feature. Their size is large when viewed next to similar species. They also protrude outward somewhat from its body.
- White
- Pearl
- Red
- Red and white
- Black
- Calico
The scales have a metallic look that shines beautifully under an aquarium light. The eyes seem almost human-like with a distinct white pupil. It gives the Celestial Eye Goldfish a comical appearance. The fish doesn’t get as big as some of its counterparts. The Telescope Eye Goldfish can get up to 10 inches long. On the other hand, the Celestial Eye Goldfish will grow only up to 6 inches.
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How to Take Care of Celestial Eye Goldfish
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Plan on about 1 inch per gallon of water when setting up your aquarium to house Celestial Eye Goldfish. Like other species, this one will grow with the tank size. The more room it has to swim around, the larger it’ll get. We suggest at least a 10-gallon time to give it plenty of room to grow and explore. Gravel makes an ideal substrate and an excellent base for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.
Heating and Filtration
This species is a cold-water fish. However, you should keep the temperature stable to avoid stressing it. Avoid placing it anywhere near drafts or heating vents. Even though the Celestial Eye Goldfish is slow-moving, it is a messy fish that will root around a lot in the gravel, possibly clouding the water. An external filter can do a better job of keeping it clean for this sensitive fish.
Water Conditions
The ideal temperature for the Celestial Eye Goldfish is 65–70℉. A pH between 6–8 is the sweet spot for these friendly fish. Regular weekly water changes are necessary to keep your Celestial Eye Goldfish healthy. We recommend replacing no more than 10% at a time to reduce stress while getting the required maintenance done.
Lighting
Normal lighting is perfect for the Celestial Eye Goldfish, although it probably won’t help too much with its poor vision. If you’re opting for artificial plants, you might want to consider adding a snail or two to your tank to control algae. That’s particularly true, given the length of time you’ll use the light.
Are Celestial Eye Goldfish Good Tank Mates?
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is friendly enough to get along with other fish. It’s just its vulnerabilities that will dictate what else you add to your tank. We recommend sticking with others with similar health concerns. Avoid adding single-tailed fish like the Common Goldfish with this one. That fish will outcompete the Celestial Eye for food and treats because of its faster speed.
What to Feed Your Celestial Eye Goldfish
Like other goldfish species, the Celestial Eye Goldfish is an omnivore, which means it eats both plant and meat foods. A commercial diet will provide complete nutrition to satisfy its needs for these foodstuffs. You can supplement it with treats, such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or other tasty morsels. Bear in mind that feeding live or frozen foods will increase the necessary maintenance.
Another option is to offer freeze-dried products. It’ll make it easier to control how much you feed your pet. It can also reduce the risk of parasites that live or frozen foods may carry. Spoilage is another concern that they can eliminate.
Keeping Your Celestial Eye Goldfish Healthy
The Celestial Eye Goldish is like most other species. A stable environment is the key to keeping it healthy with a good quality of life. Remember that in the wild, conditions won’t change a lot. That’s what this fish is used to, too. It all boils down to the water chemistry. That’s why we suggested regular water changes to keep the build-up of ammonia and nitrites in check.
When you add water back into the tank, make sure that it’s about the same temperature. Double-check it with a thermometer to be sure. You should also be careful with feeding. The Celestial Eye Goldfish will welcome more than one meal a day. Just make sure it’s eating what you offer instead of floating down to the bottom of the tank.
Breeding
Temperature is the signal to encourage your Celestial Eye Goldfish to spawn. The best way to replicate it is by lowering and then slowly raising the temp in your tank to simulate the change of seasons. You should place several live or artificial plants in the tank as places for the eggs. They will also provide cover for the fry.
Maintaining a healthy aquarium is a must-do. Fish that are stressed are less inclined to spawn. You must relocate the adult goldfish to another tank afterward. Otherwise, eggs equal food to the goldfish. The Celestial Eye Goldfish will make breeding easy for you as long as the water conditions are right.
Are Celestial Eye Goldfish Suitable for Your Aquarium?
The answer to this question rests with the setup and size of your tank. As you’ve likely surmised, the Celestial Eye Goldfish isn’t a beginner pet. They aren’t as hardy as other species. They also have special needs with the aquarium’s decor. Then, there is the question of their eyes and poor vision. However, with the proper care, you’ll have your Celestial Eye Goldfish for years.
Conclusion
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is an extreme example of selective breeding. Its curious body form and unusual eye position make it a welcome addition to any tank, provided it’s set up correctly. If you want to move into intermediate pet care, this species has a lot to offer. The only downside to getting a Celestial Eye Goldfish is finding one or more for your aquarium.
Featured Image Credit: Dan Olsen, Shutterstock
