If you are interested in keeping Black Moor goldfish, it’s important to have a good understanding of their care requirements. While they are visually striking with their coal-black color, protruding eyes, and elegant finnage, Black Moors are considered somewhat delicate and can be prone to injury. Therefore, they may not be the best choice for beginners in goldfish keeping. However, with the right knowledge and proper care, you can successfully maintain these unique and beautiful fish in your aquarium or garden pond.
The following article will help you know how to care for the beautiful and unusual Black Moor goldfish.
What is a Black Moor Goldfish?
The Black Moor goldfish isn’t just your ordinary fish. It’s an ornamental beauty often referred to as the Black Peony goldfish or Dragon Eye goldfish.
This Fancy goldfish variety is easily distinguishable, with its egg-shaped body, sweeping fins, striking large protruding eyes, and a velvety black metallic hue that seems to shimmer underwater.
While they may share some similarities with Telescope goldfish, the Black Moor Fish take the prize with their more bulbous eyes and consistent deep black coloring.
Moreover, their tails are a sight to behold! Whether it’s a veil tail, butterfly tail, ribbon tail, or the most common broad tail, each displays its own unique flair.
Origin of Black Moor Goldfish?
You won’t spot a Black Moor in the wild. Like all goldfish, they are a testament to human artistry in breeding. Our journey takes us back to Central Asia, particularly Siberia, where the Silver Prussian carp – the forefather of the goldfish – swam freely.
They thrived in calm waters, nibbling on a diet ranging from small crustaceans to algae. The twist in the tale occurred in the 1500s when Chinese Buddhist monks observed a few carp displaying vibrant colors.
These colorful specimens were separated and revered, and through years of meticulous breeding, the ancestors of our beloved modern goldfish emerged.
By the 1600s, goldfish began to be traded with Europe, and by the late 1800s, they had gained popularity as ornamental pond fish in the United States. The distinctive egg-shaped varieties of Fancy goldfish that are commonly seen today were primarily developed by breeders in Asia. Presently, there are approximately 125 recognized breeds of Fancy fantail goldfish.
Size of Black Moor Goldfish?
As adults, Black Goldfish are about 6–8 inches in length, Black Moors showcase a fascinating lifecycl. Interestingly, males are typically more slender and slightly smaller than their female counterparts.
Lifespan of Black Moor Goldfish?
How long Black Goldfish live? While their deep black hue and unique features make them stand out in any tank, they also lead a fairly long life. These goldfish can grace your aquarium for a good 10–15 years.
Appearance and behavior of Black Moor Goldfish?
The black moor goldfish is a fancy goldfish variety characterized by its deep black coloration and prominent bulging eyes. This particular fish exhibits a peaceful temperament, tends to be timid in nature, and typically swims at a leisurely pace.
Color, body shape, fins, and gender differences
Black moor goldfish exhibit distinctive egg-shaped bodies that can be entirely black or black with patches of orange or silver. These fish possess long, flowing fins and a tail resembling a fan.
When young, black moor goldfish display hues of bronze or gold. However, as they mature, their bodies gradually darken, assuming a black coloration, while their eyes become more pronounced. Regrettably, despite their disproportionately large eyes, these fish suffer from impaired vision.
Distinguishing between male and female black moor goldfish based on appearance alone can be challenging as there are no significant visual disparities. However, during the spawning season, males develop small white protrusions known as breeding tubercles on their pectoral fins.
Inadequate water conditions, insufficient lighting, or the onset of diseases like velvet can cause black moor goldfish to lose their vibrant pigmentation, resulting in a paler appearance.
Behavior of Black Moor Goldfish?
The black moor goldfish is characterized by its peaceful and slow-swimming nature, making it compatible with other fish and lacking territorial behavior. Although generally well-mannered, this species has been observed to engage in chasing and fin-nipping behavior, especially among other black moors.
Swimming at the mid-levels of the tank is the preferred activity of this goldfish, and it tends to seek refuge and concealment when startled by loud noises or confronted by aggressive tank mates.
Black moor goldfish exhibit their highest levels of activity during daylight hours. They actively explore their surroundings, feed, and investigate the tank during the day, while seeking shelter in caves or behind plants for sleep during the night.
Tank requirements and care for Black Moor Goldfish?
Black Moor Goldfish care may seem straightforward, but there’s a certain finesse to it. At the heart of their well-being lies a pristine freshwater tank, marked by unwavering parameters.
While they’re omnivorous by nature, a judicious mix of plants and proteins keeps them not just satiated but thriving.
Habitat and tank setup for Black Moor Goldfish?
Black moor goldfish are not found in natural habitats as they are a man-made breed. However, their parent breed, the telescope goldfish, can be found in stagnant or slow-flowing, murky waters in China. To create a suitable environment for black moor goldfish in an aquarium, it is important to replicate these conditions by maintaining proper water conditions and using appropriate decorations.
Start by lining the base of the tank with either sand or gravel. Since black moor goldfish do not spend much time at the bottom of the aquarium, it is advisable to choose a substrate that caters more to bottom-dwelling tank mates.
Incorporating hiding spots in the tank is essential. Caves, rocks, and plants such as Java ferns and hornwort can provide suitable hiding places. While natural elements like rocks and bogwort can be appealing, you can also consider using themed decorations like miniature castles or shipwrecks.
A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for black moor goldfish. These fish have long fins that require ample space, and they need enough room to swim around comfortably. It is advisable to provide an additional 10 gallons of tank space for each additional goldfish.
Tank conditions
- Water type: Neutral, gentle freshwater
- Tank size: Starting at 20 gallons, with 10 additional gallons for each subsequent Black Moor.
- Temperature: A cool 50–75°F
- Substrate: Opt for fine gravel or sand.
- Tank setup: Incorporate rocks, caves, and aquatic plants.
- Acidity: Maintain a pH level between 6.5–7.5.
- Water hardness: Keep it between 5–15 dGH.
- Filter: Essential for generating a gentle current and ensuring clean water.
- Bubbler: Unnecessary if you have a robust filter.
- Lighting: Regular aquarium lights, preferably with a timer.
- Water heater: Not required, as Black Moors are comfortable in room temperature.
While they may appear delicate, Black Moor Goldfish are hearty creatures. Their primary requirement is a high-grade filter to ensure a healthy life.
Common diseases
Black moor goldfish, like other fish kept in captivity, are susceptible to various diseases and health issues. It is important for fish owners to be aware of these potential problems and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat them.
- Swim Bladder Disease: This ailment compromises a fish’s buoyancy control, leading to erratic floating patterns. Remedies include feeding them a single green pea and observing a 48-hour fasting period. Extreme cases might necessitate surgical intervention.
- Eye Damage: Due to their protruding eyes, Black Moors are susceptible to eye injuries. Safeguard them by avoiding sharp objects in the tank and always using a net for gentle transfers between environments.
Caring for Black Moor Goldfish is about attention to detail. With the right environment and vigilance against potential health issues, they can be a delightful, long-lasting companion in your aquatic haven.
Tank Mates for Black Moor Goldfish
Black Moor goldfish are best housed with peaceful tank mates that will not harass or bully them. Suitable companions for Black Moor goldfish include other fancy goldfish, small shoaling fish in groups, and large, slow-swimming fish.
In addition to other Black Moors (which should be purchased in groups of at least two for companionship), suitable tank mates for Black Moor goldfish include:
- Oranda goldfish
- Mollies
- Zebra danios
- Neon tetras
- Barbs
- Dwarf gouramis
- Catfish
- Kuhli loaches
- Bristlenose plecos
However, it is important to avoid housing Black Moor goldfish with fin-nipping tank mates such as tiger barbs, betta fish, and angelfish.
Black Moor goldfish are known for their docile nature, allowing them to be kept together in groups without displaying signs of aggression.
Feeding & Diet
In the natural habitat, the black moor goldfish’s ancestral species, the telescope goldfish, consumes a diet consisting of insects, vegetable matter, small crustaceans, and detritus. To ensure the well-being of black moor goldfish in captivity, it is advisable to provide them with a similar and varied diet.
The primary component of their diet should consist of dried flakes or pellets, which are cost-effective when purchased in bulk and offer a wide range of nutrients. Additionally, it is beneficial to supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, several times a week.
To support their digestive system, it is recommended to offer green vegetables like blanched spinach, lettuce, and broccoli at least once a week.
Feeding the black moor goldfish should be done twice a day, providing an amount of food that can be consumed within two minutes. It is crucial to avoid overfeeding these fish as they are prone to obesity and associated health conditions such as bloat and swim bladder disease.
Breeding Black Moor Goldfish
Breeding black moor goldfish at home can be easily accomplished, even by individuals without prior fish breeding experience. These fish typically reach sexual maturity at around one year of age.
To successfully breed a pair of black moor goldfish, it is important to follow these steps:
- Prepare a separate breeding tank that replicates the water conditions and decorations of the main tank.
- Introduce a healthy male and female fish into the breeding tank. To simulate the seasonal changes that trigger spawning in the wild, gradually increase the temperature by 3 degrees Fahrenheit each day until it reaches 75°F.
- If the male is interested in breeding, he will engage in courtship behavior by swimming in circular patterns around the female for several days.
- A receptive female will develop and release eggs, typically laying up to 10,000 eggs at a time, on flat surfaces within the tank.
- The male fish will then pass over the eggs, fertilizing them with his milt, a reproductive fluid containing sperm.
- Once the male has finished fertilizing the eggs and moved away, it is important to remove both parents from the breeding tank and return them to the main tank to prevent them from consuming the eggs.
- To maintain water quality, remove any unfertilized eggs from the tank using a small scoop or net, as these can lead to water contamination. Unfertilized eggs can be identified by their white color and the presence of fungus.
- The fertilized eggs will typically hatch within three to five days. At this stage, it is essential to feed the newly hatched fry with small, nutrient-rich foods such as baby brine shrimp, which are high in iron and protein. This diet should be continued until the fry are approximately two months old.
- Once the fry reach the age of two months, they can be transferred to separate tanks and fed a diet appropriate for adult fish.
By following these guidelines, individuals can successfully breed black moor goldfish in a home setting.
Should you keep Black Moor Goldfish?
Black moor goldfish are renowned for their unique appearance and peaceful nature, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced fish enthusiasts.
If you have a freshwater tank that accommodates calm and slow-moving fish, a black moor goldfish would be a great addition. However, it is essential to avoid housing them with territorial or aggressive fish that may nip at their distinctive, flowing fins.
By maintaining clean water conditions and ensuring that you do not overfeed this goldfish, you can expect it to be a captivating and vibrant presence in your tank. With proper care, these fish can thrive for a minimum of 10 years.
Their care, tank requirements, and diet are straightforward, making them an excellent choice for both novices and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts. At DryWash Aquarium, we’re always exploring the wonders of aquatic life.
If the Black Moor Goldfish has piqued your interest, we invite you to journey further with us, discovering more hidden treasures and expert insights in our array of blogs.
See more:
- Oranda Goldfish Care, Tips, and Fascinating Facts!
- Lionhead Goldfish Size, Lifespan, Care & Tank Mates
