The bubble eye black moor goldfish is a man-made variant of the common goldfish that originated in China. They were first bred in the Song Dynasty around 1000 AD when the Chinese started selectively breeding goldfish for their aesthetic qualities.

Bubble eye goldfish were developed by dedicated Chinese breeders who wanted to create a goldfish with exaggerated fluid-filled sacs protruding from under their eyes that resemble bubbles. It took many generations of selective breeding to stabilize this trait and develop the ideal bubble eye shape and size.

These unique-looking goldfish became prized in China and then spread to Japan and other parts of Asia. Bubble eye goldfish were introduced to Europe and America in the 1800s as their popularity as ornamental pond and aquarium fish grew globally. Today, specialty goldfish breeders around the world continue perfecting the bubble eye black moor variety.

The black moor genetic influence gives the bubble eye a distinctive all-black coloration and bulging telescope-eye shape. Meticulous breeding is required to produce bubble eye black moors with the right eye and bubble structure while maintaining their dark coloration. They remain one of the more delicate and eye-catching goldfish breeds.

Appearance

The bubble eye black moor goldfish is named for its most distinctive feature – its large, bulbous protruding eyes. These bubble-like eyes sit on either side of the head and can grow quite large, often bigger than the eye socket. The eyes are prone to injury and infection, so care must be taken.

The body of the bubble eye black moor is short and rounded. It has a compact shape that is wider than it is long. The body and fins are covered in metallic-looking scales that can range from a brassy gold to black in color. The black moor variety has a dark grey or black hue. The single tail fin is wide and fans out behind the body. Overall, the fish has a unique and eye-catching appearance.

Ideal Tank Conditions

Bubble eye black moor goldfish require specific tank conditions to thrive. Here are the key factors to consider:

Tank Size

Bubble eye black moors need a minimum tank size of 30 gallons for the first fish, plus an additional 10-20 gallons per additional fish. This allows them ample swimming room. Their bulging bubble eyes are delicate, so a spacious tank reduces injury risk from bumping into objects or other fish.

Water Parameters

• pH: 7.0-8.0
• Hardness: 5-19 dGH
• Ammonia and nitrites: 0 ppm
• Nitrates: <40 ppm

Maintain excellent water quality with regular partial water changes and filtration. Good water flow and oxygenation is important.

Filtration

Use a high quality external canister filter rated for at least twice the tank size. Bubble eye goldfish are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. Strong filtration keeps water clean.

Temperature

72-78°F is the ideal temperature range. Avoid large fluctuations. Bubble eye black moors prefer cooler water compared to fancy goldfish. Cooler temps may help prevent eye inflammations. Use a submersible heater and thermometer to maintain a stable temp.

Diet

The bubble eye black moor goldfish has specific dietary requirements to support its health. This fancy goldfish should be fed a high-quality diet formulated for goldfish 2-3 times per day.

These goldfish are omnivores and will accept most types of fish food including flakes, pellets, frozen and freeze-dried foods. Their diet should contain about 30% protein and only 4-5% fat to prevent issues like swim bladder disease. Some good protein sources to look for in goldfish food include fish meal, shrimp meal, spirulina and earthworms.

When feeding, only provide what the fish can consume within 2-3 minutes. Uneaten food will sink and dirty the tank water. For adult bubble eye black moors, start with a pinch or two of food and adjust amounts based on their appetite. It’s better to underfeed than overfeed this fancy goldfish variety.

Supplementing the main diet with treats like blanched vegetables, bloodworms or daphnia can provide additional nutrition. Just introduce new foods gradually to avoid upsetting the goldfish’s digestive system.

With proper nutrition from a varied diet, the bubble eye black moor goldfish can live for 10+ years in home aquariums. Careful feeding prevents common issues like constipation and buoyancy problems in this fancy goldfish variety.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a bubble eye black moor goldfish is 10-15 years. With proper care and ideal tank conditions, they can live up to 20 years. Their large bubble eyes make them more prone to health issues and infections compared to other fancy goldfish varieties, which can shorten their lifespan if not properly treated. Providing a stress-free environment, optimal water quality, and a nutritious diet is key to helping bubble eye black moors reach their maximum lifespan potential. Their lifespan is on the longer side for fancy goldfish, but considerably shorter than common single-tail goldfish that can live over 30 years. Overall, bubble eye black moors are relatively long-lived fish if given proper care. Their stunning looks and bubbly charm make them a rewarding lifelong fishkeeping companion.

Behavior

Bubble eye black moor goldfish are known for being peaceful, social, and delicate swimmers. Despite their bulbous bubble eyes, they do have vision and can see, but their eyes make them slower and more fragile swimmers compared to other goldfish varieties.

These goldfish tend to be gentle, calm, and get along well with other passive fish in the aquarium. They are social fish that enjoy being kept in groups. Having other bubbly-eyed goldfish or slow-moving tank mates creates a harmonious environment.

Their bubble eyes make them more vulnerable to being bullied or nipped by aggressive fish. Fast tank mates may stress them out or compete for food. Bubble eye goldfish do best in a species only tank or with other docile community fish.

While bubble eye goldfish can swim decently enough to navigate the tank, their protruding eyes cause them to be rather clumsy and delicate swimmers compared to streamlined goldfish types. They should be monitored closely and not placed in tanks with strong currents or forceful filtration that could blow them around. Providing ample calm areas and resting spots allows them to swim at their own relaxed pace.

With their peaceful temperament and gentle swimming style, bubble eye goldfish thrive in a well-maintained tank with appropriate tank mates and conditions. Their social and tranquil nature makes them rewarding aquarium fish for hobbyists.

Breeding

Breeding bubble eye black moor goldfish requires patience and care. The fish reach sexual maturity around 18 months old. When ready to breed, the male will chase and bump the female as a sign of courtship. Spawning usually occurs in the morning hours.

The female releases her eggs, which can number over 1,000, and the male fertilizes them. It’s recommended to provide a spawning mop or plants for the eggs to adhere to. The parents should then be removed as they may eat the eggs.

The eggs are very delicate and susceptible to fungi. To increase hatching rates, methylene blue can be added to the water. The eggs will hatch within 48 hours at 75-80°F. The fry can be fed infusoria initially followed by brine shrimp nauplii and finely crushed flakes.

Bubble eye fry grow slowly and take 2-3 years to fully develop. With good care, bubble eye black moors can live 10+ years. Their unique appearance and tranquil nature make them a joy to keep. Patience and proper conditions lead to successfully breeding these eye-catching fish.

Common diseases

Bubble eye goldfish are prone to several health issues, especially problems with their eyes. Here are some of the most common diseases to watch out for:

Eye infections – The bubble eye’s most distinctive feature is also its greatest weakness. The fluid-filled sacs under their eyes are very vulnerable to infections and injury. Even small scratches or bumps can cause the sacs to rupture, leading to an infection. Signs include clouded or red eyes, popped bubbles, loss of appetite. Treat mild infections with antibiotic medications. Ruptured bubbles usually won’t heal.

Pop eye – This is when one or both eyes bulge out unnaturally. It’s usually caused by an internal bacterial infection putting pressure on the eye. Pop eye requires antibiotic treatment and quarantining the sick fish. If not treated, the eyes can rupture.

Cloudy eye – Cloudy or milky-colored eyes signify an eye infection. It’s similar to pop eye but the eyes don’t bulge out. Treat with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Blindness – Bubble eyes are prone to blindness from eye trauma, infections, or cataracts. A blind fish can still live a healthy life in a tank if cared for properly. Pay special attention to feeding a blind fish.

Swim bladder disorder – The swim bladder helps the fish float and swim upright. When infected or obstructed, fish have trouble staying balanced. They may float sideways or sink. Treat with antibiotics and adjust the fish’s diet. Don’t feed peas, despite popular belief.

With their delicate eyes, bubble eye goldfish require pristine water conditions and close monitoring for eye issues. Quarantine new fish to prevent transmitting diseases to your tank. With prompt treatment, many common goldfish diseases can be cured or managed.

Where to buy

Bubble eye black moor goldfish can be purchased from specialty aquarium stores and reputable online retailers. When looking for a high-quality black moor, here are some recommended sources to check out:

Recommended breeders

• Goldfish Island – A family-owned goldfish farm in Singapore that breeds beautiful black moor varieties. They ship worldwide.

• Coast Gem USA – A US-based breeder producing show-quality bubble eye black moors. They have an online store and can ship nationwide.

• Nippon Goldfish – A renowned Japanese goldfish breeder with gorgeous black moor specimens. They export fish internationally.

Recommended pet stores

• That Fish Place – A specialty aquarium retailer with locations in PA and NJ. They frequently have bubble eye black moors in stock.

• Wet Spot Tropical Fish – This popular Portland-area fish store often carries unique black moor varieties.

• House of Tropicals – An online retailer that stocks high-quality goldfish, including black moors. They have excellent customer reviews.

When purchasing a bubble eye black moor, be sure to select a reputable seller with healthy, active fish. It’s best to see the specific fish before buying, rather than ordering online sight unseen. With proper care, a black moor goldfish from a quality breeder or store can live happily in your aquarium for years to come.

Conclusion

Providing the right tank conditions, nutrition, and disease prevention is key for these fish to thrive. Their ideal water temperature, filtration, and tankmates differ from common goldfish. Their protruding eye sacs also make them more vulnerable to injuries and infections. With a proper diet rich in plant matter and occasional treats, they can remain active and bring interesting behavior to observe. Please continue to follow Aquarium QH to find out interesting information