Description

The Black Moor Goldfish is a popular fancy variety known for its velvety black coloration, telescopic eyes, and rounded body. While they are hardy and visually striking, their care requires attention to specific details to ensure their health and longevity.

Key Care Considerations

1. Tank Setup:
   • Tank Size: Minimum of 15 gallons for one fish, with an additional 10 gallons per extra fish.
   • Substrate: Avoid fine sand or small gravel to prevent choking hazards.
   • Decorations: Use smooth, rounded decorations to prevent eye injuries.
   • Plants: Choose hardy plants like Vallisneria or Hygrophila that won’t be stripped by grazing.
   • Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight to prevent algae blooms.
2. Water Parameters:
   • Temperature: 60–75°F (16–24°C).
   • pH: 6.5–7.4.
   • Nitrates: Below 20 ppm.
   • Ammonia/Nitrites: Zero.
   • Regular water changes and testing are essential for maintaining these conditions.
3. Diet:
   • Provide a varied diet including gel foods, vegetables, and live or frozen foods (like brine shrimp or bloodworms) to prevent swim bladder issues.
   • Feed 1–2% of their body weight daily, ideally split into multiple meals.
4. Companions:
   • Keep with other fancy Goldfish varieties that have similar swimming abilities (e.g., Water Bubble Eyes, Celestials).
   • Avoid pairing with fast-swimming or aggressive species like Comets, as Black Moors struggle to compete for food.
5. Special Equipment:
   • Filter: Essential for maintaining water quality but ensure the flow isn’t too strong.
   • Heater: May be needed if temperatures drop below 60°F, especially in outdoor setups.
6. Common Health Issues:
   • Swim Bladder Disorders: Often diet-related. Prevent with fiber-rich foods and moderate feeding.
   • Eye Injuries: Protect their delicate telescopic eyes from sharp objects and aggressive tank mates.
   • Diseases: Vulnerable to bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Quarantine new fish and provide mild salt baths to reduce risks.

Distinct Features

• Appearance: Deep velvety black body, metallic scales, telescopic eyes, and paired fins. High-quality specimens meet specific body depth and fin requirements.
• Coloration: Black Moors may change color with age, especially under warm conditions. Fish with bronzy or white underbellies are more likely to retain their black color.

Breeding

• Challenging due to limited vision. Use multiple males per female to improve success rates. Tubercles on males and a slimmer body on females help differentiate sexes during the breeding season.

Lifespan

With proper care, Black Moors can live 10 years or more, thriving longer in ponds than aquariums.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Black Moor thrives as a unique and cherished addition to your Goldfish collection.