Description
Black Moor (Carassius auratus)
The Black Moor, a variety of fancy goldfish, has the scientific name Carassius auratus. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae and is a selectively bred variant of the common goldfish, originating from China. Its distinctive black coloration and telescope eyes make it a popular choice for aquariums.
Overview
The Black Moor is a hardy, cold-water freshwater fish known for its velvety black (or deep bronze) coloration, bulging telescope eyes, and rounded, egg-shaped body with flowing, double-tailed fins. This fancy goldfish variety typically grows to 10–15 cm in length, though some may reach 20 cm under optimal conditions. In the wild, their ancestors inhabited slow-moving rivers, lakes, and ponds in East Asia. In aquariums, Black Moors can live 10–15 years with proper care. Their poor vision due to telescope eyes makes them slower swimmers, requiring careful tankmate selection. They are often confused with other black goldfish variants like the Black Bubble Eye, but their robust body and lack of extreme finnage or head growth distinguish them.
Care Requirements
Black Moors thrive in setups that accommodate their delicate eyes, slow swimming, and cold-water preferences. Key parameters include:
- Tank Size Minimum 75 litres for one; add 40 litres per additional fish. Base dimensions at least 90 x 45 cm to allow swimming space.
- Water Temperature 18–24°C (avoid temperatures above 26°C to prevent stress).
- pH 6.5–8.0
- Water Hardness 4–20 dGH
- Substrate Smooth, fine gravel or sand to prevent injury to delicate fins; avoid sharp decorations.
- Filtration & Flow Moderate filtration (e.g., sponge or canister filter) with gentle flow to avoid stressing slow swimmers; high oxygenation is crucial.
- Lighting Low to moderate; bright light can stress telescope eyes and fade black coloration.
- Use a secure lid to prevent jumping, though Black Moors are less prone to it than other fish. Include smooth decorations like driftwood or silk/plastic plants, as live plants may be uprooted or nibbled. Their poor vision requires open swimming areas to avoid collisions.
Maintenance
Black Moors are messy eaters and produce significant waste, necessitating diligent tank maintenance:
- Perform 20–30% weekly water changes to keep ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm and nitrates below 20 ppm.
- Vacuum substrate gently during water changes to remove uneaten food and debris.
- Monitor water parameters weekly with test kits, as goldfish are sensitive to poor water quality.
- Clean filters monthly, preserving beneficial bacteria to maintain tank stability.
- Avoid overstocking, as Black Moors require ample space and oxygen.
Watch for signs of stress or illness (e.g., cloudy eyes, frayed fins, or lethargy) and quarantine new fish to prevent diseases like ich or bacterial infections.
Diet
Black Moors are omnivores with hearty appetites, but their slow swimming and poor vision require easily accessible food:
- Staple foods: High-quality sinking pellets or flakes formulated for goldfish (e.g., Hikari Goldfish Excel).
- Vegetables: Blanched peas (deshelled), spinach, zucchini, or lettuce to aid digestion and prevent swim bladder issues.
- Protein sources: Occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms (feed sparingly to avoid bloating).
Feeding schedule: Small amounts 1–2 times daily; remove uneaten food after 2–3 minutes to prevent water fouling. Overfeeding can lead to swim bladder disorders or obesity, so monitor portions carefully. Soak dry foods briefly to prevent air ingestion.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Black Moors are peaceful, slow-moving fish that thrive in calm environments but are vulnerable due to their poor eyesight and delicate fins. They are social and can be kept in groups, but their slow nature makes them unsuitable for fast or aggressive tankmates.
Behaviour: Diurnal and gentle; they spend time foraging at mid-levels or near the substrate. Provide smooth hiding spots to reduce stress from bright light or tankmate competition. Their telescope eyes make them prone to injury, so ensure a safe tank setup.
Compatibility: Best with other slow-moving, fancy goldfish (e.g., Fantails, Orandas, or Ryukins) or non-aggressive species.
Suitable tankmates include:
- Other fancy goldfish with similar needs.
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows or Dojo Loaches (in larger tanks).
Avoid fast swimmers (e.g., Comet goldfish), fin-nippers (e.g., barbs, tetras), or small fish/shrimp that may be outcompeted for food. Keep in groups of 2–4 in adequately sized tanks (150+ litres for multiple fish) to prevent stress. Not suitable for community tanks with aggressive or fast-moving species.
Reproduction
Breeding Black Moors in home aquariums is possible but requires careful setup due to their delicate features and specific needs. They are egg-layers, spawning in warmer months in the wild.
- Sexing: Males develop white tubercles on gill covers and pectoral fins during breeding season; females are rounder and fuller-bodied when gravid.
- Breeding setup: Use a 100+ litre tank with a spawning mop, fine-leaved plants, or mesh for egg-laying. Maintain 20–23°C, pH 7.0–7.5, and moderate filtration with gentle flow. Condition with high-protein foods (e.g., brine shrimp) for 2–3 weeks.
- Spawning: Males chase females, nudging their sides to release eggs (up to 1,000 per spawn). Eggs are scattered and adhesive, sticking to surfaces. Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg consumption.
- Raising fry: Eggs hatch in 4–7 days at 20–23°C. Fry are tiny and require infusoria, liquid fry food, or baby brine shrimp for the first 2–3 weeks. Maintain pristine water with small, frequent changes. Fry may develop telescope eyes and black coloration after several months. Breeding success is moderate with proper setup, but fry survival is low without dedicated care. Most hobbyists purchase Black Moors from breeders, as captive breeding is labor-intensive.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
