What is Celestial Eye Goldfish？
The Celestial Eye Goldfish, also known simply as Celestial Goldfish, is one of the most unique and eye-catching fancy goldfish varieties. With its distinctive upward-pointing eyes and dorsal-finless body, this breed has fascinated aquarists for centuries. Its appearance is both whimsical and elegant, making it a prized specimen for collectors and advanced hobbyists.
Origin and History
The Celestial Eye Goldfish originated in China, where it was first developed during the 18th century through selective breeding. It is believed to be a descendant of the Telescope Goldfish, sharing similar eye development characteristics.
The variety became known as “Stargazer” due to the way its eyes permanently point upward, giving the impression that it’s constantly gazing at the sky. Over time, breeders in China and Japan refined its features, particularly by eliminating the dorsal fin to emphasize its celestial expression.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
Eyes
- Large, upturned eyes that permanently face upward
- The eyes begin to protrude around 6–8 weeks old, fully developing by 6 months
- Vision is limited, so they rely heavily on memory and scent when feeding
Body Shape
- Short, egg-shaped body with no dorsal fin
- Smooth back line, enhancing the celestial eye effect
- Paired pectoral, pelvic, anal, and double caudal fins (tail)
Color Variants
Common color patterns include:
- Solid red
- Red and white
- Orange
- Calico (multicolored speckles)
- Chocolate or bronze (less common)
These colorations enhance the fish’s graceful, floating appearance in still water.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
Celestial Eye Goldfish are delicate and require specialized care due to their limited vision and lack of a dorsal fin.
Tank Setup
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons per fish
- Add 10 gallons for each additional goldfish
- Avoid sharp objects and strong currents to prevent injury
Water Conditions
- Temperature: 18°C–24°C (64°F–75°F)
- pH level: 7.0–7.8 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm; Nitrates: <30 ppm
- Use sponge filters or gentle flow filtration
Diet and Feeding
Due to their poor eyesight and slow swimming, Celestial Eyes require special feeding care.
Diet
- Sinking pellets or gel foods (easier for them to locate)
- Soft vegetables like blanched peas, spinach, or lettuce
- High-protein treats: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
Feeding Tips
- Feed in a consistent location so the fish can remember where to find food
- Offer multiple small meals throughout the day
- Avoid floating food to reduce the risk of swim bladder issues
Breeding Celestial Eye Goldfish
While not the easiest to breed, Celestial Eyes can reproduce under the right conditions.
Spawning Setup
- Use a shallow breeding tank with spawning mops or fine-leaved plants
- Slowly raise water temperature to trigger spawning (ideal: 20°C–23°C)
Breeding Behavior
- Males chase females and release sperm as females scatter eggs
- Remove adults immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation
- Eggs hatch in 4–7 days; feed fry with infusoria or baby brine shrimp
Selective breeding focuses on symmetrical eye development and strong fin quality.
Best Tank Mates
Because of their slow movement and poor vision, Celestial Eye Goldfish should only be kept with similarly delicate varieties.
Recommended tank mates:
- Bubble Eye Goldfish
- Telescope Goldfish
- Ranchu
- Lionhead
Avoid fast swimmers like Comets or aggressive breeds that may outcompete them for food.
How to Choose a Healthy Celestial Eye Goldfish
When buying a Celestial Eye Goldfish, inspect for:
Symmetrical, upward-facing eyes with no cloudiness or damage
- Smooth, well-rounded body without deformities
- Fully extended fins, especially the caudal (tail) fin
- Clear and vibrant coloration
- Active behavior despite slow movement
- Avoid fish with sunken eyes, torn fins, or irregular swimming patterns.
Why Choose a Celestial Eye Goldfish?
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is more than just a fancy breed—it’s a living piece of aquatic art. Its slow, floating swim and curious eye structure make it a peaceful and mesmerizing tank companion. Though it requires specific care, it rewards owners with its elegant beauty and gentle nature.
FAQ About Celestial Eye Goldfish
Q1: Are Celestial Eye Goldfish hard to care for?
A: They need gentle filtration, safe tank decor, and consistent feeding locations, but they’re manageable for intermediate keepers.
Q2: Can Celestial Eyes live in a pond?
A: Not ideal. Due to poor vision and sensitivity, they do best in indoor aquariums.
Q3: How long do Celestial Eye Goldfish live?
A: With proper care, they can live 10–15 years, sometimes longer.
Q4: Do their eyes cause health problems?
A: Not directly, but their vision makes them vulnerable to poor feeding and injury.
Q5: What is the difference between Celestial and Telescope Goldfish?
A: Telescope Goldfish have protruding side-facing eyes and a dorsal fin; Celestial Eyes have upward-facing eyes and no dorsal fin.
