Fish
Celestial Eye Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Origin: The celestial eye is an old ornamental goldfish breed developed in China and refined in Japan. Like all goldfish it descends from the crucian/Prussian carp (Carassius auratus) and does not occur in the wild.
Also known as: Celestial Eye, Choten gan, Carassius auratus
Fact sheet
- Size
- 14 cm
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Minimum tank size
- 75 L
- Temperature
- 18–23 °C
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness GH
- 8–20 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 3+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- Yes
Overview
The celestial eye is an unusual coldwater goldfish breed whose eyes point straight up 'to the stars', giving it its name. It is an egg-shaped, round-bodied fish without a dorsal fin that swims slowly and unsteadily. With its permanently upturned eyes the fish has a limited field of view, so it struggles to find food and dodge fast tankmates. The celestial is one of the most delicate and demanding breeds: it needs a calm species tank with no sharp decor or current. It suits experienced fancy-goldfish keepers.
Appearance
The body is short and egg-shaped, 13–15 cm long, with no dorsal fin. The key feature is the large eyes rotated so the pupils look straight up (they develop in the first months of life). Colour is most often orange-red, less often white, calico, or black. The tail is forked. The back is smooth and finless, heightening the egg-like look.
Care
A tank of at least 75 L for the first fish plus 40–50 L for each additional one, with soft substrate and no sharp objects. Temperature 18–23 °C (a coldwater species), pH 6.5–8.0, hardness GH 8–20. Current must be minimal, as the fish swims poorly against flow. Good filtration without strong current and regular water changes are essential.
Feeding
An omnivore that finds food with difficulty because of its upturned eyes. Sinking goldfish pellets are best, and make sure the fish gets its share. Blanched vegetables, bloodworm, and daphnia are suitable. Feed small portions once or twice daily in a calm setting.
Compatibility
Keep only with equally slow fancy breeds — bubble eyes, water-bubble eyes, and other celestials. Do not combine with fast fish or long-bodied goldfish, which will outcompete the celestial and may injure its eyes. A species tank is ideal.
Breeding
It breeds like other goldfish: in spring as temperatures rise. To preserve the breed, select brood fish with correctly formed eyes, which rotate upward in fry at a few months of age. In a community tank the eggs are usually eaten.
Fun facts
Fry eyes are normal at first and only finish rotating upward by about six months. The missing dorsal fin and 'celestial' gaze make the breed instantly recognisable. Its weak sight and slow pace leave the celestial especially vulnerable in a community tank.