About Celestial Eye Goldfish

The Celestial Eye Goldfish is a distinctive fancy goldfish variety characterized by its upward-facing eyes that point toward the sky, giving it a perpetually surprised appearance. This unique trait was developed through selective breeding in China and makes the Celestial Eye one of the most recognizable goldfish varieties. Due to their upward-facing eyes, they have limited downward vision and require special care considerations. They are peaceful, slow-moving fish that should be kept with other gentle goldfish varieties and never with fast swimmers that might outcompete them for food.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Celestial Eye Goldfish need special consideration due to their limited vision. Smooth decorations and easily accessible food are essential.

Essential Setup:

  • 20 gallons for one fish, 10 gallons per additional
  • Smooth decorations only (no sharp edges)
  • Open swimming space
  • No strong currents
  • Temperature 65-75°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) - coldwater fish
  • pH: 7.0-8.4 (prefer slightly alkaline)
  • Water Hardness: Moderate (8-20 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <40 ppm

Heavy filtration essential due to waste production. Weekly 30-50% water changes recommended.

Feeding

Due to limited downward vision, special feeding techniques help:

  • Sinking pellets: Easier to locate
  • Hand feeding: Train to eat from fingers at surface
  • Vegetables: Blanched peas, spinach, zucchini
  • Target feeding: Place food directly in front of fish

Feeding Schedule: 2-3 times daily, small amounts. Ensure each fish gets food.

Special Vision Considerations

  • Upward-facing eyes: Cannot see food on bottom easily
  • Vulnerable: Cannot see predators approaching from below
  • Feeding strategy: Use sinking foods or hand feeding
  • Tank mates: Only peaceful, slow fish
  • Decorations: Smooth, no sharp edges they might bump into

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful but handicapped by vision. Best with:

  • Other Celestial Eyes
  • Other slow fancy goldfish (Ranchu, Bubble Eye)
  • Bottom feeders that won’t compete aggressively

Never House With:

  • Fast swimmers (Comets, Commons)
  • Single-tail goldfish
  • Any fish that outcompetes for food
  • Sharp decorations

Health Concerns

Special health considerations:

  • Eye injuries: Vulnerable to bumps and infections
  • Swim bladder: Common in fancy goldfish
  • Eye infections: Watch for cloudiness
  • Poor nutrition: May occur if cannot find food

Common Health Issues

  1. Eye cloudiness: Often from injuries or poor water quality
  2. Swim bladder disorder: Treat with peas, reduce feeding
  3. Bacterial infections: Watch for fin rot
  4. Parasites: Ich can be problematic

Tank Maintenance

  • Weekly 30-50% water changes: Essential for waste management
  • Gentle gravel vacuuming: Avoid disturbing fish
  • Smooth decorations only: Prevent injuries
  • Regular water testing: Monitor ammonia closely

Tips for Success

  • Feed sinking foods or train to hand feed
  • Keep only with other slow, vision-impaired goldfish
  • Provide excellent water quality
  • Use smooth, rounded decorations
  • Be patient during feeding
  • Monitor for eye problems
  • Never use sharp or rough substrates

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Other Goldfish
🐠 Dojo Loach 🐠 White Cloud Mountain Minnow 🐠 Bristlenose Pleco