Celestial Eye Goldfish Care: Complete Guide for Beginners

Learn everything you need to care for a Celestial Eye Goldfish, a unique breed with beautiful upward-facing eyes. You’ll discover tips for setting up your tank, choosing compatible tank mates, and maintaining optimal health for your goldfish. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to provide the best possible care for your Celestial Eye Goldfish.

by Fabian

Updated: July 3, 2023 / 12 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Species Profile and Identification

The Celestial Eye Goldfish, or Choutengan, is a rare and enthralling breed of double-tailed goldfish. Its distinguishing feature is its pair of upward-facing telescope eyes, staring endlessly at the sky. When newly hatched, their eyes look normal but gradually turn upwards within six months.

• Body Shape: Celestials possess an elongated, egg-shaped body a bit akin to the Bubble Eye goldfish. However, unlike the latter, they lack a dorsal fin. The length of their caudal or tail fin ranges from half the body length to equal to it.
• Color: The most common color of a Celestial fish is a beautiful metallic shade of orange, often referred to as ‘red’ by enthusiasts. That said, you can also spot them in white or a combination of red and white.

Interestingly enough, Celestial goldfish is a mutation of the Telescope goldfish, tracing their origins back to the 18th century. Either Korea or China could have been the place where this first occured, leading to some healthy rivalry. The Celestial goldfish we see today mostly originate from China, after having journeyed through the United States and Great Britain.

Their unique vision and dorsal fin deficiency make them vulnerable yet lively swimmers. These requirements mean they need special care and suitable companions. So, dive in to know mote about this fascinating species and important care instructions that follow!

Keep in mind, Celestials are not for novice fish keepers due to their specific needs and sensitive nature. Their unique eye structure and need for specific environmental conditions demand a time commitment and careful attention. They’re sure to be a delightful addition to a seasoned aquarists’ tank.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Supplies

Acquiring the right supplies is essential for the health and happiness of your celestial eye goldfish.

Tank: A standard glass or acrylic aquarium is best for your celestial eye goldfish. Make sure it’s at least 10 gallons (38 liters) as a minimum for one fish, and add 10 more gallons for each additional fish. Olympic-sized swimming pools might be too much, so don’t get too excited.

Filter: A high-quality filter is non-negotiable. It keeps the tank clean by getting rid of toxic chemicals and waste. Go for a filter with a strong flow but no sharp parts. Celestial eye goldfish aren’t as tough as they look.

Lighting: Moderate, normal lighting will suffice. You don’t want to burn those skyward eyeballs, right?

Water Parameters Testing Kit: Do invest in this tool. Regular monitoring of pH levels, the hardness range, and temperature is critical. This isn’t just a swimming pool; it’s a scientific experiment.

• Heater: Despite being cold-blooded, these fish prefer a warmer climate, ideally between 65.0 to 72.0° F (18.3 to 22.2° C). A quality aquarium heater can maintain this.
• Substrate: Any type works, but consider the golden rule: the smoother, the better. Sharp substrates can injure your celestial eye goldfish.
• Food: A good-quality pellet or flake food formulated for goldfish should be the basis of their diet. Remember to sprinkle some love (food) regularly.
• Decorations: Avoid sharp objects, as they can damage your goldfish. Try to get smooth and round decorations if you want to add some personality to your tank.

The setup for a celestial eye goldfish is fairly simple: a large tank, a strong filter, moderate lighting, a testing kit, and a heater are your non-negotiables.

Incorporate a suitable substrate and decor to make your celestial feel at home. On the menu, we have goldfish-formulated food. Done right, these supplies will ensure your celestial eye goldfish is swimming happy and healthy.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Tank Setup

Properly setting up your Celestial eye goldfish tank is crucial for your goldfish’s well-being. Ideally, a goldfish tank should be spacious enough to allow your celestial eye goldfish to swim freely, and grow comfortably.

Tank Size: You need to start with the right size tank. The Celestial eye goldfish is an active swimmer and will require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters). A 20-gallon (75 liters) tank or more is recommended for a pair.

Substrate: Celestials are not fussy about the substrate. You can add any type of substrate to the tank, it can be gravel, sand or even artificial turf.

Appropriate Filtration: It’s vital to have a good filtration system in place. Celestial eye goldfish produce significant amounts of waste which can quickly foul the water if not properly filtered. Ensuring a strong water movement will prevent the buildup of waste and toxins in the tank.

Aquarium Decor: Be careful with your choice of aquatic decor. These goldfish have upward-facing eyes which can be easily damaged, so avoid sharp-edged or pointy decor.

Lighting: Normal aquarium lighting is needed, but don’t place the tank where it will receive direct sunlight.

Heating: Maintain the temperature between 65.0 to 72.0 °F (18.3 to 22.2 °C). While goldfish are generally tolerant to cold, Celestial eye Goldfish are more sensitive.

Here is a checklist for your Celestial eye goldfish tank setup:

• Tank capacity: 10 gallons (38 liters) or more
• Substrate: Any type
• Lighting: Moderate
• Temperatures: 65.0 to 72.0 °F (18.3 to 22.2 °C)
• Decor: No sharp or pointy objects
• Filtration: A robust system is necessary

Remember, a well-established tank will lead to a healthier and happier goldfish. The sooner you can create a place that feels like home to them, the better.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Water Requirements

Celestial Eye Goldfish are sensitive to their environment, requiring specific water conditions. They thrive best in a water temperature range of 65.0 to 72.0° F (18.3 to 22.2° C).

• Water Temperature: Unlike other goldfish species, Celestials cannot tolerate much below 60°F (16°C). A stable water temperature above this threshold will ensure the health and longevity of your pet.
• pH Levels: The pH for your tank must be maintained between 6.0 and 8.0. This slightly acidic to neutral range suits the goldfish best.
• Water Hardness: Aim for a hardness range of 5 to 19 dGH, which falls in the range of soft to medium-hard water. This ensures the proper physiological functioning of your goldfish.
• Salinity: Although goldfish are freshwater species, they can tolerate slightly brackish water. The salinity should be kept below 10%, with a specific gravity of less than 1.002.
• Water Movement: Moderate water movement, achieved through filters and air stones, is key to maintaining a healthy environment. This not only aids in oxygenating the water but also in flushing out waste and preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Remember to check these parameters regularly to maintain a healthy water environment. With proper water quality, your Celestial Eye Goldfish can live and thrive healthily in your aquarium.

Lastly, avoid sudden changes in water conditions. Normal tap water contains chlorine, which can be harmful to your fish. Always dechlorinate the water before adding it to your tank. Frequent water changes are also necessary – around 20% of the total tank volume per week is a good rule of thumb.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Diet and Feeding

Feeding your Celestial Eye Goldfish correctly is critical to their health and happiness. Celestial Eye Goldfish are omnivorous, meaning they thrive on a balanced diet of both plants and small animals.

To keep them healthy, nourish them with high-quality flake foods, pelleted foods, and thawed frozen foods. High-quality means the food should be rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Here’s a feeding guideline:

• Feed your goldfish twice a day.
• Portions should be small enough to consume within two minutes.
• Overfeeding can pollute the tank water, so monitor carefully.

Celestial Eye Goldfish also appreciate treats. Live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia make for excellent protein-rich treats.

For plant matter, blanched peas and spinach, as well as aquatic plants like Anacharis, are great. Providing a varied and balanced diet will not only ensure that your Celestial Eye Goldfish is getting all the necessary nutrients, but it will also keep them engaged and happy.

Feed them in safe areas because they have unique upward-facing eyes that limit their field of vision. Be mindful of their feeding habits and adjust quantities and feeding times as necessary. Remember, a well-fed goldfish is a happy and healthy goldfish.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Care Schedule

Regular care is crucial for the well-being of your Celestial Eye Goldfish. By adhering to a weekly and monthly schedule, you can ensure they live long, healthy lives. Here’s a basic schedule you can follow:

Weekly tasks:

• Water testing: Test your tank water weekly. This is to ensure parameters like pH, hardness, and ammonia levels are within safe limits. Confirm that the pH remains between 6.0-8.0 and the hardness between 5-19 dGH.
• Partial water changes: Replace 10-20% of the tank water each week with fresh, treated water. This helps to remove waste products and replenish beneficial minerals.
• Visual inspection: Check your goldfish for any signs of illness or distress. Pay close attention to their eyes, as the unique upward gaze makes them prone to damage and infection.

Monthly tasks:

• Tank cleaning: Thoroughly clean the tank once a month. Remove any waste, leftover food, and algae.
• Filter maintenance: Clean the filter media monthly. Always use tank water to avoid killing the beneficial bacteria.
• Health checkup: Conduct a full health inspection of your goldfish. If possible, consult a vet or expert for this task.

It’s important to remember that not all celestial eye goldfish will need the same level of care. Each fish is unique. Monitor your goldfish closely and adjust your care routine accordingly. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible, and your celestial eye goldfish will thrive.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Health Problems

Ensuring your Celestial eye goldfish remains healthy requires ongoing diligence. Their unique physical features make them susceptible to specific health complications.

• Vision and mobility issues: The distinctive upward-gazing eyes of Celestials work great for observing skyward events, but it limits their ability to see what’s ahead of them. As a result, it may lead to injuries when bumping into objects or difficulty accessing food. Always ensure their tank is free from sharp objects.
• Sensitivity to cold temperature: These fish can be particularly sensitive to cold water temperatures, causing undue stress on their system. Maintain your tank’s temperature between 65.0 to 72.0° F (18.3 to 22.2° C).
• Poor water conditions: Like all fish, poor water conditions can lead to various health problems like fin rot and ick. Regular water change and appropriate water treatment can hugely alleviate these problems. Aim for a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and a hardness range of 5 – 19 dGH for optimum Celestial health.
• High oxygen requirement: Celestial eye goldfish require ample amounts of oxygen. Complement their oxygen requirements with a high-quality water filter.

Please remember, a properly cared-for celestial eye goldfish can live a fulfilling life. As a fish keeper, it’s essential to be familiar with these health problems to guarantee a long, happy life for your goldfish. Reach out to a vet for any persistent or severe symptoms.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Tank Mates

When selecting companions for your Celestial Eye Goldfish, it’s crucial to consider their unique needs and behaviors. Due to their upward-facing eyes and sensitivity to colder water temperatures, it’s best to pair them with other less competitive, slower-moving breeds. 

Avoid placing them with vigorous feeders to minimize competition for food, which could potentially lead to malnutrition for your Celestial Eye.

Here are some potential good tank mates:

• Bubble Eye Goldfish: Similar to Celestials in having limited vision.
• Black Moor Goldfish: Known for their slower pace, making them a good match.
• Ryukin Goldfish: Ryukins are slightly faster but generally peaceful.

These breeds are less competitive when it comes to feeding and share similar care requirements, making them suitable tank companions.

On the contrary, you should avoid pairing your Celestial Eye Goldfish with fast swimmers such as the Comet Goldfish or any other breed with normal vision and speed. These could cause stress and will likely outcompete your Goldfish for food.

Celestial Eye Goldfish Breeding

Breeding Celestial Eye Goldfish is a task that requires a bit of expertise. The breeding season usually commences during the spring season, as water temperatures rise to about 68°F (20°C). The fish lay many eggs per spawn, leading to numerous fry.

For a successful breeding session, you’ll need a spawning tank separate from your regular tank. A 20-gallon (76 L) tank is suitable and ensures the eggs are safe from other fish that may eat them. The tank should have a lot of fine-leaved plants for females to lay their eggs.

To incite spawning behavior, gradually raise the water temperature in the breeding tank. Over about a week, increase the temperature to match the natural rise in springtime temperatures.

Once the eggs are laid, it’s recommended to remove the adult fish from the tank. They may eat their own eggs if left in the tank.

The eggs will take about 4-7 days to hatch after fertilization. Prepare nutritious food for the fry, like liquid fry food or infusoria.

Finally, monitor the growth process attentively. Fry that manifest telescopic eyes but don’t turn upwards are termed deme-ranchu. These are not genuine Celestials but are identical in conformation, save for the direction of their eyes.

Conclusion

Caring for Celestial Eye Goldfish can indeed be a fulfilling endeavor with the right knowledge and resources. I trust this guide equips you with the essential information to embark on this rewarding journey. Please share your experiences or any questions below in the comments section.