Black Moor Goldfish Care Guide: Tank Size, Feeding, Lifespan & Tips

Black Moor goldfish are one of the most visually unique fancy goldfish varieties. Known for their velvety black color, deep bodies, and protruding telescope eyes, they’re gentle, hardy, and a favorite among aquarists who love slow-moving, ornamental fish.

This guide covers everything you need to care for a Black Moor goldfish, including tank setup, diet, water parameters, and common issues.

Table of Contents

Quick Species Profile

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Carassius auratus (Black Moor)
Common Name	Black Moor Goldfish
Size	6–8 inches
Lifespan	10–15 years (with good care)
Origin	China (bred from telescope goldfish)
Temperament	Peaceful, slow swimmer
Tank Size	20+ gallons per fish
Temperature	65–75°F
pH Range	6.5–7.5

What Is a Black Moor Goldfish?

Black Moors are a type of fancy goldfish characterized by their bulging eyes, round bodies, and striking black coloration. They are a variety of telescope goldfish, but they maintain a consistent black color throughout their lives (though some fade with age).

Due to their eye shape and slow swimming, they require special care compared to more streamlined varieties.

Lifespan

With clean water and proper care, Black Moors can live 10 to 15 years in an aquarium. Some even surpass this in well-maintained ponds, though their poor eyesight makes tanks the safer option.

Size & Growth

Black Moors grow slowly but steadily. Most reach 6 to 8 inches, though in larger environments, they can grow slightly bigger. Provide ample space to accommodate their growth and swimming style.

Tank Size & Setup

A single Black Moor needs a 20-gallon tank minimum. Add 10–15 gallons for each additional fish. Since they are poor swimmers, choose a long, horizontal tank with minimal current.

Tank setup tips:

Use soft sand or fine gravel to avoid injury
Avoid sharp decor or rough plants
Include silk or hardy live plants for enrichment (e.g., anubias, java fern)
Provide open space for swimming

Water Parameters

Keep these parameters stable:

Temperature: 65–75°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: <40 ppm

Test water weekly and perform 25–50% water changes to maintain cleanliness.

Filtration & Maintenance

Black Moors produce lots of waste, so a strong filtration system is essential. Use a sponge filter or pre-filter sponge to protect their delicate eyes and fins. Pair it with a hang-on-back or canister filter for biological and mechanical filtration.

Diet & Feeding

Like other goldfish, Black Moors are omnivores. Their diet should include:

Sinking goldfish pellets (to avoid buoyancy issues)
Blanched vegetables (peas, zucchini, spinach)
Occasional frozen treats (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

Feed 1–2 times per day. Offer small portions they can finish in under 2 minutes. Monitor uneaten food to prevent water issues.

Behavior & Temperament

Black Moors are peaceful, gentle, and curious. Their poor eyesight makes them slower feeders, so avoid aggressive or faster tank mates. They interact well with calm fancy goldfish and can learn feeding schedules.

Tank Mates

Best companions include:

Other fancy goldfish (Oranda, Ranchu, Fantail)
Peaceful fish like white cloud mountain minnows
Nerite snails or mystery snails

Avoid:

Common goldfish, comets (too fast)
Nippy species like barbs or bettas
Shrimp (may be eaten or outcompete them at feeding time)

Common Health Concerns

Common issues include:

Swim bladder disorder
Cloudy eyes (due to poor water)
Fin rot
Eye injuries from decor or tank mates

Maintain good water quality, avoid overcrowding, and treat early signs promptly.

Breeding Black Moors

Breeding is possible but requires preparation. Males develop white tubercles on their gill covers and fins. Females release eggs on plants or spawning mops, and males fertilize them.

Separate parents post-spawning to prevent egg eating. Feed fry with baby brine shrimp or specialized fry food.

Final Thoughts

Black Moor goldfish are a calm, captivating addition to any aquarium. Their velvety color and flowing fins make them a true centerpiece fish. With proper care, they’ll reward you with years of companionship.