Carassius auratus, also known as the bubble-eyed goldfish, certainly takes the top prize in bizarre-looking aquarium creatures. These cute little guys look like cartoon characters, have unique behavior, and even cause controversy in the fish-keeping world. If you want something different for your tank, then this is the fancy fish for you. But before adding one of these little darlings to your tank, you must read the crucial facts about the bubble-eyed goldfish below.
1. You Won’t Find Them in the Wild
The first thing you need to know about the bubble-eyed goldfish is that you won’t find this species in the wild. Breeders developed the breed in captivity in Asia, where they have genetically modified the fish over centuries to produce the unique specimen we see today. Bubble-eyes come in chocolate, red and white, red and black, red and blue, and have an extravagant double tail.
They are likely related to other fancy goldfish like the comet, telescopic, and celestial.
In their native countries, China and Japan, bubble-eyed goldfish come with and without dorsal fins. But breed specifications in Western countries frown upon even the hint of a dorsal fin. Breeding fish without a dorsal fin is controversial, according to some fish forums and animal welfare organizations. We’ll touch on this at the end of the article.
2. They’re Incredibly Delicate
Like many fancy fish species, the bubble-eye is incredibly delicate. While they tolerate varying water conditions, they are susceptible to common pet fish diseases due to buoyancy issues. Unfortunately, it’s their cute, googly eyes that hinder their swimming ability. Buoyancy issues in fish often cause constipation, gas, and bacterial infections. These little freshwater creatures live between five and 15 years and may need more veterinary care than other species.
Bubble-eyes grow six to eight inches long and need a minimum 20-gallon tank. They are large and will often outgrow a tank, so they are not suitable for small set-ups. The bubble-eye is a top-water to mid-water dweller and thrives in water temperatures of 55-80 Fahrenheit with a six to nine pH. It’s easy to distinguish between the sexes. The males have white spots on their gill plates and pectoral fins, and the females have a deeper body and larger vent. They are egg-layers, but if you want to breed them, you must remove the parents after they produce eggs because they will usually eat them.
3. Their Bubbles Can Burst
Not only are bubble-eyed goldfish more susceptible to illness, but alarmingly, their bubble-like eyes can burst, which can be painful. A small tear may heal without intervention if the fish eats and acts normally. You should consult your veterinarian if the tear is large or the fish seems stressed. Burst bubbles usually heal and regrow but are often imperfect. This doesn’t affect fish health, but it may be problematic if you want to show it in competitions.
Bubble-eyed goldfish develop their fluid-filled eye sacs at around three months old. To prevent eye injuries, you must be incredibly selective about aquarium decor when you set up the fish tank. The tank must not contain sharp plants or objects – which can pierce the eye. You should also avoid adding small caves and hiding places where bubble-eyes can get stuck.
4. They’re Super Passive
The bubble-eyed goldfish is incredibly peaceful and passive, and you must keep them with other passive, delicate fish. The best tankmates for these distinctive aquatic creatures are other bubble-eyes, telescopic, comet, dragon-eyed, and celestial goldfish. Being so passive, they fall victim to bullying, and shrimp may even nibble at their bubbles.
Like most goldfish, bubble-eyes are omnivores and will eat almost anything. The problem is that they can’t see or swim well, so they struggle to compete for food. It’s better to feed them large morsels such as pellets so they can see them; avoid tiny food like bloodworms. Feed them in the same place so they become accustomed to the area, and use a feeding cone or clip to prevent waste. They also benefit from extra protein because they require extra energy for swimming.
5. They Need Experienced Keepers
After reading the above sections, it’s no surprise that bubble-eyed goldfish need experienced keepers. These aquatic creatures have high care needs and aren’t the healthiest pet fish species. They also produce a lot of waste and require a vigorous cleaning and maintenance schedule. Owning bubble-eyes means you’ll have to clean a fish tank more often. Hygienic tank conditions will help prevent infection if they injure themselves. Surprisingly, these unique little guys aren’t expensive but are not common in pet stores.
There’s no doubt that bubble-eyed goldfish are a unique aquatic creature for your aquarium. But another issue with these fish is that they are incredibly weak swimmers and easily get swept away in a current. They are top-heavy, and their bubbles make their head wobble when they swim. You must protect the filter intake tubes with fine netting or aquarium sponges because they can get sucked into the filter.
6. They’re Controversial
Like certain dog breeds, the Bubble-Eyed Goldfish is controversial because breeders often promote its negative physical traits through selective breeding. In a nutshell, these fish are deformed and wouldn’t evolve like this naturally. They have a haunched body, and the lack of dorsal fin combined with their eye air sacs means that, in many cases, they struggle to eat and swim. In the worst case, they will spend most of their time on the tank floor due to their poor swimming abilities.
Owning a bubble-eyed goldfish is incredibly rewarding. They are a unique fish to add to your tank, but you must be willing to invest a little more time in their care than other species. They are exceptional little creatures and more vulnerable than most fish, so ensure you provide them with a safe, clean environment to reduce their chance of illness or injury.
