Assorted Dragon Eye Goldfish

Introduction: Welcome to the enchanting world of the Dragon Eye Goldfish, a mesmerizing variety of fancy goldfish distinguished by its large, protruding eyes and elegant appearance. This ornamental fish is known for its calm demeanor and unique beauty, making it a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a touch of elegance to their aquarium. Native to the slow-moving waters of East Asia, the Dragon Eye Goldfish is a captivating addition to any freshwater setup.

Scientific Name: The Dragon Eye Goldfish is a member of the Carassius auratus species, part of the Cyprinidae family. It is a variety of fancy goldfish bred for its distinct physical features, particularly its large, bulbous eyes.

Water Quality and Temperature: To keep your Dragon Eye Goldfish healthy and thriving, provide the following water conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
• pH Level: Keep the pH between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal health.
• GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) level of 4 to 12 dGH.
• KH Level: Keep the carbonate hardness (KH) between 4 to 8 dKH.

Feeding: The Dragon Eye Goldfish is an omnivorous fish with a hearty appetite. To ensure proper nutrition, provide the following foods:

• Flake Foods: High-quality flake foods designed for goldfish.
• Pellets: Goldfish pellets are a staple, offering balanced nutrition.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Offer brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia for added protein.
• Vegetables: Blanched peas, lettuce, or spinach can be given occasionally to provide essential fiber.

Tank Mates: Dragon Eye Goldfish are peaceful and slow swimmers, making them suitable for community tanks with other fancy goldfish or similarly gentle, slow-moving species. Avoid housing them with fast or fin-nipping fish, as their large, delicate eyes make them prone to injury. Compatible tank mates include Oranda goldfish, Black Moor goldfish, and other fancy goldfish varieties.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal for Dragon Eye Goldfish, as their sensitive eyes may get injured on rough surfaces. Decorate the tank with smooth stones, driftwood, and large plants that provide cover while leaving ample open space for swimming. Avoid sharp decorations that could damage their protruding eyes.

Suitable Plants: The Dragon Eye Goldfish appreciates a well-planted tank but may nibble on soft plants. Hardy plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, and Marimo Moss Balls are good options that are less likely to be consumed and can tolerate the cooler water temperatures preferred by goldfish.

Sexing: Sexing Dragon Eye Goldfish can be challenging outside of the breeding season. During breeding, males may develop small white tubercles (breeding stars) on their gill covers and pectoral fins, while females tend to appear rounder and more full-bodied due to carrying eggs.

Breeding: Breeding Dragon Eye Goldfish is possible in captivity with the right setup. Provide a separate breeding tank with shallow water and soft-leaved plants or spawning mops for the eggs to adhere to. After spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in 3 to 4 days, and the fry should be fed infusoria or specially prepared fry food until they are large enough to consume baby brine shrimp.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Dragon Eye Goldfish can grow up to 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live up to 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer, in well-maintained aquariums.

General Information: The Dragon Eye Goldfish is beloved for its dramatic appearance and serene behavior. Though slightly more delicate than common goldfish due to its unique eye structure, it can thrive in a carefully maintained environment with appropriate tank mates and decor. These fish are sure to be a conversation starter in any aquarium setting, providing both beauty and tranquility.

A Fun Fact: The Dragon Eye Goldfish’s large, protruding eyes are a result of selective breeding, making them one of the most visually distinctive varieties of fancy goldfish. Despite their dramatic appearance, these eyes offer no enhanced vision— in fact, Dragon Eye Goldfish may have slightly reduced vision compared to their more streamlined counterparts.