Big eye goldfish

Types of Big Eye Goldfish

The big eye goldfish is a distinct variety of goldfish preferred by aquarium lovers for its big and beautiful eyes. As a subset of the fancy goldfish group, these fish are cherished for their unique look and personality. The following are popular goldfish eye categories:

• Watonai

  The Watonai goldfish has a smooth, flowing body shape and prominent large eyes. They have long, delicate fins and are known for their eye-catching colors. Usually, they are orange, white, or a blend of both. While their eyes look like telescope eyes, they are round and do not have the characteristic protrusion of some other varieties. Indeed, their eye shape and fin configuration allow them to swim smoothly and cohesively in aquariums.

• Bubble Eyes

  Bubble eyes are easily recognized because of the fluid-filled sacs below their eyes. These sacs look like bubbles, and the fish's eyes are bigger than average. The bubble sacs can sometimes obscure the fish's vision, making them more sedentary and careful swimmers. Nevertheless, their calm nature and vibrant colors make them adapt well to home aquariums.

• Telescope Eyes

  The telescope goldfish has eyes that stick out more than any other goldfish variety. These eyes can be black or red and have a unique appeal. Some types of telescope eye goldfish include the ryukin goldfish and the oranda goldfish. Even though they have protruding eyes, telescope goldfish still have the typical goldfish body shape. They are mesmerizing to look at and require gentle handling in an aquarium.

• Longan eyes

  This type of goldfish is famous for its large, round, prominent eyes resembling longan fruit. These eyes add a unique and beautiful appeal to the fish. Despite being visually striking and sometimes detracting from their swimming ability, longan-eye goldfish are still lively and enjoy swimming around their tanks. In contrast to bubble eyes, longan eyes do not have fluid-filled sacs, so their eyes are easier than bubble-eyed goldfish but are still prominent and eye-catching.

Designs of Big Eye Goldfish

The eye color enhancement in big-eye goldfish is often associated with their body color. Big eye fish may be orange, white, black, or a blend of these and tend to change colors over time. In some cases, they might include the eye color for which they are popular. Depending on the fish species, these colors may include red, black, and white. Big eye goldfish may have stunning color patterns, including deep, intense shades like metallic or pastel.

• Round

  Round-bodied goldfish have a symmetrical form with an even distribution of weight and characteristic round shapes. Their body profile slowly tapers to the tail, giving them a round and ball-like appearance. In addition, their fins are short and help maintain the balanced, rounded shape of the fish. The combination of the bubble eye's round shape makes this fish uniquely appealing to fish lovers.

• Veil Tail

  The tails of these goldfish are elegant and long, resembling the veil. They flow and flutter gracefully, almost like a trailing fabric. Lately, the fins also have a broad and flat appearance. This makes the veil tail look similar to a peacock's feather or the drape of a curtain. Veil tail goldfish are popular among fish keepers because of their unique appeal.

• Oranda

  Oranda goldfish are easily identifiable due to their prominent nuchal hump, which is the fleshy dome on the forehead of many oranda varieties. This feature is more pronounced in mature individuals. An oranda's body is short and rounded, giving it a compact, robust look. They have distinctive color patterns common among oranda goldfish, often blending red, orange, white, and black. These colors can be vibrant and striking, contributing to their popularity as aquarium fish.

• Ranchus

  Ranchu goldfish have a body shape that is rounded and fan-shaped when viewed from the side. They have relatively short and flattened tails shaped like a butterfly or a round fan. The combination of these features and the absence of dorsal fins gives ranchus a smooth, flowing look that is popular among goldfish enthusiasts.

How to Choose Big Eye Goldfish

While purchasing big eye fish, fish enthusiasts should consider the following factors:

• Size and Age

  Big eye goldfish come in various sizes and ages. The smaller ones are easier to care for by beginners. It is necessary for lovers to consider the species to know how large their fish will grow. Some species may consume more space, so it will be easier to manage larger fish when they reach adult size.

• Health

  Fish lovers should avoid fish with signs of illness, such as lesions, wounds, or abnormal swimming behavior. Next, they should check the water conditions to ensure they match the needs of the species. They should also ensure the fish has no parasites.

• Compatibility

  Big eye goldfish are easy to socialize with other goldfish and some species of fish. But generally, avoid aggressive fish. They also need to be peaceful with others, so it's better to add some compatible fish to their school.

• Water Conditions

  Big eye goldfish prefer fresh, clean water. Buyers should ensure the fish they wish to buy are in suitable water conditions. They should avoid fish that are under stress from poor water conditions.

• Diet

  Big eye goldfish are omnivorous. Fish lovers should ensure the fish they wish to buy have healthy and suitable food. They should check if the fish are actively feeding on the food provided to them. A fish that has the appropriate food will show interest in it.

How to Store Big Eye Goldfish

Retailers should observe the following guidelines to have big eye goldfish in good conditions:

• Maintain the Water Temperature

  Goldfish require particular temperature ranges depending on their type and age. Ranchus, for instance, need to stay between 21 and 24°C. So retailers should check the temperature of the water and ensure it stays within the recommended range for their type of goldfish. Next, they should increase the temperature gradually for fish that will be stored for longer. They should not add any heat sources directly to the tank to avoid excessive temperature increase.

• Use a Proper Tank System

  Goldfish are known to produce a huge amount of waste, and the large eye variety is no exception. This can lead to dangerous ammonia levels that can harm the fish. Therefore, users should use large, properly sized tanks with strong filters to handle the fish's load. Tank sizes may vary in that large varieties may need a tank of at least 50 gallons while small ones can survive in a 20-gallon tank.

• Create Hiding Places

  Due to the large eyes, some types of goldfish can be prone to stress if they feel exposed all the time. Therefore, aquarium owners should include plants or decorations to give the fish some hiding places. These hiding spots help the fish feel safer and more comfortable in their environment. Besides, ensure the hiding spots are enough for all the fish, so none feels threatened by others when looking for seclusion.

• Maintain the Correct pH Level

  Make sure the pH levels of the water are within the right range. This helps keep the fish in good condition. The ideal pH should range from 7 to 7.5. Cultivate a biological filter to help good bacteria thrive and break down fish waste. a filter with media that can develop bio films and populate bacteria. Avoid sudden changes in pH, as this can harm the fish.

Q and A

Are big eye goldfish easy to care for?

Big eye goldfish can be easy to care for compared to some other pet fish. They are hardy, so they can adapt to some changes in the environment they are put through. They also have simple dietary needs and can eat many fish foods. However, they also need clean water and space to thrive properly. Some varieties may also require special needs depending on their characteristics. So with the right knowledge and practices, they can be easy to care for.

What tank size do big eye goldfish need?

Goldfish generally need more space for swimming. A big eye goldfish needs at least 20 gallons of water. Larger varieties like Oranda or ranchu need even more space, up to 50 gallons or more. When choosing goldfish, think about the species and how large it will probably grow. Avoid crowding the fish to ensure it has enough living space.

Do big eye goldfish change color?

Yes, big eye goldfish do change color over time and as they grow up. When they are young, they may be one solid color. But as they get older, they can change to more complex patterns that include multiple colors. It also depends on the type of goldfish. Some may change more than others. For instance, big eye goldfish can change to shades of orange, white, black, red, or even metallic and pastel-like goldfish.

Can goldfish hear out of water?

Yes, big eye goldfish can hear out of water, but their hearing isn't as good as it is in water. Fish communicate and sense vibrations through the water. Their swim bladders act like amplifiers, helping them detect sound waves. When out of water, they may still hear some sounds, but it will be harder for them because there is no water to carry the sound waves. A lack of oxygen will also affect their hearing ability.