But Black Moors sometimes produce offspring that are black but have normal eyes. It was originally thought that the black coloration was linked to the telescoping eye traits. Today you will be able to find Black Moors at your local pet store with wide tails, butterfly tails, and even ribbon like tails. The original Black Moors had a fantail but more recent varieties have longer, flowing fins. These “ocular features” simply appear as the fish ages. The other eye form is more balloon like and may even have a tiny inflated sac near the cheek. A close look may reveal a less telescoping form that looks like concentric ridges. Some fish’s eyes stick out like smooth cones. The eyes protrude from the side of the head like other telescope varieties.Ĭollectors like to classify individual fish by the style of the eyes. The Black Moor has the same traditional short, egg shaped body. Since the Black Moor is a variety of fancy goldfish, it is no surprise it shares many features of its more colorful cousins. The so-called 'fancy goldfish' are now found throughout the world. Once in Japan, fish breeders further developed the long tail fins and bright color patterns. Historical writings and art suggests the Chinese began selective breeding of goldfish before 1000 AD! Early forms of goldfish were introduced to Japan in the 1500s. What this did was start to lock in the color patterns as the fish interbed.Įventually the fish caught the attention of Chinese fish breeders. Legend states that these fish were isolated in their own ponds as interesting oddities. The telescope eyes also appeared, leading to names such as Dragon Fish and Dragon Eyes. Carp were grown for food and are one of the earliest forms of fish farming.Įvery so often genetic abnormalities would cause some fish to have a little yellow, orange or red in them. It is believed that today’s goldfish varieties are derived from selective breeding of Prussian carp ( Carassius gibelio) or Crucian Carp ( Carassius carassius). Like all goldfish, the Black Moor descended from the very plain common carp, which is typically a drab olive color. The Black Moor was selectively bred to obtain these characteristics.

Take a close look and you’ll see the egg shaped body and bulging eyes that give it its name. The Black Moor is a type of telescope eyed goldfish but with black coloration.

Telescope goldfish baby