Celestial Eye

The celestial eye goldfish is a specialized fancy variety of Carassius auratus with upward-facing telescope eyes and no dorsal fin. Its body is rounded and its paired tail is usually modest compared with long-finned show types, giving the fish its recognizable top-looking posture. The form developed in Chinese ornamental goldfish culture and was later maintained by hobbyists in Japan and elsewhere. Colors may be metallic orange, red and white, black, calico, chocolate, lavender, or nacreous, but the eye position is the defining feature.

Celestial eyes are poor competitors and are best managed in quiet aquariums with other slow, non-aggressive fancy goldfish. Food should be easy to find at the bottom or in a predictable feeding area, since the fish cannot look straight ahead in the same way as normal-eyed varieties. Avoid abrasive decorations, strong current, and overhead lighting without shaded areas. Breeders select for eyes that turn evenly upward, a smooth dorsal line, balanced tail carriage, and steady swimming; buyers should pass on fish that roll, list, or cannot feed well.

Colors: Black, Black and Orange, Black and White, Blue-Gray, Brown, Calico, Chocolate, Gold, Lavender, Matte, Metallic, Nacreous, Orange, Panda, Red, Red and White, Red & White, White, Yellow