Celestial-eye goldfish

Carassius auratus

Upward-looking eyes and no dorsal fin

The defining feature is the upward direction of the protruding eyes, not simply their size. Celestials lack the large under-eye sacs of bubble eyes and normally lack a dorsal fin. Eye orientation and the dorsal fin also distinguish them from telescope forms. The drawing does not measure an individual’s eye axis.

Adult length: About 10 cm
Lifespan: Up to 30 years
pH: 7–8.4
Hardness: 5–19 dGH

Natural habitat: Wild habitats include rivers, lakes, ponds and ditches, often in vegetated still or slow water; ornamental goldfish are domesticated forms.

Provide an uncluttered setting without entanglements or strong overhead lighting. Monitor feeding access and competition; overlapping water ranges do not establish compatibility. Swimming and feeding ability vary among forms. Provide filtration, oxygenation and maintenance.

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