Bubble Eye Goldfish

Bubble Eye Goldfish

(Carassius auratus)

Bubble Eye Goldfish are one of the most unusual fancy goldfish varieties, best known for the large fluid-filled sacs that develop underneath their eyes. These bubbles give them their distinctive appearance, but they also make Bubble Eyes one of the more delicate fancy goldfish to keep.

They have a rounded body, paired tail and usually no dorsal fin. Their colouring can vary, with orange, red, white and mixed patterns all commonly seen. The eye sacs continue to develop as the fish matures and can become very prominent in adult fish.

Bubble Eyes are peaceful, slow swimmers and are best kept with other gentle fancy goldfish of a similar size. Avoid keeping them with fast varieties such as comets or shubunkins, which can easily outcompete them for food.

They require a mature, fully cycled aquarium with good filtration, strong oxygenation and a gentle current. As a guide, allow around 100 litres for the first fancy goldfish, followed by approximately 50 litres for each additional fish. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero, with regular partial water changes used to maintain stable water quality.

Feed a good-quality sinking fancy goldfish pellet or gel food in small portions. Their eyesight and swimming ability are more limited than many other goldfish, so make sure food reaches them and they are not being outcompeted.

Important Care Warning

Bubble Eye Goldfish need a particularly safe aquarium layout. Their eye sacs are delicate and can be damaged or punctured by sharp rocks, rough ornaments, hard plastic plants, exposed filter intakes or narrow gaps.

Use smooth décor only and protect any filter intake that the fish could be pulled against. Avoid netting them whenever possible, as the bubbles can easily become caught or damaged. A smooth container or bowl is much safer when the fish needs to be moved.

If an eye sac is injured, it may heal and refill, but the shape may not return exactly as it was before. Serious damage can also lead to infection, so preventing injury is extremely important.

Bubble Eyes are therefore best suited to keepers who are happy to provide a simple, carefully arranged aquarium specifically designed around their needs.

Please note: photographs are examples of the fish available. Exact colour, body shape, bubble size and symmetry will vary naturally between individual fish.