Butterfly Tail Black Moor Goldfish (Carassius auratus) – Tank Bred

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The Butterfly Tail Black Moor Goldfish represents the most refined expression of the classic Black Moor. While standard Black Moor fantails are appreciated for their dark velvet coloration and telescope eyes, the butterfly tail variant is the most sought-after form, prized for its dramatically spread, symmetrical caudal fins that resemble butterfly wings when viewed from above. This top-view elegance sets it apart, making it a favorite among fancy goldfish enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Tank bred for health and consistency, Butterfly Tail Black Moors combine striking visual presence with the calm, expressive personality that makes fancy goldfish so rewarding to keep.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Butterfly Tail Finnage: Broad, symmetrical tail spread that displays best from a top-down view.
• Classic Black Moor Features: Deep black coloration paired with iconic telescope eyes.
• Collector-Favorite Variant: Considered the most desirable form of the Black Moor goldfish.
• Tank-Bred Quality: Hardy, well-adjusted, and suited for long-term aquarium life.

Natural Habitat:

The Black Moor Goldfish is a selectively bred fancy variety of Carassius auratus, developed through generations of captive breeding. Unlike wild goldfish ancestors, Butterfly Tail Black Moors are entirely domesticated and rely on stable, well-maintained aquarium environments designed specifically for fancy goldfish body shapes and swimming styles.

Aquascaping:

Butterfly Tail Black Moors thrive in aquariums designed around visibility, open space, and gentle flow.

Begin with an open layout that allows unrestricted movement and clear sightlines—especially important for telescope-eyed fish with limited vision. Avoid sharp décor and tight spaces. Instead, use rounded river stones, smooth driftwood, and wide-open swimming areas to create a safe, elegant environment.

Plants should be chosen carefully. Hardy species such as Anubias or Java Fern attached to hardscape work well, while floating plants can help diffuse light without obstructing movement. Fine-leaved or delicate plants are best avoided, as goldfish may uproot or damage them during foraging.

Aquatic Arts–branded botanicals like Indian Almond Leaves may be used sparingly to add visual warmth and support a natural ecosystem, but goldfish aquariums should remain clean, highly filtered, and easy to maintain. The goal is a layout that highlights the fish themselves—especially the dramatic butterfly tail when viewed from above.

Diet and Feeding:

Butterfly Tail Black Moors are omnivores with hearty appetites. Feed a high-quality sinking fancy goldfish pellet as a staple. Supplement with blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, and occasional frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. Smaller, frequent meals help reduce buoyancy and digestive issues common in fancy goldfish.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Best kept with other fancy goldfish of similar size and swimming ability, such as Orandas, Ranchu, or other Black Moors. Avoid fast single-tail goldfish and fin-nipping species, which may outcompete or stress them.

Shrimp Compatibility:

Not recommended. Goldfish will readily consume shrimp and other small invertebrates.

Breeding:

Breeding Butterfly Tail Black Moors requires careful conditioning, seasonal temperature cues, and selective pairing to maintain tail symmetry and eye structure. Adults do not provide parental care, and breeding is best left to experienced goldfish keepers.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 65°–74°F (18°–23°C)
• pH: 6.8–7.6
• KH: 4–12 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for the first fish, +10–15 gallons per additional fancy goldfish

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; focus on sinking foods and vegetable matter.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful; thrives with other fancy goldfish.
• Origin: Tank Bred
• Average Adult Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 2.5–3.5 inches (6.5–9 cm)

Q & A

What makes a Butterfly Tail Black Moor different from a fantail Black Moor?
The butterfly tail has a broader, flatter, and more symmetrical caudal fin that spreads outward like wings, especially visible from a top-down view. Fantails lack this dramatic spread, making butterfly tails the most prized variant.

Are Butterfly Tail Black Moors harder to keep than regular Black Moors?
No. Care requirements are the same. Their value comes from finnage and form, not increased difficulty.

Do telescope eyes affect their vision?
Yes. Their vision is limited, which is why calm tank mates, open layouts, and gentle feeding routines are important.

Do they need a heater?
Usually not. They prefer cool, stable temperatures rather than tropical warmth.

Are they good for beginners?
Yes, as long as the aquarist is prepared for goldfish-specific care, including larger tanks and strong filtration.

Can they live in ponds?
Not recommended. Their delicate fins and reduced vision make them vulnerable outdoors.

Will the black color fade over time?
With proper diet, lighting, and water quality, Black Moors typically maintain deep coloration, though some lightening can occur with age.

How long do Butterfly Tail Black Moors live?
With proper care, they commonly live 10–15 years or more.

Why We Think You’ll Love Them:

Butterfly Tail Black Moors are not just goldfish—they are living display pieces. When viewed from above, their wing-like fins and velvet-black bodies showcase why this variant is considered the pinnacle of the Black Moor lineage.

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