Bubble Eye Goldfish Care Guide
The Bubble Eye goldfish (Carassius auratus) is one of the most unusual and delicate fancy goldfish available in the UK. Known for its fluid-filled sacs beneath its eyes, it's a unique species best suited to carefully planned aquariums.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Bubble Eye goldfish care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Bubble Eye Goldfish
Bubble Eye goldfish are a fancy goldfish variety bred for their distinctive eye sacs, which continue to grow as they age.
They are extremely slow swimmers with poor eyesight, making them one of the most delicate goldfish types.
Carassius auratus
12-15 cm
Domesticated (derived from East Asian carp)
100L+ (single fish)
10-15+ years
Peaceful, very slow-moving
18-24°C
Omnivore (sinking pellets, vegetables, frozen foods)
6.5-8.0
£10-£25 per fish
How Many Bubble Eye Goldfish Should You Keep?
Bubble Eye goldfish are best kept with similar fancy goldfish or in species-only tanks.
- Keep at least 2 where possible
- Only house with very slow, gentle tankmates
- Avoid mixing with faster or more competitive fish
Keeping them with unsuitable fish can lead to:
- Injury to eye sacs
- Starvation due to competition
- Stress and poor health
Careful stocking is essential.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Bubble Eye Goldfish
Creating a safe, hazard-free environment is critical for Bubble Eye goldfish.
- Tank Setup: Spacious tank with minimal obstacles
- Substrate: Fine sand is best to prevent injury
- Plants & Decor: Use only soft plants or leave tank minimally decorated
- Water Conditions: Stable, well-oxygenated water
- Filtration: Strong but gentle filtration (avoid strong currents)
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable
Avoid any sharp objects, as their eye sacs are extremely fragile.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Bubble Eye goldfish require very careful tankmate selection.
- Good Tankmates: other slow fancy goldfish such as celestial eye or very gentle varieties
- Avoid: common goldfish, fast swimmers, fin-nippers, and any active species
They are easily outcompeted and can be injured by more active fish.
Are Bubble Eye Goldfish Easy to Care For?
Bubble Eye goldfish are difficult to care for and are not recommended for beginners.
They require:
- A carefully designed, safe tank
- Gentle filtration and calm water
- Close monitoring of feeding
- Appropriate tankmates
Their delicate anatomy makes them more challenging than most goldfish.
Bubble Eye Goldfish Price in the UK
In the UK, Bubble Eye goldfish typically cost between £10-£25 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and quality
- Symmetry and size of eye sacs
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
They are less common than other goldfish varieties.
Where to Buy Bubble Eye Goldfish in the UK
Bubble Eye goldfish are available in some specialist aquarium shops and from private breeders.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow inspection of delicate features
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Bubble Eye Goldfish?
Yes - Bubble Eye goldfish are sometimes sold or rehomed by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of transport
- Helps ensure suitable homes
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Bubble Eye Goldfish
Bubble Eye goldfish require careful feeding due to their poor eyesight and slow movement.
Key Tips:
- Feed high-quality sinking pellets
- Supplement with vegetables like peas and spinach
- Offer occasional frozen foods
- Ensure food reaches them directly
Hand-feeding or target feeding may be necessary to ensure they eat properly.
Common Problems with Bubble Eye Goldfish
Damaged or burst eye sacs, often caused by:
- Sharp decorations
- Rough handling
- Aggressive tankmates
Starvation, linked to:
- Competition with faster fish
- Difficulty locating food
Swim bladder issues, caused by:
- Poor diet
- Overfeeding
Why Bubble Eye Goldfish Are So Popular
- Unique and unusual appearance
- Highly distinctive eye sacs
- Calm and gentle behaviour
- A true specialist fish for enthusiasts
When kept correctly, Bubble Eye goldfish are a fascinating and eye-catching addition to a carefully managed aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are one of the most delicate goldfish varieties.
Only with very slow, gentle fancy goldfish.
It can heal, but the fish becomes vulnerable to infection.
At least 100 litres for one fish, with more space for additional fish.
Looking to Buy or Sell Bubble Eye Goldfish Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're stocking your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of transport