Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Panda Moor
Carassius auratus
Also called Panda telescope, Panda goldfish
From China (as a colour form of the telescope goldfish)1
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, deep-bodied twin-tailed telescope goldfish in black-and-white
Built like a telescope goldfish, with a rounded deep body, a flowing double tail and big globe-shaped eyes on each side of the head. What sets it apart is its bold contrast of black and white across the body and fins.12
Personality what they are like
Gentle and unhurried, like all telescope goldfish. It is best kept with other slow, peaceful fancy goldfish that will not outcompete it at feeding time.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs a good filter, regular partial water changes with dechlorinated, temperature-matched water, and routine tests showing zero ammonia and nitrite. Use smooth decor and soft or silk plants to suit its prominent eyes.34
Home where they are happiest
Keep in a filtered aquarium, not a bowl. Aqueon suggests at least 40 litres (10 US gallons) per adult fancy goldfish, while the RSPCA advises at least 60 litres per goldfish, with wider tanks giving more stable water. Fancy goldfish are comfortable at about 20-23 °C (Aqueon gives 68-74 °F), and the RSPCA notes goldfish in general live at 10-21 °C without a heater. A pH of roughly 6.0-8.4 is fine (FishBase gives 6.0-8.0, Aqueon 7.0-8.4).435
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Offer a goldfish flake, granule or sinking pellet once or twice a day, only as much as is eaten in two to three minutes, with frozen or live foods as occasional treats. Give it time at feeding so it can find its share.45
Company who they like around
Enjoys company; FishBase suggests goldfish in groups of five or more. Good companions are Black Moors, other telescopes, bubble eyes and celestials.51
The story where it all began
The Panda Moor is a black-and-white colour form of the telescope goldfish, a variety Chinese breeders developed in the early 1700s. It shares the build and eyes of the better-known Black Moor, differing only in colour.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Panda is listed as one of the named colour forms of the telescope goldfish, alongside the Black Moor and White Moor.1
- 2
The black-and-white 'panda' pattern is considered one of the rarer goldfish colourings.2
- 3
Like other telescope goldfish, Panda Moors develop their full eye shape and colour pattern as they grow.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy
- Black-and-white colour form of the telescope goldfish (twin-tailed variety with protruding eyes)1
- IUCN Red List
- The parent species Carassius auratus is assessed as Least Concern5
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Panda Moor. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 25 to 30% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Panda Moor?
Feed your Panda Moor once or twice a day, offering only as much food as it can eat in two to three minutes. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding daily, and you can vary the schedule slightly as long as you avoid overfeeding. Always remove any uneaten food to keep the water clean.45 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Panda Moor eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Panda Moor is an omnivore and enjoys goldfish flakes, granules, or sinking pellets, plus occasional frozen or live treats. As for what it should never eat, that varies by individual; ask your vet for a safe list of foods to avoid, since no specific forbidden items are given here.45
How much space does a Panda Moor need?
A single adult Panda Moor needs at least 40 to 60 litres (10 to 15 US gallons) of water, with wider tanks providing more stable conditions. Remember, this is a minimum per fish, so a larger tank is always better for their gentle, slow-swimming nature.345
What temperature, light or water does a Panda Moor need?
Keep the water temperature around 20, 23°C (68, 74°F) for comfort, though goldfish can adapt to 10, 21°C without a heater. Use dechlorinated, temperature-matched water with a pH of 6.0, 8.4, and test weekly for zero ammonia and nitrite. Lighting needs vary; ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.345
How often should I clean a Panda Moor's home?
Change about 25 to 30% of the water every week, and clean the glass at the same time. Rinse the filter once a month, and always use dechlorinated, temperature-matched water. This routine keeps your Panda Moor healthy and happy.34 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Panda Moor live with others?
Yes, Panda Moors enjoy company and do best with other slow, peaceful fancy goldfish like Black Moors, bubble eyes, or celestials. A group of five or more is ideal, but avoid fast swimmers that might outcompete them at feeding time.15
How long does a Panda Moor live?
With good care, a Panda Moor can live between 6 and 25 years, so be ready for a long-term companion. Their gentle nature and beautiful black-and-white colours make them a joy to watch over the years.1
Can I handle a Panda Moor?
It's best not to handle your Panda Moor, as their delicate, globe-shaped eyes are easily injured. Enjoy watching them swim instead; for specific handling advice, ask your vet or an exotic-pet specialist.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Black Moor
Telescope Goldfish
Butterfly Tail Goldfish
Celestial Eye GoldfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Telescope (goldfish) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, names, body, colours, lifespan, tankmates, fun facts
- List of goldfish varieties - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for panda colour pattern
- Fish environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for tank size, filtration, water changes
- Goldfish Care Sheet - Aqueon aqueon.comused for temperature, tank size, diet
- Carassius auratus - FishBase fishbase.seused for pH, group size, diet, IUCN
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.