Chris Ralph and Arthur Marshall look at the Moor and the Globe-eye in their series on selecting show-quality goldfish.

let’s compare the Globe-eye goldfish with the Broadtail moor:

The Broadtail moor
The Broadtail moor as we know it today was developed by members of the Goldfish Society of Great Britain over many years.

A number of so-called “moors” are available in the trade, including the fantail and butterfly, but none match the standard of the true Broadtail moor which has been considered the height of fancy goldfish perfection for a long time.

Ensuring that your stock maintains its true jet-black coloration has always been the main goal. The true Broadtail Moor also has globe eyes, a feature which has been perfected over many years – achieved by out-crossing two other species of globe eyed fancy goldfish.

The Globe-eye
This particular fish in its present form shows nacreous (calico) coloration. There are also metallic forms of this fish available to the hobbyist. This fancy variety is very rarely seen at the various open shows that are held throughout the country. This fish is the the emblem for the GSGB.

As with a few other varieties the interest seems to have waned in recent years, with the majority of Globe-eyes offered for sale from imported stock (this does not include the Broadtail moor).

Unfortunately unless more fishkeepers are prepared to devote some time to breeding this fish, the numbers will get smaller.

In the USA Globe-eyes are referred to as Telescope-eyes. This particular variety was first seen in the UK in the mid-1920′s.

There are of course some Veiltail forms which exhibit the globe eye feature as well. This latter form was developed over many years by enthusiasts within the GSGB.

As with most other varieties of fancy goldfish both the Broadtail moor and the Globe-eye thrive on a mixed and varied diet that includes good quality flake, pellets, earthworms and other live/frozen foods such as bloodworm and daphnia. Live aquatic plants are also another good source of food.

Both these varieties are ideally suited to a large aquarium, with sufficient space. A standard 24″/60cm aquarium would be suitable for three fish only.

By providing these fish with the correct living conditions they will give many years of pleasure.

Goldfish Standards

Within the Goldfish Society Standards the Broadtail moor and the Globe-eye can be found in “group three” along with the Veiltail, Oranda and Redcap. The standards include descriptions for each of the goldfish varieties and include a “type test” for each one.

The type test for the Broadtail moor is as follows:

> The depth of body should be greater than 2/3 body length.
> The eyes should be projecting from the surface of the head.
> The dorsal fin should be single, all other fins paired with the caudal fin divided.
> The trailing edge of the caudal fin should have no apparent fork or pointed lobes.
> Minimum length of the caudal fin should be 3/4 body length.
> The extremities of the other fins should have a rounded appearance
> Minimum length of body should be 21/4″/55mm.

Any fish that fail the type test would be severely downpointed at a show, while deformities and major defects may result in disqualification of that fish. The fish should be bright and alert with the dorsal fin carried erect.

The eyes should be prominent with good development and be well matched. The body should be short with a smooth outline. The caudal fin should be well divided.

A good quality fish will show jet-black coloration only with no trace of brown or silver.

The type test for the Globe-Eye is as follows:

> The depth of body should be greater than 2/3 body length.
> The eyes should be projecting from the surface of the head.
> The dorsal fin should be single, all other fins paired with the caudal fin divided.
> The trailing edge of the caudal fin should have a fork, 1/4″-3/8″.
> The minimum length of the caudal fin should be 3/4 of the body length.
> The extremities of the fins should have a pointed appearance.

Any fish that fail the type test would be severely downpointed at a show, while deformities and major defects may result in the disqualification of that fish. The fish should be bright and alert with the dorsal fin carried erect.

The body should be short with a smooth outline. The caudal fin should be well divided. The eyes should be prominent with good development and be well matched.

A good quality fish will have high colour intensity extending into the fins.