Black Moors

Question
Do Black Moors hiberate in the winter?  Do I need to keep them in an indoor aquarium for the winter?

Answer
Black moors are telescope-eyed goldfish.  Like other goldfish, they will become inactive over the winter in cold ponds but it's not true hibernation.  Being fancy goldfish, black moors are more sensitive to low temperatures, temperature fluctuations, poor water quality, low oxygen, etc.  They are also more apt to be taken by predators or harassed by the other goldfish.  Many people have gotten some to overwinter fine.  I started my pond in 1997 with three of them.  Only one made it to the next winter, and he didn't make it to the next.  So, unless the pond is protected from predators, and fancy goldfish only, it's a risk to have them outside even in the summer.  The black moors have a much better chance of surviving the winter if brought indoors.  That doesn't mean they might not make it outside but there's no guarantee.

Good luck!