[3] This process is entirely governed by genetics; early sources perpetuated the myth that the fish were bred in and contained within narrow-necked clay jars, with the eyes mutating upwards in search of what limited light they could receive.

The earliest known documentation of a celestial existing appears on a Chinese scroll dated to 1772, in which a goldfish lacking a dorsal fin and possessing protuberant, upturned eyes is described.

The breed first arrived in the United States from Japan in the 1900s and 1910s, and were included in the first edition of Goldfish Varieties and Tropical Aquarium Fishes (1917) by William T. Innes.

However, live plants may be successfully grown when kept with smaller or juvenile goldfish, and have the added benefit of neutralizing ammonia, nitrates and other substances brought about by fish waste.

Some larger specimens of Cryptocoryne or Echinodorus (the 'Amazon swords') may be safe from damage by smaller goldfish, but are not epiphytes, thus requiring a richer, more organic substrate to thrive.

Although many enthusiasts consider goldfish to be "cold-water" fishes, celestials are also somewhat more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, preferring their water to remain in the lower to mid-70s °F (i.e., between 21 °C and 23.89 °C).

The original Celestial breed, described above, is still bred and exported by Chinese and Japanese breeders and is commercially available to fanciers, though they are not as commonly stocked by aquarium shops and dealers as some other goldfish varieties.

The Toadhead or Hama-tou in Japanese, is similar to the Celestial in having upward-turned eyes, though they are not protuberant, each supporting a small bubble-like growth sacs beneath it.