Telescope fish: care, feeding and compatibility

El telescope fish It is one of the most striking varieties of the goldfish, famous for its prominent eyes protruding from the sides of its head. This unique feature, combined with its rounded body and varied colors, makes it one of the most appreciated fish in cold water aquariums. It is also known as black moorfish, especially in its more popular dark-colored variety.

Origin and characteristics of the telescope fish

The telescope fish is a variety of Carassius auratus, a species that has its origin in Asia, specifically in China and Japan. It was selectively bred during the 18th century to develop its characteristic eye shape and has been subject to multiple variations over time. Its Life expectancy is between 10 and 15 years, although with good care it can reach 20 years.

Its most notable physical characteristics include:

Protruding eyes: They vary in size and orientation, they can point sideways or upwards, as in the celestial eye variety.
Rounded body: Its shape encourages smooth, slow movements in the water.
Long, flowing fins: In some varieties, these can be very elegant and showy.
Color diversity: Although black is the most common, there are also specimens in red, white, yellow, orange and even bicolors such as the panda telescope fish.

The telescope fish usually has a limited view due to its particular eyes, which makes it more likely to collide with objects in the aquarium and to feed with difficulty in the presence de peces more competitive.

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There are several varieties of telescope fish, each with specific characteristics:

Black moorfish: It is the most popular variety, velvety black in colour and with long fins.
Panda telescope fish: It features a combination of black and white, similar to the coloration of a panda.
White telescope fish: Completely white, with prominent eyes.
Bubble Eye Telescope Fish: He has fluid-filled sacs under his eyes that require special care.
Celestial Eye Telescope Fish: Their eyes are oriented upwards, which further reduces their visual capacity.

Basic care for telescope fish

The telescope fish is a species of cold water, which means it does not require a heater if the temperature remains stable between 18 and 24 ° CHowever, it is crucial to avoid sudden changes in temperature, as they can affect your health.

Ideal water parameters

Temperature: 18-24 °C
pH: 7.0-7.5
Hardness: 5 to 19 dGH
Alkalinity: 140 – 270 mg/L
Water replacement: 30% weekly

Aquarium dimensions

The telescope fish needs a spacious aquarium:

Un minimum of 70 liters for a single copy.
Must be added 30 liters for each additional fish.
It is advisable to avoid aquariums with sharp corners or pointy decorations to prevent eye injuries.

Substrate and decoration

Because of his limited vision, the ideal substrate is medium to large gravel. The decoration should be smooth and without sharp edges to avoid injuries. Some plants such as java fern or anubias can be good options, as they do not require substrate and help oxygenate the water.

Feeding the telescope fish

The telescope fish is omnivore and their diet should be varied to ensure good health. A combination of:

Commercial foods: Specific pellets and flakes for goldfish.
Live food: Artemia, insect larvae and water fleas.
Fresh vegetables: Boiled spinach, zucchini and peas.

Because of their poor vision, it is essential to ensure that the fish can feed and not be robbed of food by faster fish.

Reproduction of the telescope fish

The telescope fish is oviparous and its reproduction is similar to that of other goldfish. During the breeding season:

The Males chase females and push them to release their eggs.
Females can deposit up to 10,000 eggs , which will be fertilized externally by the males.
The eggs attach to plants or aquarium surfaces and hatch after 45 to 72 hours.
It is recommended remove parents after spawning to prevent the eggs from being eaten.

Common diseases of telescope fish

Telescope fish are prone to diseases if good hygiene conditions are not maintained in the aquarium. Some of the most common ones include:

Dropsy: Abnormal accumulation of fluids that causes swelling.
Ich or white spot: Parasite that causes white spots on the body and gills.
Swim bladder disease: It affects the fish's ability to swim properly.
Cloudy eye: Result of bacterial infections or poor water quality.
Constipation: Caused by poor diet or lack of fiber.

Compatibility with other fish

The telescope fish is peaceful and gets along well with slow-swimming species with calm behavior. Some ideal choices are:

Aggressive or very fast fish that may compete for food or damage their delicate eyes should be avoided.

The telescope fish is one of the most fascinating choices for coldwater aquarium hobbyists. Its unique appearance, combined with its calm demeanor and ease of maintenance, make it a popular choice. However, its limited view and propensity to certain diseases require specific care to ensure a long and healthy life.

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