Hello aquarium enthusiasts! Today I'm going to tell you about an interesting fish that's sure to turn heads on our shelves: the bubble eyes fish. As head of the aquarium department, I've had the opportunity to observe and care for these little marvels. Believe me, their care requires special attention, but it's worth it!
Unique features of the bubble eyes fish
Le bubble eyes fish is a variety of goldfish distinguished by its... inflatable eyes! That's right, you read that right. These little guys have fluid-filled bags under their eyes, giving them a slightly alien look, if you ask me. But be warned, these bubbles are not toys!
Fragility to be taken seriously
These eye bags, amusing as they are, make the bubble eyes particularly vulnerable. I once saw a customer handle one of these fish without taking any precautions... Ouch! The bubbles are so fragile that they can easily be pierced. That's why you need to be extremely careful when maintaining your aquarium.
Height and life expectancy
Despite their delicate appearance, these fish can reach a respectable size as adults, between 12 and 30 cm. With good care, they can live up to 10-15 years. Not bad for a fish that looks like it came straight out of a cartoon, eh?
Farmed fish only
It is essential to note that bubble eyes are bred in breeding farms. You won't find it swimming freely in the wild. For that matter, never release these fish into natural water bodiesThey could become an invasive species. Let's keep them where they're happiest: in our aquariums!
Tips for optimum maintenance
Now that we know more about our puffy-eyed friend, let's get down to business: how do we look after it properly? I'm going to share a few tips I've learnt over the years.
The ideal home
To make sure your bubble eyes feel like a fish in water (pardon the easy pun), here's what you need to do:
- An aquarium of at least 50-100 litres
- Quality water with good filtration
- A temperature between 19 and 23°C
Avoid sharp decorations and plants with soft foliage. I've seen too many eye bags damaged by a piece of wood in the wrong place. Instead, opt for minimalist decor and plants with sturdy leaves.
Food and living together
Bubble eyes are omnivorous fish. A varied diet suited to goldfish will keep it happy. Personally, I alternate between quality flakes and freeze-dried food to vary the pleasures.
When it comes to housemates, bubble eyes are fairly sociable. It gets on well with other non-aggressive goldfish. I've even seen koi carp cohabit peacefully with them in large ponds. However, avoid putting them with species that are too lively and could upset them.
Maintenance and disease prevention
The key to keeping your bubble eyes healthy? Regular maintenance! Here's a quick summary of the tasks to be carried out:
Task | Frequency |
---|---|
Water change | 20-30% per week |
Control of parameters (pH, nitrites, nitrates) | Weekly |
Visual inspection of fish | Daily |
Look out for signs of common diseases such as fin rot or white spot. The sooner you spot a problem, the sooner you can treat it. And believe me, with these fragile eyes, prevention is better than cure!
The social life of bubble eyes
Did you think fish were solitary creatures? Think again! The bubble eyes is a real little pet that enjoys the company of its fellow creatures.
A gregarious fish
In the wild, goldfish live in groups, and bubble eyes are no exception. For their well-being, we recommend keeping them in groups of at least 3 to 6 individuals. I've noticed that under these conditions, they are more active and seem to thrive.
Breeding: a spring show
In spring, bubble eyes put on a captivating show: the mating season. The males court the females with surprising energy for fish that seem so clumsy the rest of the year. However, don't expect to see any model parents: once the eggs have been laid, the adults don't look after them.
The importance of observation
As a keen aquarist, I love observing the behaviour of my fish. Bubble eyes, with their expressive eyes, are particularly interesting to watch. The way they swim, eat and interact with each other... It's a bit like an aquatic TV series!
Speaking of aquatic shows, did you know that there are extremely rare koi carp worth a small fortune? But back to our bubble eyes...
Bubble eyes: an exceptional fish
Ultimately, the bubble eyes fish is much more than just a curiosity. It's a little living creature that needs attention and special care, but will repay you a hundredfold with its unique presence and fascinating behaviour.
Caring for these fish has taught me patience and attention to detail. Every day, I marvel at their clumsy grace and resilience. If you decide to add bubble eyes to your aquarium, get ready for an extraordinary aquarium experience!
Don't forget: a well-maintained aquarium guarantees happy, healthy fish. So, are you ready to embark on the bubble eyes adventure?
External sources :