Ah, the telescope fish! A little aquatic jewel that never fails to turn heads with its bulging eyes. As a pet shop manager for over 10 years, I've seen quite a few of these strange creatures. Let me guide you through the intricacies of the fish telescope price and reveal all its secrets.
Buying guide: everything you need to know about telescope fish
Unique origins and characteristics
The telescope fish, or Carassius auratus auratus to its friends, comes to us straight from China and Japan. First appearing in the 16th century, this little fellow belongs to the large Cyprinidae family. What makes it special? Huge eyes that give it the look of a cartoon character!
These protruding eyes are not simply a whim of nature. In fact, breeders have selected this characteristic over generations. The result is a fish with limited vision and a rather slow swim. But you can't have everything, can you?
Size and lifespan
As far as size goes, the telescope fish is rather large. As adults, they can grow to between 20 and 25 cm on average. Some can even grow to 30 cm! Not bad for an aquarium fish, don't you think?
And when it comes to longevity, hang on to your hats: these little swimmers can live from 6 to 25 years, and even 30 years for the lucky ones! That's almost as long as the life of a dog. So think carefully before adopting, it's a long-term commitment!
Housing and maintenance
For your telescope fish to be as happy as a king, it needs a freshwater aquarium of at least 50 litres. The ideal temperature? Between 18 and 24°C, with a pH between 7 and 7.5. Don't panic, this isn't science fiction!
When it comes to maintenance, you'll need to roll up your sleeves. A weekly change of 10 to 25% of water and fortnightly cleaning are required. It's just like your flat: a bit of regular cleaning and everyone's happy!
The price of telescope fish: between budget and quality
Factors influencing price
Let's talk big money! Visit price of the telescope fish can vary considerably. The main factors influencing the cost are :
- Variety: black, red, white, calico... Each colour has its own price.
- Quality: the bigger the eyes, the higher the price.
- Size: logically, the bigger the fish, the more it costs.
I've seen telescopic fish at all prices on my shelves. Believe me, there's something for every budget!
Price range
To give you a clearer idea, here is a table summarising average prices:
| Quality | Average price |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | 10-20€ |
| Mid-range | 20-50€ |
| Top of the range | 50-100€ and more |
Of course, these prices may vary between pet shops and regions. So don't hesitate to shop around!
Additional costs to be expected
Remember, the price of fish is just the tip of the iceberg! You'll also need to allow for :
- The aquarium and its equipment (filter, heating, lighting)
- Food (these little gourmets are omnivores)
- Cleaning products
- Any veterinary expenses
I remember one customer who came in to buy a telescope fish for €15 and left with a basket worth €200. The look on his wife's face when he got home, I would have loved to have seen that!
Tips for choosing your telescope fish
Selection criteria
When choosing your telescope fish, keep these points in mind:
- General appearance: a healthy fish should be lively and have intact fins.
- The eyes: they must be symmetrical and show no signs of infection.
- Breathing: observe its gills, they should not be too fast.
- Behaviour: avoid fish that are isolated or that rub against the walls.
As a passionate professional, I love sharing my knowledge with customers!
Where can you buy your telescope fish?
You can find telescopic fish in most pet shops. However, I would advise you to go to specialist professionals. They will generally have better quality fish and will be able to give you more specific advice.
If you're a fan of Japanese fish, you might also be interested in the koi carp. These cousins of the telescope fish are just as exciting!
Looking after your telescope fish
Once your telescope fish is at home, you'll need to look after it. Here are a few tips:
- Feed it a varied diet: worms, insects, crustaceans and plants.
- Avoid sharp or prickly decorations in the aquarium.
- Make sure the water is well filtered and oxygenated.
- Look out for signs of common diseases such as dropsy or tuberculosis.
With these tips, your telescope fish should live happily for many years to come. And who knows, maybe one day you'll see it reproduce? These little rascals can lay up to 2,000 eggs per clutch!
At the end of the day, the price of a telescope fish is just one aspect among many. The important thing is to choose a fish that is in good health and to provide it with a suitable environment. After all, as we say in the trade, a happy fish makes a happy aquarist!
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