Le bubble eye fish is a real aquatic curiosity that never fails to capture the attention of aquarium enthusiasts. With its oversized, bubble-shaped eyes, this unusual goldfish is as fascinating as it is intriguing. As a pet shop floor manager, I've had the opportunity to observe these astonishing creatures up close and find out all about their special features. Let's dive into the intriguing world of this fish with its captivating eyes!
Unique features of the bubble eye
The bubble eye, as its name suggests, is distinguished by its extraordinary eyes. These balloon-like bags under the eyes give them an unusual appearance, to say the least. The result of intensive breeding, this variety of goldfish belongs to the genus Carassius, species auratus auratus.
Here are some of the main characteristics of the bubble eye:
- Adult size: 12 to 30 cm
- Life expectancy: 10 years and more
- Ideal temperature: between 1 and 30°C
- Optimum pH: 7 to 8 (neutral to basic)
- Water hardness: GH 5 to 15 (average)
I remember the first time I saw a bubble eye in our pet shop. I thought I was hallucinating! Those huge eyes reminded me of soap bubbles ready to burst. That's when I realised why they were called that.
A fragile fish with specific needs
Despite its amusing appearance, the bubble eye is a particularly fragile fish. As a keen aquarist, I can't help worrying about the welfare of these creatures. It's important to provide them with a suitable environment and to take special precautions to avoid any damage.
A peaceful, gregarious character
Contrary to what its strange appearance might suggest, the bubble eye is a mild-tempered, sociable fish. It enjoys the company of its fellow fish and thrives in groups. To ensure they flourish, we recommend keeping them in groups of at least 6. It's a real pleasure to watch them swimming together, their eye bubbles swaying with the currents!
An omnivorous diet
The bubble eye is an omnivorous fish, which makes it easy to feed in captivity. It accepts a wide variety of foods, both animal and vegetable. However, a balanced diet is essential to maintain its health and prevent problems associated with its particular eyes.
Aquarium layout for the well-being of the bubble eye
As a department manager, I always advise customers to take into account the specific needs of these fish when designing their aquarium.
Aquarium size and substrate
For small specimens, an aquarium of at least 50 litres is recommended. However, don't forget that these fish can grow to a respectable size when they reach adulthood. So it's best to go bigger if possible. A customer once asked me if a 130-litre aquarium was big enough for 5 goldfish. I had to explain to him, with a little smile, that it was a bit too small for these big-eyed swimmers!
The choice of substrate is fundamental to the safety of bubble eyes. Choose a non-cutting substrate such as fine sand or rounded gravel. Avoid at all costs pointed or sharp elements that could damage their fragile eye bags.
Decoration and planting
The decoration of the aquarium must be carefully thought out to avoid any risk of injury. Plants with soft foliage are preferable, while rigid plants or plants with sharp edges should be avoided. Beware, too, of fake plastic plants, which are often too rigid and potentially dangerous for our beady-eyed friends.
Here is a table summarising the elements to be favoured and avoided in a bubble eye aquarium:
| To be preferred | What to avoid |
|---|---|
| Fine sand | Sharp gravel |
| Plants with soft foliage | Rigid or thorny plants |
| Rounded designs | Pointed or sharp decorations |
| Spacious hiding places | Narrow or confined spaces |
Maintenance and surveillance
Regular aquarium maintenance is essential for the health of bubble eyes. Weekly water changes of 20 to 30% are necessary to maintain optimum water quality. In addition, careful monitoring is essential to detect any signs of problems early, particularly in the eye bags.
If you have any concerns, I always recommend consulting a specialist vet rather than a traditional pet shop. These fish require special care that only an expert can provide effectively.
Reflections on the ethics of bubble eye breeding
As an animal lover, I can't help but wonder about the ethics of breeding bubble eye. This variety is the result of intensive selection based on a trait which, although interesting, is clearly a handicap for the fish. Some even consider this variety to be an 'abomination' created by man.
It's true that these oversized eyes, although aesthetically intriguing for us, pose real health and welfare problems for the fish. They limit their vision, make them more vulnerable to injury and infection, and can even affect their ability to feed properly.
On the other hand, now that these fish exist, our responsibility is to offer them the best possible living conditions. That's why I make it a point of honour to provide the best possible information and advice to customers interested in this particular species.
Ultimately, the bubble eye reminds us of the importance of thinking about the consequences of our actions on animal welfare, even when it comes to creatures as small as aquarium fish. It's a subject that deserves our attention and consideration.
As an avid aquarist, I remain fascinated by the diversity of the aquatic world, while mindful of our responsibility towards the creatures we choose to keep in captivity. The bubble eye, with its captivating eyes, invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature and the limits of human intervention in the evolution of species.
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