The telescope fish is an interesting variety of aquarium fish, recognisable by its protruding eyes. As a pet shop assistant, I'm often asked about the specific needs of these little big-eyed swimmers. The size of the aquarium is crucial to their well-being. So here goes, how many litres How do you accommodate a telescope fish under the right conditions? Let's dive into the aquatic world of these funny fish!
Ideal volume for the aquarium of a telescope fish
Minimum living space
To provide a comfortable home for your telescope fish, we recommend that you provide a minimum of 50 litres of water per person. This capacity allows the fish to swim freely and develop fully. I've sometimes seen customers leave with aquariums that were too small, thinking they were doing the right thing. But believe me, these fish need space to be happy!
Aquarium size for several fish
Telescope fish are gregarious animals, so it's best to keep them in groups. For two specimens, you'll need an aquarium of at least 100 litres. Here's a summary table:
| Number of fish | Recommended volume |
|---|---|
| 1 | 50-75 litres |
| 2 | 100 litres |
| 3 | 150 litres |
Why is a large volume important?
A spacious aquarium allows you to :
- Maintaining better water quality
- Offer more swimming space
- Reducing fish stress
- Easy maintenance
Don't forget that these fish can grow to 20-25 cm when they reach adulthood. One day, a customer brought me back a telescope fish that had outgrown its little jar. Believe me, it was quite a surprise for him!
Aquarium layout and maintenance
Water parameters
To make sure your telescopic fish feel like fish in water (pardon the pun!), here are the ideal conditions:
- Temperature: between 18°C and 24°C
- pH: between 7 and 7.5
A heater and a thermometer are therefore essential to maintain a stable temperature. I've seen telescope fish stressed because the water is too cold, and believe me, it's not a pretty sight!
Regular maintenance
To ensure good water quality, it is vital to :
- Change 10 to 25% of water every week
- Clean the aquarium thoroughly every 15 days
These maintenance operations are essential for the health of your fish. I've sometimes had to deal with customers who neglected maintenance, thinking that the fish could live in any conditions. What a mistake!
Adapted decoration
The prominent eyes of telescopic fish are fragile. So avoid sharp or abrasive decorations that could injure them. Instead, opt for natural plants that provide hiding places and soften the environment. Create the perfect koi carp aquarium: advice, equipment and maintenance for healthy fish can give you some ideas for landscaping, even though koi carp are much bigger than our telescopic friends!
Community living and longevity
Telescope fish are peaceful animals that enjoy the company of their fellow creatures. However, you should avoid associating them with fish that are too lively, which could cause them stress. With proper care and the right environment, these fascinating fish can live for an average of 10 to 15 years. That's a real long-term commitment!
As a keen aquarist, I can only encourage you to give your telescope fish the very best. A well-sized and well-maintained aquarium will ensure that these creatures, with their distinctive eyes, will flourish. Don't hesitate to ask your pet shop for advice - we're here to guide you through this wonderful aquatic adventure!
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