Ah, the telescope fish ! A little aquatic jewel that never ceases to fascinate aquarium enthusiasts. As a pet shop floor manager for over 10 years, I've had the opportunity to see many species, but this one remains one of my favourites. Its unusual appearance and bulging eyes give it an irresistible charm. But be careful, this delicate little creature requires very special attention. Let's delve into the fascinating world of telescope fish care together!
The ideal habitat for your telescope fish
Let's start with the basics: the aquarium. A telescope fish needs space to flourish. Forget the little jar on the desk - it's not at all suitable! An aquarium of at least 60 litres is needed for a single fish, and between 50 and 100 litres for each additional individual. I still remember one customer who insisted on putting his telescope in a vase... I had to use a great deal of diplomacy to convince him otherwise!
Water temperature is another crucial factor. These little swimmers like water temperatures of between 18 and 24°C. The good news is that in most cases there's no need to heat the water! On the other hand, pay attention to the pH, which should be between 7 and 7.5, and the water hardness, which should be between 5 and 15 GH.
And let's not forget filtration, which is essential for keeping the water clean and healthy. Choose a filter with a flow rate 2 to 3 times greater than the volume of the aquarium per hour. And for those of you lucky enough to have a garden, you should know that these fish can live very well in an outdoor tank, as long as the temperature doesn't fall below 4°C in winter.
Decoration and furnishings
When it comes to decor, think gentle and safe. The protruding eyes of the telescope fish are very fragile, so avoid any sharp or abrasive elements. Choose hardy natural plants such as anubias. Not only do they add a touch of greenery, they also help to balance the ecosystem.
Lighting and oxygenation
Moderate lighting for 10 to 12 hours a day will suffice. Avoid direct sunlight, which could lead to algae proliferation. As for oxygenation, a bubble diffuser is recommended. Not only does it provide the oxygen you need, it also creates an attractive visual effect in the aquarium.
Nutrition and daily care
Let's talk about the diet of our big-eyed friends. The telescope fish is a real gourmet who appreciates variety. Flakes, pellets, live food, plants... anything goes! But be careful not to overfeed. Feed him small quantities 1 to 3 times a day, with a quantity he can consume in 1 to 3 minutes.
Here is a summary table of recommended foods:
| Type of food | Frequency | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Flakes | Daily | Basic feed, easy to dose |
| Granules | 2-3 times a week | Complete nutritional intake |
| Live food | Once a week | Stimulates natural instincts, rich in protein |
| Plants | 2-3 times a week | Provides fibre, aids digestion |
Regular aquarium maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to a healthy aquarium. Change 10 to 25% of water every week, or a third every 2 to 4 weeks. A complete cleaning is required every 15 days to 1 month. It's a bit of work, of course, but it's so rewarding to see your fish thriving in crystal-clear water!
Health and longevity of telescope fish
With proper care, a telescope fish can live for between 10 and 15 years on average, with some even reaching 20 to 25 years! They are true companions for life. However, you need to remain vigilant because these fish are sensitive to stress and vibrations.
The most common diseases are :
- dropsy
- Tuberculosis
- Bacterial infections
To prevent these problems, quarantine is strongly recommended for new arrivals. I learned this lesson the hard way a few years ago, when I introduced a new fish without quarantine... The result: an epidemic throughout the aquarium! Since then, I've become very strict on this point.
Cohabitation and behaviour
The telescope fish is fairly peaceful and gets on well with other calm, slow-moving species. However, its limited vision and clumsy swimming make it vulnerable to livelier fish. Keep this in mind when choosing your aquarium.
Telescope fish: a variable investment
Finally, let's talk budget. The price of a telescope fish can vary considerably depending on the variety, from €5 for the most common to over €2,000 for rare specimens. It's a long-term investment, remember! But believe me, when you see your telescope fish swimming majestically in its aquarium, you won't regret your choice.
Ultimately, maintaining a telescope fish requires time, patience and attention. But it's well worth the effort. These little aquatic creatures bring a touch of exoticism and serenity to any interior. So, are you ready to take the plunge?
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