Le panda telescope fish is a captivating specimen that captures the attention of aquarium enthusiasts. I've always marvelled at these little creatures with their prominent eyes and distinctive bodies. Let me tell you about this cold-water fish native to China and Japan, which requires special care but brings so much joy to its owners.
Unique features of the panda telescope fish
Appearance and physical characteristics
Le panda telescope fishalso known as the Oranda HQ Panda, is a member of the Cyprinidae family. What makes it so special are its bulging eyes, which give it a look that's both comical and endearing. Believe me, the first time I saw one, I nearly burst out laughing! Unfortunately, these prominent eyes are also his weakness, as they make him practically blind.
Here are some key features:
- Adult size: around 15-20 cm
- Colour: usually black and white (hence the name "panda")
- Eyes: very large and prominent
Natural habitat and living conditions
Although the panda telescope fish is native to Asian waters, it is perfectly suited to life in an aquarium. On the other hand, you need to provide it with the right environment for it to flourish. I learned the hard way that a small jar is not enough! These fish need space and very specific conditions:
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Aquarium size | Minimum 600 litres |
| Water temperature | 17° to 28°C |
| pH | 6,0 à 7,5 |
| Hardness GH | 5 to 15 GH |
Social behaviour and reproduction
Contrary to what you might think, these solitary-looking fish are actually very sociable. We recommend keeping them in groups of at least 7 individuals. I've noticed that when they're in a group, they're much more active and happy. As for reproduction, that's a different kettle of fish! It requires specific conditions and a little patience. If you're interested in aquarium fish reproduction, you might find it interesting to learn about how to tell the difference between male and female molly fish.
Essential care for your panda telescope fish
Suitable food
Feeding these little gourmands is a real pleasure! They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. You can give them :
- Living food
- Frozen food
- Special straws for cold-water fish
- Freeze-dried foods
On the other hand, be careful not to overfeed them. I made this mistake once, and believe me, cleaning an aquarium full of waste is no picnic!
Aquarium maintenance
Le panda telescope fish is known to be a major polluter. That's why high-powered filtration is absolutely essential. Personally, I recommend regular partial water changes, around 20% per week. It's a bit of work, but it's worth it to see these little swimmers happy and healthy.
And don't forget to monitor the water parameters regularly. These fish are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature or pH. If you're passionate about maintaining larger aquariums, you might be interested in the tips for create the perfect koi carp aquarium.
Special precautions
Because of their fragile eyes fish telescopes pandas require a few extra precautions. Avoid sharp or abrasive decorations in the aquarium at all costs. I once made the mistake of putting in a rock that was a little too rough, and had to spend hours treating a fish that had injured its eye. Since then, I've sworn by soft plants and smooth pebbles!
Also keep a close eye out for signs of mycosis or bacterial attack on the eyes. These fish are particularly sensitive.
An ideal choice for enthusiastic beginners
Despite their specific needs, the fish telescopes pandas are recommended for beginner aquarists. Why should they be? Because they are relatively hard-wearing and forgiving of some beginner's mistakes. What's more, their affordable price (around €85 inc VAT for a high-quality specimen) makes them an excellent choice for beginners.
If you decide to take the plunge, make sure you are well prepared for their arrival. These fish are generally delivered from Wednesday to Friday, and need to be transported separately from the other products. It's a bit like preparing for the arrival of a new baby at home: you want everything to be perfect!
As a pet shop manager, I can only encourage you to find out more about these interesting fish. They are part of the Oranda goldfish family, which also includes other equally interesting varieties such as Ryukin, Comet and Blackmoor. Each of these varieties has its own particularities and charms, but the panda telescope fish remains for me one of the most endearing.
Whether you're an aquarium enthusiast or simply curious about discovering a new aquatic companion, the panda telescope fish will win you over with its originality and unique personality. So, are you ready to dive into this new adventure?
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