Telescope fish are interesting creatures, with their characteristic bulging eyes. But when it comes to bringing them together in an aquarium, you need to think carefully to create a harmonious environment. Here's a complete guide to successfully cohabiting your telescope fish and providing them with the best possible living conditions.
The ideal companions for your telescopic fish
Compatible Asian varieties
As a pet shop floor manager, I've often noticed that the telescopic fish get on wonderfully with their Asian cousins. Orandas, lionheads, bubble eyes and ryukins make excellent aquarium companions. These species have similar behaviours and needs, which makes it much easier for them to live together.
I personally had the opportunity to observe an aquarium where telescope fish swam peacefully alongside flamboyantly coloured orandas. It was a real spectacle! Here's a list of compatible Asian varieties:
- Orandas
- Lion heads
- Bubble eyes
- Ryukins
Species to avoid
However, not all fish mix well with our protuberant-eyed friends. Common goldfish and comets, for example, are far too lively for our protuberant-eyed friends. telescopic fish. The latter, with their limited vision and agile swimming, could feel stressed or even jostled.
Similarly, you should avoid mixing telescope fish with tropical species. Their temperature and pH requirements are often very different, which could compromise the health of your protégés.
Invertebrates: friend or foe?
When it comes to invertebrates, the situation is a little more nuanced. Aquatic snails can cohabit perfectly well with telescope fish. They even help to keep the aquarium clean by feeding on the waste they leave behind. algae. Shrimps, on the other hand, should be avoided. No matter how cute they are, they're likely to end up in the stomachs of your telescopic fish!
Here is a summary table of possible cohabitations:
| Species | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Asian varieties (orandas, lion's heads, etc.) | Excellent |
| Common goldfish and comets | What to avoid |
| Tropical species | Incompatible |
| Aquatic snails | Good |
| Prawns | Not recommended |
Creating the optimum environment for your telescopic fish
Living space and socialisation
Telescope fish need space to thrive. They need at least 50 to 60 litres of water per individual. These fish are gregarious, which means they like to live in groups. A minimum of 5 individuals is recommended so that they feel safe and can express their natural behaviour.
I remember one customer who installed a group of 7 telescope fish in a large aquarium. It was impressive to see them swimming together, sometimes forming veritable aquatic ballets!
Aquarium layout
The layout of your aquarium is essential for the well-being of your telescope fish. Opt for natural plants that serve both as decoration and hiding places. They provide a reassuring environment with no risk of injury. Absolutely avoid sharp or prickly decorations that could injure your fish, especially their fragile eyes.
Filtration is also important. Set it to low power so as not to impede the swimming of your telescope fish. Telescope fish, with their particular morphology, are not great swimmers and could be tired by too strong a current.
Managing interactions between fish
Even though telescopic fish are generally peaceful, you must remain vigilant for problems of dominance. Each fish has its own character, and some can be more aggressive than others. Regularly observe your fish's behaviour to detect any signs of stress or intimidation.
If you introduce a new fish into the aquarium, I strongly recommend that you quarantine it for a few days. It's a precaution I've always taken in my pet shop, and it helps prevent the spread of disease.
Don't forget that telescope fish have poor vision and limited swimming ability. This can influence their interactions with other fish. Make sure all your fish have access to food and resting areas.
Speaking of vision, did you know that other species of fish can also have interesting physical characteristics? For example, how can you tell the difference between a male and a female molly fish? It's interesting to see how nature has shaped each species in its own unique way!
Tips for maintaining harmony in your aquarium
To conclude, here are a few more tips to ensure that your telescope fish live together successfully:
- Regularly monitor water quality and make frequent partial water changes.
- Feed your fish a balanced diet, making sure everyone gets their fair share.
- Create different zones in the aquarium (dense vegetation, open spaces) to meet the needs of all the inhabitants.
- Observe your fish's behaviour on a daily basis to spot any problems early on.
By following this advice, you'll be providing your telescope fish with a healthy, harmonious environment in which they can flourish. Don't forget that every aquarium is unique, and that it may take a little time and patience to find the right balance. But believe me, when you see your telescope fish swimming peacefully alongside their companions, you'll know that all your efforts were worthwhile!
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