The telescope fish, with its prominent eyes and unique silhouette, has fascinated aquarium enthusiasts for decades. As a pet store floor manager, I've seen many varieties of these very special fish. Let me tell you about their adult size and the characteristics that give them their charm.
Physical characteristics of adult telescope fish
An impressive size for an ornamental fish
Le adult size telescope fish is truly impressive! On average, these little swimmers are between 15 and 20 cm long. But beware, some specimens can even exceed 20-25 cm! I once saw one that was almost 30 cm long, a real star of the aquarium.
Here is a summary of the sizes observed in adult telescope fish:
- Minimum size: 12 cm
- Average size: 15-20 cm
- Maximum size: up to 30 cm for certain varieties
A unique and recognisable silhouette
The most striking feature of the telescope fish is its distinctive shape. Its body is short and stocky, with a round or ovoid shape. The height of the body is often more than half its length, giving it that distinctive look. I like to joke that they look like little aquatic rugby balls!
The telescope fish's fins are just as impressive. Large, rounded and veiled, they give them a majestic appearance. The caudal fin, in particular, is often longer than the body itself. It's a real spectacle to watch them swim gracefully despite their corpulence.
Unique eyes
Of course, we can't talk about the telescope fish without mentioning its extraordinary eyes. These prominent eyeballs can be up to 15 mm in diameter! They are carried by a large head, giving this fish its characteristic appearance. This is why it is known as a "telescope".
It is captivating to watch these eyes develop. In young people, they start to take on their final shape between 3 and 6 months. It's always amusing to see the reaction of customers when I explain this detail to them!
Habitat and care for an adult telescope fish
A living space adapted to its size
For a adult size telescope fish to thrive, you need to provide it with enough living space. An aquarium of at least 50-100 litres is needed for a single individual. Ideally, there should be at least 50 litres of water per adult fish. This is important to allow them to reach their maximum size.
I've often seen cases of dwarfism in telescope fish raised in aquariums that are too small. It's a real shame to deprive them of their full potential. Give them the space they need, and you'll be rewarded with beautiful, healthy fish.
Aquarium layout
To create an optimal environment for your telescope fish, here are a few essential elements:
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Fine sand or smooth gravel |
| Plants | Broad-leaved plants |
| Filtration | Powerful filter adapted to the volume |
| Lighting | Moderate, avoid direct light |
Don't forget that these fish have limited vision because of their prominent eyes. So avoid decorations that are too sharp or abrasive, which could hurt them. Create the perfect aquarium taking into account their specific needs.
Nutrition and daily care
Telescope fish are omnivorous and appreciate a varied diet. Offer them quality flakes and pellets, as well as live or frozen foods such as artemia and bloodworms. Be careful not to overfeed them, though, as they tend to get greedy!
In terms of maintenance, regular water changes (around 25% per week) are essential to maintain good water quality. You should also keep an eye on the temperature, which should be between 18 and 24°C. These fish are sensitive to sudden changes, so be careful.
Growth and development of telescope fish
The growth of telescope fish is a fascinating process to observe. In general, they reach adult size in 1 to 2 years. It's impressive to see them evolve from small fry to these magnificent fish with their distinctive shapes.
It is essential to note that growth can vary depending on the individual and the rearing conditions. A spacious aquarium, a balanced diet and attentive care are essential to enable your telescope fish to reach its maximum size.
If you're interested in breeding ornamental fish, you might also be interested to know about how to tell the difference between male and female molly fish. It's a useful skill for any keen aquarist!
All in all, keeping telescope fish is a rewarding experience. Their growth to adulthood is a real spectacle, and their presence adds a touch of originality to any aquarium. With the right care, these bulging-eyed fish will become real stars of your aquatic collection!
External sources :
wiki aquaculture
wiki fish farming
English 
French