Le telescope fish is a captivating creature that never fails to attract attention in our aquariums. As a pet shop floor manager, I've had the opportunity to observe these bulbous-eyed fish for many years. Their unique appearance and peaceful behaviour make them the undisputed stars of our tanks. But what do we really know about these little aquatic wonders? Let's plunge together into the captivating world of the telescope fish!
History and characteristics of the telescope fish
The history of telescope fish dates back to the 16th century in China. It was there that this particular variety of goldfish first appeared, the result of meticulous selection. Later, in Japan, it was domesticated under the name "demekin". It wasn't until 1872 that this exotic fish made its way to Europe, to the amazement of aquarists.
Physically, the telescope fish is distinguished by its prominent eyes, which have given it its name. Its round or ovoid body can reach an impressive 20 to 30 cm in length. Its large, rounded fins give it a graceful appearance, while its double, forked tail, often longer than its body, adds to its unique charm.
An exciting feature of the telescope fish is the variety of its colours. You can find specimens in black, orange, white, red, yellow and even calico patterns. This chromatic diversity makes for a veritable aquatic rainbow!
Visual and behavioural characteristics
The bulging eyes of the telescope fish, although spectacular, can unfortunately lead to vision problems. With age, some individuals can even become completely blind. This visual limitation has a major influence on their behaviour and swimming ability.
Despite these challenges, the telescope fish is gentle and sociable. They adapt easily to life in an aquarium and can even be tamed. I've often been surprised by their ability to recognise their owners after just a few weeks. Their memory, estimated at around 3 months, allows them to become familiar with their environment and their tank mates.
Cohabitation and socialisation
Because of their peaceful nature and limited swimming ability, telescope fish are best kept with other fish of the same species. Fish that are too lively could stress them or push them around. If you want to diversify your aquarium, mollys can be good companionsAs long as the balance of the ecosystem is maintained.
Care and maintenance of telescope fish
Caring for a telescope fish requires particular attention to its environment. These little creatures have specific needs that must be respected to ensure their well-being and longevity.
Ideal habitat
An aquarium of at least 50 to 60 litres per fish is needed to provide a comfortable living space for your telescope. The water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 24°C, with a pH between 7 and 7.5. Good filtration and oxygenation are essential to maintain optimum water quality.
Beware of scenery! Telescopes, with their fragile eyes and limited vision, can easily injure themselves on sharp or prickly objects. Opt instead for soft-leaved plants and smooth rocks. A little tip from a pro: place your aquarium in a slightly dark place. This will reduce stress for your fish and bring out their brilliant colours.
Balanced diet
The diet of the telescope fish is varied. Here is a summary table of recommended foods:
| Type of food | Examples | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Vivant | Worms, insects, crustaceans | 2-3 times a week |
| Dry | Flakes, granules | Daily |
| Frozen | Artemia, daphnia | 1-2 times a week |
| Plants | Poached spinach and courgettes | 2-3 times a week |
Don't forget to vary the pleasures! Personally, I've noticed that my telescopes are particularly fond of poached spinach. It's a real sight to see them scurrying (at their own pace) towards these green leaves!
Regular maintenance
Aquarium maintenance is essential for the health of your telescope fish. A weekly water change of 10 to 25% is recommended. This is an opportunity to clean the bottom of the aquarium and check the health of your little protégés.
Here is a list of maintenance tasks to be carried out regularly:
- Partial water change
- Cleaning the filter
- Checking water parameters (pH, temperature)
- Inspection of plants and decorations
- Observation of fish behaviour
Reproduction and growth of telescope fish
The reproduction of telescope fish is an interesting process that requires patience and care. These fish reach sexual maturity after 1 to 2 years, which may seem a long time to us, but in reality represents the beginning of their adult life.
When conditions are favourable, a female can lay between 300 and 2,000 eggs. Impressive, isn't it? I was lucky enough to witness a hatching in our exhibition aquarium, and I can tell you it's a magical moment! The eggs generally hatch after 45 to 72 hours, giving rise to tiny fry.
Young telescope fish grow relatively quickly at first, but slow down with age. It takes about a year for a fry to reach adult size, although growth can continue slightly beyond that.
The life expectancy of a well-cared-for telescope fish can vary between 10 and 25 years. That's a real long-term commitment! I once knew a customer who had had a telescope for over 15 years; it had almost become a member of the family.
Health and well-being of telescope fish
Like all animals, telescopic fish can be prone to various illnesses. Their particular morphology makes them particularly susceptible to swim bladder problems. It's vital to keep a close eye on their behaviour to detect any signs of illness.
Common ailments include dropsy, tuberculosis and various bacterial infections. Poor water quality or an unbalanced diet can encourage these problems. That's why regular aquarium maintenance and a varied diet are essential.
As a keen aquarist, I can only encourage you to find out more about these magnificent creatures. Every day spent observing and caring for my telescope fish brings its share of surprises and wonder. Their soothing presence and unique beauty make them true jewels of our aquariums.
Don't hesitate to consult a specialist vet if you have any doubts about your fish's health. With the right care and lots of love, your telescopic fish will be with you for many years, bringing a touch of exoticism and serenity to your home.
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