Telescope Goldfish Care Guide
The telescope goldfish is an egg-bodied fancy variety with large protruding eyes and reduced vision, needing specialised, gentle care.
Overview
The telescope goldfish, also called demekin, is a fancy variety with an egg-shaped body, long flowing fins and large, protruding eyes. Because the eyes are unusually large, its vision is compromised, and the solid black form is known as the black moor.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Carassius
- Scientific name: Carassius auratus (Telescope variety)
Origin
The telescope is a selectively bred ornamental form of the goldfish Carassius auratus, first developed in China in the early 1700s, where the trait was called dragon eyes. It occurs in many colours including red, black, white, calico and panda, with metallic, matte or nacreous scales.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 10-22 °C (50-72 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- Adult size: 15-20 cm
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
The telescope is an omnivore that accepts prepared goldfish flakes and sinking pellets, frozen and live foods, and blanched vegetables. Because of its poor vision, food should be offered where it can locate it easily and given roughly twice daily in measured portions.
Compatibility
The telescope is peaceful and a slow, somewhat clumsy swimmer with reduced sight. It does best with other vision-impaired fancy goldfish such as bubble eye or celestial varieties, and should not be housed with fast competitors that outpace it at feeding time. Avoid sharp décor that could injure the protruding eyes, and keep the water cool.