Telescope Goldfish

The Telescope Goldfish is a selectively bred form of goldfish, distinguished by its characteristic large, protruding eyes, resembling binoculars or a telescope. The body has a short, rounded, ovoid shape. The fins are well-developed, often veiled, and the caudal fin is usually double. Coloration can be diverse: black, red, orange, white, or calico. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed: during spawning, males develop small white tubercles on their gill covers and pectoral fins, while females become more rounded in the abdominal area.

This species is the result of centuries of artificial selection and does not occur in natural conditions. The ancestor of all goldfish is the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), which inhabits water bodies of East Asia. In aquarium conditions, Telescope Goldfish require cool water and stable environmental parameters, as their physiological characteristics, including eye and body shape, make them vulnerable to sudden changes in conditions.

These are calm and peaceful fish with a rather slow temperament. Due to the specific structure of their eyes, Telescope Goldfish have extremely poor vision, which makes them vulnerable in a community tank. They are incompatible with active, aggressive, or fin-nipping fish species. It is recommended to keep them in a group in a species-specific aquarium or with other slow-moving varieties of goldfish.

To keep Telescope Goldfish, a spacious rectangular aquarium with powerful filtration and aeration is necessary, as these fish produce a lot of organic waste. It is important to avoid sharp decorations, stones, and plants with stiff leaves, which could injure the fish's eyes. Fine, rounded sand or smooth gravel is preferred as substrate. The optimal water temperature is 18–23°C, pH 6.0–8.0, and hardness 5–19 dGH.

Telescope Goldfish are omnivorous and prone to overeating, so it is important to strictly control the amount of food. The diet should include a significant proportion of plant-based components. It is recommended to use special sinking pellets for goldfish to minimize air swallowing when feeding from the surface, which reduces the risk of swim bladder problems.

Spawning is paired or group, usually stimulated by increasing water temperature and frequent water changes. For breeding, a separate spawning tank of at least 50 L is required, with fine-leaved plants or an egg-laying substrate. After spawning is complete, the parents should be removed, as they are prone to eating their own clutch. Fry develop under standard water parameters.

The species is prone to diseases caused by poor water quality, including bacterial infections, fin rot, and eye lesions. Due to their body structure, these fish are susceptible to swim bladder disorders. Prevention involves maintaining cleanliness in the aquarium, regular water changes, and eliminating hazardous objects in the decor.

When purchasing, choose active individuals with clear, symmetrical eyes free of cloudiness, film, or mechanical damage. It is important to inspect the body for the absence of white spots, ulcers, or an unnaturally bloated abdomen. Avoid fish that stay at the surface or appear sluggish, as this may indicate health problems or improper keeping conditions at the store.