A telescope is an aquarium fish. The most remarkable part of it is the eyes. They are large enough, prominent on the sides, convex. Sometimes, hearing for the first time the name of the breed of these fish, people ask again: “What is the name of the aquarium fish? Telescope?" Yes, such an unusual name. His fish got it because of the shape of his eyes. It is surprising that with such a huge organ of vision, fish are very poorly seen. And this leads to some restrictions regarding the content of telescopes.
Habitat
Everyone knows that the telescope is an aquarium fish. But in nature such creatures do not occur. Once upon a time, all goldfish were obtained by breeding from wild crucian carp. This is a very famous species inhabiting standing water bodies or rivers, canals, ponds with a very slow flow. He feeds on fry, insects, detritus, plants.
The homeland of black telescopes and goldfish is China. However, in 1500 they found themselves in Japan, in 1600 in Europe, and in 1800 in America. Most of the varieties currently known were hatched once in the East and have not changed since then.
It is believed that the aquarium fish telescope, as well as the goldfish, was bred for the first time in the seventeenth century in China. It was called the dragon fish, or dragon eye. A little later they were exported to Japan, where they received the new name "Demekin", by which they are known to this day.
Fish Description
A telescope is an aquarium fish with unusually large eyes. Her body has an ovoid or rounded shape, like a veiltail. Actually, these two species differ only in the eyes. In all other respects, they are quite similar. Their bodies are wide and short, and their heads are large with huge eyes and large fins.
Currently, telescopes are found in a wide variety of colors and shapes, with veil fins. The most popular aquarium fish is the black telescope. It is most often sold in all pet stores, as well as in markets, but over time, it may well change color.
Telescopes grow big enough. Sometimes up to twenty centimeters. The life expectancy of the fish is from ten to fifteen years. There were times when they lived in ponds for more than twenty years. The size of the fish varies greatly depending on their species, as well as habitat. But they are not less than ten centimeters.
Aquarium Fish Telescopes: Care
All goldfish, including telescopes, can live at fairly low temperatures. However, for beginner aquarists, the telescope is not the best view for maintenance. And the reason for this is the eyes of the fish. Telescopes have very poor eyesight, making it harder for them to find food. They are often injured and infect the eyes.
But with all this, telescopes are very undemanding and unpretentious to the living conditions. They feel equally good both in the pond and in the aquarium. A telescope is an aquarium fish whose compatibility with other inhabitants should certainly be taken into account. Since they are very poorly visible and extremely slow, more active individuals can take food from them and leave them hungry. That is why you should choose their neighbors wisely.
Many people keep goldfish and telescopes in round aquariums , one at a time and without plants. Of course, they are able to dwell there, but round vessels are completely unsuitable for them, they slow their growth and impair their vision.
Feeding telescopes
As for feeding, telescopes are unpretentious in this. They eat all kinds of live, artificial, frozen food. The main dish in their menu can be made artificial food. And as an additional feeding, you can give artemia, bloodworms, tubule and daphnia. Keep in mind the fact that telescopes have absolutely poor eyesight. Therefore, they need time to find food. They very often dig in the ground, raise turbidity and dirt. Therefore, artificial feeds are most suitable, they do not disappear, but slowly disintegrate.
Telescopes are sometimes eager to eat algae. The following species are suitable for them: lemongrass, anubias, eggplant, cryptocorynes, saggitar, elodea, wallisneria. When choosing plants, remember that they must be soft.
Conditions of detention
The aquarium fish telescope (photo is given in the article) is quite large. It is characterized by the appearance of a large amount of dirt and waste. For keeping fish, not only the large volume of the aquarium is important, but also its shape. A prerequisite is the presence of a good filter.
A completely unacceptable option is round aquariums. But the usual rectangular fit perfectly. For fish, a large surface area of the water is important, since gas exchange processes occur through it.
If we talk about the volume of the aquarium, then for one pair you need 80-100 liters, and for each next fish of the same type add another 50 liters.
Telescopes tend to produce a lot of waste. For this reason, good filtration is essential. The best option is to use a strong external filter. Only the flow from it must be passed through the flute, since telescopes are not the best swimmers.
Water must be replaced weekly (at least 20% of the water must be replaced). The water parameters themselves are not very important.
Coarse gravel or sand is best used as soil. Telescopes rummage in it forever, moreover, large particles are often swallowed, which is why they die.
Plants and decor can be added to the aquarium. But you should remember about the poor vision of the telescopes and the vulnerability of their eyes. All elements of the aquarium should be smooth, without sharp edges.
The temperature regime for telescopes is not important, but ideally it could be a temperature of 20-23 degrees.
Compatibility with other inhabitants
A telescope is an aquarium fish with an active, active character that loves communicating with its own kind. But for maintenance in a general aquarium, it is not very suitable. Telescopes do not like high temperatures, in addition, they are blind and slow, and their fins are very tender, other individuals can pick them off. In addition, they litter a lot.
Who can telescopes get along with
The most correct option is to keep them separate. It can be settled with related varieties: goldfish, veil-tails, shubunkins. But categorically it is impossible to combine them with tetragonopterius, Denisoni barbus, thorns, Sumatran barbus.
For the telescope, calm, balanced neighbors are good, who will not injure the fish.
External sex difference
Until the spawning period, it is generally impossible to distinguish the sex of the fish. But during the breeding season in males, white tubercles form on the gills and head, and the female is rounded off from the eggs.
Propagation of telescopes
For breeding, three-year-olds are most suitable. It is most likely to get good healthy offspring from them. If you notice the appearance of distinctive sexual characteristics in fish, which we mentioned earlier, then this means that fry may soon appear. This usually happens in the spring.
The process itself should be prepared in advance. Very often, parents eat their own caviar. Therefore, keep a separate container ready. Javanese moss can be laid at its bottom . The temperature should be around 24 degrees.
Two weeks before spawning, the male and the female should be planted in different aquariums. The female must be planted where caviar will develop. For one spawning, the telescope produces two thousand eggs. Good bright light and strong aeration are the impetus for the start of the process. Immediately after spawning, the female needs to be deposited.
In order for the fungus not to touch the eggs, “Mikopur” or just a little blue is added to the aquarium. However, remember that this categorically cannot be done while an adult is in the water, otherwise there will be no fertilization.
Eggs will become larvae on the fifth day after spawning. They do not need feeding yet. So far they have a supply of nutrients. But when they become fry, they should be fed live dust. The fry develop quite unevenly. It is necessary to plant small and large specimens in different places. This is due to the fact that large individuals simply do not allow kids to eat.
Therefore, getting offspring from telescopes is not so simple. If you follow all the tips, you can succeed. But this is a very painstaking work.
Instead of an afterword
If you decide to have telescopes, then keep in mind that there are more than black individuals. When living in warmer water, they acquire a copper hue. But the dark bronze varieties do not have large eyes. However, with age, they appear black in color and a characteristic bulge of the eyes. Telescopes are wonderful beautiful fish that require a careful attitude. With their large enough size, they are very vulnerable.