Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Carassius auratus (Telescope Oranda variety)
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Origin: A selectively bred fancy goldfish variety developed in China and Japan, combining the bulging telescope eyes of telescope goldfish with the wen (head growth) of an Oranda.
- Popularity: Loved for its dramatic appearance — large protruding eyes, flowing fins, and distinctive head growth, making it a prized show-quality goldfish.
🎨 Appearance
- Color:
- Can be black, red, calico, white, panda, chocolate, or mixed patterns.
- Structure:
- Large telescope-style protruding eyes.
- Prominent wen (head cap) typical of Orandas.
- Rounded, egg-shaped body.
- Flowing double tail (fantail) and elegant fins.
- Size:
- Typically 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in body length when mature.
- Lifespan: 10–12 years, sometimes longer with excellent care.
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for one Telescope Oranda; add 20 gallons for each additional fish.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Hardness: 5–15 dGH
- Lighting: Soft to moderate — bright lights can stress their sensitive eyes.
- Substrate: Smooth gravel or sand to avoid injury.
- Habitat Setup:
- Avoid sharp or rough décor due to delicate eyes and fins.
- Provide open swimming space.
- Add soft plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Hornwort.
- Gentle filtration — strong currents can overwhelm them.
🍽️ Diet
- Type: Omnivorous.
- Foods:
- Sinking goldfish pellets (better than floating to reduce gulping air).
- Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.
- Fresh veggies: peas (deshelled), spinach, lettuce.
- Feeding Tips:
- Feed 2–3 small meals per day.
- Avoid overfeeding; this variety can suffer from buoyancy issues.
🤝 Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament: Extremely peaceful and gentle.
- Tank Mates:
- Best with other slow-swimming fancy goldfish (Orandas, Ranchus, Lionheads, Ryukins).
- Avoid fast or aggressive fish — they will outcompete the Telescope Oranda for food.
- Grouping: Can live alone or in peaceful goldfish groups.
- Behavior: Slow, graceful swimmers; often affectionate toward owners.
💡 Care Notes
- Telescope eyes are very delicate — must avoid rough décor.
- Keep water clean with weekly 30–40% water changes.
- Monitor the wen growth for visibility issues.
- They thrive in spacious, low-current tanks with high oxygenation.
- The Telescope Oranda is one of the most visually unique fancy goldfish, offering beauty, charm, and personality.
