Generally, the fish’s scales are metallic or nacreous, although you might occasionally find a rare matte version. There’s also a rare, seldom-seen example of this fish that’s chocolate with bright orange pom-poms. The Butterfly Telescope goldfish comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, including: So, you must bear that in mind when choosing an aquarium for your new pet. Telescope goldfish can reach up to 6 inches in length when full-grown. That’s why many goldfish end up living in tanks that are much too small for them. When you buy any species of goldfish from your local fish store, you are usually purchasing a small juvenile specimen of around three to six months old.ĭon’t be fooled! That inch-long fish will grow very quickly, often doubling in length in a matter of weeks if kept in a healthy tank and fed a varied, balanced diet. What Size Are Butterfly Telescope Goldfish? However, when kept in a well-maintained aquarium or garden pond and fed a high-quality diet, a lifespan of over 20 years can be achieved. Goldfish are a relatively long-lived species, with some individuals surviving for up to 30 years when given the highest quality care.īutterfly Telescope fancy goldfish generally live for an average of between ten and 15 years. Like all goldfish, the Butterfly Telescope goldfish is a coldwater species that can live in a home aquarium or outside in a large pond. That can cause problems if the fish are housed with faster, more agile swimmers, especially at feeding times. In the most high-quality specimens, the tail spread should be 180 degrees, although that can depend on the weight of the fins that sometimes droop downward.īutterfly Telescope goldfish have round, egg-shaped bodies and a clumsy, wobbling swimming style. Interestingly, in young fish, the eyes appear normal until the fish reaches around six months of age.īutterfly Telescope goldfish have caudal or tail fins that are butterfly-shaped when viewed from above, hence the variety’s popular name. These unusual fish are so named for their distinctive protruding eyes that are mounted on ¾ inch stalks on the side of the fish’s head. What is a Butterfly Telescope Goldfish?īutterfly Telescope goldfish are one of over 200 varieties of goldfish, and they are considered to be one of the most beautiful. The Butterfly Telescope goldfish was first described in 1994 by Teichfischer. Today, all Telescope Eye goldfish are referred to in Asia as Demekins.Īll fancy fantail goldfish, including the Butterfly Telescope goldfish, are captive bred, so you won’t see these fish in the wild environment. The species is a variant of the popular Moor or Telescope fantail goldfish that were once known as Dragonfish or Dragon Eye goldfish. 9 Final Thoughts Origins Of The Butterfly Telescope GoldfishĪll goldfish, scientific name Carassius auratus, are thought to originate from China, where they were developed from a species of wild Prussian carp in the early 1700s.

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