How difficult is it to keep Calico Telescope?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Calico Telescope?

The ideal temperature for Calico Telescope is 15〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Calico Telescope?

The average lifespan of Calico Telescope is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Calico Telescope get?

Calico Telescope typically reaches 12-18cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Calico Telescope?

Calico Telescope feeds on: Goldfish pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Calico Telescope?

The price of Calico Telescope varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Calico Telescope

Intermediate

Calico version of telescope goldfish. Red-white-black pattern with protruding eyes is distinctive. Each fish has unique markings.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

15〜25℃

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

12-18cm

Diet

Goldfish pellets

About

The Calico Telescope (also called Calico Demekin) combines the protruding eyes of the Telescope goldfish with the translucent nacreous calico coloration, producing a fish of exceptional visual complexity. The mosaic of red, white, black, and blue tones across semi-transparent scales shifts with the light and differs uniquely from fish to fish, making each individual a collector's prize. As with all Telescope varieties, the prominent eyes are highly susceptible to injury from sharp objects and abrasive substrates, so the aquarium should be furnished with smooth, rounded decorations and soft-leaved plants. They should be housed only with other slow, vision-impaired varieties.

Lifespan of the Calico Telescope

The Calico Telescope lives 10-15 years.

Size of the Calico Telescope

The Calico Telescope grows to 12-18cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Calico Telescope

The ideal temperature for the Calico Telescope is 15〜25℃.

Tank size of at least 45 liters, neutral water quality around pH 7.0, and stable temperatures between 18–25°C are recommended.

Basic Info

Origin

China

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

12-18cm

Care Specifications

pH: 6–8
Hardness (GH): 5–19 dGH
Water Temp.: 15–25℃

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: FishBase / Aqueon Goldfish Care Guide

Morphs (Varieties)

Goldfish varieties are line-bred for body shape, tail type, scale type, and coloration. Traits such as protruding eyes, transparent scales (calico), and albinism are single-locus traits.

RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).

Protruding (telescope) eyesCalico (mosaic transparent scale)

Line-bredEstablished by selective line breeding.

Deep body / dorsal humpFantail (paired caudal)

Sources: Wikipedia - Goldfish (Varieties) / Goldfish — Wikipedia (Japanese edition, varieties)

A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: (Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cyprinus thoracatus Valenciennes, 1842, Carassius burgeri Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Cyprinus chinensis Gronow, 1854

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · FishBase: Carassius auratus · GBIF: Carassius auratus

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.