Red Telescope Head Goldfish

The red telescope head goldfish, also called the telescope eye goldfish, has a solid bright orange color that accents the extended eyes. These fish will not compete well with fast-moving species, so put food close to them. They may look very pretty, but they are a little slow.

The telescope eye feature was created by selective breeding in China at the end of the 16th century, and most of the standard colors today were further refined in Japan.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Telescope goldfish produce a lot of waste, so give them plenty of room and a strong filter. Change 25–30% of the water every week. Use smooth decorations and live or silk plants, and keep the water current gentle.

Feeding: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in about two minutes. Mix a quality sinking pellet or flake with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, plus blanched peas or other vegetables now and then. Sinking foods are easier for them to find than floating ones.

Tankmates: Keep them only with other slow-swimming fancy goldfish, such as telescopes, black moors, celestials, bubble eyes, lionheads and ranchus. Avoid faster goldfish like comets, shubunkins and even lively ryukins, which will outcompete them for food. Also avoid tropical fish and fin-nippers.

Ponds: Telescope goldfish can live in ponds in mild climates, but they are less cold-hardy than comets and shubunkins. Bring them indoors where winters are harsh, and keep them away from fast, aggressive pond fish.

Good to know: Their eyesight is poor, so make sure food reaches them, and avoid sharp decorations that can injure their protruding eyes.