The demekin, also known as the telescope goldfish or dragon eyein Japan, is a popular fancy goldfish variety known for its characteristic protruding eyes and deep, rounded body.
Characteristics and Varieties
Demekin goldfish are a cross between the telescope and ryukin goldfish, resulting in their unique look.
- Distinctive Eyes: The most notable feature is their large, projecting, cone-shaped eyes, a trait referred to as "dragon eyes" in China where they were first developed in the early 1700s.
- Body Shape: They have a deep, relatively round body with a characteristic shoulder hump and long, flowing fins.
- Coloration: Demekins come in a wide range of colors and scale types, including red, red-and-white, calico, black-and-white, chocolate, blue, lavender, and kirin. The black variety is often called the Black Moor.
- Size: This fancy goldfish variety can grow to be over 6 inches (15 cm) in length.
Care Guide
Due to their impaired vision and slower swimming speed, special care is required to ensure a healthy life for Demekin goldfish.
- Tank Requirements: A single juvenile Demekin requires a minimum of a 20-gallon tank, and the general rule is to provide at least 5 gallons of water per inch of body length. Strong filtration is essential because goldfish produce a lot of waste.
- Water Conditions: As a cold-water fish, Demekins thrive in temperatures between 68° to 74°F (20° to 23°C). Regular, weekly water changes of 10-25% are necessary to maintain water quality.
- Tank Mates and Decor:Demekins should be kept with other slow-moving, similarly handicapped fancy goldfish varieties (like Orandas or Ryukins) and never with faster, more streamlined types like Comets. Decorations should be smooth, without jagged or sharp edges that could injure their delicate eyes or fins.
- Diet: Feed them high-quality flakes, granules, or live/frozen foods. Soaking dry pellets before feeding can help prevent swim bladder problems. Several small feeds per day are better than one or two large ones.
