Fun Binocular Fish Facts For Kids

Have you ever looked at a fish species like the giant frogfish and wondered if there can be a more peculiar species than that? If yes, then you'll surely enjoy reading about the binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) that dwells in moderate to deep waters of the ocean. The speciality of the binocular lies in its tubular eyes that helps to see and catch its prey even when there's little to no light. These eyes are housed in a transparent head which makes the fish quite distinct looking from other species, and it doesn't even have spines in its fins. Similar eyes to this fish are also seen in other species of the barreleye fish family, but this one has forward-facing eyes compared to other species. Even though we don't know much about this fish, still it's quite intelligent, as scientists even speculate that it catches its prey from other species. So, keep reading this article to know more about binocular fish facts.

Also, do check out the other articles on French angelfish and requiem shark.

What type of animal is a binocular fish?

The binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) is a species of barreleye fishes that are known for having tubular eyes. The barreleyes are also known as spook fishes and are completely real.

What class of animal does a binocular fish belong to?

Binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) species belong to the class Actinopterygii and to the family Opisthoproctidae. Even a species like the Atlantic salmon belongs to the same class as the binocular fish.

How many binocular fish are there in the world?

As not much information is available about these fishes we can't tell you about its population.

Where does a binocular fish live?

We don't have information about where the binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) lives, but we do know that most species of barreleyes dwell in tropical-to-temperate regions of the world. So, it's mainly found in the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. We don't know if this fish is endemic to a certain place.

What is a binocular fish's habitat?

The binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) is said to live at a moderate depth of 1312-8200 ft (400-2,500 m). Hence, it won't be possible for you to spot the fish.

Who do binocular fishes live with?

We don't have any information about the social nature of these fishes, but as a species of the barreleyes, we can assume that it's solitary.

How long does a binocular fish live?

As an understudied fish, there's no information available about the binocular fish (Winteria telescopa).

How do they reproduce?

No species-specific information is available about the reproduction of this fish. However, scientists suggest that barreleyes pelagic spawners which indicates that during the breeding season, males and females gather around to release the eggs which lead to fertilization. It's also likely that the eggs are laid in shallower waters of the sea compared to the deep environment inhabited by adults. And, once the larvae turn into adults it moves to the deep waters.

What is their conservation status?

 The binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) is yet to make it into any conservation lists.

What does a binocular fish look like?

There are not many examples to look at and describe the binocular fish (Winteria telescopa). However, it should be pointed out that, unlike other barreleye species, the binocular fish has forward-facing eyes. Other than that, it does have a transparent head along with tubular eyes that give it a superior vision. As a part of the barreleyes, this fish is also likely to have small spineless fins.

How cute are they?

We wouldn't really call this a cute fish, but it's surely interesting because of the transparent head. However, it can be said to be less ugly compared to the anglerfish.

How do they communicate?

Apart from its powerful eyes, we don't know much about the communication present in this binocular fish (Winteria telescopa). However, it's often believed that fishes have the tendency to communicate by chemicals.

How big is a binocular fish?

The average body size of this binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) species is around 5.9 in (15 cm). Compared to it, the telescope fish has an average size of 16 in (40 cm) making it bigger.

How fast can a binocular fish swim?

As this fish lives in the deep ocean, we can assume that it isn't really a fast swimmer. But, scientists haven't been able to find enough specimens to determine its swimming speed.

How much does a binocular fish weigh?

The weight of the Winteria telescopa binocular fish is yet to be known.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no separate names for the male and female of the Winteria telescopa binocular fish species.

What would you call a baby binocular fish?

A baby binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) is called a fry or larvae.

What do they eat?

The eyes present in the transparent head of this fish helps it to have a clear vision to get its food even at places with the minimal presence of light. However, we are yet to know what these fishes eat, but it's assumed that its prey is usually zooplankton, copepods, and pelagic crustaceans. Interestingly, scientists also think that barreleye species is said to steal its prey from siphonophores.

Are they dangerous?

No, these fishes aren't dangerous.

Would they make a good pet?

No, the Winteria telescopa binocular fish isn't really meant to be a pet, and we are yet to know where these fishes live and even what food that it eats.

Did you know...

The javelin spookfish is the largest barreleye with a maximum body length of 20 in (50 cm).

Are barreleye fish endangered? 

The binocular fish (Winteria telescopa) is yet to be studied enough by scientists, and it hasn't been declared an endangered species.

How many eyes does a barreleye fish have?

Barreleye fish have two tubular eyes that help the fish to find its food in the relatively dark sea. The eye can usually move up and forward for giving the fish a good vision. Moreover, most barreleye species also have a transparent head giving it a better vision, and some can even produce light with the help of bioluminescent bacteria.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these emperor angelfish facts and black grouper facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Intricate Fish coloring pages.

Image two by Lusanaherandraton.

*We've been unable to source an image of binocular fish and have used an image of fishes in general instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of binocular fish, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected].