Read About Fresh Water Aquarium Fish

Fresh Water Aquarium Fish bring exotic colors into your home decor. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Fresh Water Aquarium Fish -- Facts

1. Species:

   Freshwater fish are those which live naturally in ponds, lakes and tanks.

2. Size:

   Freshwater fish come in a variety of sizes. While tetras and guppies are no longer than a couple of inches from their snout to their tail, fish like carps can reach lengths of five feet.

3. Life Span:

   Mollies live no longer than one or two years, but neon tetras can live up to ten years also.

4. Scientific:

   Every freshwater fish have a binomial scientific name, according to the system devised by Carolus Linnaeus.

5. Varieties:

   There are a very large number of freshwater fish to choose from. You can make the choice according to the color or the size of the fish.

6. Origins:

   Freshwater fish have originated from tropical as well as temperate waters all across the globe. They are the first class of the kingdom Mammalia to have developed from invertebrates. Origins of some common species can be traced to the Pacific, Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.

7. Physical Traits:

   Like all fish, they have streamlined bodies that are divisible into head, trunk and tail. Respiration is through gills. They do not have ears, though an internal ear may be present.

Fresh Water Aquarium Fish - Care

1. Water Conditions:

   The most important consideration in a saltwater aquarium is the level of salinity in it. A freshwater aquarium should have a salt level of less than 0.5%, or the fish may die. There are also optimum temperature and nitrate conditions, which vary by species.

2. Food:

   Most of these fish would eat bloodworms, red worms, etc. Diatoms and plankton are also favorite freshwater fish foods.

3. Compatibility:

   You can usually put several kinds of fish in one aquarium, if it can accommodate them.

Fresh Water Aquarium Fish -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Freshwater fish are colorful and always moving. This creates a vibrant atmosphere within the room.

2. Liabilities:

   One serious liability would be to keep two fighter fish within the same aquarium.

3. Health Issues:

   Tropical freshwater fish are susceptible to bacterial infections such as ick, popeye, skin and fin rot, inflammation of the skin, etc. They can suffer from more serious issues like piscine tuberculosis. Sick fish will stop moving and will slouch lazily in a corner of the aquarium.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Water in the aquarium must be changed at least once a week and checked for ammonia and nitrate levels. Bacterial and algal growths must be kept in check. There are aquarium filters available which must be used.

5. Special Household Needs:

   There is no specific household need.

Fresh Water Aquarium Fish -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   Fish that you take must be healthy and have no lacerations or inflammation on their skin. Their stomachs must be taut and not paunchy. Do not buy fish with bulging eyes.

2. Supplies:

   Freshwater fish will require, apart from the aquarium, an aquarium filter, aquarium lighting, aquarium controller and monitor, aquarium feeders, aquarium gravel and perhaps, an aquarium live rock.

3. Expense:

   Some exotic freshwater breeds can be quite costly. They may even cost a few hundreds of dollars.