Read About Pet Fish

Pet Fish are a source of hours of joy to the aquarium owner. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Pet Fish -- Facts

1. Species:

   Arowana, cichlid, catfish, betta fish, koi and goldfish are popular species of fish kept as pets in aquariums.

2. Size:

   Their sizes range from 2-6 inches. You must select a fish that can be accommodated within your fish tank conveniently.

3. Life Span:

   Their life span varies vastly depending on the species. Some like betta fish have a life span of 2 years while goldfish can live for decades.

4. Scientific:

   All fish kept as pets have a scientific binomial nomenclature that was developed by Carolus Linnaeus. The scientific names of arowana, cichlid, goldfish and catfish are Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Astronotus ocellatus, Carassius auratus and Notorus flavipinnis respectively.

5. Varieties:

   There are various fish that can be kept as pets. But even more than that is the wide variety of colors that is available in each species of fish. This means, there is an almost unlimited list of fish varieties to choose from.

6. Origins:

   Fish have originated from all around the world. There are tropical and temperate fish. But most of them have originated in Africa, China, Japan and North America.

7. Physical Traits:

   Pet fish have small streamlined bodies that can be divided into head, trunk and fins. They have laterally placed eyes without eyelids and they breathe through gills. Most fish are noted for their fins and body colors.

Pet Fish - Care

1. Water Conditions:

   Fish need to be placed in water as they are aquatic organisms. Some fish thrive in fresh water, whereas others may need salt water. There should be regular cleaning of tanks and replacing the water.

2. Food:

   Fish food is easily available at any pet store. It may include canned food in form of pellets, which can be a meal of bloodworms or hatched brine shrimp.

3. Compatibility:

   Except for some fishes, they can be safely placed in the same aquarium. It is not unusual to see many kinds of fish swimming together in the same aquarium.

Pet Fish -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Having fish as pets always adds to our joy. They can be educational and give us several hours of sheer pleasure.

2. Liabilities:

   Avoid keeping aggressive and semi-aggressive fish in the same tank. Some fish can try to jump out of the tank and escape. You have to be very careful with small fish when pumping out the water during cleaning. They may get sucked into the pump.

3. Health Issues:

   Keep the water in the tank clean. Fish can suffer from bacterial and parasitic infections. In some fishes, like koi, they may be white markings found on their bodies.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Some fish like fresh water and some like salt water. Keep them at their optimum temperature within the tank.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Since fish live within their aquariam, there are no specific household needs that need to be addressed.

Pet Fish -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   Avoid buying both the sexes if you want to keep adults. If you want babies, buy both. Look for healthy and active fish with bright eyes. You can judge that from their behavior. Fish that swim a lot are generally healthier compared to those that lie dormant in a corner.

2. Supplies:

   A general aquarium is quite sufficient. Fish food is easily available. You will need aquarium supplies like filters, gravel, CO2 systems and feeders.

3. Expense:

   Fish are not expensive pets. But maintaining an aquarium could turn out to be an expensive affair.