Getting to Know Your Pet Fish

Most people get themselves involved in aquarium fish keeping without first finding out the basic information to understand about their fish. The article here will share with you what you need to know before you get started with this exciting hobby.

Aquarium ornamental fish, which are sold at pet stores, can either be grouped into freshwater or saltwater fish. In fact we often hear the common term relating all fish as tropical species but in actual fact, this is actually not true because there are coldwater species as well. And every fish that you can find are different from each other in terms of physical appearance like shapes, sizes, colors and sometimes even with the same species, there are also sub-varieties.

So what are the information that you will need to know? As an aquarist, I often make an effort to study about the fish and find out all related topics either from the internet and if that is not detailed enough, then I’ll head over to the library. This is the principle that I follow before making the purchase and bringing the pet home to my aquarium. Here I have compiled a list of questions, which you need to find an answer for it and the purpose is mainly to serve as a guideline.

-What is the living condition in which you fish will survive and adapt to the aquarium water? Hardness level, pH and temperature are the three main important criteria you will need to know.

-What is the biggest size it will grow to? This will determine whether your home aquarium tank is large enough to accommodate your new pet.

-The behavior of that particular species. Is it aggressive, peaceful, docile, shy or timid fish? Will it qualify as community fish or should it be kept only in a single species tank?

-What kind of food will it accept? Is it a herbivorous, omnivorous or carnivorous? Can the diet that include only flakes and dried food sufficient or maybe does it require additional meaty supply? Is the fish picky when it comes to food?

Aquarium

Tank or similar container used for the study and display of living aquatic plants and animals. The same name is used for institutions that exhibit aquatic life. These have been common since Roman times, but the first modern public aquarium was opened in Regent's Park, London, in 1853. A recent development is the oceanarium or seaquarium, a large display of marine life forms.

Freshwater fish The easiest types of fish to care for in an aquarium are coldwater species such as the goldfish (Carassius auratus). More complicated is the keeping of tropical freshwater fish such as the angel fish (Pterophylum species), Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), and guppy (Lebistes reticulatus). For these a water heater with a controlling thermostat is required and usually a filter and aerator powered by a small electric pump. There is usually a sand or gravel substrate in which ornamental plants are grown to assist in aerating the water.

Marine fish Even more complicated to keep are tropical marine fishes. These usually have to be kept in artificially made sea water, again heated by a thermostatically controlled submersible heater. Since plants will not survive and very soon decompose in sea water, a filtration system is absolutely essential. Most of the marine fish are very delicate and require great care. Examples are clown fish (Amphiprion species), butterfly fish (Chaetodon species), and the Moorish idol