Page 28 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

26 INTRODUCTION TO FRESHWATER FISH

What to consider

People keep fish for a huge range of reasons, from companionship
to competition. Most of us, however, just enjoy the calming
elegance and color that fish bring to the home. Choosing what
fish to keep, and how to house them, is influenced by many
subjective judgments, as well as practical considerations
such as cost, available space, and ease of maintenance.

Adult Oscar, with
mature coloration,
shown at life size

Juvenile Oscars, as
purchased in a store,
shown at life size

Fish sold in aquarium stores are likely to be juveniles. They may
Fish for a busy life change greatly in color, pattern, and size by the time they reach
The rise in popularity of fishkeeping can be attributed in part maturity. Always find out about a fish’s development and
requirements before making a purchase.
to the ready availability of spectacular species and advances in
aquarium technology. But at least part of its appeal in the last
few decades lies in our changing lifestyles. With leisure time investment in tank, equipment, and fish has been made,
diminishing, fish make ideal pets: they do not need walking maintenance, food, and veterinary costs are very low. This
or playing with; they can be kept in apartments; and they is not to say that fish keep themselves. They must be fed
make no noise or mess. The effects on an electricity bill of regularly (though automatic feeders will reduce the time
running a single tank are minimal, and, after the initial demanded here), and you will need to set aside a couple
of hours every two weeks or so to carry out partial water
changes in the aquarium, service the filter as required,
and clean the sides of the tank.
BUYING CHECKLIST
• Think about the size the • Fish life spans range from Pets and show fish
fish will reach as adults. Do one year to more than a decade. Most people are attracted to fishkeeping by the idea of
not exceed the aquarium’s If you are likely to become watching and nurturing a colorful collection of fish in the
recommended stocking density. attached to your pet fish, home. Some, however, prefer to keep just one or two fish that
• Consider the sociability choose long-lived species. develop into real pets, capable of recognizing their owner and
of the fish; some species are • Some species reproduce
highly aggressive, especially readily in home aquariums; even feeding from the hand. Most fish in the latter category—
prior to breeding. others have never been captive- including various cichlids and catfish—grow to a relatively
• Diet varies between bred. Choose accordingly. large size and so need spacious accommodation. For this
species. Make sure the correct • Think carefully about tank reason, “pet” fish usually require a higher investment, both at
foodstuff is readily available. size and location. the outset and throughout their lives, in terms of lighting,
heating, filtration, and feeding.

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