Aquatic Realism: What It Truly Takes to Keep Fish Happy

 Aquatic Realism: What It Truly Takes to Keep Fish Happy 

    Owning a pet can bring a lot of joy and entertainment into your life. It can also create a strong bond between the animal and it’s owner. However, pet ownership comes with a huge amount of responsibility.

    While fish are a common choice for a pet as they are low-maintenance and visually pleasing, they require more than just daily feeding. Each type of fish has individual environmental needs that must be met in order for them to thrive and be healthy. Providing a good environment for your fish is crucial for their well-being. A happy and healthy fish makes for a happy pet owner.

    The most commonly kept fish as pets are bettas and goldfish. Unfortunately, they are often neglected because people are not aware of how to take care of them properly, which leads them to become victims of improper care.

    Goldfish are the most commonly kept fish as pets worldwide. Although it is a common sight to see a single goldfish in a small fishbowl, it is not the ideal environment for them. Goldfish prefer to stay in groups, and the more fish there are, the better. They are social creatures, they can recognize their owners and can form deep bonds with them. To keep goldfish healthy and happy, it is important to provide them with enough space. The fish tank should be longer than it is tall or wide because goldfish tend to swim horizontally. A minimum of 30 gallons is required for one fish, and an additional 10 gallons per extra fish. Compared to other fish, goldfish produce a lot of waste. Fish waste produces ammonia in water, which can raise the pH levels and cause stress and health issues. Therefore, it is essential to have a good filtration system to maintain a good pH level. The tank decorations should be minimal to none as goldfish need enough room to swim around. The tank should not have any substrate as fish waste can get stuck and continuously produce ammonia. Goldfish prefer cooler temperatures, with the tank temperature being around 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. Adequate lighting is also important as low lights can cause their colour to fade. Due to their high waste production, goldfish tanks require frequent water changes. Water changes should be done twice a week. Goldfish have a lifespan of 10-15 years and can grow up to 5-8 inches long. Providing them with the right conditions will ensure that they live a healthy and happy life.

    There is a common misconception that betta fish don't need much space and can be kept in flower vases or bottles. However, this is not true. They need enough space to roam around and spread their luscious fins. Betta fish are also known as fighter fish because they are very territorial and can be aggressive towards other fishes. In fact, if two male betta fish are put in the same tank, they can end up killing each other. Keeping a betta with other fish is not ideal. Betta fishes require a tank of at least 5 gallons. This tank can be a cube and should have medium-level filtration with low flow. Because high flow can damage their delicate fins. The tank's decor should also have plenty of hiding places, as betta fish like to hide when they feel vulnerable. It is important to maintain the temperature of the tank around 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. The lighting of the tank should be kept low.  The tank should be cleaned regularly. A weekly water change is mandatory to keep the fish healthy. Betta fish have a lifespan of 2 to 5 years in captivity. They are highly intelligent creatures that love to bond with their owner. They have an excellent memory and can even perform tricks like following finger, jumping through hoops etc. Each betta fish has it’s unique personality which makes them fascinating pets to keep.

    Fish require just as much care as any other type of pet. They are much more than just decorative pieces in the living room. Each and every fish have their own unique personalities and can make great companions. If done properly, fishkeeping can be a very enjoyable experience.