Keeping fish as pets

There are hundreds of different kinds of fish that can be kept as pets.

Goldfish are the most commonly kept pet fish because they live in cold water. They are freshwater fish and are a good fish to have if you are starting out. You can keep them in an aquarium or outside in a pond.

Other good freshwater fish for beginners are platties, sword tails, guppies and mollies.

Tropical fish need to be kept in an aquarium with a filter to keep the water clean. Some tropical fish need heated water and lights. Some tropical fish need to be kept in salt water, not freshwater. Saltwater tanks are more difficult to manage because you have to add salt to fresh water and you must test the water with a special test kit to make sure you have the saltiness just right.

Whatever kind of fish you decide to keep, when you buy fish, get advice about the size of tank to buy and whatever other equipment you need, such as filter or heater. Get advice also about how to feed and care for the kind of fish you choose. Buy the fish food they recommend for the kind of fish you get.

Go here to read about many different kinds of fish, and about setting up and looking after your aquarium
http://www.petfish.net/
http://www.aquariumfish.net/pages/information.htm
http://www.meijer.com/pet/fish/category.asp

Siamese Fighting Fish

Responsible pet ownership
Fish, like all pets, depend on their owners for food, protection and shelter. Before becoming a pet owner think carefully about all the things you will have to do to care for your pet responsibly.

 

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
Keeping fish as pets (2002). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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updated July 2007