TAKING CARE OF FISH—FOR THOSE WITH WATER-BOUND BUDDIES

 


Basics: Fish are easier to care for than many animals in some ways, but there are some specifics you might not know. For example, PetMD points out fish don’t understand when to stop eating since they lack stomachs. This means you need to be careful to avoid overfeeding. As for the type of food, most commercial pellets and flakes are designed to meet a fish’s nutritional requirements.

The actual tank can be as simple or deluxe as you wish as long as you have water, a filter, and a heating system. You’ll also need to clean the tank as needed, regularly replace a portion of the water, and maintain a safe pH level. It’s also worth mentioning saltwater fish aquariums require some additional equipment and maintenance, so you might want to start with freshwater fish.

Veterinary care: Fish might not need as much veterinary care as other animals, but they can become sick just like any other creature. Loss of appetite and changes in behavior or appearance signal it’s time to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

Vets can typically diagnose the issue with a simple exam and some diagnostic tests. Poor water quality and infectious diseases are often the root of health problems in fish, so maintaining a clean habitat is one of the best preventive measures.

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