About Pet Fish

An aquarium with pet fish is a sight to behold. You can create an entire underwater world for them to thrive in and for you to enjoy. You can have a single fish in a small bowl or a large aquarium full of numerous species with lots of vibrant colors. There are many benefits to having pet fish in your life.

  1. History

    • The Romans were the first to bring fish into their homes. They were kept in marble tanks beneath visitors' beds. Goldfish were placed in porcelain tubs invented by a Chinese emperor in 1369. A tank originally created as a terrarium was converted to hold pet fish in 1841. Many varieties of fish tanks were designed through the years. The popularity of having pet fish grew with the introduction of electricity into American homes after World War I.

    Types

    • There is an enormous amount of pet fish available. You can obtain fish in just about any shade you desire. The numerous species allow for a selection of pet fish that live happily in large communities, in fresh or saltwater environments or in a small container. The sizes can range from under an inch in length to well over a foot long (see Resources below).

    Features

    • Pet fish are marine vertebrate animals. They are enveloped with scales and have two pairs of matching fins and a number of unmatched ones. Fish use gills to breathe--oxygen is extracted from the water that enters through their mouths and is then forced over the gills, which extract the oxygen from the water.

    Considerations

    • Anyone thinking about owning pet fish must consider the required upkeep. The regular maintenance needed differs depending on the size of the aquarium (or bowl) and the specific breed of fish. You can have pet fish that can exist with very little care, such as a goldfish. However, there are certain fish that require exact water conditions in order to thrive (see Resources below).

    Benefits

    • Scientific studies have proved that it is beneficial to own pet fish. It was discovered that people who own fish have reduced stress levels. It is very relaxing and hypnotic to watch fish swimming in aquariums. The care required in having pet fish gives individuals diagnosed with health conditions a reason to continue living, and patients with pets frequently live longer than those who do not (see Resources below).