The Pros and Cons of Keeping Pet Fish

Keeping Pet Fish: Pros and Cons

We’ve all seen them—the beautiful fish tanks in stores and homes that are filled with vibrant fish that seem to swim in ecstasy. An aquascape of swimming critters is an impressive sight that is sure to draw your attention and intrigue anyone, regardless of their age. But what is it like to keep pet fish for yourself? Before you jump in, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons—just as if you would be considering any pet.

The Pros of Keeping Pet Fish

Pet fish are an attractive and relatively low-maintenance option for those wanting to add a pet to their home. For starters, they require much less space than most other animals like cats or dogs. In fact, the only space you need is either a fish tank or aquarium. This is a great perk if you live in a small apartment or find yourself pressed for space.

Since fish don’t bark, meow, or make other loud sounds, they provide the ambiance of a tranquil indoor pond without the noisy disruption. With an array of calming colors and the gentle sound of trickling water, a fish tank can become a beautiful centerpiece in any room.

Getting the right supplies and setting up a fish tank isn’t as hard as it may seem. Depending on where you buy your fish and what type you opt for, you may need to purchase a filter, heater, feeders, substrates, and other items to get the tank up and running. But while setting up a tank can be a bit of an investment at first, routine maintenance after that is relatively affordable and easy to keep up with. Just be sure to research the particular supplies you’ll need to keep the species of fish you have happy and healthy.

If you’re looking for a pet that is constantly interesting and visually stimulating, fish may be the way to go. Depending on the kind of fish you choose, many on the market are brightly colored with fascinating behaviors. Watching exotic fish move and interact with each other can be quite captivating. And with the numerous tanks and accessories on the market, you can even create unique themes of your own.

The Cons of Keeping Pet Fish

Though they are relatively low-maintenance pets, they do require attention if you want to keep them healthy and happy. You must regularly clean the tank and check the water levels to make sure they remain safe. Depending on the type of fish, their meals need to be dispensed on a regular basis. Goldfish, for example, need to eat twice a day and require their tank to be cleaned once a week.

Unlike other animals, they cannot interact with you in the same way. Of course, it is captivating to watch them move, but don’t expect anything more than that. It’s also important to note that they don’t have the longest lifespans—many won’t live longer than five or six years, while some can exceed a decade.

Another factor to consider is the cost. Pet fish are not as expensive as cats and dogs, but the start-up fee of setting up the tank and buying the necessary supplies can add up. You also have to factor in the cost of food, medication, and regular maintenance.

Finally, you need to be sure that the fish you are bringing home are healthy ones. There is a risk of exposing your other fish to illnesses and parasites, and poor water quality can also cause a fish to become ill. For this reason, it’s important to check with your local pet store for any signs of disease before even considering buying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are both pros and cons to keeping pet fish. While fish are relatively low-maintenance pets that can provide an interesting and calming atmosphere to any home, you must be sure to take proper care of them. Studying the species you are interested in and researching the space, supplies, and maintenance needs beforehand can help you decide if fish are the right fit for your family.