Are you thinking of dipping your toes into the water and start keeping fish as pets? They may not cuddle up to you on the sofa or accompany you on walks, but fish are truly fascinating creatures.
Fish are more interactive than you might first think. They are entertaining to watch as they navigate their way around a tank, weaving in and out of rocks and plants. They will also rush to greet you at feeding time, coming to the surface for the tasty treats that you drop in.
If you are looking for a pet to satisfy a child’s request, then fish are the perfect solution. They are not only easy to keep, but will teach children about being responsible for an animal’s life. From remembering to feed them to cleaning the tank, they will learn the importance of caring for something in order to keep it alive. It may also be an opportunity to ease your child into the subject of death and loss, when the inevitable happens and they discover a fish floating on the surface.
So what do you need to think about ahead of getting your first fish?
Fish are a fantastic choice of pet for so many reasons. They are space-saving, in that they have a fixed area of the room and you know where they are at all times! They don’t require walking and they are cheaper to look after than other pets, without the big food costs and vet bills. Fish are fairly low maintenance, although you must allocate time to keep the tank and water in good condition. If the water looks cloudy or smells, take action and deal with it, rather than wait for your fish to get ill. They are a quiet species, making no noise, ever! Fish are also known as a stress reliever, with research showing that the relaxing act of watching them swim silently and without conflict will lower blood pressure.
Ultimately, fish are beautiful breeds that come in all shapes, sizes and colours, making them wonderful to watch. As you get to know your fish, you may discover that they have their own personality, which will help them to become a member of the family!
Sources
http://www.tetra-fish.com/learning-center/getting-started/a-beginners-guide.aspx
http://www.marineland.com/guides/starting-an-aquarium-beginners.aspx