Whale, where do we start? Are you planning on keeping a fish? The bait is over now because you have come to the right space. Before we say anything, just know that having a pet fish can be very handy and worthwhile.
The mysterious underwater world of fishes is truly fascinating. This underwater world has been the abode for more than 30,000 different species of fishes that thrive in their aquatic world. But, out of our love for keeping fish, we made an aquarium. This gave us the chance to study each of them in more detail for their activities. Observing aquarium fish has also been found to have numerous medical benefits by reducing stress and blood pressure, also it increases concentration levels and soothes the eyes. Aquarium pet fishes are some from freshwater and some from marine water. Here are some of the amusing facts about these aquarium fishes.
1. They grow only a few centimeters or inches long. For example, Neon Tetra grows only 2.2 cm in length, Zebra Danios grow 5 to 7 cm in length, and Golden Dwarf Barbs grow up to 1.5 inches
2. They are of vibrant colours. Male fishes are more flamboyant than females. A few examples are Neon Tetra, Guppies and Rainbow fish where vibrant colours open up during adulthood. Betta fish are popular ornamental fish and through selective breeding, it has produced a wide variety of colouration and finnage, earning its nickname, “designer fish of the aquatic world”.
3. They are very social and schooling fishes. Zebra Danios love to live together in groups, same is the case for the Goldfish. While swimming around the aquarium, the fish staying in the middle of the school is the school’s leader.
4. They give birth to their babies. Unlike other fishes, Mollies give birth to their young ones. Even if it takes several weeks, the paternal or maternal fish who hold incubate their eggs in the mouth does not eat until the eggs hatch, and the baby fishes will be cared for while they swim. This process of “mouth brooding” has been seen in female African cichlids holding eggs in their mouth for 21 to 36 days.
5. Most of these tiny fishes live for more than 25 years. “Goldie” is the oldest known Goldfish who died at the age of 45 years. The second oldest Goldfish named “Tish” died at the age of 43 years.
6. They have teeth at the back of their throat. The Goldfish grind its food while swallowing as their teeth are in their throat.
7. They fight with other species of fishes, attack, kill and eat them. Betta fish, also called the “Siamese fighting fish” and Angelfish are bred separately from other fish species. During the 19th century, Betta fish were breed for their aggression
8. Some aquarium fish float at the water’s surface motionless to pretend dead. This pretending to be dead is a very smart way to protect themselves while exploring the world outside water.
9. Seawater or saltwater fishes are hardier than freshwater ones. So, it is a good idea to start with a saltwater aquarium. These fishes are easier to take care for even beginners.
10. Finally, fishes do communicate with each other through their colour, gesture, motion, noise, smell, bioluminescence and electrical impulses. Some fish species use simultaneous gestures and movements while swimming in schools. The sound is produced when hard parts of the body, such as teeth and bladder, rub against each other. They make sounds during battle, spawning and breeding. Sound is also used to locate predator fish. Some cichlids use urine as an olfactory medium during aggressive displays to send chemical signals to rivals. Female Zebra fish secrete and spread pheromones to attract males. Certain fishes, such as electric eels, Catfish, Starfish in National Aquarium have been studied to luminate and send electric impulses to mimic other fishes and dissuade predators.
In conclusion, it is a good idea to have an aquarium with schools of fish in your home as it makes a nice decoration and brings life to your home.
