Pet Owners Should Consider The Needs Of The Animals When Planning Aquariums
Aquariums can be a fun and interesting hobby and make a lovely addition to home decoration but beginners should be aware of the needs of the animals when stocking an aquarium.
Fish, in general, are social creatures but they also display a range of aggressive behaviors that could cause them to injure each other if they are improperly housed. Fish tanks that are too small can make them feel crowded and cause stress and territorial disputes.
Other fish prefer to school in large numbers and being kept alone can make them sick. Aggressive fish such as African Cichlids are beautiful but can easily kill more gentle community fish. If you have questions about the compatibility of different fish species there are many books and online sources that offer advice on the subject of tropical fish.
Most experts recommend keeping fish at a ratio of one inch of grown fish per gallon of tank space as a general guideline. Be aware that gravel and fish tank decorations can detract from the space available for fish as well.
Observe your fish to see if they are displaying normal behavior or are overly stressed and try to solve any problems you might encounter in a responsible way. A healthy aquarium environment results in healthy well adjusted fish that will live longer than those that are mistreated.
