Best pet fish

Fish as Pets: A Comprehensive Guide

Fish are wonderfully vibrant and attractive pets for families and individuals alike. While they require the right level of attention, they are some of the lowest maintenance pets around, making them an ideal choice for those with less space or time.

With so many different species of fish available as pets, each requiring different levels of care, it's important to find out as much as you can to make the right decision regarding their care. Some species are great choices for beginners, while others need more specialized care. Therefore, it's a good idea to make a choice that's right for both your experience and your lifestyle.

Optimal Temperature for Fish

A very important factor that is frequently overlooked is the optimal temperature for the fish. There are two main categories:

  • Cold water: Cold water fish may require little maintenance. All that is normally needed for this species is a tank, a dechlorinator, and a filter. They are popular pets, especially since their equipment needs are quite easy to manage. As long as you keep up with a regular tank cleaning routine and feed them the right food, you'll find that your coldwater fish don't require too much extra maintenance.

  • Tropical water: Tropical fish are among the most beautiful pets you can have. You'll often find them in amazing shapes and colors, making them a wonderful addition to your aquarium. They can be a bit more complex to maintain, as you will need a filter and heater to make sure their temperature is right for your species of fish and also constant. You may also need to treat the tank to ensure it stays in excellent condition.

Best Fish to Have as Pets

Here are some of the best fish to have as pets:

  • Goldfish: Goldfish are a favorite for many, enchanting anyone with their golden color. They can grow up to 10 inches, so consider a large space in the medium term. When you buy a goldfish, make sure that its appearance is lively and bright, as this is a sign of good health. The average lifespan is 40 years, which is greater than most fish.

  • Betta: Also known as "Siamese Fighter" since it was used for clandestine fights in some Asian countries. This fish is very territorial and characterized by having a hostile character. It is recommended not to put it with other males to avoid fights. Although they can tolerate cooler water temperatures (around 70°F), the ideal temperature conditions are around 78-82°F. The average lifespan is 2 years and they can measure 2.5 inches, which is why they do not grow too much.

  • Angelfish: Characterized by its beautiful colors, this freshwater fish requires a temperature around 80°F. It is usually very territorial, so it is recommended that it live alone or put it in a large fish tank. It can measure up to 11 inches long and can live from 5 to 8 years with proper care.

  • Guppy: This ovoviviparous and freshwater fish lives in low current areas of rivers and lakes. One of its most representative features is that it can reproduce very quickly and easily.

  • Otocinclus: This is a fairly peaceful, shy, and territorial fish. It should be kept in a group of at least 5 fish of the same species, more females than males. During the day it sleeps on a leaf or sticks to the glass of the aquarium and at night it is more active. They clean the glass of the aquarium at all times.

There are many more options, such as Neon Tetra, Mollies, Oscars, Swordtail, Danios, Platy… If you are thinking about getting fish as pets, talk to one of our Pet Experts and get customized advice by submitting a request through our Mavyn Pet page or the Mavyn app.