Who doesn’t love a fish tank with beautiful fish in a kaleidoscope of colours? It creates a tranquil atmosphere and it is so relaxing to watch them swim around, hide between the plants and ornaments, and play.
You too can own a fish tank by starting with hardy fish – there are a variety to choose from and your first fish tank doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Read our article on how to start a fish tank in the October 2018 edition of Animaltalk and then choose a few of these fish.
Danio
If you want high-energy fish that are tough and colourful, consider the danio. They need plenty of space to swim and turn around in. You can choose from a variety of colours and patterns. Because they live in schools, the ideal will be to have at least six of this breed.
Guppy
The guppy is a hardy fish, not a fussy eater and is a favourite pet fish. He has a fancy tail fin and is also available in a multitude of colours. You can get them in pairs, same-sex partners and even keep them with other peaceful breeds of fish. Just be aware that if you get a male and female, there is a possibility of them breeding.
Black skirt tetra
This fish is calm and peaceful, and is a schooling fish. He enjoys hiding places such as rocks and plants to give him a sense of security. He easily accepts other breeds of fish, making him an easy breed to keep.
Betta
The betta, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is another popular choice for a first-time experience with fish. However, as this fish is aggressive and might end up fighting or killing other fish, it is advised to keep them separate. He is quite a loner and enjoys some hiding spots in his tank.
- Keep fish food and medication out of reach of children and invest in a lock to keep the fish tank’s lid closed. You don’t want small children to play with the water, harm the fish, or drop foreign objects in the water.
- Set the fish tank up in a safe place where little hands and bodies can’t bump it over. Teach your children from an early age to respect animals, but at the same time to enjoy the wonders of nature.
- Don’t worry, the betta isn’t dead. He’s just sleeping and will wake up soon after his nap.
- Ask a fishkeeping expert or your vet about safe plants and the type of sand that will be best for your fish.
