Most people nowadays turn to collecting aquarium fish as a hobby. Some who do this say that they get a lot of relaxation from seeing these lovely and colorful fish swimming about inside their aquarium. Others take on a more supernatural approach on things, believing that there are some types of fish which can naturally induce good luck and therefore serve as some charm for the people who own them. For whichever reason aquarium fish is suddenly used as pets, it is important that you know the basics first especially when it comes to the choices you have among the many types of aquarium fish.
To begin with, there are four generic types of aquarium fish which people can choose from. All of these types have their own particular unique qualities and needs. The type of aquarium fish often also matches the personality of the caretaker.
1. Catfish – This is perhaps the most popular type of aquarium fish as there are over two thousand different species under this general type. Although differently sub-identified, all of the catfish species do not have any scales. What they have instead are plating and some type of skin which are similar to that of the armor kind. Usually, catfish are not that hard to feed as they can easily scavenge for food inside the aquarium. However, there are still some which can be quite a bit of a concern in terms of feeding since they are nocturnal and should be fed at dark. Another concern is that some types of stones should be noted when it comes to choosing aquarium components because this can affect certain types of catfish considered to be bottom-feeders.
2. Cichlids – This type of aquarium fish is commonly found around Asia, Africa, and the Americas. They are mostly identified as an aquarium type because of their vibrant colors and the diversity involved in their habitat. However, cichlids are considered to be very territorial because of their parenting abilities. They may display hostile behavior against other fish species especially if they have just laid eggs or are currently nurturing their young. Because of this, it is advisable that they are separated from other types of fish if they are bearing their young. Still, there are some types, like the angelfish and the dwarf cichlid, which can manage to mix in with the others given the right tank conditions.
3. Labyrinth Fish – This is perhaps the most popular type of fish for professional aquarists and is also very well-adapted despite their small size. Examples of this are the gouramis, combtails, and paradise fish. They can easily be mixed in with other types of fish and can generally co-exist with other species in tanks rather peacefully. However, an exception can be taken when it comes to the fighting fish. As its name implies, it tends to wage a literal war against other species especially between similar male species.
4. Cypriniforms – This type is also considerably low-maintenance. It is low-maintenance in the sense that it can effectively be teamed up with other fish without worrying about the other species. They are also easy to feed and maintain. Examples of this is the goldfish, koi, and some sharks.
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