Pet fish have always been popular in India for not only their low maintenance reputation, but also because these colourful creatures add charm to any space they occupy. But with an increase of various species of fish that can be kept as pets, comes more complications and the need for real knowledge, say vets.
Dr Lohith, a vet, says, “Many people who have fish for pets do so because their requirements suit their schedules.” But he is quick to add, “Of course, there are many different species of fish and each one has its own needs.”
Entrepreneur Mayur Dev, who has had pet fish since he was a child says, “I think it is a misconception that fish are easier to take care of then some of the other pets. I would say that because most people are not well-informed on the matter, they make it harder for themselves.”
Dr Srinivas, also a vet, agrees, saying, “There are a lot of species that you can now have as pets so one needs to be properly informed about the kind of fish they have for a pet.” He adds, “Typical aquarium fish can live and thrive for quite long if you take proper care of them and here, a little research goes a long way.”
It is the simple things that matter, according to Mayur, who explains, “You are playing God by taking the fish out of its natural environment. The most common mistake I see people making is that they ignore to change the water in the fishtank and the water stagnates. This is the fish’s natural environment so it suffers.”
Dr Lohith provides some basic tips, “The two most important things to keep in mind is the environment and the food that is provided for the fish.” He adds, “Some species require feeding everyday and cleaning the tank once a week. But this is not a constant and can vary.”
Dr Srinivas warns of the dangers of ignoring the basic living conditions of fish. “Skin and bladder problems are two of the biggest problems we see in fish.” He also warns that the size of the tank is important so that the fish can move freely. Student Achala K.R. says, “We got some goldfish and were told we needed to get a tank that the fish could grow into.” She continues, “We were also adviced to keep the temperature of the water in mind, along with the amount of direct light.”
Mayur concludes, “Fish-keeping can be quite a challenge if you don’t know what you are doing. But once you do your research, it can be great fun and is really easy.”