Fish

Brackish waters are a combination of freshwater (e.g. river discharge) and seawater, and their ecosystems include salt marshes, estuaries, tidal flats, mangrove forests and other aquatic-to-marine habitats. These environments host a great variety of interesting and beautiful brackish water plants; some of which can be hosted in an aquarium.

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Notorious as one of the most difficult saltwater fish to keep alive in captivity, the Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus) exhibits striking bands of black, white, and yellow. Though stunning in appearance, this saltwater fish species requires care that can be challenging for even the most experienced aquarium hobbyists.  

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Although primarily associated with Corydoras catfish, red blotch disease can affect a wide variety of benthic fish, including loaches and other types of catfish.

By Kenneth Wingerter With so many brilliantly hued marine fish available for the home aquarium, it’s easy to become smitten by their vibrant colors and exquisite finnage. Even so, most aquarists’ favorite specimens are often those that possess the most “personality.” In terms of personality, few fish groups compare to the blennies. Combined with a (usually) good temperament and hyper-alertness, their daring antics make them quite entertaining to watch. Compared to many other marine aquarium fish groups, blennies make for extremely low-maintenance pets. Simple to feed and comfortable in smaller tanks, these tough, disease-resistant fish seldom pose any major problems for even novice aquarists. To be sure, they provide much reward for the relatively simple care they require. More than a few hobbyists would describe their blenny’s appearance and behavior as “cute,” entertaining, and even comical. With such endearing personality, along with being so temperamentally well suited for captivity, it is not surprising to so often see at least one blennioid inhabitant in most home marine aquaria.  As a group, the blennies are reliably reef-safe, and their small adult size and overall hardiness also make them an excellent choice for any marine aquarist, including beginner hobbyists or those with smaller-sized aquaria. Indeed, numerous blenny species have been staples in the ornamental fish trade for decades. What is a Blenny? As a group, the blennies are enormously varied. The so-called “true blennies” are known as blennioids and form their own taxonomical group. Though some aquarium literature speaks as though these true blennies form a family, the blennioids actually make up an entire suborder, with six families comprising the suborder Blennioidei. This suborder claims around 833 separate blenny species in 130 genera. While they are rather species-rich, the blennioids share a few basic characteristics. They are mainly marine (that is, saltwater, though there are a few brackish and freshwater species), and they are strongly benthic in habit; that is, they are bottom dwellers (lake floor, sea bed, etc). They frequently exhibit strong nesting behaviors due to being demersal spawners — preparing nests at the bottom and laying their eggs there to develop. The eyes and mouth of a blenny are relatively large. They oftentimes bear distinctive cirri — wispy antenna or whisker-like appendages — on their heads. Their bodies are long and sleek, some so long they resemble eels and snakes, but nearly all members of the blenny group are smallish in body size. Image: Red Sea Mimic Blenny

 ,How Often do Fish Tanks Need to be Cleaned? Aquariums require regular water changes and pH testing in order to ensure fish are living in the proper conditions. Depending on the size of the aquarium and filtration system you have set up, you’ll need to perform weekly partial water replacement, as well as clean the tank and change the water about once per month. Some fish, like goldfish, are known for being extra messy and may require more frequent water changes and tank cleanings. Overfeeding will also quickly pollute water. Monitoring the pH levels of your aquarium and keeping an eye on any visible contaminants and pollutants should give you a good idea as to how often you’ll need to clean your fish tank.,By Kali Wyrosdic Are you thinking about getting a fish but aren’t sure whether or not a fish would make the best pet? No matter what type of fish you’re thinking about, there are some basic fish-care facts that apply. Once you’ve made your decision, make sure to research the type of fish and it’s individual needs. Below, you’ll find answers to several of the most common fish-care questions to help you decide whether or not a fish is the right type of pet for you. Are Fish Really a Low-Maintenance Pet? Generally speaking, freshwater fish are less expensive and easier to care for than other types of pets, leading to the perception that they’re easy to keep. While they can be less trouble than other types of animals, that doesn’t exactly make them low-maintenance pets. Fish have the same basic needs as other animals, including food, water and a proper habitat, but because fish live in completely different environments than humans and other mammals, they are dependent on us to provide everything they need to live happily. Whereas dogs and cats won’t die if they aren’t washed regularly (although appropriate grooming for your pet is encouraged), regular aquarium cleanings are a must for keeping a healthy fish. Once you decide what type of fish to get, you can determine which aquarium will be most appropriate for you and what type of maintenance it requires.

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Wild fish eat a variety of foods. This includes insects,small crustaceans,vegetation, small fish and microorganisms like zooplankton. In the home aquarium, most fish are offered a diet of commercial fish food. Fish flakes are one of the most common options, but there are many other types of fish food to consider. Here are some of the fish foods you’ll find: Flakes Pellets Wafers Freeze-dried food Frozen fish food Live fish food Little is known about the specifics of what nutrients fish require beyond the basics of herbivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous diets. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the best way to meet the nutritional requirements of fish is to offer them a wide variety of food types so all the nutritional bases are covered. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of fish food.,Jump to section What Do Fish Eat? Different Fish Diets How Much To Feed Your Fish How Often To Feed Your Fish How To Avoid Overfeeding Your Fish FAQs About Feeding Pet Fish

A well-maintained aquarium is like bringing a slice of nature into your home. From cichlids with colors that rival marine fish to lushly planted tanks and tanks full of fun decor, there are options for everyone in the freshwater hobby.   With a little bit of planning and regular maintenance, anyone can successfully keep a freshwater aquarium.