To start with, here are some basic pointers that anyone should keep in mind to maintain exotic fish in good health.
· Ensure that the quality of water in the aquarium is of a constant high quality at all times
· Change the water after two weeks and replace only 30% of it.
· Replace the carbon content of water and filtration media on a monthly basis
· If you’re keeping sea water fish, take care to add the appropriate amount of salt in it
· Add dechlorinating agent to the water as well
· Feed your fish at a fixed time and don’t feed in excess because it can pollute the water
· Keep an eye out for disease and seek prompt treatment
· Rinse filter media with tank water instead of tap water
· Fish, like any other animal, have emotions too, and they are reflected by their bodies. For instance, fish with clamped tail fins are unhappy.
Feeding the right Food
To keep your exotic marine pets in good health, you should feed them the food that they expect to eat in their natural habitat. Popular food choices include:
· Brine shrimp
· Standard flakes
· Blood worms
· Algae pellets
· Spirulina
· Frozen food
· Algae pellets
· Standard flakes
You can shop for fish food in pet stores easily or at the outlets that sell aquarium supplies. You can search for cheaper food sources online as well but make it a point to check for high quality and authenticity. Sometimes, sub-quality food is also available that can poison your fish or make them ill.
Appropriate Food for Tropical Fish
If you happen to own tropical fish, then flake food is a good choice because it contains all the essential nutrients in a balanced quantity, and you can serve them in small portions all through the day. This type of food is high in proteins and so should be fed in a controlled amount otherwise it can lead to protein accumulation in the water.
Fish look forward to treats like blood worms and shrimps too so occasionally you can treat them with special food too.
Fish Health
Countless infections, waterborne diseases, viral, parasitic or bacterial illnesses can harm your fish. Symptoms can be observed in their appearance and behaviour. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately:
· Patches that make the fish fuzzy
· Whitish patches
· Paleness
· Swelling
· Sores
· Bleeding
· Fraying tails and fins
· Cloudy or bulging eyes
· Red streaks
· Discoloration
· Bumps
· Discharge
· String like attachments
This is high time for you to contact your vet immediately and take measures to ensure that the fish are restored to full health as soon as possible.
Never consider these precious and exotic fish as low maintenance fish. They require the same and in some cases more care and nurturing than a cat or a dog. You should clear out the debris from the water on a daily basis and contact your vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Live import or Purchase of Exotic Fish
If you buy exotic fish from a pet shop or import from another country, make sure to comply with the laws and regulations. You will be required to register the fish with the Department of the Environment, Australia. Also, you can only import fish that are a part of the list of specimens that have been marked by the government as suitable for live import.