When we think of pets found in Australian homes, our first thought probably goes to dogs and cats. But dogs and cats, although great, loving, and intelligent animals, require effort, and our hectic lifestyles may not give us the opportunities to care for them properly. However, your family probably still wants to be surrounded by animals, and in this regard, acquiring fish to keep in an aquarium may be an ideal option. Fish are fascinating animals. On the one hand, let’s face it, they don’t do much, and they’re not exactly the kind of animal you’ll interact with or form a real bond over. On the other hand, they can be a way for you to enjoy the abstract colors of nature, and their beauty could enhance the décor of any room they are placed in.
Fish are animals that do their own thing. They can relax you after a long day at work, they do not need constant interaction, and in the end, they are just happy to be fed and kept safe. However, feeding your fish can be a complicated matter. As a responsible pet owner, you probably want to buy only the best fish food in Australia. However, the fish pellets you can access come in a huge variety, and you may have questions. Therefore, in the next few minutes, we will list what you should look for in your fish food, outline what you need to consider before buying your aquatic friends, and give you some suggestions for fish species ideal for your aquarium.
How to Choose the Perfect Fish?
Pet fish ownership is at an all-time high in Australia, with at least 11% of all households in our country currently owning at least one swimming buddy. Why? For one, because of our lifestyle. Fish need spacious aquariums, treated water, accommodation cycles, filters, and air pumps, as well as special food. And yet, in general, their care is less expensive than for dogs and cats, and the effort on the part of the owners is minimal. Before choosing the fish you will place in your aquarium, you should carry out detailed research to help you avoid possible unpleasant surprises.
You must think carefully about what kind of fish species is right for you. There are tens of thousands of varieties of fish you could choose from. However, only a tiny fraction of them are suitable for Australian aquariums. You will have a choice between saltwater or freshwater fish, carnivorous, omnivorous, or herbivorous species, or between fish that prefer cold or warm water. The fish food you buy will depend on the nutritional needs of your aquatic friends and their feeding preferences. For example, bottom-feeding fish generally feed on the fish pellets that reach the aquarium floor, while for carnivorous fish, the opposite is true.
What Fish Pellets to Choose?
First, you must decide what fish you want to keep in your aquarium. Different species will have different nutritional needs, as well as varying metabolisms. Some species, such as goldfish, are notorious for the immense sizes they can reach, while others will always remain the same as they looked in the tanks of the pet shop. It is important to choose fish pellets that provide your fish with the minerals and vitamins they need. What are these vitamins? For one, the pellets you buy should have added vitamins C and D, which, like in humans, have a positive effect on development and can boost bone health.
Moreover, if you are interested in the best fish food in Australia, you should choose pellets rich in calcium, iron, and omega-3 acids. The nutrition of your fishy friend should be balanced and provide him with the protein intake needed for an active life. High-quality pellets should contain known sources of protein, should present a source of carbohydrates and essential fats, and include small traces of minerals such as zinc or copper, which help in the metabolic process of your aquatic friends. It’s also a good idea to look for brands with experience supplying products to the Australian market. In this respect, you can choose between companies such as Aqua One and Tetra or Spectrum, Sera, Hikari, Blue Planet, and many more.
What Fish Should I Get?
You will need to establish at the outset what level of investment you are willing to make. Freshwater fish are generally recommended for beginners because they are easier to care for, are less sensitive to temperature changes, and can be found at a lower price. However, freshwater fish often do not exhibit the same vibrant colors found in saltwater species. Popular freshwater fish are Corydoras, Tetras, or Cherry barbs, while the most popular salt-water options in Australia are clownfish, gammas, or angelfish. It’s also important to decide whether you want a fish that lives in warm water or one accustomed to cooler temperatures. The metabolism of cold-water fish is lower, and this could result in smaller sizes. Popular warm-water fish species are Guppies and Gouramis, while among the cold-water species, we can find Bitterlings or Minnows.
Last but not least, you must decide whether your fish will be omnivores, carnivores, or herbivores. The last thing you should do is to put carnivorous fish together with the other two categories, as the results will be unpleasant. Popular herbivorous fish species are Rabbit snails and Mollies, while in predatory fish, we can find Bettas and Cichlids. However, most fish are omnivorous, which is probably where you’ll want to start. Tetras or Swordtails are popular options, as are Oscars and Arowanas. The metabolic needs of your fish will dictate the fish pellets you will need to buy and their composition, but usually, food for omnivorous species is cheaper and more abundant.
Invest in Only the Best Options
Purchasing quality fish pellets from reputable brands can be crucial in helping your aquatic friends thrive. The nutritional requirements of fish can differ from species to species, so it is essential to do your homework beforehand and choose the offerings of a brand that has experience in providing high-quality pellets for Australian homes. But why fish? For one, they’re easy to maintain, beautiful to look at, and can boost the interior design of any room they’re placed in. Secondly, fish can sometimes live a long time, are cheaper than other pets found in Australian homes, and their aquariums can be customized to suit your preferences.
Fish are not the most interactive of animals, nor do they benefit from high intelligence. But their presence might give you a little bit of relaxation after a long day at work, and their simplicity might make you appreciate nature’s perfection. Caring for fish might bring you a sense of accomplishment, and their limited required space might be perfect if you live in a cramped apartment. Fishes are excellent for people who can’t have pets due to allergies; watching them can bring you into a state of relaxation synonymous with meditation, and their distinct features could be an opportunity to educate your little ones about the wonders of marine life.
