Which Fish To Pet In Home With Kids

It’s that time of the year when kids are home, and all they need is a bunch of activities. At such times, kids often demand of having pets at home, and why not? What better way to cultivate a sense of responsibility to care for someone else than to get them a pet. Fishes are among those animals which are often preferred as they are less demanding in comparison to bigger animals. However, they surely need attention and care, and it’s better to let kids know about some of the responsibilities involved in petting before bringing them home. Make sure you build their habitat and diet according to their needs in an appropriate size tank, which is well-lit and clean. 

Here are some of the fishes which make an excellent pet for kids:

Clown Fish

This vibrant orange and white fish are loved by kids and adults, thanks to “Finding Nemo.” However, this is a saltwater fish and requires salt as its natural habitat. Therefore, these fishes need a spacious tank of at least 29 gallons of water. Best to imitate their natural habitat is by including rocks and artificial plants that can become their hideouts with low maintenance, as natural plants would require extra care and cleaning. 

Aquatic heaters are generally required to maintain their natural habitat temperature and a few currents to give them a real feel. Water pH quality should also be in check. A proper diet should be provided to achieve optimal health, including frozen food, pellets, flakes, algae, frozen worms, shrimps, squids, spinach, etc.

Kuhli Loaches

Yellow and black striped have small, lean bodies, and thus are active fish species. Principally living in groups in freshwater requires a slow and soft water flow and is relatively hassle-free. Sinking pellets, blood worms, and brine shrimps are the most common options as food, but they can also take in blanched vegetables such as zucchini if given in small bits, as they are mostly omnivores. They eat when the food sinks to the bottom and practically eat anything. 

The best is to have a water tank of 20 gallons so they can live tranquility with other small fishes. Add plants and décor to make hideouts, and a smooth substrate should be used as they keep burrowing. What’s thrilling is that they swim fast and hide and might as well involve kids taking a peek. Regular oxygenation and cleaning of water are reasonably good enough for them. It is best to get rid of unnecessary algae. 

Angel Fish

Angel fish also has a prominent and vibrant body, with a high contrast of black and white with almost a triangular body, which excites kids the most. They can get 6 to 8 inches long in length. They are omnivores, but a little bit of occasional frozen food like daphnia can be a good addition. 

A 20-gallon or more water tank is decent enough. However, an ample room is needed to swim. Make sure to have lots of plants as hideouts in the tank. They occasionally tend to get hostile but can also co-habitat as well. A great variety and quality of dietary, housing, décor, aquatic filtering and cleaning supplies, essentials, and accessories can be found at the Chewy online store, with free shipping and get supplies delivered within 1-3 days.

Dwarf Gourami

Brilliantly gorgeous blue fish with a red-colored lining at the ends of the lower body and tail is so attractive for people of all ages. It is considerably small, can grow as big as 4.5 inches, has gills and fins, and sometimes comes on the water surface to breathe, which can be an exciting sight.

They can live in a 10 to 20-gallon water tank and are easy to handle, able to co-habitat with other species as long as the species is peaceful, and best live in pairs. However, it is better to avoid keeping 2 or more males together as they can fight till death and need low maintenance of habitat conditions. Plants are required as hideouts since they are naturally shy creatures. They typically eat insects, plants, algae, and larvae in freshwater bodies, but in tanks, they can take in flakes, vegetable-made bits, and frozen and dried food as well. 

You can choose any of the above species mentioned above, but make sure to build their habitat closest to the natural one. Regular filtering, cleaning, water temperature, and pH maintenance ensure optimal water health quality needed for the fish to live its best life. Let kids know not to overfeed or pour extra food. Some fishes often come to the surface, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re hungry. Nurture your pets the best you can.