It can be easy to think you know everything about fish, but you would be surprised to know the truth behind some of the myths. This guide explores five common fishkeeping myths you should know.
Myth 1: You will not need to buy a bigger tank for one fish
Many people believe that fish do not grow much. So, they think that there is no need to buy a bigger tank. These thoughts are not true. As fish grow, they take up more space in the tank. While the size of the tank remains the same, less space for the fish actually stunts their growth. Stunted growth is not healthy and can lead the fish to a premature death. Also, with less available space, it is easier for the water to become contaminated. In order for your fish to feel comfortable and stay healthy, you will need to buy a bigger tank.
Myth 2: It does not matter how many fish are in your tank
The number of fish in a tank matters for safety and health reasons. No matter how small a fish is, the size of the space taken up by a school of fish adds up. The more space a school of fish takes up, the greater the risk of water contamination. Also, more fish could mean more injuries if they bump into each other due to overcrowding.
Myth 3: Fish do not feel pain
While fish do not feel pain quite as easily as humans, they still experience the feeling. You can tell when fish are in pain when they rub their bodies against the tank and beat their gills really fast. Some things that hurt fish include harmful chemicals, scars from other fish, and infections. When your fish is in pain, you should take care of your critter’s ailment as soon as possible. When you notice other fish attacking the fish with scars, you should remove the hurt fish from the tank. To rule out chemical issues in the water, do a chemical test. If your fish is sick, antibiotics will help.
Myth 4: Fish are stupid
Since fish do not talk and tend to swim in circles, people think they are stupid. However, this is not true. Just as we talk to one another, fish can communicate with each other in their own unique way. Fish can make sounds and hear each other’s echoes.
Myth 5: It is safe to leave freshwater out before you dechlorinate your fish
While it is true that chlorine can dissipate from freshwater, it is not entirely safe to trust this method. This is because, when water is left out, it changes temperature. Fish have a hard time adapting to temperature changes. Also, heavy metals can still harm fish. So, it is important to buy a high-quality dechlorinator.
There you have it! This was the truth behind five common fishkeeping myths you should know. Fish deserve happy and healthy lives, just like you do.
