Aquatic animals have an essential role to play in nature as they are a source of food, energy, jobs, pests, and predators, among many other benefits. As aquatic pets, they are fulfilling to the owner who enjoys taking care of them. They are therapeutic, relieve stress, and make life fulfilling.
1. Betta Fish
Betta fish is low maintenance which makes them suitable for an urban setup where space might be limited. Betta is economical compared to other fish pets like the popular goldfish. Betta is colorful and very hardy. The aquarium should have a five-gallon capacity, and Betta fish are fed once per day with Betta fish food. Replace 15 percent of the water every week. Do not add tap water directly to the aquarium. Let the water sit for at least 24 hours.
2. Octopus
An octopus is not a typical pet, but it is gaining popularity. They are exciting and brilliant creatures. There are different octopuses, and you should be conversant with the one you buy as this dictates the care it will need. An octopus lives in an aquarium as an individual. It does not share a tank even with the other octopuses. You can read more here as you invest in an octopus as a pet. An experienced person can help you pick the ideal aquarium, prepare the aquarium and train you on its maintenance.
3. Freshwater Crayfish
To keep water crayfish as a pet, you have to get an aquarium in which it will be alone. They cannot be kept in a community aquarium that has other aquatic pets. There are many species of these interesting crustaceans. Their requirements for habitat differ from one species to the other. It is, therefore, advisable to research before adopting one as a pet. An aquarium tank of five or ten gallons will be adequate unless they’re many. If many, consider a larger tank. Replace the water regularly as crayfish are messy eaters and food hoarders.
4. Fire-Bellied Newt
A fire-bellied newt aquarium should be 70 percent water, and the rest be slanting or sloppy land for the newt to bask in. Newts spend time in the water and still enjoy basking once in a while. You can provide a heat lamp where to bask when out of the water. If it is impossible to have sloppy land in the aquarium, provide a floating cork bark where the newt can rest. Wear gloves as you interact with the newt as they secrete toxin fluids that can irritate the skin.
5. Red-Eared Slider Turtle
Turtles are among the popular aquatic pets and are of many different kinds. They require diverse habitats. The red-eared slider is a semi-aquatic pet and is not very difficult to take care of. However, their aquariums require vigilant maintenance. Water should be frequently changed. The red-eared slider turtle requires a basking area since it is a semi-aquatic tank. Provide a heat lamp where the turtle can bask when not in the water. Be careful when handling the turtles, especially the tiny ones, as they might have germs like salmonella that can cause illness.
6. Dwarf Frog
The dwarf frogs grow to an average of one-and-a-half inches and live up to five years. It is a perfect aquatic pet. The diet of the dwarf frog includes brine shrimp, frozen Mysis shrimp, and bloodworms. They can breathe in and out of the water and can live up to 10 to 15 years. The aquarium’s water quality where the dwarf frog lives should be checked at least every week and changed every two to four weeks. Dwarf frogs can share an aquarium with docile pet fish such as betta.
7. Sea Monkey
Sea Monkey is the term used to market brine shrimp to children from comic book adverts – Brine shrimp are crustaceans, not shrimps. Interesting facts: they swim upside down and breathe through their legs. In addition, females do not need a male to reproduce. They lay eggs that, when dried, can last for many years. This is a remarkable trait that allows them to be sold through mail as the eggs can be sent as a package. To get the shrimp from the eggs, one needs to add water to them. The shrimp will take a week to grow into maturity. Aquatics pets are interesting to keep, and it’s good they do not need much space to have them. The aquariums can fit in a big urban home. The primary attention is on their care as they are sensitive and require close monitoring. Get your favorite aquatic pet in close consultation what a pet professional. You will enjoy the experience.
