The way fish communicate is less obvious to us than for a dog or a cat. Moreover, the fact that they do not have the same way of life as us (in the water and not in the air) imposes on us a subtle adaptation, not always obvious to access.
Fish are resistant animals, they are not more fragile than others, but they require more caution in relation to the variations of their environment.
Beware also of shortcuts. No, fish are not happy just because they swim, eat and reproduce. Many species, including humans, can survive in disastrous conditions without necessarily getting sick or dying immediately.
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How do you know if your fish is happy?
Your fish can’t express itself, that’s why you have to be extra vigilant. Observe well its color (it should not fade), its way of swimming. It is normal that your fish is less lively in summer when it is very hot, or in winter when it is cold. Outside these heat peaks, keep an eye on how alert he is.
How to make your fish happy?
Which aquarium should I choose for my goldfish?
The minimum for a young goldfish (2 inches) is an aquarium of 80-100 liters. The size of the aquarium will have to grow with the size of your fish. A healthy fish can reach 10-13 inches, even 16 inches for some specimens.
You should also think about aerating and filtering the water in the aquarium. Install a filtration system, so the aquarium will be cleaner and your fish will live better. In captivity, a goldfish can live up to 20 years.
Your fish is a social animal
Although they don’t express themselves like a dog or cat, goldfish are sociable animals. Accustomed to living in groups or at least in pairs, it will be more fulfilled if you find a companion for it. But there is no question of doing things any old way.
It is best to find a fish of the same species. Before introducing a new fish into the aquarium, put it in a tank with the same water first to make sure it reacts well to its new environment. You can also use an anti-parasite medication if you are concerned that it will bring parasites to your first fish.
How can you tell if a fish is healthy?
Although aquarium fish are unlikely to get sick if they are well cared for, it is possible for them to become sick. Care must be taken to prevent the spread of disease to all fish in an aquarium.
The key to prevention is a daily assessment of the health of the fish based on their physical appearance and by monitoring certain indicators.
This is a good way to prevent problems from occurring, and it can help control aspects that could affect the health of the fish.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- Fins should be in good alignment and scales in good condition; there should be no red spots on them;
- The inside of the gills should be red; the gills should not be discolored, distended or swollen;
- The eye must be clear and not vitreous;
- As a general rule, fish should consume food and swim actively. However, some species, having a more shy nature, tend to isolate themselves; this does not mean that the individuals of this species are sick;
- The presence of whitish growths, white spots (the size of a grain of salt), holes, ulcers or protuberances are signs of disease;
- For species with translucent bodies, there should be no white parts;
- Torn or damaged body parts may mean that there has been a fight and territorial dispute.
Prompt recognition and diagnosis of any observable abnormal physical signs allows for timely treatment, which improves the chances of successful treatment. By spotting such signs, it is possible to isolate a sick fish before the disease spreads to all the fish.