Freshwater

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Part II: Fish and How to Care for Them
When your aquarium setup is complete, make
sure that you match your fish to it. Using this
chapter as a rough guide gives you a good head
start. When in doubt about an unfamiliar
species, check with your local fish shop owner
because some friendly fish have been known to
go bad and vice versa. It is better to be prepared
with knowledge than face instant disaster.
Understanding setups
Florida blue crayfish (Procambaris alleni)
The Florida Blue Crayfish is a beautiful combination of blue and gray that can
live in temperatures as low as 50 degrees F. These are best kept in a species
tank so they don’t have to worry about being eaten, and you don’t have to
worry about them eating other inhabitants. Crayfish are vulnerable when
molting.
Crayfish are good climbers, so make sure you aquarium has a good lid.
Captive-Bred Species
So much of the road that leads to becoming an
expert fishkeeper is dependent upon practical
experience as well as knowledge. Sometimes
when trying to choose compatible species, you
have to experiment a little to see what works
best for you and your individual setup. The size
of your tank, the number of fish it contains, and
the types of decorations in it can all have an
affect on how well your tankmates get along.
People tend to think that oceans, rivers, and lakes are an endless realm overflowing
with aquatic animal life. But as an ecologically concerned fishkeeper,
you must remember that only a small percentage of the world’s waters contain
the fish that you put into your aquarium. Each year, fish populations
decline due to overfishing, the curio trade, and other human interventions,
such as pollution and introduction of non-native fish into areas that are
altered by their presence. Be it freshwater, brackish, or marine, the problem
exists and is worth mentioning.
Often fish dealers offer both captive-bred species (fish or other aquatic animals
that have been raised in hatcheries for the aquarium trade) and animals
that have been caught in the wild. By purchasing captive-bred fish, you can
help slow down the elimination of wild species. Most freshwater fish are now
commercially bred to one extent or another and are usually less expensive
than those caught in the wild.