Buying an Aquarium for a Child or Teen in Melbourne Buying an Aquarium for Child or Teen in Melbourne | Page 14

Experts often disagree about the types of fish that are best and worst for beginners. I for
one was surprised to see guppies and goldfish high atop many a best and worst list.
I do agree that guppies which fall under the category of livebearers, fish who − prolifically
− breed live young as opposed to laying eggs aren't a great choice because they are not
that easy to maintain, contrary to popular belief.
For one, their tanks have to maintain a certain degree of salinity (percentage of salt to fresh
water ratio), despite that these are technically freshwater fish. Guppies are also prone to
certain health issues, such as mouth, tail and fin fungus, among others.
Furthermore, when I had them as a kid, they bred profusely, and would eat their young!
While this is considered uncommon, this was not a pleasant experience.
 Pet Fish with Issues
Interestingly, I had a number of goldfish as a kid, who were very mellow and had pleasant
dispositions. The only reason why they didn't last very long was because I kept them in old-
fashioned fish bowls, as I didn’t know any better at the time.
Then when I became an adult, I had some pet goldfish (that I kept in a 20-gallon tank with
the proper equipment) that lived a long time, but for some reason had serious issues.
Otherwise, experts point out that goldfish are the Oscar Madisons of pet fish inasmuch as
they produce a ton of waste, are prone to chew up decorative plants, are gluttons with
terrible "table manners" and are generally slobs.
Goldfish are also prone to grow to enormous lengths, as mine did. When I got Beau and
Sparky, who were being sold as feeder fish at a pet store (for a nickel each), they were tiny.
But Beau grew to be 4.5-inches and Sparky spanned an astounding 6-inches long from tip
to tail. (That's the equivalent to a guard for the New York Knicks in the fish world.)
But I disagree with those who do not think they are good fish for beginners. I feel that the
humble goldfish is a good first pet, as long as they are kept separate from other fish and are
housed in tanks large enough for them to roam freely.
Ultimately, these fish are extremely hardy, easy to care for and (despite my later
experiences, which really are not the norm) generally well behaved.
 Best Pet Fish for Beginners
Once again, there are varied opinions about this among experts. Shirley Sharpe, freshwater
fish expert, suggested, suggested these:
 Barbs (Cherry, Gold, Rosy, Ruby or Purple and Tico)