Fishkeeping
Fishkeeping is the practice of maintaining fish in indoor or outdoor aquariums, a hobby that dates back thousands of years with roots in ancient civilizations. The Sumerians were among the first known fishkeepers, using small ponds primarily for food, while the Egyptians valued fish for their beauty and religious significance. Over time, the hobby evolved, with the Chinese and Japanese contributing to the aesthetic appeal of ornamental fish, particularly goldfish and koi.
The establishment of public aquariums in the 19th century marked a significant development in fishkeeping, leading to a surge in public interest and advancements in aquarium technology. Today, fishkeeping can be both a recreational pursuit and a profitable business, as enthusiasts engage in breeding fish, maintaining aquariums, and creating custom setups.
To successfully keep fish, attention to their health is crucial, with common issues like ich requiring proper management to prevent fatal outcomes. Various trends in aquarium design and fishkeeping practices continue to emerge, highlighting the dynamic nature of the hobby. Whether for fun or profit, fishkeeping remains a popular and rewarding activity for many.
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Fishkeeping
History
Keeping fish in aquariums has been a popular activity for thousands of years. The earliest known fish keepers were the Sumerians, circa 2500 BCE. The Sumerians often kept fish in small ponds as a source of food, as it was much easier to capture fish in a smaller, confined area. Later, the Egyptians collected and kept fish for their aesthetic value, and considered them sacred. The Greek scientist and philosopher Aristotle studied and catalogued more than 120 species of fish, laying the foundation of the science of ichthyology.
Around 950 CE, the Chinese began keeping goldfish, a member of the carp family, in small ponds for aesthetic purposes; only the truly wealthy could afford to have goldfish at that time. Soon, the trend was passed on to the Japanese, who bred the larger koi for display in outdoor ponds. Eventually, goldfish became much more common and available. In the late 1700s, goldfish were shipped to Europe, where they were also popular among the affluent. In the early 1800s, goldfish were sent to the United States, where they were immensely popular. Soon, goldfish became widely available, affordable pets.
The first public human-made aquarium opened in 1853 in Regents Park, in London, England. Other public aquariums were built in Europe during the next few years, and showman P. T. Barnum sponsored the first public aquarium in the United States in 1856.
During the time of early aquariums, aquarium owners did not fully understand the general environmental requirements for marine life, including the importance of filtration and aeration. Because of this lack of attention, aquarium fish did not survive, and many public aquariums were closed down. Enthusiasts began to study aquatic environments more rigorously, and within a few years, great improvements were made to aquarium habitats. The first successful public aquariums opened in the 1870s in Frankfurt, Germany, and Blackpool, England.
Since that time, interest in marine life and the aquarium hobby has flourished around the world. Modern technology has also created new ways of maintaining aquariums, allowing for greater success in keeping live fish in homes and public areas.
Things to Look For
It is important to observe the physical condition of aquarium fish to determine if any diseases are prevalent in the tank. Ich (pronounced "ick"), a common fish parasite, appears as tiny white dots on the fins and scales of the fish. If left untreated, the condition is fatal; however, ich can be easily treated with medication found at any pet store. To avoid ich, it is important to wash any new objects introduced into the tank (such as plants), provide fish with a balanced diet, and check the water quality frequently.
Trends
Trends in aquarium hobby are generally determined by the release of new products relating to tanks or aquarium design. Common trends include unusually shaped tanks, or elaborate aquarium design layouts. Many enthusiasts enjoy utilizing live plants in their aquariums, and some may even grow their own plants. Others focus on creating exclusive tanks for a particular type of fish, such as discus, which require large tanks with brackish water. Creating outdoor garden ponds, in which koi or goldfish are generally kept, is another popular trend.
Aquarium Hobby for Fun vs. Profit
Working with aquariums can be a rewarding hobby, as well as an introduction to the lucrative pet care industry. Some enthusiasts may sell fish (or plants) that have been bred in their tanks. Popular services related to aquarium hobby include aquarium maintenance for businesses and public areas, and creating and selling custom tanks or aquarium accessories. Small pet shops are also a popular business, but may have trouble competing with large chain pet stores.
Learning More
Organizations
American Cichlid Association <https://cichlid.org/>
Boston Aquarium Society <https://www.bostonaquariumsociety.org/>
Fishkeeping World <https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/>
International Betta Congress <https://www.ibcbettas.org/>
Marine Aquarium Societies of North America <https://masna.org/>
Books
Blaisiola, George C. The Saltwater Aquarium Handbook. 3rd ed. Barron’s Educational Series, 2010.
Hargrove, Maddy, and Mic Hargrove. Aquariums for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons, 1999.
Schliewen, Ulrich. Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Fish from A to Z. [Hauppauge]: Barron’s Educational Series, 2005.
Shimek, Ron L. The Coral Reef Aquarium: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Fish. John Wiley & Sons, 1999.
Skomal, David. Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.