| Keeping rare tropical fish as pets has become a | | | | It is important not to underestimate the level of |
| topic of debate lately, as the ethical dilemma of | | | | care, as well as the financial investment, that |
| maintaining rare, exotic pets in a home | | | | these types of fish require. While some breeds |
| environment has come under fire from individuals | | | | can withstand changes in water temperature and |
| and animal-rights groups alike. As with any | | | | pH levels, many rare tropical fish are very |
| argument, there are pros and cons to keeping | | | | delicate, and require daily tests of the chemicals, |
| rare tropical fish as pets. Those in favor point out | | | | bacteria, and pH levels of the water. Some |
| that when held in captivity, rare tropical fish are | | | | breeds of fish have special dietary needs, as well. |
| safe from natural predators and able to fully | | | | If you're looking for low maintenance fish that |
| thrive in such a carefully maintained and controlled | | | | require few water changes and only a sprinkle of |
| environment. Those against housing these fish | | | | fish flakes a day, then these fish may not be the |
| argue that they should be kept in their natural | | | | pet for you. Some require live food, and many will |
| habitat, where they will be healthiest and also be | | | | require special supplements in addition to their daily |
| able to breed. Certainly, both arguments have | | | | food intake. All of this should be considered and |
| their merit, so let's dig a little deeper and find out | | | | worked into your budget, and, when budgeting, |
| if there really is any harm in keeping these fish as | | | | the cost of the fish itself should be considered. |
| pets. | | | | Some rare tropical fish can cost upwards of |
| When purchasing rare tropical fish, it is important | | | | $1,000, and may not have a very long lifespan. |
| to first do some research. Some dealers are | | | | Some breeds of these fish only live a few years. |
| licensed to breed these types of fish and maintain | | | | This makes them a temporary investment, at |
| their own aquariums and fish farms for this | | | | best, so make sure you're willing to commit the |
| purpose. Other dealers obtain their rare tropical | | | | time and money necessary to keep your rare |
| fish legally and have the correct paperwork. | | | | fish pets healthy and properly taken care of. |
| Unfortunately, some dealers are not above | | | | Sure, these types of fish are beautiful to watch, |
| obtaining rare tropical fish in an illegal manner, | | | | but are they the right choice for your aquarium? |
| often smuggling them out of countries. These | | | | Only you can decide if the cost and maintenance |
| dealers will not be able to provide the correct | | | | required are worth it. The debate over whether |
| paperwork, and the health of the fish they sell | | | | to keep these fish as pets can be overwhelming, |
| cannot be guaranteed. It is important to ask | | | | but with proper research and a solid knowledge of |
| questions before you purchase any rare tropical | | | | the care they require, you're sure to make the |
| fish in order to ensure that you are supporting a | | | | right decision about whether to keep rare tropical |
| dealer who obtains them in a legal manner. | | | | fish as pets. |