Everyone likes a good fish story, and most everyone realizes that for centuries one fish or another has been a source of enjoyment for mankind, not only as a delicious food item but for a form of recreation as well. This fish story is not about catching the fascinating finned creatures but about the more inert aspect.

There are two major groups of so-called “tropical fish,” saltwater fish and freshwater fish. As this relates to aquariums, it seems that freshwater are the most common of the two, partly because of the low acquisition cost and low maintenance. Why would anyone want to have fish in captivity housed in a transparent container in their home? Well, only those who have owned an aquarium and have experienced first-hand the joy and tranquility these aquatic animals can bring can answer this question. Fish owners I talked to described the beauty and relaxation achieved from this hobby.

There are many kinds of tropical freshwater fish, and they are much less costly than the saltwater variety, I am told. Some of the most common tropical freshwater fish are the swordtail, giant danio, rasboro, lyretail, platyfish, guppy and molie. These fish do not lay eggs; their young are born alive and swimming.

Most tropical fish will eat food made from grains, dried shrimp, raw beef, fish and insects. Unlike goldfish, these tropicals must be kept in inside heated aquariums as a general rule.

There are many advantages of having fish as pets in an aquarium. They don’t make noises, messes or require a lot of attention. They don’t bark or whine. They don’t need shots, and they don’t have to be taken for a walk. Yet, they can provide a lot of enjoyment for anyone who watches them as they dance or gracefully move to and fro.

Anyone can become a proud owner of a 20-, 30- or 40-gallon tank with many of their favorite varieties of fish. Only the hobbyist who owns one has seen the graceful ballets, the glittering rainbow colors, the beautiful decorations and the aquatic organisms living there.

A visit to a local pet store can be rewarding and interesting. There you will see tanks of all sizes. You will also learn that you can buy a 20-gallon tank, heater, filter, fish food, a dip net and water treating chemicals for about $80. All you will then need is some fish of your choice. These can be bought right there in the same store for $1.97 to $15.00 each, depending on the kind and model you choose. Let me point out here that ocean-type saltwater fish cost a lot more than $15.00.

The pet store generally has knowledgeable employees who will give you instructions and advice and are always willing to impart everything they know about tropical fish to help you get started.

The larger 20- to 30-gallon tanks are better than the 10- to 15-gallon tanks. With the larger tanks, the water temperature can be maintained more evenly, which is better for healthier fish. Also, you can have more fish in a larger tank. Some tanks are heated and, some are not. This depends on the size of the tank and where it is kept.

According to an article in “Living in South Carolina” magazine, “medical research in recent years has shown that people who have aquariums and spend time observing the fish, have lower stress levels and, in some cases, have even lowered their blood pressure because of the calming effects of the hobby.”

-- T&D Correspondent Jim Wingard can be reached by e-mail at JWIN1134@aol.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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