7 Reasons Fish Are Fantastic Pets

From their low maintenance requirements to their positive impact on human mental health, fish are fantastic pets.

Aug 27, 2023By Natasha Elder
reasons fish are fantastic pets

Are you on the fence about getting a fish? Looking for reasons why an aquatic animal is the right animal for you? Fish are fantastic pets for numerous reasons, and this blog post will fill you in on just seven of them.

1. Fish Are Less Demanding Than Other Animals

red blue betta fish tank
Image credit: Huy Phan on Unsplash

One of the biggest reasons why fish are one of the most popular pets out there is because, compared to other animals, they have a smaller list of demands that owners need to meet. Sure, not every fish is a beginner-friendly breed, and several breeds require specialized setups and extremely knowledgeable owners, but generally, fish are easy to keep and care for.

For example, you do not need to groom fish or take them for a daily walk. You won’t need to brush their teeth or help them shed their coat. Forget twice a day, some fish don’t even require daily feeding. In some respects, keeping fish can be more expensive than other pets (especially when you factor in the costs of setting up an aquarium), but typically, fish is an affordable animal to keep.

2. There Are Plenty of Fish in The Sea

blue betta fish siamese fighter fish beautiful
Image credit: Kyaw Tun on Unsplash

As is the case with dogs, cats, birds, and other common pets, there are loads of different fish breeds for you to choose from. Fish come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. And because one single aquarium can contain several different breeds, it’s possible to keep all kinds of fish at once.

Are you attracted to bold, vibrant fish with ornate fins and tails? Or would you prefer tiny fish that boast stripes of striking coloration? Is a simple goldfish or guppy all you’re after? No matter what your preference, there’s a fish out there for you.

3. Fish And Their Tanks Are Aesthetically Pleasing

flowerhorn fish bowl bubbles
Image credit: kazuend on Unsplash

A clean aquarium is a beauty to behold. Crystal clear water, luscious green plants gently swaying from side to side, eye-catching corals, and glimpses of unique exotic fish create a visually appealing environment.

From beautiful bettas to gorgeous guppies, fish are far from eyesores. Aquariums can be further enhanced with decorations and accessories, making them a source of enjoyment for those who love to decorate.

4. Keeping Fish is Clean

pink grey fish blue background
Image credit: Matt Bero on Unsplash

Another bonus that comes with choosing fish as pets is one that most people don’t consider: the cleanliness aspect. With fish, you need to worry about keeping the water clean and well balanced and, well, that’s about it. You don’t need to worry about your pet fish dragging mud through the house or getting ticks matted in its fur.

In addition, fish won’t shed or leave behind any drool, slobber, accidental ‘happy to see you’ wees, or other bodily fluids. If you like to keep a clean home, this is just another one of the many reasons why fish are fantastic pets. This also makes them great pet options for people with allergies.

5. Silence is Golden, and So Are Fish

black orange fish tank bubbles
Image credit: Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash

Another factor that simply cannot be overlooked when it comes to keeping fish as a pet is the noise factor. Fish are remarkably quiet pets, and even when you’ve got all the bells, pumps, and whistles going, there will hardly be any noise generated. Some people find the gentle bubbling noise has a white noise effect on them, and creates an air of tranquillity in their homes.

Sure, you get quiet dog breeds – but dogs are biologically programmed to bark or growl or yelp in response to specific situations. One thing is for certain, you will never get a complaint from your neighbor that your fish makes too much noise while you’re at work! And the risk of a fish waking up a sleeping baby is non-existent.

6. Fish Can Improve Mental Health

orange koi fish tannins natural tank
Image credit: Ricky Davis on Unsplash

Believe it or not, fish can have a positive influence on your mental health and overall well-being. Scientifically proven to have a calming effect, observing fish can improve moods, increase relaxation, and decrease anxiety.

In addition to being beneficial pets for those who struggle with their mental health, fish are perfect companions for individuals facing physical difficulties or mobility issues who may find it challenging to care for more demanding animals like dogs.

7. Fish Are Fascinating to Watch and Learn From

lion fish lionfish stripes tank
Image credit: Michael Jin on Unsplash

And finally, one of the best aspects of keeping fish as pets is the opportunity to observe their behavior and learn from their unique underwater world. Fish exhibit fascinating behaviors, from graceful swimming patterns to intricate mating rituals, and watching them can teach us a lot. This makes them great pets for kids and adults alike.

Watching them explore their environment and interact with each other can be a source of endless education and entertainment. Additionally, maintaining an aquarium requires learning about water chemistry, filtration systems, and the delicate balance of creating a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Owning fish provides an educational experience that can deepen your understanding of marine life and ecosystems while fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Natasha Elder
By Natasha Elder

Natasha is a mother, a wife, a writer, and a serial cat owner. Though she is currently in mourning, her heart not ready for another feline family member just yet, she has always lived life with four paws beside her. She loves – you guessed it – cats, as well as creatures of the fluffy, scaly, and finned variety. Natasha longs to meet Sir David Attenborough one day and is passionate about responsible pet ownership