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11 Freshwater Fish That Will Beautify Your Home Aquarium
If you love nature and all its creations, then you certainly will have had a thought or two about having an aquarium. Fish make great pets even for beginners because they are resilient and can withstand a harsh environment. They do not require vigilant care, and mostly, they get along with other fish as well. The right choice of fish will fit into a small tank and add life to your room in a snap. Of course, depending on the sizes and types of fish, the requirements for the aquarium (its temperature and size, for example) may vary. Read this article to get a fair idea about the best fish for your aquarium and how you can take care of them.
11 Best Fish for Home Aquariums That Are Easy to Take Care of
Beginners and experienced fish-keepers alike would love to have colourful fish in their aquarium. Mentioned below are some types of fishes suitable for a home aquarium:
1. Danios
This fish is a hardy freshwater fish that can be owned by beginners. Because of their resilience, they are perfect for people with little time or have no experience in setting up a tank. These fish can survive a range of water conditions. They are super fun to watch and are generally quite active. They survive well on fish flakes. Zebra and Giant Danio are good varieties to start with.
2. Guppy
The guppy is one of the most colourful freshwater fish that you can lay your hands on. They can be found in a spectrum of colours. The important thing to remember about guppies is that they breed rapidly. If you have a small tank with both male and female fish, you may soon find yourself running out of space. Guppies feed on fish flakes but also enjoy frozen shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Guppies can, however, go for days without food and hence, are easy to take care of.
3. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
This is a very tiny fish and will fit right in if you have a small beginner’s tank. It is also very low-maintenance and is not demanding in any way. The Mountain Minnow is docile and does not attack the young ones in the tank. The minnow, however, does prefer to swim in a school. So, you might have to get a few of them together so that they are happy. They survive well in cold water and consume fish flakes.
4. Betta
The betta is not exactly a beginner’s fish due to its aggressive nature (It is also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish). You should know, however, that the betta is aggressive only towards other betta. It is safe then, to have a single fish in your tank. It is a stunning fish with long and colourful fins. The betta is uncomplicated as far as care is concerned. They eat any food like bloodworms, fish flakes, and brine shrimp. Live food is also something that the betta would look forward to. Be aware that if you have any other fish that nips, the betta could be in danger because of its long fins.
5. Cory Catfish
The cory catfish lives in peace and dwells harmoniously with any other fish. You have almost up to 150 species of cory you can choose from. They are aggressive eaters and help to keep the tank clean. They eat algae and vegetative matter at the bottom of the tank. They also eat insect larvae, fish flakes, and bloodworms. The cory catfish has a lifespan of about 20 years and loves to be in groups of 3-4 at least.
6. Dwarf Gourami
The dwarf gourami can exist in tanks that have an oxygen deficit. They come to the surface to breathe. It is a peaceful species which can dwell well with other species of fish. Any floating food works well with the gourami. The male of the species is always brighter.
7. Cherry Barb
This is a tiny and peaceful fish that will feel at home in your beginner’s tank, just as soon as they settle into space. You might want to get a few because they swim in a school. The male is brightly coloured. They are simple to maintain and feed. Keep live plants to entertain your cherry barb.
8. Black Molly
The black molly is the most beautiful fish you can have in a tank. Its deep black has an alluring feel to it. The fish can be moved from one tank to another and yet feel at home. However, be cautious when they breed because mollies tend to eat their young.
9. Bristlenose Catfish
This is a slightly larger fish and can reach 15cm in length. It is a low-maintenance, yet interesting looking fish. The fish will also help keep the tank clean by eating algae and epibioses. Due to its size, you may want a slightly large tank to give it room to play.
10. Kuhli Loach
This is an eel-like fish which adapts to water change very effortlessly. They are bottom feeders who eat spare food that has dropped to the tank’s bottom. They get along well with other small fish.
11. African Cichlids
This species includes beautiful fish like the peacock cichlids, zebra cichlids, and the yellow cichlids. They are hardy fish but are also prolific breeders. They can also be a bit aggressive. They require a tank size of 20 gallons to settle well.
Tips to Choose Fish for Home Aquarium
Here are a few pointers when you go shopping for fish:
Make sure to avoid the male and female of the same species or you might just end up becoming a breeder.
Do not pick fish that are hostile towards their juvenile.
Buy the right-sized tank to ensure that your fish are comfortable and have enough space.
Make sure that you pick fish that are active and swimming well.
Understand the water conditions that different fish require. Do not mix fish that thrive in cold water with fish that need warm water.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions regarding aquarium fish are listed below:
1. What Type of Fish Can Live Well Together in a Tank?
Most of the species that we have mentioned, like gourami, danios, cory catfish, mollies, and loaches can live in harmony in a tank.
2. How Many Fish Can I Have in an Aquarium?
The thumb rule to determine the number of fish that your tank may safely hold is the famous 'fish per gallon' rule. Classically, a well-maintained tank should handle one inch of fish for every gallon of water. This converts to a gram of fish in every four litres of water.
Although maintaining fish is much easier than having a dog or a cat as a pet, it still requires diligence and some hard work. Picking up the right tank and equipment is crucial to successfully keep fish thriving. If you intend to lay gravel, rinse it before adding it to your tank. Put in a mix of live and fake plants to keep the interest of the fish. Change the water in the tank every week or bi-weekly to ensure that your fish do not fall ill. Although the thought of having an aquarium can be pleasing, make sure you are ready to put in the required work for the sake of your brightly-coloured aquatic friends.
Also Read:
Effective Tips on How to Clean Fish Tank
List of Low Maintenance Pets
Effective Ways for Maintaining Your Vacuum Cleaner Read more
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Your Baby This Week : 6 Month Week 3 Old
Your baby can now roll over from stomach to back and vice-versa. This can be even when he’s sleeping. However, back sleeping is still the optimal position. When your baby can sit-up independently, he is ready to start bathing in the big tub. Here are a few guidelines to make bath time safe. Supervise your child at all times during a bath. A robust and water proof bath seat or bath ring with suction cups on the bottom can help keep your baby at a manageable position but it doesn’t guarantee his safety. Do not leave your children unsupervised at any time. Keep the water temperature between 96 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Soap, shampoo, and bubble bath can irritate your child’s skin during a long soak (and a bubble bath can irritate the urethra, leading to urinary tract infections), so use them sparingly.
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Authoritarian Parenting - How It Effects You & Your Child
When a child is born, he does not understand how he should behave. Discipline and manners are unfamiliar terms to him. It is the right parenting and upbringing that shapes the character of a child. The type of parenting plays a vital role and being an authoritarian parent can affect your kid in a variety of ways.
What is Authoritarian Style of Parenting?
Also termed as autocratic parenting, this turns a family into more of a ruling empire where kids need to adhere to the wishes of the parent. Authoritarian parents demand a lot from their kids and make their high expectations clear. But that is rarely complemented with support, guidance, or feedback and instead met with constant disapproval or negative comments about the child’s behaviour.
What Are the Characteristics of Authoritarian Parents?
Here are some of the characteristics that authoritarian parents exhibit.
1. Adhering to the Rules and Expectations in the Strict Manner
Such parents want their kids to grow exactly the way they want. Asking questions is termed as an aberration and devaluing the authority of the parent. Such parents believe that only they know the right way to raise their child and the child has no say in the matter. Any enjoyment and fun are unwelcome and life becomes similar to living under a dictatorial regime where anything the parents say is no different from an order.
2. Delivering Punishment for Mistakes or Breaking of Rules
Any mistake that is committed or any boundary that is crossed results in the child being punished severely. The child is not allowed to voice his side of the argument since that is considered irrelevant by the parents. The result is all that matters, and a child is punished if he commits any mistake.
3. Not Responding to a Child’s Questions or Requests
The only thing a child is supposed to do is adhere to what’s asked of him and expected of him, without fail. Any other conversations are deemed irrelevant and are not met with an acknowledgement. Even when the child successfully manages to adhere to all the expectations, the feedback would still be of expecting a lot more the next time, without any praise or acknowledgement of the present achievement.
4. Emotionally Disconnected from a Child’s Core Love
Authoritarian parents view raising a child in the same way as a ringmaster would view taming a wild animal. There is no emotional attachment of any sorts and all that parents focus on is making sure that the child listens to their orders and becomes successful. The lack of expressing any emotions or forming deep bonds of trust and care are thrown out of the window. The emotional needs are ignored and the behaviour is controlled by the promise of love that is rarely shown.
5. The Absence of Any Semblance of Choice or Voice of the Child
There are no avenues given for the children in exercising their opinion or choice, even in as simple matters as choosing which toy they would like, or what they would like to eat. Parents look down upon the child as an inferior entity who is yet to match up to a level they have established for him. The child is simply supposed to tag along and fall in line with whatever is asked of him or presented to him.
Effects of Authoritarian Parenting on Kids
The authoritarian style of parenting affects kids in different ways. It can impact them mentally, emotionally, and socially. Know in detail the impact of authoritarian parenting on kids:
Existential Effects
Most children who grow up under the authoritarian style of parenting suffer from low self-esteem and inferiority issues. Since their opinions are never valued or acknowledged at home, they begin to feel that the same applies to the outside world, too.
The transactional nature of the authoritarian style of parenting is where their worth is acknowledged only when they have satisfied some expectations or behaved in a certain manner. When the kids fail to do so, it begins to reflect on themselves that they possibly are not good enough and will result in a manic need to be perfect.
If someone tries showing them affection or tries to be a friend to them, they will constantly feel that these people have a hidden agenda and expect something out of me. This will cause them to not make relationships easily or place a value tag on each relationship.
Since authoritarian parents disable the possibility of choice and opinions early in life, such kids fail to recognize their own needs or gut feelings of what they want to do or what they like. Exercising their own will or listening to that inner voice is a phenomenon rarely known by such kids.
They do not understand how to take responsibility in their own hands and lead it successfully. Such kids end up loving the hierarchical authority based institutions and systems, where following orders strictly satisfies them and they feel they will be safe and accepted.
Such acceptance of authoritarian systems leads to kids become submissive in nature. They will fear trying out new things or experiment with newer techniques, and instead, prefer to remain in the comfort zone of rigidity and rules.
Mental Effects
Since their behaviour is either rewarded or punished, most kids grow up believing in a black and white nature of the world. They fail to see the complexities and confusion present in nature and in people.
Due to a narrow outlook towards life, such kids rarely have their own thought processes or philosophies of living their lives. They simply stick to what they have been taught and resort to living life traditionally without making space for any new views and opinions to exist.
Emotional Effects
Since showing any strong emotions has met with dire consequences, such kids exist in denial and bottle up their feelings inside without displaying them. They tend to present a trouble-free emotionally dead superficial personality.
Being taught that having such emotions is a bad thing, they begin viewing themselves as an evil person and might unleash their frustrations outwards in anger, or implode inwards and result in depression.
This causes problems in building emotionally intimate relationships later in life since they view everything as a transaction and having a hidden plan.
These kids are constantly worried about their own behaviour and live in a perpetual stress of being correct all the time. They feel like an invisible eye is watching their every move and are extremely critical of themselves.
This extreme self-criticism then begins to manifest within themselves as shame and guilt. If they do end up being punished, they concur that they are inherently bad and there is no saving grace.
Social Effects
Kids with authoritarian parenting fail to develop good friendships or long-lasting intimate relationships. They view everything based on value and what they can get from the other person.
They begin to view power, and especially physical power, as the ultimate tool of success. Display of power over the weak helps them feel good about themselves.
They thrive in hierarchical behaviour and try to emulate it within their own families since that is the only way they know how to function in a social context.
On the opposite spectrum, such kids might find breaking the norm as an excitement and find themselves to be attached with antisocial elements who buck the norm and live their lives by disrespecting any kind of authority.
These kids consequently end up having a higher chance of being susceptible to drug abuse and being involved in juvenile crimes.
How Does it Affect the Parents?
Most parents act and behave in the same way as their own parents behaved with them. It is a vicious cycle that keeps passing down from generation to generation. In certain cases, certain kids may grow up realize how bad such a parenting style is, and instead, raise their own kids the right way.
Authoritative Vs Authoritarian Parenting Style
They might sound the same but are extremely different from each other. Authoritarian parents make use of strict rules and break down the very individuality of the child in an effort to raise him up.
Authoritative parents are strict as well but they complement it with true love. Their rules and expectations are not rigid and are flexible to suit the child’s behaviour. Even when they know they are right, they will still allow the child to voice his side of the argument and then explain why it isn’t correct. Punishment is administered but in a way that teaches the child rather than making them suffer for it.
Is Authoritarian Discipline the Best Way to Raise Children?
A large number of studies disagree with this style of parenting. Although parents subjectively might feel their kid be growing up the right way, in a wider social context and a longer individual one, the kid ends up being disturbed and results in problems later in life.
Tips to Change Your Style of Parenting
Authoritarian parenting style does no good for children. Kids end up being sad and afraid. Hence, parents should adopt a parenting style by which kids feel secure and not afraid to share any problem. If you follow the authoritarian style of parenting, here are some tips to change your style of parenting and raise your kids with love.
Don’t immediately become a loving parent right from day one. Your child will be caught unaware and distrust you further. Bring about the change gradually.
Be patient with your child when he makes a mistake. If you see your own anger rising, take a break and come back to the matter at hand later.
Start listening to your child. Encourage him to talk to you slowly. He might not be used to it and will take some time to be able to tell you things and trust you with them.
Let your child make mistakes. Instead of making him feel guilty, ask him why he thinks the mistake happened. Work with him in letting him learn how to avoid it from happening again. Give him a hug and let him know you trust him.
Don’t be a serious parent. Keep a balance of firmness along with friendliness for your child. More of a figure that guides and has fun along as well.
Parenting kids the right way is no doubt a challenge, and kids do need to be disciplined from time to time. But doing that in the right way is a lot more important than just getting it done. Children grow up just the way their parents shape them to be, and with the right parenting, they will end up making you proud and they, too, will be proud to have parents like you.
Also Read: Permissive Parenting Read more
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Every child deserves a basic respect
Mom,dad.No comparison please !!
We live in a world where everyone is in constant competition with each other and with oneself. In this race of proving ourselves better than others, most of whom don't even have any significant place in our lives, we often don't realize that unknowingly we are pushing our kids beyond limits in name of making their future.
Gone were the days when festivals and social gatherings were actually meant to meet friends & relatives. Now these are mere ways to show our status and luxurious life style, most of the time if not always. And unfortunately our children are also becoming our status symbol, a trophy with which we can boast in front of others. My daughter is a fantastic singer, my son won a trophy last week etc etc. Little do we realise that our kids have an individual identity. Their interest might not match with our expectations.The worst part of this is comparison of children,might be among siblings, classmates, neighbours , relatives etc and most of the time irrespective of their age, their interests, their performance in various fields apart from academics. This has been traditionally considered as a mean of motivating the child to do better but most of the time it affects the child adversely, making them feel inferior, incompetent and leads to low self esteem.
Merely because we brought our kids in this world never means we own them. Every child has the ability to do well, in a field of his/her choice. Our responsibility is to identify that talent and allow them to grow, & at the same time protecting them from the negative influences. But instead we force our unfulfilled dreams on them. When asked most of us reply that we are providing the best of facilities to our kids, which we couldn't even imagine during our childhood. But this doesn't give us a certificate to do whatever we wish to. It is perfectly okay to be busy with our job and career, paying bills is equally important. But nothing can replace those few moments, as little as an hour which you spend with your kid, discussing their fears and inhibitions, showing your trust in their dreams and assuring them that they will always find their parents by their side whatever the circumstances might be. It is so disheartening to read about adolescent depression and young kids committing suicide, but just assuming that it can never happen to our children is nothing else but negligence. It's of utmost importance to make them understand that nothing is end of life however bad it might appear to be. Only condition is to keep putting efforts and that they always have the helping hands of their parents with them.
It's high time when we should understand, accept and respect the unique identity of our children. One shoe doesn't fit all so what was correct during our childhood and with one kid might not go the same way for other. Be the support system of your child, appreciate the good and correct or modify the bad without hurting their self esteem. Because however young or old your child might be, he or she deserves a basic respect. Read more
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Our path to Ellahood - My story of pregnancy and childbirth
After a job in the Maldives, I wanted to get back home to my husband and start a family of our own. Yes, it was a huge decision, giving up a job, taking up a full-time parenthood position. We got to know we will have a baby on the day of our anniversary, which was the most special gift we could have asked for! That evening we flew to Dubai for our anniversary trip!
Me and my husband love travelling and the first thing we decided was where to go for our babymoon. And how the journey should be, the change of routine, food, sleep schedule, all of that. By January 2020, started my vomiting and aversions to all my favourite food, including fish. I am a person who can't live without fish on a normal given day. The morning sickness just kept getting worse by the days! I was not sure about my feelings then.
Come March and we enter a total lockdown and the fear of the pandemic hit us hard. Everything uncertain. Having a tiny life grow inside with such uncertainties around was a challenge of its own! With that went all our plans and in my journey to motherhood the most important thing I learnt was that life will have its own course our plans will not work all the time and we just got to live with that!
We embraced that as the new normal of life, all my scans, doctors visits became solo. My friends couldn't come visiting, my parents couldn't be with their daughter at this time! But amidst all these chaos the tiny kicks I was feeling inside my tummy was the best feeling beyond what words can express! Friends who lived in the same city started sending in surprises in the form of food, all that I was feeling like eating in those craving days! Such a blessing that was!
My husband has been a true partner in my pregnancy! He was working from home, cooking food, cleaning the house, helping me with my daily chores, doing my pedicures, waxing and even a haircut! He has been the only person around through the entire 9 months with me! We decided on the name of our daughter (well I wanted a girl always), I started telling stories to the tiny human dancing inside!
With a low-lying placenta and the situation, I couldn't do my walks everyday and was getting worried about my delivery! Luckily my parents took the first train in the unlock 1 phase and came over to Bangalore. I had 2 virtual baby showers and got to dress up for them both! It was a bumpy ride till the last check up where doctor said due a liver condition in me, the baby might poop inside and we need to operate ASAP!
We had to shift house and get admitted to the hospital in 3 days! My husband and dad did the entire shifting on their own and on the final shifting day my brothers came to help as well! We went to the hospital at 6 in the morning and at 10 am my lil Princess was in my arms!
It was happiness unbound! Ella arrived safe and happy! My pink bundle of joy was healthy and hearty! I cried tears of happiness for the first time in my life! I had the best doctor and the whole procedure took around 40 mins. I was in my room holding this unbelievable happiness in my arms!
I am ever grateful to God for such amazing people in my life! The best parents, an amazing husband, friends who are more like family!
And with that starts our journey on an absolute new and fun path called parenthood! Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
4 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. 5-6 months ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
27 mins ago
Q. Hi.. Priyanka kalra doctor..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
26 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is quite difficult to say anything about it without personally examination and proper reports evaluation. So better to consult with your treating gynaecologist in person as she knew the exact health condition of your pregnancy and can guide you better.
Take care
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