Introduction

According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), 14.2 million U.S. households are freshwater fish hobbyists, making it the third most popular pet among American pet owners (behind cats and dogs). Freshwater fish owners keep an average of 10 fish each, creating ongoing opportunities for sales of fish and the products to keep them healthy. Serving as a trusted source of information about the many different types of freshwater fish also can help your store stand out from the competition.

This pet group does present unique challenges related to water quality, as well as housing, filtration, nutrition, stress factors, and aquarium set up and maintenance. The knowledge you will gain from this chapter will allow you to help your customers avoid or overcome these problems to keep their fish healthier and enjoy them more.

Learning Objectives

After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

• Help customers start a successful freshwater fish aquarium.
• Care for the freshwater fish in your store.
• Communicate basic needs for each species to customers.
• Recommend equipment and necessary items to keep and maintain freshwater fish.

Click on the blue module navigation menu at the top of the page to access a category within the Freshwater Fish chapter.