Aquarium Fish
Aquarium fish are the most popular pet in the United States, where nearly one in eight households has fish as pets — that's 12 million households owning more than 158 million fish.
Florida is the No. 1 producer of aquarium fish and aquatic plants in the United States. Aquarium fish account for more than 44 percent of Florida's total aquaculture sales, representing over $33 million.
Aquatic plants rank second, accounting for more than one-fifth of total sales with $17.5 million.
Each year, total shipments of aquarium fish comprise the highest-value airfreight item departing from Tampa International Airport.
Below is information to help you get started with the enjoyable hobby of aquarium fish.
Aquarium Components | Water Quality | Care and Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
Fun Fish Facts
- Research and experimental evidence indicate fish aquariums lower blood pressure in both hypertensive and normal subjects.
- There is extensive medical evidence indicating that aquariums are a highly effective means of alleviating stress even in difficult situations such as dental surgery.
- Unlike other relaxation techniques, attending to a fish tank is a spontaneously initiated activity. The brain is programmed to attend to water and the movement of fish; therefore, no training or practice is necessary to experience stress reduction.
- Students who are fish owners score the highest on both math and verbal SATs, with a combined score 200 points higher than non-pet owners.
- High-schoolers who keep fish or other pets have an average GPA of 3.5, versus non-pet owners at 3.2.
- Fish keeping began with the Sumerians more than 4,500 years ago.
- The first display aquarium opened in 1853 at Regent's Park in London.
