The Skyliner

Issue date: 3/21/07 Section: Entertainment & Features

Like most universities around the country, North Greenville enforces a set of rules about pets residing on campus. Though The Enlightener states that pets are prohibited, North Greenville is a fish-friendly campus. While one may think fish are only good for eating and are otherwise dull and boring, the 2003 Disney film, Finding Nemo said it well, "Fish are friends, not food."

Though some may say fish are dull, who wouldn't want to swim around and eat all day? Fish are unintelligent, but generally entertaining regardless of the size of their brain. This all goes without mentioning that fish are the most affordable pet one can find. Here are some underwater friends along with some tips for their homes, which are dorm friendly and North Greenville appropriate.

Huge tanks are not allowed in the dorms, therefore, the only options for a pet fish are limited to the smaller ones. Small fish are the only appropriate choice for a smaller tank, which means goldfish are not an option because they grow quickly and require larger aquariums and more food.

Smaller fish are still fun and enjoyable with out all the up-keep. What about a betta fish? These are the most highly recommended for smaller tanks. Bettas are feisty fish, better known for being fighting fish, and the males must live alone. Both males and female bettas are carried in pet stores, but males are more recognizable and popular due to their fuller fins and variety of colors.

For those who like to stand out, another favorite and very distinct fish is the guppy. No two guppies are exactly alike and are known for their beautiful, colorful patterns and ease in a tank. The male guppy has an abnormally large tail fin where the female guppy is much larger than male.

For someone who loves extremely bright colors, the platy fish comes from Central America, and is a great starter tropical fish. These fish are very well adapted to any environment they are placed in. The platy has a variety of different patterns such as the salt and pepper pattern, red wagtail and the tuxedo.

A perk of having a smaller tank for the fish is that it is less of a hassle to clean for a busy college student. Cleaning a tank takes a little less than 10 minutes and consists of pouring out the old water, rinsing out the tank and adding fresh room temperature water. It is important to only use room temperature water as not to shock the fish and to add specific solution to make the water safe for the fish. The water in the tank must be changed at least once a week. If the water appears yellow tinted or the water level starts to drop, change the water as quickly as possible.

Fish are cold-blooded creatures and although they will adapt to whatever the temperature the water may be, keep in mind that after cleaning the bowl and adding new water, the new water should sit until it becomes room temperature. This is so the fish can adjust quicker and are not stressed.

Fish can be neglected more than most pets, but must be cared for. Fish can go without a meal for a day or two, but try not to make it a habit of forgetting to feed it.

Just remember, "Fish are friends, not food."

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