Tropical fish

Tropical fish are animals that live in warm aquatic environments across the globe. It is important to note that "tropical fish" is not a formal taxonomic group. In science, a taxonomic group is a specific way to classify living things based on their relationships. Instead, the term is a general description for fish found in these warm waters. This term is most often used by people who keep fish in heated aquariums. Many people enjoy these fish because of their striking and bright appearances. These colors often come from two different types of cells. Some fish have pigmented cells that provide color. Others have iridescent cells, which are cells that shimmer or shine.

Fishkeepers must manage two different types of water environments: freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater tropical fish are the most common choice for aquariums. This is because freshwater is easy to find through sources like tap water. Saltwater environments are more difficult to recreate for a home aquarium. To make saltwater, people must add sea salt to fresh water. This process requires constant monitoring of the salinity, or the salt concentration. This is necessary because water evaporates over time. When water evaporates, the salt stays behind and the concentration changes. Freshwater tanks are simpler to maintain because you can just top them up with fresh water.

There are several ways that tropical fish enter the aquarium hobby. Many fish are wild-caught specimens taken directly from their natural homes. Others are born in captivity through controlled breeding. Some fish are even hybrids, which are offspring resulting from two different species. In captivity, humans have selectively bred certain lines for special physical features. This might include fish with very long fins or specific colors like albino. Many freshwater species are produced on a large scale by fish farms. These farms are often located in Asia and Florida. The warm climates in these regions make commercial production more viable. This mass production allows many fish to be sold at an inexpensive price.

Freshwater fish are generally the most popular group for hobbyists. They are often easy to keep and cost very little money. However, some species remain more expensive because they are difficult to breed in captivity. These specific fish must still be sourced from the wild. Among the most expensive freshwater species are arowanas and flowerhorn cichlids. Interestingly, some male flowerhorn cichlids are actually sterile. This happens because of many different cross-breedings between species.

Marine fish, or saltwater tropical fish, offer a different experience for aquarists. Most marine fish are currently sourced from the wild. This is because only a few marine species can be bred in captivity with any regularity. Because they are harder to keep alive, marine fish are often less popular than freshwater fish. However, they are still very popular due to their vivid colors and patterns. They also display unique behaviors that attract many observers. The popularity of marine fish is gradually rising. This growth is due to better filtration technology and more knowledge about their care. More species are also becoming available through aquarium breeding.

Many marine tropical fish live in close relation to coral reefs. These reefs are complex ecosystems that support tremendous biodiversity. In a healthy reef, hundreds of different species can exist in a very small area. Many of these fish have developed ingenious specializations to survive. Some use camouflage to hide within the reef structures. Other fish are highly visible and stand out among the ocean inhabitants. Recreational scuba divers often keep lists of the many fish species they observe while diving in these tropical environments.

Coral reefs are incredibly important to the health of the ocean. Although they occupy less than 1% of the surface area of the world's oceans, they are vital. These small areas provide a home for 25% of all marine fish species. This is a sharp contrast to the open water habitats. The open water makes up the other 99% of the world's oceans. Unfortunately, these essential habitats are currently facing many threats. Loss and degradation of coral reef habitats are major concerns. Increasing pollution and overfishing also put these systems at risk. Some fishing involves destructive practices that damage the reef itself. These factors threaten the survival of both the reefs and the fish that rely on them.