shopping list for needed supplies Brackish Water Fish appropriate size aquarium includes the archer, puffer, scats, monos and leaf fish appropriate food, dry and frozen décor water conditioner filter water test kit full spectrum lighting - T5 recommended net thermometer freshwater substrate heater hydrometer airstone air pump book about brackish water fish sources Care Sheet

Ask an associate about Petco’s selection of books In their natural environment, Brackish Water Fish on Brackish Water Fish and the variety of Petco live where freshwater meets saltwater. In your Brand products available for the care and happiness aquarium a mixture of saltwater and freshwater is of your new pet. All Petco Brand products carry a used. Brackish Water Fish are easy to feed and can 100% money-back guarantee. readily adapt to various water conditions.

Because all aquatic life are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as Salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your Brackish Water Fish facts: aquatic life and/or habitat contents to help average adult size: depends on species prevent the potential spread of diseases. average life span: depends on species Pregnant women, children under the age of 5 and diet: omnivore people with weakened immune systems should minimum aquarium size: 20+ gallons, contact their physician before purchasing and/or depending on species caring for aquatic life and should consider not having water temperature: 72-82°F aquatic life as a pet. Go to the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/ for more information salinity level: 1.005-1.015 about aquatic life and disease. Go to petco.com/ caresheet to download other helpful Care Sheets.

This care sheet can cover the needs of other species. See petco.com for more information.

Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please refer to the sources on the following page or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.

Developed with and approved © 2014 Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. by a qualified veterinarian. All rights reserved. (3/2015) Brackish Water Fish Developed with and approved Care Sheet includes the archer, puffer, scats, by a qualified veterinarian. monos and leaf fish

diet housing characteristics compatibility

A well-balanced Brackish • Keep in an appropriate • Archer fish can jump Compatible with similar Water diet consists of: size aquarium; provide out of the water or size Brackish Fish. Can • Live or frozen foods, plenty of plants, rocks spit water to catch be compatible with such as brine shrimp or decor for hiding insects. invertebrates or crusta- or bloodworms. places. ceans. • Brackish puffers are • Flake and dried foods • Stable water quality, similar to saltwater signs of a healthy or vegetable matter. water temperature, puffers in appearance, fish and pH levels are however, most species • Some are scavengers critical to the health are smaller than their • Clear eyes and will eat any of the aquatic life. If saltwater cousins. leftover food or • Healthy appetite you are unsure of your debris. • Scats come in a • Bright, even coloring water quality or pH variety of colors and levels, Petco provides • Clean in appearance feeding patterns. free water testing. Avoid overcrowded • Monos have a very conditions; they are a Things to remember unique diamond major cause of stress when feeding your shaped body. and disease. Maintain Brackish Water Fish: good water quality with • Depending on species, habitat regular water changes feed small amounts up maintenance and adequate filtration. to three times a day, Daily: check filter, water no more than fish will temperature and other eat in 3-5 minutes. equipment. • Thaw frozen food Weekly: check water before feeding. quality at least once a week; check salinity lev- els at least twice a week. Monthly: change 10-25% of the total volume of water every 2-4 weeks, or as needed. Introduce new inhabit- ants to the aquarium gradually.

red flags common health issues

• loss of appetite Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action • spots or fungus on Fin rot Frayed or disintegrating fins; Improve water body or mouth the base of the fins usually quality; consult your reddens. aquatic veterinarian • listlessness for treatment. Marine ich Cysts on fins, gills, and skin; Treat entire aquarium • labored breathing labored breathing, excess with a commercial skin mucus or pale skin. parasite remedy and improve water quality; freshwater dips can dislodge the parasites. If you notice any of these signs, test water quality and improve as necessary.