Have you ever heard that goldfish have a three-second memory? Turns out, that is completely false! Findings have discovered goldfish can actually learn and retain information and may have a memory that spans over years.  This is just one of many myths floating around about fish that have been debunked!

Before diving into an exciting virtual field trip that explores marine life, it’s important to clear up some of these misconceptions. By learning to separate fish facts from fiction, you’ll approach marine biology with curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for aquatic ecosystems.

Fishy Friends with Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Students fascinated by marine animals should register for Fishy Friends, a K12 virtual field trip with Clearwater Marine Aquarium on February 19. Join us and CMA for a fin-tastic virtual field trip and discover the exciting world of ocean life!

Now, let’s dive in and debunk some of the most common fish myths.

Myth 1: Catfish are Aggressive

It’s quite common to believe that catfish are aggressive and territorial, but that is not always the case. While some species, like the redtail catfish, can be territorial, most catfish are peaceful bottom dwellers.

Different types of catfish have different temperaments. For instance:

Corydoras catfish are small and known for their gentle nature. They do well in community tanks with other species that have peaceful temperaments.

Plecos or suckerfish, can be semi-aggressive if they don’t have enough space in their tank. They generally live well with other fish, but don’t do well with aggressive tank mates.

Channel catfish are found in lakes and rivers and are usually not aggressive unless provoked. They can grow to be up to 60 pounds!

If you are keeping catfish in an aquarium, choosing the right tank mates is important. Peaceful species such as tetras and danios make great companions for most species of catfish.

Myth 2: Betta Fish Can Live Without Plants

Betta fish are often sold in small bowls with no filtration, décor, or any plants, leading to the myth that bettas prefer an empty tank. In fact, betta fish benefit greatly from live plants in their tank!

Why Are Plants Important for Betta Fish?

Better water quality – Plants help keep water tank clean by filtering our toxins.

Enrichment – bettas like to explore and hide. Plants offer environmental enrichment for them.

Oxygenation – Live plants help oxygenate the water and adds to a healthier tank environment.

In essence, live aquarium plants make a tank look more natural while enhancing their overall well-being.

Myth 3: Koi Fish are Low-Maintenance

Koi fish are beautiful, colorful, and long-living pond fish, and they require a lot of care! Their essential requirements are to have enough space and clean water.

Key Care Requirements for Koi Include:

Large ponds – depending on its size, this species need between 150-900 gallons of water to thrive.

Water filtration – without proper filtration systems, koi ponds can quickly become unhealthy.

Diet – A koi’s diet changes with the seasons, therefore, it is key that they have access to proper nutrition.  

Other challenges with keeping koi fish are water temperature regulation and algae growth. Nevertheless, they are stunning fish but require sizable resources to keep them healthy.  

Myth 4: Saltwater Fish are More Colorful than Freshwater Fish

Saltwater species, like clownfish, the Flame Angelfish, and the Mandarin Dragonet are undeniably vibrant, but freshwater fish can be just as beautiful.

Colorful Freshwater Fish Include:

Rainbow fish – display shiny, iridescent colors that change in the light.

Discus fish – known for their bright blue, green, and yellow hues.

German Blue Rams – have an eye-catching iridescent of blue, yellow, and red colors.

In any case, saltwater species often take the spotlight for their vibrant appearances, but freshwater aquariums can be just as visually striking with the right species.

Myth 5: Aquarium Sand is Bad for Fish

Some believe that sand is harmful for aquariums tanks. However, many species thrive in a sandy environment.

Benefits of Using Sand in Aquariums:

Mimics natural environment – many fish naturally live on the ocean floors or sandy riverbeds.

Gentle on bottom dwellers – some species, like the Corydoras catfish prefer soft sand over rough gravel.

Easier for burrowing fish – species that enjoy burrowing can dig and sift through the sand.

The key is to choose the right type of sand for your tank. Always be sure to consult with a professional before making changes to your aquarium.

Dive In with Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Now that we’ve debunked some common aquatic myths, you’re ready to approach marine biology with a fresh perspective. Whether you’re an aquarium enthusiast or just love learning about marine life, understanding the real facts helps us appreciate our aquatic friends even more!

Interested in learning more about fish and their environment? Join us for Fishy Friends on February 19 for an exciting virtual field trip with Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Dive into the world of CMA and go behind the scenes to learn how they care for their resident fish and discover even more fin-credible facts.

Register today by visiting enrichment.k12.com/virtual-field-trips/ and get ready for a sea-riously fun virtual field trip with K12 and CMA.