Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Get It Today
He may have internal parasites. maintain pristine water quality and confirm stable water chemistry. This can be done by using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Perform a partial water change, no more than 30% total volume at a time, if indicated. use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Check the water temperature as well, since low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in fish. Anywhere between 72 F and 80 F is acceptable. Keeping it at the higher end may aid in digestion and defecation. Consider a broad spectrum parasite medication. You can find one in the Aquarium section at the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for your question about your fish, and congratulations on your new family members! I didn't see how recently the tank was set up, but there are a couple of things that could be going on. I would start by checking your water quality - any abnormalities in water quality can make fish have abnormal behaviors, and the water looks a bit murky in the photos you provided. There may be parameters that need to be addressed depending on what you find. If you do not have a water quality kit, they can be purchased at the pet store or an aquarium store, or you can take a sample of your water in for evaluation to these places as well. Some will charge a small fee for this service, just so you are prepared. Also, with recent tank set ups, it can be stressful for fish as they are in a new habitat. I would recommend keeping the light on for only a few hours per day to start, as the bright lights can be shocking for them (since fish don't have eyelids). Gradually you can increase the length of time that the lights are on so that you reach a cycle of 10-12 hours of light and 12-14 hours of darkness for them. I hope this gives you a place to start, and I wish you and your mom the best with the new pets!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
These catfish, and most fish, should not be handled frequently if at all. They have barbs, for self defense, that can injure you. If you must handle them, wear gloves and gently scoop them up from underneath. There may be some concerns keeping all these species together in one tank. Arowanas get very big and require large tanks. They can also be quite aggressive and may go after the Discus and Angels. The catfish, being a bottom dweller, may be safe. Another issue may be water hardness. Discus and Angels come from soft, acid water while Raphaels prefer hard water. Also, the Aro, Discus may do better in warmer water than the Angels and Raphael. These are all impressive fish and a joy to keep, but you consider the natural environment of each species before placing them all in the same tank.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Platys, Mollies, Neons, Dwarf Gouramis and Cory Cats are all excellent choices. Be sure to not overstock the tank and allow it to properly cycle before adding fish. You would need to contact the Petco in question and ask them directly. Some locations will accept fish to rehome if they have the tank space. Most local fish stores will not, due to risk of disease or parasite transmission.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Without an image, it will be difficult to definitively identify the fish in question. It may be a wild guppy. You can request a consultation which will allow you to share images. It is not recommended to add wild caught fish to an existing aquarium without an acceptable quarantine period.
Updated on September 24th, 2025