One of the Largest Independent
Pet Shops in
Greater
Cincinnati, OH!
Pets N Such proudly offers our large selection of freshwater fish – and everything to help you take care of them. Our Amelia store has rows of bright, decorated tanks, and detailed placards so you can read all about each species’ home country, personality traits, habits, favorite foods and other facts.
Pets N Such has standard and custom aquariums, stands and cabinets to suit every space and budget, plus the a complete line of food, plants, lighting, filters, air pumps, gravel and crushed coral, ornaments and water conditioners. And if you’re just starting out, we have many books to give you ideas and helpful tips as well.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Assn, more Americans (165 million) choose fish as pets than cats, dogs and birds combined! At Pets N Such, we’re dedicated to helping fish enthusiasts – from young children to seniors – get the most enjoyment and entertainment possible from their aquariums. We’d be delighted to give you a “guided tour” of all the fish we have in stock, (more arrive each week!) and consult with you on which combinations of fish make the best tank-mates, and are best suited to your home or office environment.
"Click any photo to learn more about these wonderful aquarium fish, available at Pets N Such. More arrive each week, so 'swim on over' to one of our great pet stores! Both locations are open 7 days, and most evenings!"
PERSONALITY:
Barbs are cheerful, peaceful fish. They owe their name to the short, thread-like
“beards” that many have as organs of touch to the left and right of their mouth.
These fish are egg-scatterers. Eggs are laid among plants to which they stick or are
allowed to fall to the bottom. The parents do not tend the eggs and should be removed before they eat them if you wish
to breed. Hatching time is 24-48hours, depending on the species and
water temperature.
HOW THEY LIVE:
Barbs are a schooling fish preferring a group of 7-10. They need a great deal of room for swimming. Some, like the Zebra Danio, like to swim just below
the surface of the water. Others, like the Cherry Barb, swim near the bottom.
There is a misconception that all members of the Barb family are aggressive towards other tank mates. Barbs are very active fish and if kept in schools of five or more they stay to themselves and won’t bother the other fish.
(But don’t keep smaller species together with the larger ones!)
Barbs benefit from being kept in a planted tank rather than one without plants, or plastic plants. Use a glass top, because barbs will “jump” from the tank if they become alarmed. Pets N Such stocks tops and hoods to protect your fish, and more styles are available through special order.
The ideal pH should be around 6.5. Barbs have a sensitive reaction to pH above 7.5. An inexpensive test kit is available from Pets N Such to keep the pH level in check.
FAVORITE FOODS:
Dry food in flakes, tablets, or granulated pellets is your fishes “meat and potatoes.” Buy in quantities that will be consumed in a 3-month period. Frozen food is a good substitute
for live food; freeze-dried food is suitable as a supplementary food. Offer a variety of foods. It is better to feed too little rather than too much. Fish that constantly gorge
themselves become susceptible to disease. Pets N Such carries a “feeding ring” so that you may
monitor how much food is given and consumed.
PERSONALITY:
Also called Siamese Fighting Fish – and for good reason! Two male Bettas in the same tank will usually fight to the death. Pets N Such will not sell Male
Bettas for the purpose of “fighting”. We do have available a dual tank that allows two male
Bettas to see each other but not harm one another. When provoked, the Male Bettas will blow up their fins
and become quite theatrical! While you can't keep more than one male in a tank, they are compatible with most
other community fish, and get along with female Bettas.
HOW THEY LIVE:
These fish thrive in water 65-80°F; the ideal temperature is 70-75°F. If the water is cool and your Betta
is not eating, you should move its bowl to a warmer place. Make sure the temperature does
not change too rapidly. A change of water temperature from 65 to 70° will not overly stress the fish; however, a rapid change from 80 to 65° can
be fatal. Bettas do well in aquariums with live plants; however, the Betta may view the plants
as food. Bettas can grow to about 3 ˝ and can live 2 to 3 years.
FAVORITE FOODS:
Bettas like a floating flake food or freeze-dried bloodworms. Bettas are not an
active fish, so they don’t require as much oxygen, or as much food as more
energetic fish. It is popular to keep these fish is a small aquarium or vase,
believing the fish can feed from the roots of a plant in the vase; however,
their diet must be supplemented with flake food or freeze-dried worms. Pets N Such carries a Betta
Food specifically formulated to insure the proper nutrition for your Betta.
Feed your Betta once a day. Be careful not to overfeed, as this will cause the water to become cloudy and require more water changes. When water changes are needed, be sure to use a product (available at Pets N Such) that removes the harmful chlorine and conditions the water for the fish.
Catfish species such as Cories lay eggs on a flat surface and tend the eggs. Other species lay eggs randomly and do not tend them. They may also eat the eggs or young hatchling.
PERSONALITY:
Catfish like to live in groups of 3-5 fish and scour the tank bottom for any tasty morsel. They like “hiding areas” or shelters from other
fish. Catfish will defend their cave but usually “live and let live.” They like to be near a material such as wood, or
rocks. Pets N Such carries a selection of aquarium decorations for the catfish to hide.
Some Catfish are lethargic, remaining for hours in the same spot, but some, like the iridescent shark are constantly on the move! Activity level is a good indicator to the health of the tank.
Catfish can be “night people,” often resting during the day and becoming active in the evenings.
HOW THEY LIVE:
Catfish live in all depths of water. In an aquarium, they clean up algae
and food remnants, but do not eat the waste of other fish. They have “barbels”
or whiskers that help them search for food. These barbels can also be indicators of the condition of the fish
and the water. If barbels are curled or ragged, there may be a water problem. Check the water nitrate level and the filtration system. An inexpensive kit from Pets
N Such can check the nitrate level.
While Catfish are more tolerant than most tropical fish, clean oxygenated water insures a longer, healthier life. They are energetic and hardy when the pH is maintained between 6 - 7.5 and the temperature is 72 –82°F. A heater is needed, and Pets N Such carries several types of preset and adjustable heaters.
The dorsal and pectoral fins are often edged with sharp spines, which are used in defense.
FAVORITE FOODS:
For routine feeding, use tablets. Catfish favor worms and pellets made of plant matter,
but enjoy “grazing” on algae. Offering a variety of foods ensures your Catfish a well-rounded
diet. Most catfish feed on the bottom or sides of the tank with the exception of the upside down
Catfish, which swims on its back and feeds from the bottom of the water surface.
Your aquarium should be at least three times the length of the fish, and as wide and deep as the fish is long, so it can swim and turn with ease. Pets N Such carries a full line of All Glass aquariums. If your Catfish has long barbels that extend in front of them, they need enough space to swim and turn without the barbels hitting the tank. Otherwise the fish might panic and leap from the water or thrash wildly.
Jack Dempseys and Red Devils are some of the most aggressive of this species; Green Severums are the most easy-going.
PERSONALITY:
Most Cichlids are social, so keep a pair, or a group of 5 or more of the same species. Select “companion fish” that
are assertive and can put up with “challenging” conditions: they must be able to get out of the Cichlid’s way in
a hurry if necessary! Shy Cichlids that live hidden from sight will emerge from hiding more often if there are
a few live-bearing fish in your tank. (However, their interest may be more food-related than neighborly!)
Male Cichlids are territorial, and chase other fish out of “their” area. They want to attract a female into their “den” and may go through a ritualized test battle with her. This is almost always not an even match! Once a pair bond, the two fish work together to defend their territory, spawn, and raise their babies.
HOW THEY LIVE:
Cichlids are very colorful fish, and come from Africa and Asia. They are bottom-dwellers – but they can jump! So, be sure to
cover your tank. Cichlids require water temperatures between 75 and 81°F, and
a heater is essential. Pets N Such carries heaters for all tanks. Since cichlids
have hearty appetites, they expel lots of waste, but a good filtration system
takes care of this. Ask us for assistance in deciding the best filter for your needs.
The pH level should be between 6.5 to 7.5. The simplest way to check water pH is a test kit, available at Pets N Such.
Cichlids continue to grow their entire lives. The size of your tank and the number of fish in the tank may determine the size these fish become. Pets N Such carries many sizes of All Glass aquariums and hoods.
FAVORITE FOODS:
Give different kinds of food to provide a varied diet. Live food should be given only in small portions. The bigger the Cichlid, the
larger the size of the food should be. Give only as much food as the fish will eat
in about 10 minutes. Have one full day of “fasting” a week for fully-grown fish. Pets N Such offers a “feedingring” so you can monitor
the amount of food given and consumed.
(Secret!):
Cichlids can produce sounds, usually in connection with aggressive behavior. Also, as
they mature, some may change colors.
The popular Fantail Goldfish has two tails and two top fins. Captive, selective breeding over the centuries have produced countless specimens of this wonderful hardy species!
PERSONALITY:
Mild tempered, hardy and easy to keep, Goldfish are among the most popular pets in the world. Goldfish originated in China, however it was the Japanese who began
to develop them several hundred years ago.
These are peaceful creatures. Large Goldfish do not normally bully medium-sized fish, as long as both are competitive. Smaller Goldfish, however may have a hard time getting much food when larger fish are present. Avoid crowding your Goldfish: they need plenty of space for proper growth and compatible behavior.
Goldfish have a tendency to school. The only time a goldfish is aggressive is at breeding time in the spring. These fish are mildly cannibalistic, eating their own eggs and even their offspring.
HOW THEY LIVE:
Goldfish are cold water fish who thrive at 65 -72°F. Because they can
adapt to water temperatures that are brought down slowly, no heater is required,
although they appear more “lively” in slightly warmer water. If no heater is used, a thermometer
is essential. Pets N Such carries a wide range of tank thermometers.
Goldfish like a large tank with well-aerated water. These fish can also thrive in outdoor ponds as long as the pond is deep enough so the fish can weather the winter. Pets N Such carries a wide variety of pond products in insure the health of your fish.
Mixing with other species is not recommended. Water changes of 1/4 to 1/3 of the aquarium water once a week is suggested. The filter helps remove solid wastes; however, waste also dissolves into the water, offsetting the balance of the water. Goldfish have a tendency to overeat, producing an abundance of waste. Pets N Such carries a variety of filter systems to suit all aquariums.
FAVORITE FOODS:
Feed only what the fish can eat in 5 minutes, including the time they spend picking up food from the bottom of the tank. These fish can
become “bored” with the same food day after day. Most commercially prepared foods are floating flakes made
up of meat and vegetables. Live food can be give as “treats”. Pets N Such carries a variety of name brand flake foods, freeze-dried
and frozen foods.
Goldfish usually measure about 3 to 6 ˝, although some have grown to more than 12 ˝. These fish are long-lived and some have been reported to live 70 years. In their natural state of Eastern Asia, Goldfish are olive green in color, and eat weeds and smaller fish. The colors seen now is due to breeding.
PERSONALITY:
These beautiful, peace-loving fish can be blue, gold or opaline. These fish were originally called Three Spot Gouramis because
they have a dark spot at the base of their tails. Many of these fish also have a spot in the middle of
the body.
Gouramis enjoy each other’s company. When kept in a group of Blue Gourami, Gold Gourami and the Opaline Gourami, these fish will focus most of their energy on each other and be less likely to bother other species.
Gouramis are very theatrical! – especially “kissing”gouramis. Kissing fish are very cute, and regularly will put on a kissing show with each other. Kissing fish and other Gouramis tend to be a “tank-full!”. They do best with other aggressive fish such as Rainbow Sharks, a school of Clown Loaches and a school of Bala Sharks. Pets N Such can special order any fish not in stock. Special orders are usually delivered within a week.
HOW THEY LIVE:
Gouramis are a hardy species, and can grow to 8-12˝, so they’re ideal for
larger aquariums. Tank size may determine their size. Blue Gouramis have feelers underneath their bodies which are used
to scope out new items or fish in the aquarium. Other fish may find this close proximity intimidating
and become frightened. Gouramis are surface breathers; they will swallow air
and absorb the oxygen through the intestines.
These fish do best in a tank between 70-82°F. Pets N Such offers a variety of heaters and thermometers to monitor and maintain the correct water temperature.
FAVORITE FOODS:
A well-rounded diet is very important for the health and longevity of Gouramis.
They thrive on flake food, with a treat of blood worms or live/frozen brine shrimp. Pets
N Such can service all your food requirements for these fish.
Gouramis swim the top to middle part of the tank and enjoy an environment that includes plastic plants, rocks and driftwood. Live plants should be considered a “food supplement”, as they will not last very long for decoration! Pets N Such carries plants that can be changed out as they are eaten by the Gouramis.
PERSONALITY:
These hardy, active, live-bearing fish are excellent companions for each other.
These are “schooling” fish, and should be purchased in pairs or more, rather than alone.
You’ll see a hierarchy in your tank. The dominant male has more vivid colors than the other fish and is called the alpha male. The alpha animal is always the first to eat and drives other fish away if they get in his way. If the highest-ranking male dies or is removed, the second-ranking male, the beta fish, takes his place.
Keep an eye on your fish, and if you notice one fish is being picked on by the more aggressive fish, you should remove the weaker fish.
HOW THEY LIVE:
These fish are from Asia and South America. They swim in the middle to top waters, and combine well with bottom-dwellers, such as
Cory, Botia and other Catfish. Combined fish should all be about the same
size. Quiet fish should not be combined
with very active ones.
They are happiest in water between 75 and 81°F with a
pH between 6.5 and 8. Most live bearers naturally live in hard water;
therefore the pH should be regulated. Anytime you do something to the water, the pH level should be
checked. Pets N Such carries an inexpensive
test kit to keep the pH level in check.
Mollies, Guppies and Platies prefer a tank with rocks, live plants and driftwood.
FAVORITE FOODS:
Pets N Such carries a variety of foods suitable for these fish. Dry flakes, tablets,
or pellets; fresh live, frozen live and freeze-dried live are all favorite foods. Feed only as much as
the fish will consume in 15 minutes unless your tank also has bottom dwellers.
(Secret!):
To increase the red color on Platies, feed a small amount of paprika once a week.
PERSONALITY:
Loaches originate in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They are small, bottom-dwelling
fish. Their bodies may be covered with small scales and are generally elongated and cylindrical. Some have a flattened belly. Their mouths are surrounded by
3-6 pairs of antennas. Some loaches have two spines beneath the eyes used for defense, and for shredding the
fins of other fish. They may even slash the fingers of unwary owners! The spines make a clicking sound when raised
and lowered; this can be heard when the fish are feeding or terrorizing a tank-mate.
HOW THEY LIVE:
Loaches may be kept in groups, but be sure to check their temperament, as some can be mean and require plenty of
space. Loaches mix well with other fish and are only threatening to other loaches and some Botias.
Since Loaches are nocturnal, they may hide for long periods of time, making their owner believe they have disappeared.
In fact, they are only coming out at night to forage for food. The Clown Loach may alarm its owners by lying on its side and back while resting, and this is normal Clown Loach behavior.
Clown Loaches love snails and are very effective in controlling the snail population.
Pets N Such carries a product to help regulate the number of snails in your aquarium.
FAVORITE FOODS:
Loaches prefer small live and frozen foods, but will also forage for flake. When you
first bring your fish home, observe it when you put food in, and alter feeding
times accordingly. Typically, Loaches are very active in the evening.
Some Loaches, like the Weather Loach, have developed the ability to “breath” air, and can survive in oxygen-depleted waters. The fish take in air from the surface and pass it into their intestine, where the oxygen is absorbed. They do this most often during hot, humid weather. Loaches are curious fish; Kuhlie Loaches have a habit of disappearing up filter pipes, and you should put a basket over the end of the pipes to prevent this. If your Loach does escape the tank, be sure to put it back; Loaches such as the Clown Loach have amazing ability to “recover.”
Loaches like a mature, planted community aquarium with lots of open gravel areas for species that like to bury and dig. The pH level is best at 6.0 - 7.5, with a water temperature of 72-86°F. A heater and covered tank are essential. Pets N Such carries all glass aquariums and tops to fit most tanks. Special orders can be received within a week.
PERSONALITY:
Sharks have the reputation of picking on other smaller, peaceful species and driving them away from the food until they starve. This can be avoided if you have
enough space in your aquarium and have companion smaller fish that can take care
of themselves. Also, avoid keeping them with species that have long flowing fins – sharps like to nip!
HOW THEY LIVE:
These active fish need plenty of swimming space. A tank should have rocks, wood
and large plants to explore. Some sharks will jump, especially if frightened. Even a small shark is powerful
enough to dislodge a standard glass cover. Heaters, thermostats and filter pipes should also be protected, as
they may knock into these and dislodge them.
The ideal conditions for sharks are pH between 6.0 - 7.5 and water temperature of 72-82°F. They do best in a mature, well-planted tank community.
Sharks such as the Red Tail can live in a large aquarium with other sharks. They quarrel, but rarely hurt one another. As with most aggressive fish, it is best to keep either just one, or keep 6 or more. Red Tail sharks are beautiful, energetic and hardy. Red Tails are slightly more aggressive than the Rainbow Shark, however the Rainbow is best kept solitary from other Rainbow Sharks. Rainbows will often claim several territories.
Sharks like a hiding place to escape after a hard day of terrorizing the tank! Pets N Such offers a variety of tank decorations that provide shelter. It is rare for them to grow beyond 5-6 ˝.
FAVORITE FOODS:
Sharks like live, frozen, flake and pelletted food. Some nibble at plants; others graze
on vegetables and algae, live brine shrimp, blood worms and tubifex worms. Juvenile sharks need lots of
vegetation in their diet to promote proper growth and coloration. Without a proper diet their colors
fade and their growth is stunted. Pets N Such carries a Veggi Clip that attaches to your tank to hold vegetables
and leaf greens, favored by Sharks.
PERSONALITY:
Tetras are active, playful fish from Central and South America. They give lots
of attention to the more sedentary species and are often referred to as the
“kids” of fish. They may nip and chase other fish, especially when in a school, but are
generally easy-going and live well with other species.
Black Phantom Tetra males will stake-out territories and defend them from other males. This protection does not include a lot of fighting, but is rather a ritual. Males will throw up their fins and circle around each other until one of them backs down and swims away. The male black phantom is mostly black with gray pectoral fins; the female Black Phantom has red on her pectoral fins.
HOW THEY LIVE:
Tetras are hardy, and adapt to different water and temperature conditions. A
heater is required to regulate the water temperature. Pets N Such carries heaters to accommodate all
tank sizes. Since they are schooling fish, they do best with at least 6-10 other tetras. (This also tends to keep the fish busy and away from
other fish!)
Ideal pH level would be 6.0 -7.2, with a water temperature of 73-85°F. Inexpensive test kits are available at Pets N Such.
FAVORITE FOODS:
These fish will eat live food or flake food. Tetras’ size make them appear
as “food” to other larger fish, as does the fact that they swim in the
middle of the tank. Tetras prefer a moderately decorated tank, with live plants, rocks and driftwood. Neon tetras have been known to live
up to ten years.
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