Pet Turtle : Fish In Turtle Habitat

Whether to keep fish or not, in turtle tanks is a question that arises very often. And, like everything else there are both pros and cons to this decision. So read on�and make an informed decision.

However, we would like to warm all turtle owners who intend to introduce fish in their turtle tanks, not to get attached to the fishes, because they will most probably get eaten! It is for this reason that we recommend you introduce low-priced fish and not any expensive exotic varieties.

It is also critical to provide dense vegetation in the corners and create a few stony nook & crannies where the fish can hide, when being chased by the turtle.

Need For Fishes
Fishes are generally introduced into the turtle tank to serve two primary needs:
1. Live food for your turtles
      For feeding purposes two types of fishes are generally introduced into the habitat - guppies (also
       known as mosquito fish/gutter guppies) or plain goldfish (small size!)
2. Ornamental value for your tank
      For ornamental value we recommend streamlined fishes, with short fins (the opposites of your
      ornamental goldfish) as they are fast swimmers and can therefore escape the attacking turtle! E.g.,
      swordtails, silver sharks, etc. - these don't harm your turtle and clear away before your turtle can
       harm them!

Benefits
The benefits of introducing fish into a turtle habitat are many. While a clean habitat with colorful fishes and playful turtles can be extremely soothing and entertaining! The primary benefit is a 'better' replication of the turtles' natural habitat. Infact, in their natural habitats turtles start their feeding regimen with small fishes and mosquito larvae.

� Feeders fishes as food
     Live fish is as close as you can get to the food that your turtles would get in their natural habitat.
     There bones are also a natural source of calcium.

� Exercise
     Chasing for its food will give your turtle some much-needed exercise! And that's critical to prevent
     obesity and associated complications.

� Entertainment
    Chasing and at times being chased! Is entertaining for your turtle which otherwise just swims
    (lounges) around. Fish give your turtle company, and its often very entertaining even for you to see
     them playing cat & mouse.

� Tank Cleanliness
     A small number of fishes can actually improve the water quality in the habitat by feeding on leftover
     turtle food. Infact the Plescomus (commonly known as the 'algae eater') is often introduced into
     the turtle habitat as it cleans the muck of the bottom, and at times even eats the turtle excreta! It is
     advisable however, to get a plescomus that is as big, if not larger than your turtle.

� Indicators of habitat water quality
     Fish enthusiasts might cringe at this, but fish serve as excellent visible indicators of water quality as
     they are much more sensitive than turtles. Dying/Diseased fish are indication that your habitat water
     quality is not up to the mark, and needs a change/cleaning.

Precautions
Like all live prey fish might also introduce some parasites/diseases to the habitat that your turtle is not immune to. It is therefore advisable to keep the fish separately in medicated water and under observation for 3-4 days, before introducing them to the turtle habitat.