2007-04-18 11:49:23 · 21 answers · asked by hollee M 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
If she's that interested, why not sit down with her and look over a couple of websites to get information on the kinds she might like? What she'll be able to keep successfully will depend on knowing something about their temperature, the size tank they'll need, whether her choices will get along, how many she'd like, what size they'll get to be, etc. For a beginner, I'd recommend starting with a freshwater tank.
Here are a few good websites where you can start:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=830
http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h701elmers_freshwater_handbook.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/
Some of these also have info on tank set up, maintenance, plants, etc.
2007-04-18 13:28:03 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beta.
And what do you mean by couple? Goldfish are not that easy, especially fancy goldfish. They need at least 10 gallons per goldfish. I used to work at an aquarium store we always urged our inexperience customers to get a different kind of fish if they can't afford it or have no room for big tank.
I would recommend beta for children as they are much easier to take care of. Goldfish require a lot of cleaning and good filtration as well as water quality check weekly. They are prone to many diseases and their medication are costly. They don't do well in a house with no air conditioner in the summer either. They are cool water fish and should not be mix with tropical fish. They also need well balance diet. Flake food is not good. It will cause them to float upside down. Feeding them flake food will be like feeding your kids McDonald everyday.
Please also keep in mind that goldfish, if raise properly will live for at least 15 years. Is your niece going to take care of that goldfish for at least 15 years? Just get a beta.
2007-04-18 11:59:13 · answer #2 · answered by Dragon2323 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Like a few people have said, Betta, i've had one betta fish. It lived in a tank, no filters, just needed food, a tank with water, those pebbles and maybe a few plants here and there. It lived for a long time. And plus, Bettas come in so many pretty colors.
2007-04-18 11:54:23 · answer #3 · answered by Marigold 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A betta fish is easy. Put it in a bowl, feed it twice a day. Every so often wash the bowl. Less than the least complicated fish, it's more like the most complicated plant.
Now, if you really want more than one, I'd suggest a normal goldfish. They poop more and make a mess faster, but other than needing to wash to bowl more often they aren't harder.
2007-04-18 11:53:05 · answer #4 · answered by longnosedquoll 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I prefer the Marigold Platy... it is a tropical fish (about $3) but they are really calm, dont bite, and don't take a lot of responsibility... however, do not get a male and female... they breed alot....
other than that I would suggest a goldfish (if you want something cheap)
2007-04-18 11:54:30 · answer #5 · answered by Katie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DEFINITLY BETTA! GOLD FISH ARE VERY DIRTY
WARNING:DONOT put a MALE betta with any other fish it will kill it females CAN BE WITH OTHER FISH,HOWEVER THEY MUST BE HER SIZE OR SHE WILL SEE IT AS A FOOD SORCE AND FEAMLES ARE JUST AS PRETTY AND COLOR FULL AS MALES THEY COULD LIVE IN CUPS gold live much better in filtered tanks,ask someone at the pet store they will say betta is the way to go ive had my bettas living in cups for a year there fine,off corse if u have a choice over cup or tank go with tank and aska experienced batta breeder there easy to breed ,betta is the way to go!!
2007-04-18 12:14:48 · answer #6 · answered by sarsy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
think cheap and hardy fish
guppies are like 10-25 cent a peice
and goldfish are about 25-50 cent
get a tank with a pump and filter and atleast 3-5 gallons for 2 fish and they should live if not over feed
2007-04-18 11:58:08 · answer #7 · answered by redhotgermangrl 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Goldfish are easy to care for, I think, especially if she wants more than one... And they're not like bettas or guppies; they won't kill each other or eat their offspring.
But if she'll be happy with only one, then get her a betta. You really only need to change their water maybe once a week (not even that often, really), you only have to feed them every other day, and they come in really great colors. Let her pick out which one she wants.
2007-04-18 11:53:11 · answer #8 · answered by Flappy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Betas. I had a few that lived for about six (yes 6) years. I often forgot to feed them. I was horrible about changing their water. Even worse about cleaning the tank. They lived with a outbreak of snails for a long time. We even moved houses and brought them.
I'd have to say, buy your neice Betas.
2007-04-18 11:53:59 · answer #9 · answered by J.C. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
guppi would probaly be the best it is small the tanks don't cost much because they just need a little one and a can of food last about 6 month is you have only one one thing if you do not clean the tank often it will die
2007-04-18 11:59:35 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋