How to Be Fish Keeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 21, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Having a fish can be a rewarding experience, however, it is important to know what is required to keep them healthy and happy. Proper water temperature, filtration, and oxygen levels are key factors for success. If these conditions are not met, the fish may become stressed and display signs of illness.

Poor water quality can lead to parasites and bacterial infections, resulting in the loss of fish. An inadequate diet can cause poor growth, lethargy, and an inability to fight off disease. Finally, overcrowding can increase stress levels and cause aggression between fish.

By providing the proper environment, food, and space for your fish, you can create the optimal living conditions for them to thrive.

Steps How to Become

Research different types of fish. To become a successful fish keeper, you need to understand the needs of the different species of fish you want to keep. Research their diet, water temperature, and habitat requirements.
Get an aquarium. Once you have done your research and determined what type of fish you want to keep, it is time to find an appropriate aquarium for them. Consider the size of the tank, the type of filter and lighting you will need, and the type of substrate you will need.
Set up the tank. Once you have the tank, it is time to set it up. This involves adding the substrate, adding the water, and setting up the filter and lighting.
Introduce your fish. After the tank is set up and the water temperature is stable, it is time to introduce your fish. Make sure to acclimate them slowly and carefully to their new home.
Maintain the tank. To keep your fish healthy and happy, you will need to maintain their tank. This includes changing the water regularly, testing the water quality, and cleaning the tank as needed.
Feed your fish. Feeding your fish is an important part of being a successful fish keeper. Make sure to feed them a balanced diet and only as much food as they can eat in two minutes.
Monitor your fish. Lastly, monitoring your fish is important to make sure they stay healthy. Observe their behavior and look for signs of distress or disease. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Maintaining an ideal and efficient aquarium is essential for a happy and healthy fish tank. Proper equipment, such as a filter, heater, and aerator, are necessary to keep the water clean and at a suitable temperature. Regular water changes and testing are also important to ensure that toxins such as ammonia and nitrates are kept at bay.

Keeping the tank and its inhabitants in balance requires a regular feeding schedule and monitoring of water quality. providing a variety of hiding places and enrichment activities will help keep your fish active and engaged. If done correctly, these steps will ensure that your fish will have a long and healthy life in a well-maintained aquarium.

You may want to check Gallery Keeper, Farm Keeper, and Library Keeper for alternative.

Job Description

Aquarium Maintenance Technician: Maintains aquariums and fish tanks by performing tasks such as cleaning, changing water, monitoring water chemistry, and adding or removing fish.
Aquatic Life Specialist: Responsible for the care and maintenance of aquatic life, including selecting and introducing new species, monitoring water quality, and providing appropriate nutrition for a variety of species.
Fish Breeder: Breeds and raises fish in captivity and researches new methods of breeding and raising different species of fish.
Fish Health Care Technician: Responsible for the health and well-being of fish in aquariums, pet stores, and other environments. Monitors water quality and inspects fish for signs of disease.
Fish Store Manager: Manages all aspects of a fish store including stocking, pricing, and customer service.
Aquarium Designer: Designs custom aquariums to meet the unique needs of customers.
Fish Tank Installer: Installs aquariums for customers in their homes or businesses.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic aquarium maintenance, including water chemistry and filtration systems
Ability to identify common fish illnesses and treat them with appropriate medications
Ability to feed fish correctly and monitor the effects of different diets
Understanding of fish behavior and the ability to recognize abnormal behavior
Ability to recognize signs of stress in fish and take appropriate steps to reduce it
Ability to recognize signs of aggression in fish and take appropriate steps to reduce it
Knowledge of compatible fish species and the ability to create a balanced aquarium
Knowledge of the necessary components of an aquarium, such as lights, plants, and decorations
Ability to recognize signs of disease or distress in fish and take appropriate action
Knowledge of aquatic plants and their care requirements
Ability to recognize signs of poor water quality and take corrective action

One of the most important skills to have as a fish keeper is the ability to read the water chemistry. Poor water quality can lead to a host of health issues for fish, such as disease, parasites, and stunted growth. Testing the water on a regular basis and understanding the results is key to keeping fish healthy and happy.

Understanding the pH, nitrates, ammonia, and other elements is essential to maintaining the right balance of water chemistry, which is essential for a healthy aquarium environment. having knowledge of the different fish needs and preferences can help determine the best type of tankmates for a species. Doing research on the type of fish being kept, such as their diet, habitat, and social behavior, will help create a successful and safe environment for your fish.

With these skills in hand, fish keepers can ensure their fish are living in a healthy and comfortable environment.

Facility Keeper, Garden Keeper, and Orderly are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with fish?
What methods do you use to ensure the health and safety of the fish?
How would you handle a situation where a fish is sick or injured?
What steps do you take to ensure the water quality is optimum for the fish?
How do you manage the feeding of the fish in order to maintain a healthy balance?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a customer or visitor.
In what ways do you stay up-to-date with changes in fish keeping methods and trends?
What methods do you use to monitor the behavior of the fish?
How do you handle stress while managing a large number of fish?
What strategies do you use to educate visitors on the importance of proper fish care?

Common Tools in Industry

Aquarium Filter. A device used to remove physical and chemical waste from the water, keeping the environment healthy for fish. (Eg: Hang-on-back filter)
Aquarium Heater. A device used to maintain a stable temperature for the aquarium to ensure the well-being of fish. (Eg: Submersible heater)
Aquarium Test Kit. A device used to measure the levels of important chemicals in the aquarium water such as ammonia, nitrate, and pH. (Eg: API Freshwater Master Test Kit)
Aquarium Lighting. A device used to provide light to the aquarium, which helps support the growth of plants and health of fish. (Eg: LED lighting)
Aquarium Vacuum. A device used to remove waste and debris from the gravel and substrate in the aquarium. (Eg: Battery-powered aquarium vacuum)
Aquarium Water Conditioner. A liquid used to remove chlorine and other toxins from tap water before adding it to the aquarium. (Eg: API Stress Coat Water Conditioner)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Association of Aquatic Professionals
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
World Aquaculture Society
American Fisheries Society
Society of Aquatic Animal Professionals
American Livebearer Association
American Water Resources Association
World Aquariums and Aquariums Association

We also have Data Keeper, Collection Keeper, and Firearm Keeper jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aquarium. A tank or container that holds water, used to keep aquatic plants and animals.
Filter. A device used to remove particles from aquarium water, helping to maintain water quality and clarity.
Water Test Kit. A kit used to measure levels of nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, pH and other parameters in aquarium water.
Heater. A device used to keep aquarium water at a certain temperature, usually between 68-78°F (20-26°C).
Lighting. A device used to provide light to an aquarium, usually LED or fluorescent bulbs.
Substrate. A material placed at the bottom of an aquarium to provide a habitat for aquatic plants and animals.
Gravel Vacuum. A device used to remove debris and waste from the substrate of an aquarium.
Fish Net. A device used to capture and transfer fish and other aquatic animals from one body of water to another.
Feeder. A device used to dispense food into an aquarium.
Breeder Box. A small container used to temporarily separate young fry from adult fish in an aquarium, helping protect them from being eaten by the adults.