Fish are living creatures, and the value of oxygen in their life is as same as to humans. Fishes breathe by taking water through their mouth and passing it out through their gills. These creatures demand proper care and attention to thrive. Some fish survive in a large tank, and some can live in a bowl. The fish that live in a bowl can do so without oxygen or a pump. However, for that, choosing the right fish species is very important.
Fish species like Bettas or Siamese fighting fish are known to live in a bowl without oxygen or a pump. These fishes come to the water’s surface and breathe oxygen from the air. However, they can do so only when the water is clean and is changed frequently. If the water surface has dirt and dust, it can make breathing difficult for the fish.
It is important for enthusiasts to learn that despite how well a dish can survive in a bowl without a pump, it isn’t a long-term idea to go with. Bowls, with or without pumps, aren’t an ideal environment for fish to survive. They need space to swim around and a suitable environment to thrive, which bowls cannot provide for long. Also, like any other creatures, fishes need proper care and attention.
Therefore, before you decide to keep a fish in a bowl, make sure you are providing it with a careful and healthy environment.
Which Fish Can Live Without Air Pump?
Keeping and maintaining an aquarium can be a very fun and rewarding activity. However, maintaining an aquarium can be challenging as well. Especially for newbies or fish lovers who are not well versed about how keeping these creatures works.
Not many fish lovers may know, but there are certain fish species that can survive in aquariums/bowls without an air pump. However, in general, fishes require a well-oxygenated environment. But some species, including Betta fish, Gouramis, Zebra Danios, etc., are labyrinth fish that can breathe air from the water’s surface. These fishes can survive in aquariums that don’t have a water pump.
5 Fish That Don’t Need Air Pump
As long as the aquarium/ tank is well maintained, several fish species can survive without an air pump. The water quality plays an important role in allowing labyrinth fishes to breathe by coming on the water’s surface. Here are some of the fish species that don’t need an air pump to survive.
- Betta Fish – Betta fish are the most popular choice for new aquarium enthusiasts. These low-maintenance fishes can survive in a small tank without an air pump and require relatively low maintenance. Bettas are also known as Siamese fighting fish. These fishes have a labyrinth organ with which they can breathe air from the surface of the water.
- Gouramis – Gouramis are peaceful fish species that fall under the labyrinth fish category. These easy-to-care fishes can survive without an air pump. Gouramis come in a variety of colors and sizes and are a good choice for beginner aquarists.
- Paradise Fish – Paradise fish are known for their labyrinth organ that helps them breathe air from the surface of the water. These hardy species are a popular choice since they tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Paradise Fish comes in a range of bright colors and is known for their distinctive markings. They are a popular choice amongst first-time aquarium keepers.
- Zebra Danios – Zebra Danios are schooling fish and are a good choice for beginners. These hardy species can tolerate different water conditions and can breathe without an air pump. Danios are known for their active behavior and can be kept in small groups.
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows – White cloud mountain minnows are another hardy species that can tolerate different water conditions and cooler temperatures. These small, peaceful species can live without an air pump and are easy to pet. They can be kept in groups and are a good choice for small aquariums.
Can fishes live without oxygen?
Logically No, Some fish species can live without air pumps, but no fish can survive without oxygen. Like any other living creature, fishes, too, need oxygen to survive. Fishes basically take oxygen from water using their gills and release CO2 in exchange.
There are some fish species that can tolerate low oxygen levels in the water, but each of them still needs oxygen to survive. Therefore to ensure the health and well-being of fish, it is important to maintain the oxygen level and water quality of the aquarium.
Top 10 Fish Species for beginners without oxygen filters
Even though all fish species require oxygen in order to live, there are a few of them that can tolerate low oxygen levels. Some fishes are known to survive without oxygen filters due to their ability to breathe by coming at the water level. Here are ten such fishes that can survive without oxygen filters and are ideal for beginners:
1. Goldfish – Goldfish aren’t just the most popular but also the most suitable choice for beginners. These hardy fishes can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and survive in tanks without oxygen filters.
2. Guppies – Guppies are colorful and easy-to-care-for fishes that can survive without oxygen filters and air pumps. These fishes can survive in tanks and bowls without oxygen filters, as well as the water is well-oxygenated and clean. They are a popular choice for beginners.
3. Platies – Platies comes in a range of colors and patterns and thus are popular for their appearance. They are just another easy-to-care-for species that beginners should go with.
4. Swordtails – Swordtails are peaceful fishes, and their appearance adds a unique look to the tank. These fishes are easy to care for as long as you provide them with clean and fresh water to survive.
5. Danios – Danios are active fishes that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. These fishes come in a range of colors and patterns.
6. Corydoras Catfish – Corydoras catfish are bottom-dwelling fish and ones that are easy to care for. These fishes eat algae and leftover food and thus keep the tank clean.
7. Neon Tetras – Neon tetras are easy for care fish known for their colorful appearance. Their small size also makes them a popular choice for beginners.
8. Cherry Barb – Cherry barbs are peaceful fishes, and that is why they are a popular choice to start with. These fishes come in a range of colors and thus add a unique pop of shades to your aquarium.
9. Zebra Danios – Zebra Danios are schooling fishes that can survive different water conditions. They are easy to care for and are known for their playful behavior and fast swimming.
10. Endler’s Livebearer – Endler’s livebearers are smaller than guppies but similar to them when it comes to care requirements. These peaceful and easy-to-care-for fishes are great for a beginner’s tank. They come in a wider range of colors and patterns.
Conclusion
It is not recommended to keep any fish in a bowl without a proper filtration system and oxygen supply. Fish require clean and well-oxygenated water to survive and thrive, and a small bowl cannot provide these basic necessities.
Even small fish like bettas, which are often kept in bowls, need a filtered and oxygenated environment to live healthily. Without proper filtration and aeration, the water in a bowl can quickly become contaminated with harmful bacteria and toxins, leading to serious health problems for the fish.
If you are interested in keeping fish, it is important to provide them with a suitable environment that includes a filtration system and proper aeration. A small aquarium or fish tank with a capacity of at least five gallons can be a good option for some small fish species, such as guppies, tetras, and shrimp. Always research the specific needs of the fish species you want to keep and provide them with a suitable habitat to ensure their well-being.
While some fishes can survive in a bowl without oxygen or a pump, it isn’t an ideal environment for them. Fish require oxygen to survive, and if there isn’t proper aeration in the water bowl/ aquarium, it will soon become depleted of oxygen.
If you are looking to keep fish, make sure you provide them with the right environment to survive. Also, go without fish that can tolerate water with low oxygen levels and are beginners’ friendly.
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