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Coldwater fish facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
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Japanese koi carp are coldwater fish.

Coldwater fish, in the context of aquariums, refers to fish species that do not require a heater to remain within tolerable temperatures in a typical indoor aquarium. Some examples are koi, goldfish, weather loaches, hillstream loaches, many species of barbs, sunfish of the family Centrarchidae, many Central American cichlids, and a variety of other species. Some, but not all, of these species are capable of surviving in very low temperatures, including ponds, lakes, or rivers that freeze over winter.

It is important to note that just because these fish are capable of surviving in unheated aquaria, their temperature preferences may vary. For example, koi and goldfish are commonly considered to be cold-water fish because of their ability to survive at very low temperatures, but their temperature preferences are 32°C (89.6°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), respectively. Because many of the ornamental fish considered to be “coldwater fish” are more accurately eurythermal fish and many prefer temperatures similar to, or even warmer than those preferred by certain tropical fish, the term “coldwater fish” in the aquarium context often misleads pet owners into keeping fish below their preferred temperature.

Freshwater aquarium fish

Note: The above contains a mix of true coldwater fish and sub-tropical fish that can survive and thrive at room temperature which ranges from 15 °C (59 °F) and to 30 °C (86 °F).

Freshwater pond fish

Marine aquarium fish

Wild fish

The term is also used to refer to fish species in the wild (such as lake trout, Arctic char, and Arctic grayling), that prefer colder waters.

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Coldwater fish Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.