This week we are starting to answer some common questions we get asked at the shop and via email, SMS and telephone. For our first question - we get asked this question every day several times and usually by customers on a tight budget. Some customers are afraid that if a fish needs oxygen they must spend money on an air pump or filter. So, which fish don't need oxygen?

Answer - All Fish Need Oxygen

The fact is, ALL FISH need oxygen, or they will die, just like any other animal on earth, oxygen is essential for life.

However, many newcomers to the hobby of fishkeeping don't know that some fish have primitive lungs - sometimes called labyrinth organs. Some such fish are the labyrinth fish (Scientific family name Anabantidae) which includes the very popular fighting fish (betta / ikan laga), kaloi and gouramis. All of these fish can sip air from the surface of the water if they need to, so you don't need an air pump or filter to oxygenate the water.

If the fish can't breathe at the surface, then you must use an air pump or filter. But to be honest and practical - if you want to give your fish the best care you should always use a filter anyway. A filter does much more than just oxygenate the water, it cleans the water and makes it easier to maintain your aquarium.

We sell filters from just RM28 each for small aquariums, all the way up to over RM1000 for large or professional set ups. At just RM28 for a Jebo 501 waterfall type filter there is no reason to save money - it's super cheap and your fish will be super happy. Buying a filter is probably the most important purchase in your aquarium setup. If you have a small aquarium and you are on a tight budget then we still have several options. You can check out filters for sale here.