Hobbies And Interests
Mutations
Mutations are among the biggest threats faced by fish in the wild. Though not all mutations are harmful, chemical pollutants cause increased deleterious mutations. Fish suffering from mutations may suffer from malformed organs, sterility, cancer and genetic illnesses. Because these mutations are carried in fish DNA, the mutations may continue for several generations, lessening the overall health of a population of fish and potentially causing an entire population's extinction.
Water pH
Ph is the measure of water's acid content, with high numbers indicating alkalinity and low numbers indicating acidity. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. When acid rain enters a body of water, the pH is lowered, which can cause numerous illnesses in addition to killing food sources. Extremely acidic water may cause chemical burns and immediate death. Too high pH can result in the overgrowth of algae and mold, which can choke off the oxygen and food supply.
Litter
Litter from trash dumped into water has serious negative effects on water quality and fish health. Small pieces of litter can choke or entrap fish. Litter can also injure common predators of fish, which leads to overpopulation and insufficient available food. If a body of water is extremely littered, the litter can alter the chemical composition of the water, leading to chemical toxicity and unhealthy pH levels.
In Captivity
Fish owners often exert substantial control over the water quality of fish in captivity. However, these fish are susceptible to many of the same risks as fish in the wild, and incorrect pH levels are a common problem experienced by fish owners. When chemical pollutants make their way into tap water, captive fish can become ill if the water is not purified. Chlorine, a frequent additive in tap water, is especially dangerous to fish. Fish kept in outdoor ponds may also be susceptible to the effects of acid rain.