"What does a fish wrap round its shoulder to keep warm? A shoal," goes a saying.

Well, we need to know a lot more to keep our fish-friends happy and healthy. Fish are a wonderful creature from the aquatic world that have made their way into our homes from their own comfortable abode inside the sea or rivers.

Research says that the fish soothe our eyes and freshen up our mood. From intimidating sharks to charming goldfishes, people love to keep fish as their pets. One of my cousins has a large aquarium in his home which contains very exclusive type of fish. To see those amazing little creatures is a delight. Once I asked him how he had kept the fish so active and healthy, and he began to talk about it like a mother would do about her kids. He said, "It’s all about the time and attention you can give to them. I feed, play and sit with the fish; that’s how they feel happy, and so do I.

"Like other pets they become emotionally attached with you."

There are numerous pet shops in Mughalpura, where you can find a fish store easily. Moreover, some stores are to be found in Chauburji also but these are said to be far more expensive. Even the OLX website can help. Mostly, fish is imported from Thailand.

Once you have got the fish, the question arises as to how to feed them properly, and also how to play with them. As curiosity got the better of me, I asked a few hobbyists whom I knew -- those who kept fish, some of them for many, many years. And they all told me something fish-y.

For one thing, they said the fish needs -- and deserves -- enough space to swim around in. A bowl or small aquarium doesn’t afford her a free-wheeling and enjoyable movement. A 5-gallon tank is the minimum the small fish should get. Anything smaller is not called for. If you own an aquarium, try and make it large enough, depending on the number of fish you are going to keep, so that they do not bump into each other or start attacking each other.

Less space also gives stress to the fish and weakens their immune system.

Water-level maintenance, waste dilution and bio filtrations are some of the other things you need to keep in mind. Remember: Water is everything for the fish. Water is for fish what air is to us. The right amount of water, stable pH levels, a full-functioning filtration system are important requisites for keeping your fish healthy and happy.

Lots of fish poop, uneaten food and ammonia amount in water makes it dirtier. So, know your fish type, whether it is marine or freshwater, and change water monthly if you are not using a proper filtration system for the aquarium.

To maintain the water temperature is also vital for the longer life of the fish, for they often stress out and grow white spots on their skin if the water temperature fluctuates.

The aquarium fish fall into two categories: tropical and cold-water. Experts suggest that they ought not to be kept in the same aquarium because of their different temperature requirements. In a city like Lahore where extreme temperatures in winters and summers affect the daily routines of the common people, you can’t expect your fish not to take any effect.

It is really helpful to observe your fish’s eating habits. For new fish owners, excitement is good unless you do not feed them every time you find the aquarium empty. Make sure your family also knows its food schedule. Chances are you may all unintentionally feed them. The mantra is: Do not overfeed them.

Also, no handshakes, please. You can’t touch them very often unless there is a need for it. Most of your interaction with your fish should be while you’re feeding them. And to make your inner child happy you can wet your fingertips, dip in their food and then put it in water.

Like other animals, fish also come in types. Meat-eating families e.g. salmon and giant gourami, and herbivorous fish like Angel fish and Goldfish cannot get along. Both should be kept in separate aquariums. Professionals suggest going for meat-eating fish if you are a busy person. They are also stronger and come in different colours.

According to Qazafi Malik, aquarium consultant for Options, a restaurant in Lahore which famously houses a beautiful aquarium, he turned his passion for fish into a business. Thanks to the place, we can now dine with our family and friends in the company of fish.

For Malik, it was his life-long experience of fish-keeping that he brought into use at the restaurant. "It’s a hobby that more and more people in the city have taken to," he told TNS.

"Earlier, it was considered an expensive hobby, but now it has become less expensive because of the kind of variety that is available."

Husnain said that it’s "quite addictive." He has kept fish for over eight years now. He started with a pair of Goldfish; today, he is a proud owner of two aquariums that contain a range of species -- "Oscar, Blue line shark, Naja Shark, Guppy… You name it."

To quote Husnain, again, "One can go for a pair of Goldfish, Black Molly or Danios as a novice, and then you can add more colours to your aquarium as your interest grows."