Fish are a popular pet. They can be easy to care for and fascinating for children.
But pet fish and the water they swim in can sometimes carry germs that could make your child sick.
Following a few safety tips can reduce the risk of your child becoming ill.
Health risks from fish
It is quite rare for pet fish to cause illness. But it can happen if germs in the water get on broken skin or into a child's mouth.
Pet fish can sometimes spread:
- skin infections from types of bacteria called mycobacteria
- vomiting and diarrhoea caused by salmonella
- diarrhoea or blood infections caused by bacteria called aeromonas
Your child could also pick up some skin infections through contact with infected water.
Keep your child safe around pet fish and fish tanks
To reduce the risk of your child becoming ill after contact with fish:
- wash your hands and your child's hands with warm water and soap after contact with fish or a fish tank
- clean the fish tank away from kitchen sinks and food preparation areas
- wear gloves when you clean a fish tank or handle fish
- do not let your child handle a fish or its water if they have any cuts or scratches on their skin
Store fish food, medicines and any other fish materials out of reach of children. If children swallow these substances, it could cause choking or poisoning.
Fish tanks
Do the following things if you have a fish tank.
Do
-
watch your child at all times when they are near the fish tank
-
keep the fish tank out of reach of young children - if children pull the tank, it may cause a serious injury
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check that the tank is shatterproof and has thick, sturdy glass or acrylic sides
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secure the tank to a safe surface
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cover and lock the tank when not in use to prevent drowning
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keep the electrical cables and any pipes out of sight and reach of children - they are a strangulation risk
If your child is scratched by a fish
Wash your child's skin immediately with running warm tap water and soap if the skin is broken by:
- a fish
- a fish fin
- something sharp in a fish tank
Contact a GP if the wound is deep or the wound becomes red or swollen. Tell them your child was handling fish or a fish tank when the injury happened.
Choosing a healthy fish
When you buy a pet fish, choose a fish that looks healthy and active. A healthy fish swims normally, has clear eyes and shows no signs of injury or problems with its fins.
Avoid fish that have:
- fungus growing on their scales
- sores
- torn fins
- fins that fall to 1 side
- hazy eyes
Make sure the shop keeps their tanks clean and the fish well cared for. Do not buy a poisonous, venomous or biting fish.