Information Package / Course Catalogue
Basic Aquarium Knowledge
Course Code: KOC103
Course Type: Non Departmental Elective
Couse Group: Short Cycle (Associate's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 2
Objectives of the Course

To teach the fundamental principles of aquarium systems, the processes of aquarium setup and maintenance, the biological characteristics of ornamental fish, and the sustainable management of aquarium ecosystems; and to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in fish feeding, species identification, and aquarium diseases.

Course Content

This course covers the definition and historical development of aquaculture, the aquarium industry, aquarium equipment, aquarium setup and biological balance, the bacterial cycle, anatomy and species of aquarium fish, freshwater fish, livebearers and egg-laying fish, cichlid species, catfish (plecos) and labyrinth fish, fish feeding techniques, aquarium plants, fish diseases and quarantine systems, as well as current practices in aquaristics.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the basic concepts, historical development, and industry structure of aquaristics.
2.Applies the equipment used in aquarium systems and the stages of aquarium setup.
3.Explains biological balance in aquariums and the formation process of the bacterial cycle.
4.Recognizes and distinguishes the basic species and biological characteristics of freshwater aquarium fish.
5.Recognizes and distinguishes the basic species and biological characteristics of freshwater aquarium fish.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.1) Axelrod, H. R. & Vorderwinkler, W. (2011). Encyclopedia of Tropical Fishes. TFH Publications.
2.2) Spotte, S. (2012). Captive Seawater Fishes: Science and Technology. Wiley.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Definition, history, and development of aquaristics
Week 2 - Theoretical
Aquarium industry and basic concepts
Week 3 - Theoretical
Introduction to aquarium materials and equipment
Week 4 - Theoretical
Aquarium setup and basic stages
Week 5 - Theoretical
Biological balance in aquariums and establishment of the bacterial cycle
Week 6 - Theoretical
Anatomy and basic physiological characteristics of aquarium fish
Week 7 - Theoretical
Freshwater aquarium fish and general species
Week 8 - Theoretical
Livebearing aquarium fish
Week 9 - Theoretical
Egg-laying aquarium fish
Week 10 - Theoretical
Cichlid species and popular ornamental fish
Week 11 - Theoretical
Stingrays, plecos, and labyrinth fish species
Week 12 - Theoretical
Feeds used in fish feeding and feeding techniques
Week 13 - Theoretical
Aquarium plants, introduction to aquatic plants, and their role in the ecosystem
Week 14 - Theoretical
Fish diseases, quarantine aquariums, and major city aquariums in Türkiye
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment1%5
Quiz1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Assignment1112
Individual Work140114
Quiz1112
Midterm Examination1112
Final Examination1213
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)51
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
PÇ-17
PÇ-18
OÇ-1
3
4
4
OÇ-2
3
4
4
OÇ-3
3
4
4
OÇ-4
3
4
4
OÇ-5
3
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026