PEOPLE are being warned about the precautions of pet care ahead of the release of the latest Pixar film ‘Finding Dory’.

The movie stars an animated blue tang fish and it’s expected that there could be an increase in people looking to buy the exotic sea creature as a result of the film.

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Staff at Burnley pet shop Waterlife & Pets said owners should do their homework and make sure they keep any tropical fish in the right conditions.

Kay Donohoe, the owner of the Curzon Street store, said: “A lot of pets can live longer than people think, some goldfish can live into their 20s.

“It is most important to think before you buy any pet.

“They have to put their trust in you and their lives are in your hands.”

Finding Dory is the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 film Finding Nemo which followed the journey of a clownfish through the ocean, and opens in UK cinemas today.

Mrs Donohoe is wary of the same issues occurring that happened after the original film and the increase in people wanting a clownfish which was the star of the movie.

She said:”It’s about providing the correct environment and making sure you do your research.

“It’s a lot easier to buy pets these days. After Finding Nemo everyone wanted clownfish before doing their research and didn’t realise the conditions they needed.”

Several steps have to be considered when buying a sea creature including ensuring that the correct aquarium, water, lighting.

Tanks must also be cleaned, filtered and set to the correct temperature which means that caring for such sea creatures is not a simple process.

The correct dietary needs of a fish need to also be considered, including what to feed it and how frequently the feeding must occur.

A pet store in Blackburn is also wary that residents need to make make sure that they take the proper precautions before investing in any sort of pet.

Shirley Duxbury, retail assistant at Mill Hill Pets, Wellington Street, Blackburn, said: “Don’t impulse buy, and make sure you take the proper steps.

“Do your research before buying a pet. Sometimes these people buy them on an impulse without thinking about it and then months down line don’t know what to do with it.”

The RSPCA offers a variety of advice for fish care on its website. about the best way to treat for fish and warn that ‘caring for aquarium fish can be rewarding and a lot of fun but it is a big responsibility.’