Have you seen those Fishdom ads with the poor fish in trouble? The "Save the Fish" mini-games are a big reason many people download the game in the first place. They are fun little puzzles that pop up between the main match-3 levels. If you're wondering how to play and beat them, you've come to the right place.

The short answer is that you need to pull the pins in the correct order to help the fish get to safety. You have to guide water to the fish while avoiding dangers like lava, bombs, or chemicals. It sounds simple, but some levels can be surprisingly tricky.

Mastering the Mini-Game

Winning these puzzles is all about thinking a few steps ahead. I remember one level where the fish was in a small chamber and a huge block of lava was just waiting to fall. My first few tries were a disaster because I kept releasing the lava first. I had to really stop and look at the puzzle, realizing I needed to release a small amount of water to create a barrier before dropping the lava into a separate pit. It took a minute, but the "aha!" moment was so satisfying.

Here are some tips to help you save that fish every time:

• Look Before You Pull: Don't just start pulling pins randomly. Take a second to see where everything will go. Which pin releases the water? Which one holds back the lava? Planning your moves is key.
• Use Dangers to Your Advantage: Sometimes, you can use the dangers against other enemies. I had a level with pesky crabs blocking the way. By pulling one pin, I could drop a rock on them, clearing the path for the water to reach my fish. It felt pretty clever, I have to admit.
• Water First, Always: Your number one goal is to get clean water to your fish. Make that your first priority before dealing with anything else.
• Don't Be Afraid to Fail: Some of these puzzles are trial and error. You might not get it on the first try, and that's okay. Each attempt teaches you what *not* to do. This strategy is also helpful for passing other Fishdom mini-games.

These mini-games are a great way to earn extra coins and diamonds for your aquarium. They provide a nice break from the regular match-3 gameplay and really make you think.

If you ever find yourself needing a few extra diamonds or power-ups to get through a tough spot in Fishdom, consider giving Playstorm a try. You can play fun mobile games, earn gems, and redeem them for Google Play or Apple App Store gift cards. It's a great way to fund your in-app purchases without spending real money.