Remember fish, too

**TrekkiePiggies** · #1 09-13-07, 02:33 pm

Many times, I have heard people say they will not buy from a pet store that sells animals, but they'll buy from a store that sells fish without complaint.

Given the misinformation and general feeling that fish are easy, or not really on the same emotional level as other pets, I find this rather disturbing. Fish feel pain, have emotional capability, and need enrichment. They absolutely require pristine water conditions and a correct diet tailored to their species and activity level. Betta fish and goldfish are sold as pets that you can plop in a bowl and feed now and then. Pet store employees rarely tell you that bettas require clean, constantly filtered water, and that goldfish can live for decades and grow to a foot in length if given proper water conditions and space. The old adage that a fish will grow to the size of its container is sadly true: a fish, kept cramped in a tiny tank or bowl, surrounded by and breathing in its own toxic filth, will become stunted. This is a painful process and shortens the fish's lifespan considerably, not to mention detracts from its quality of life.

Thoughts?

**Chaos&Order** · #2 09-13-07, 03:08 pm

I'd always sort of wondered about fish. You can't really get fish from a shelter.

**TrekkiePiggies** · #3 09-13-07, 03:35 pm

Unfortunately I don't know of any fish rescues, but I do know that some people take in "monster fish" and tankbusters from badly-informed owners who thought the fish weren't as cute or funny after they grew three feet. It's mainly these fish that end up getting dumped--people buy a Redfin Catfish, a Piranha, an Arowana, an Mbu Pufferfish, you name it, without proper research, and next thing you know the fish is either sick, dead, or too big to handle. The owner will try to pawn it off on a zoo or public aquarium, not realizing that 50 other people in his area have already tried that and the zoos are full to bursting.

When I buy fish I go to a fish specialty store, not a pet store that sells fish and has no clue how to care for them. I also try to get captive-bred specimens wherever possible.

**tpals** · #4 09-13-07, 11:03 pm

It's also why I understock my tanks. Fish may look impressive if there are many in the tank, but it's not better for them. Tanks are like cages, the bigger the better.

**ortal** · #5 09-13-07, 11:50 pm

This is very informative. I was actually thinking 'what about fish' today.

**TrekkiePiggies** · #6 09-20-07, 01:40 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ortal

This is very informative. I was actually thinking 'what about fish' today.

I'm glad! Most folks don't.

Here's a fish rescue I found linked on my cichlid forum:

About Us

Awesome people! Monster fish are expensive to maintain properly.

Thank you TrekkiePiggies, for this useful post, say these 2 members:
landhermie (10-04-07), ortal (09-13-07)

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