I had to stop buying fish because I thought it was pretty unfair. I think it is the same with vivariums and terrariums.
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Who cares. We are living in earthrariumš
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Not if theres enough space imo and you keep up with it. J stopped buying fish because k coulsnt keep up with it the way they needed
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I can remember once I had a small goldfish in a 3 ft tank but after a few months it just looked really unhappy. I dont think they are too happy being in captivity, it seems a bit unfair.
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Not if they have enough space and are properly taken care of.
Some fish also require certain plants and decorations (which provide hiding spots) to be happy
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Goldfish are kind of bummers to be fair. Like betas
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I know how you feel OP. Iāve been trying to justify getting a budgie or a cockatiel but since I am a birder Iād feel bad for keeping one in a cage and because we have two cats.
At my favorite Chinese restaurant they have this huge common goldfish that has outgrown its tank years ago. It doesnāt look happy at all. Sad.
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I agree with you @anon98459728
I think replicating the environment of the outside is impossible in a fish tank aquarium.
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Why would it be cruel if they have adequate space and are being taken care of properly?
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In certain aquatic environments, a low tide brings in baby animals. Then there are window panes to keep them from being eaten until they are ready to leave on a high tide.
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Koi fish can grow to Asian carp.
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Because fish need to explore and see new environments and not be stuck in the same tank with the same ornaments all day with nothing to stimulate them. Fish are supposed to swim around a lot of the time and I heard that if they are just sitting in the same spot all day it probably means that they are unhappy. Even finding food for themselves is something that keeps them occupied, but if you take all that away from them and stick them in the same space they just become bored and frustrated that there is nothing to keep their minds going. I had lots of fish and it was rare that they were actually happy, and this is in 3 or 4 foot tanks.
Actually a life in a fish tank is a lot less stressful than living in the wild if proper care is given. Iām not saying captivity is better than natural and I donāt really care for the wild caught pet trade, but one also has to consider constantly forage for food and always on the look out for predators , along with a shorter lifespan. Iāve always practiced changing their environment to keep things fresh for them. Another big issue is people will get schooling fish and not have enough. A schooling fish not kept with enough of its own kind will not be a happy fish.
Some fish arenāt good in captivity, and I avoid big chain pet stores to get information from, as they do silly things like sell plecos to unsuspecting people. Cory catfish are also sold individually without employees telling their customers that Cory catfish need to be in schools of at least 5 to 6.
Seriously though, besides water conditions, there are five things that can cause fish to be stressed and those are 1. access to food. If there are multiple species competing for the same food then some fish are going to get denied. There is a misconception that ātank cleanersā only eat the algae on the tank, but that may not be enough food for them. 2. the schooling fish issue again. I seriously cannot over emphasize this enough, schooling fish kept alone will not live long. 3. Not changing the environment enough. People think you just have to deal with the water, but its a good idea to offer variety as far as decoration and plants go, which leads me to number four. 4. Not having enough hides. Hides are so important, and most people donāt have enough hides in their enclosure leading to fish being severely stressed which can lead to many issues besides being attacked by bigger fish. Finally one of the biggest issues is size of tank vs. size and amount of fish. Many tanks are overstocked or just too small. The 1 inch of fish per gallon rule is bullcrap. A 12 inch pleco is going to create a lot more waste than 12 inches worth of small tetras.
Keeping fish in an aquarium is not cruel if done correctly. You can offer a stimulating and safe environment, but many people donāt do enough research or have the time to put in the proper amount of effort into their aquarium. Iām not saying that to bash them, its just when you go to the pet store many employees make it sound like there is minimal work which couldnāt be more wrong. Owning an aquarium requires a TON of work if you want healthy and happy fish.
You see the same with reptiles and birds. Fortunately the internet is there now so it is easier to gain access to proper care information. Many birds are social and big chain pet stores donāt emphasize that you need to spend a lot of time with a bird if you have a single bird, and still a decent amount of time if you have more than one bird even though they have each other to socialize with.
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I donāt feel bad for fish no. I do feel bad for penguins and seals etc though.
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When I saw those tiny aquariums with 1 goldfish in it on TV I didnāt like it at all
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