Putting an end to the indoor goldfish

We have all known as children, and also as parents, the famous goldfish won at the fair or festival, very often in the "duck fishing" game.

Of course, this is now completely illegal and the practice of giving a goldfish as a prize at a festival is declining, although still too slowly.

This has firmly planted in the collective imagination the idea that the simple, unremarkable fish one can have at home in a plain bowl is the goldfish.

We all know, however, that it is the worst possible choice.

- no fish should live in a bowl

- the goldfish is a large fish that should live in a pond

- an adult goldfish can reach up to 30 cm, eats a lot and dirties the water greatly.

Fortunately, this issue has become a major topic of animal welfare and associations rightly fight against the practices of pet shops and trade, which often perpetuate this cruel practice.

 

Yet, there is a solution that should be more widespread.

Many households appreciate their child having a fish.
The problem lies in the choice of species and the bowl.

Why not offer children 60 cm long aquariums (54 liters), easy to set up in any bedroom or living room? Light enough for a simple table or sturdy piece of furniture.

But what to put in this aquarium ?

 

One of the ideal fish could well be the Tanichthys albonubes, the popular “Tani”!

This small, colorful, and friendly fish is only three times shorter than a goldfish, but it weighs… 200 times less! It therefore eats little and dirties even less.

It needs companions, at least a small group of 6 individuals, perfect for a 54-liter unheated aquarium...

Instead of a fish too large, often alone, swimming pitifully in a too small tank, you have a lively and colorful group that does not uproot plants and has room to swim.

You will see the males’ displays as they try to intimidate each other, fins spread and colors beautifully enhanced, and you will often even see them lay eggs early in the morning. With a bit of luck and many plants, you will occasionally be surprised to see a new little fish appear!

Of course, no filter is needed and even less aquarium cleaning. The plants will purify the water thanks to the light and will grow on their own.

 

And if natural fishkeeping finally saved goldfish by replacing them with other fish much better suited to the conditions of a child’s room?