 | Many people buy fish as a cheap, low-maintenance pet. They mistakenly believe fish are easier to care for than a regular pet, that it is natural for them to not live as long as other animals. The reality is, we don’t really know much about how to care for tropical fish. Scientists haven’t done enough research on aquatic life. But they’re a popular beginner pet used to teach kids responsibility and to brighten up pet-friendly apartments. That leads to a lot of mistreatment by owners, and the pet industry. |
Walmart not only announced its decision to halt the sales of live fish, at an earlier office conference, the top retailer halted the sale of aquatic plants as well. Walmart accounted for an estimated 30% of the live fish sold annually in the US. The move began in March, with all fish being removed from stores by the end of October. This was great news for animal advocacy groups, who have been pushing Walmart to remove live fish for years. PETA published an expose on the chronic mistreatment of fish in the Pet Industry last May, including living in contaminated water.
In addition to this, new research has pointed to the idea that fish are more intelligent than we first believed. Author and researcher Jonathan Balcombe asks us to reconsider our opinion of fish. Research shows they have a memory that is months longer than what was previously believed. Their minds are flexible, and they are able to adapt to new situations, and even show affection to other animals, like when a betta fish follows humans.
Fish have unique needs. They need a good water filtration system and at least a 2.5-gallon tank. But most fish sold in Walmart are put in small bowls to live out their lives. With Walmart and their 1,700 stores pulling out of the live pet industry, it sends a big message to pet sellers and distributers about misusing animals, even fish.
Let us know in the comments if you are for or against this shift away from the sale of live fish.
In addition to this, new research has pointed to the idea that fish are more intelligent than we first believed. Author and researcher Jonathan Balcombe asks us to reconsider our opinion of fish. Research shows they have a memory that is months longer than what was previously believed. Their minds are flexible, and they are able to adapt to new situations, and even show affection to other animals, like when a betta fish follows humans.
Fish have unique needs. They need a good water filtration system and at least a 2.5-gallon tank. But most fish sold in Walmart are put in small bowls to live out their lives. With Walmart and their 1,700 stores pulling out of the live pet industry, it sends a big message to pet sellers and distributers about misusing animals, even fish.
Let us know in the comments if you are for or against this shift away from the sale of live fish.
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