This is Walter.
Walter is my Bengal cat. He seems to believe he is a new species of catfish. It took a bit of convincing to let him know this was absolutely not the case. If it were, he would definitely be too big for this tank!
Now, I do own fish. I have two tanks, one of which is actually for visual enrichment and entertainment for two parrots. But that's a story for another time. (I'm sure you can't wait!) Per the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2017-2018 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, fish are the number one specialty and exotic animal in American households with an estimated 76,323 fish per population of 1,000 households. That's a lot of fish!!
Keeping an aquarium is a hobby that has been touted for decreasing stress levels, improved focus and creativity, improvements in sleep quality, etc. Anecdotal discussions among fish lovers include these benefits and more. There have been some findings that support an aspect of well-being for the human fish parents; however, research is limited. But, strike up a conversation in the fish department of your local pet store, and you will find zero opinions to the contrary of how fish positively promote your well-being.
Back to Walter, the overgrown "catfish"...
Taking great care of fish is not always an easy task. But, once you've got the knack of it, you will have healthy, happy fish. And, sometimes, fish that have grown way too big for their tanks! I've seen some very large plecos, cichlids, and sharks surrendered to pet stores. And, goldfish - let's not forget the goldfish! Holy cow! Who knew that little guy won at a local carnival or purchased for less than a dollar could get so big? So what do you do with an overgrown fish? Like animal shelters, pet stores have space limitations so they are not always able to take in your unwanted or overgrown fish. We all know the "all drains lead to the ocean" advice from Finding Nemo is neither sound nor good for your plumbing when you have a prehistoric-sized goldfish. Buying larger and larger tanks becomes cost- and space-prohibitive. So, what now?
Unfortunately, many people still resort to releasing these pets into local lakes and ponds thinking they are making the best decision for their pets, unaware of the harm to the ecosystem by Goldie's upscaled home choice. (See what I did there?) This is not a new problem. The New York Times dates the phenomena of goldfish being deemed as “disposable” back to the 1800s. It is believed that this is when carnival fish as prizes began.
Enter the resurgence of news stories about football-sized goldfish being captured from lakes and ponds all over the U.S. Recent stories, like the one included in the video below, are incredible.
Images of goldfish that have reached up to 9 pounds - NINE POUNDS! - make you gasp with wonder and amazement. It's not only pet owners wishing to give their fish a better life contributing to this challenge; fishermen may also use goldfish as bait.
Conduct an online search and you see how it is apparent that many goldfish owners continue to make this poor decision. In 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published an advice column of sorts on how to break up with your goldfish. Seriously. (Sidebar: I love when government agencies have this type of humor. You know about the CDC's Zombie preparedness graphic novel, right? NO?! Click here...you're welcome!)
Goldfish are hardy creatures and can be long-lived under the right conditions in a home aquarium. The oldest goldfish on record, Tish, lived to be 43 years old. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, Tish was owned by Hilda and Gordon Hand of Carlton Miniott, North Yorkshire, UK. Hilda’s son Peter won Tish at a fairground stall in 1956.
Goldfish are not the only fish species that can outgrow their home tanks. New - and experienced - fish parents should educate themselves about the new family member about to swim into their hearts. Knowledgeable pet store staff should provide guidance not just for the care and health of fish, but also of the potential size increase relative per fish species. If you already have a fish or two that is overgrown, if the kids have just lost interest in the aquarium they once loved, or if you need a little more guidance before setting up a new tank, our friends and partners at Habitattitude have recommendations that may work for you.
You'll be happy to know that Walter gave up the catfish impersonation and found his way out of the fish tank.
It wasn't hard to convince him that he should stick to being a cat of the terra firma variety. It was pretty simple really, I just threw down the perfect cat bait. As you can see, it was not a goldfish!
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