You want a pet but parents are laying down a series of conditions — it should not be too noisy, messy, hairy, and needy or run around the house chewing your footwear? No problem! Fish check out all these boxes and make for great pets too!
Quiet: They don’t bark through the night keeping you or the neighbours awake, neither do they show their anger with loud meows. They are happy to be fed, and swim around in their tank/ bowl in the company of their marine friends.
Space: All they need is a bowl or a tank, the size of which depends on your budget and the number of fish you plan to keep.
Bonus: They’re definitely not going to run out when the tank is open, and you don’t have to go chasing behind them! Plus, any room you keep the tank in, is sure to get a facelift.
Constant attention: Fish don’t need you to pet them constantly, cuddle them or talk to them, unlike the time and attention our four-legged or feathered pets demand.
But of course, you can spend time observing them or trying to teach them a few tricks.
Yes! Research has shown that goldfish can be taught to push levers, play fetch and football too!
Clean: Fish are clean; the fact that they are constantly in water might be a help! You don’t have to bathe them, clean their ears, trim their feathers or brush their teeth. They are well groomed. But you will have to change the water, ensure the tank is clean and feed the fish regularly.
Colour: Orange is your favourite colour, or even blue, then get fish to match your taste. What other pets give you that liberty? They come in many colours, patterns, shapes and sizes.
Calming: If your parents are still not convinced, this point will surely win them over. Did you know that watching your pet fish swim around in their habitat is healthy for you? It has been found that watching fish reduces one’s levels of stress and anxiety. In fact, it is called aquarium therapy. Some even believe that having an aquarium in the right location brings luck! Think about this: your pet fish can help calm your parents whenever you have been up to some mischief!
