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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Pet fish

27 replies

Besttimeofyear · 06/11/2025 09:33

Does anyone have any?

We have a ddog, she’s getting on a bit now and not so playful. My 7 year old always seems to want to be finding pets/bugs and looking after things. She’d probably love a pet fish, but is it sad/cruel on the fish?
Also how much are fish and the equipment (smallish bowl) how often to clean and would the dog try to get it, should you get a pair?
Basically how much of a hassle are they? 😂

OP posts:
crumpetswithcheeze · 06/11/2025 09:39

It’s not cruel if you do it properly. It is cruel if you don’t do it properly. Unfortunately bowls aren’t suitable for any fish, they’re too small and the wrong shape. Your best bet is to go to a pet shop and ask what the easiest fish to keep are, what they need, (light, filter, heater, air pump), then depending on your budget you can source everything second hand if needed.

Strawberrycheesecake7 · 06/11/2025 09:38

No fish should be kept in a bowl. That is cruel.