or unethical to win a goldfish at the fair?

[DisasterArea]

DD really really wants to win a fish but i feel v sorry for the poor little dears. is it wrong?

No, the point is that the fish will be stunted and unhealthy long before it looks too big for the tank. They need far more clean water and swimming space than most people realise; otherwise, their health does suffer.

Goldfish are among the few fish species who do actually get severely stunted growth when kept in substandard conditions. Bridges to swim under is not as important as low nitrates and enough water to dilute hormones released by the fish.

they need virtually daily water changes too and a close eye on ammonia and nitrate/nitrite levels (daily testing) because they release one hell of a lot of "stuff" into the water (not only poo!)