Learn What to Do With Fish You Can’t Care for
Many people purchase fish as “starter pets” for children or as living decorations, only to find that proper care requires lots of time, space, attention, and money. Sometimes, fish guardians cannot meet these complex animals’ needs. When that happens, what matters most is ensuring fish continue to live a healthy, dignified life. Here’s what to do—and what not to do—with fish you can’t care for.
Fish Have Feelings
Before diving into the “what to do,” it’s important to recognize that fish have feelings. Studies show that fish form friendships, can recognize each other’s faces, and even hold grudges. Did you know fish can count, use tools, and solve problems? And just like us, they experience joyful emotions like curiosity and excitement but can also feel sadness, stress, and pain.
Rehoming Options
Rehoming an animal should only ever be a last resort when you’ve exhausted all other options. Before a fish leaves your care, please do everything possible to ensure that he or she will be safe and treated well for the rest of his or her life.
If you are absolutely unable to provide a loving home, please contact a reputable organization to help you place fish into responsible hands. Never give fish away free online, as many people respond to these listings impulsively without understanding the commitment involved.
- Reach out to fish rescue organizations. Yes, they do exist. Organizations like your local aquarium society often accept fish or can connect you with someone who will.
- Call shelters in your area. Some shelters may be willing to accept and rehome fish or have resources and recommendations to help you.
- Ask online hobbyist groups. Online forums, Facebook communities, and Reddit groups can be great places to find enthusiasts in your area who are looking to adopt.
- Talk to local schools or nature centers. Some educational institutions have aquariums and may be open to taking in fish.
Prepare Fish for Their Next Home
To ensure fish have the best chance at successful rehoming, it is important to be upfront with potential adopters about their diet, health, and behaviors. Provide information about food, water temperature, and compatibility with other fish.
Offer the tank as part of the adoption, which reduces the stress of moving for the fish.
What Not to Do
- Do not release fish into local waterways. They will likely not survive, and if they do, they can spread disease and disrupt ecosystems.
- Do not flush fish. Have you ever thought about where flushed water goes? It’s not pretty. You wouldn’t want to go there, and neither do fish. Flushing them almost always results in a painful, terrifying death.
Contact your local animal control or exotic veterinarian if you’ve exhausted all other options. They may end up euthanizing the fish, but humane euthanasia is far kinder than the alternatives.
Whether covered in fur, feathers, or scales, every animal is someone deserving of respect and compassion. Never buy animals, and only adopt if you’re ready for the lifetime commitment.
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