Why do you keep fish

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Zander_The_RBP;4426449; said:
let's not kid ourselves folks this is basicaly the reason we all keep fish.



We humans get some sense of pride knowing that we can create a functioning environment for a fish with a glass (or plastic) box and a bunch of pumps in smaller boxs that are connected to the bigger box. and the do whatever we want with them at that point.

However i do have many lesser reasons such as how intresting it is watching them grow, feed, etc.
That may be true for you, but I disagree with you that it applies to everyone. If that was the only reason we kept fish, then what makes us prefer fish to anything else? We could be doing the exact same thing with insects in 5 gallon tanks, so if the only reason is to "play god," then why do you think we keep fish instead (which require a lot more money and space also).
 
Renzo;4417427; said:
I keep them for the challenge. To be able to create an environment that is good enough for a species to start reproducing brings great satisfaction. To think that I can manipulate their environment also satisfy my control issues. :)

DMasker;4417669; said:
I love knowing I am providing a great environment for a living creature, watching them grow up, and to distract myself when life gets me down on occasion. Plus, a well maintained tank adds class and aesthetics to a household.

Bhack91;4420765; said:
I keep fish because I like the look of the natural environment of SA fish, and love the challenge of making a natural looking habitat. I also am very interested in animal behavior, so most of the fish I don't like just because they look cool but because its something peaceful and interesting to observe.

I couldn't agree more.

I keep them because i am fascinated by their ability to exploit an environment so inhospitable to humans. I love watching their gills.

I love watching them eat. they can be so intelligent to in their interactions in the tank and with me outside it.

I love watching geo's sift through the sand, i could watch it for hours and has to be the most relaxing thing i can think of.

Their grace and adaptation in the water leaves me in awe.

What i love most is the look on a visitors face when u see them get bitten by the fishkeeping bug and you know they're hooked for life. They say 'that's the coolest thing i've seen in a while' and u know it is too.
 
I keep fish because it's a good distraction for me. I've had a rough time the past few years and fish take my mind off of everything. I can just sit there in front of the tank and forget about any problems I might have. Plus, I love watching my fish grow. I like to buy baby fish and raise them into monsters. I bought a 1" silver aro last year and now he's a 12" shiny black/red/green beauty. It's like raising kids
 
L021;4424166; said:
I love them for their interactions, and for being the only things I really feel for.
Agreed! It may sound cheesy but I love my fish as much as other people love dogs or cats, or any other animal for that matter.

I "play" with my fish every day, throughout the day. Whenever I walk by my tanks I wiggle my fingers at them and they always excitedly swim up front to say hello and wiggle back. Each fish I've ever owned has it's own personality and quirks, and it's so much fun to watch them grow up.

It's also immensely satisfying to know that my animals are spoiled rotten, compared to many other creatures out there who are not fortunate enough to have the proper care or attention they need.
 
I keep fish because they are such a stress realiver, they are very entertaining! They are a really awesome pet, I even name them! :)
 
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