Husbandry and environmental enrichment

There is an increasing amount of scientific discussion and evidence about the potential for negative events to cause pain and suffering in fish. However, not all states in Australia protect fish under animal welfare legislation. If it is accepted that fish are sentient and can experience pain, then there is an ethical obligation to treat fish humanely and avoid causing then pain, injury and suffering. This has significant impacts for the treatment of fish used for commercial and recreational purposes, as well as for fish kept as companion animals. Goldfish are intelligent, social animals that interact with other fish and often their owners. The average life span of a goldfish provided with proper care is around 10-15 years, though many die sooner due to housing conditions that do not meet their behavioural and physiological needs