A Bene-fish-al Pet

In a time where PVHS students are spending a prolonged time studying at home, a small pick-me-up could come in an unlikely form–a pet fish.

Tiny as they may be—and boring as they are often described—fish can have personalities much larger than meets the eye, and make excellent and beneficial companions for any student in their quest to finish the long hours of homework. With their bright hues and lovable eyes, many inside and outside of the PVHS community can’t resist them. 

“I think having a fish can help a lot of people relax with their homework—they’re so colorful, and I think they’re very calming to look at,” senior Brooke Stiebel said, the owner of several fish.

 “I think that having one is especially a great idea for people who are doing lots of homework; they can take a quick break, look at them, and destress.”

Stiebel’s words ring true at a deeper level; transcending their pleasing appearances, there exist surprising physiological and mental health benefits to owning and observing fish. 

According to a 2005 study by the University of Plymouth, the simple act of watching fish in an aquarium can reduce blood pressure and heart rates, as well as help ease anxiety—this is why so many doctors’ offices have this characteristic feature. 

With the circumstances of quarantine and an online-centered lifestyle increasing cases of anxiety and poor mental health in many, even small solutions like keeping fish could be beneficial in mitigating these types of symptoms.

If you’re looking to get your own aquatic companion, several freshwater species are ideal for beginners, with most being available at any local pet store. Mollys, tetras, and guppies are social fish that thrive in groups, while the territorial betta fish must be kept on its own. 

While you may think a goldfish is a worthy candidate for a beginner as well, they actually require a very large environment compared to other fish—about twenty gallons each. 

While each fish will have slightly different requirements depending on their species, they will all thrive in the proper environment with some basic fixtures: a spacious tank, places to hide, water with a consistent pH and temperature, and plants that are not sharp or spiky (so as to not damage their fins).

An important thing to note, however, is the strong opposition that many animal rights groups, including PETA, have to the commercial fish trade. They correctly address the fact that many fish can be subjected to below-average, cramped and abusive conditions during delivery or while being sold, most particularly with the small, inadequate containers that betta fish are often sold in. 

If you give them the proper amount of space and follow their breed’s specific guidelines, they will finally thrive. 

In sum, given the right environment and care, fish can make wonderful companions for any student; they can lower anxiety as well as provide a friendly face for any and many.