Meet Goldie the fish, who is having a bad day. If this brightly-colored fish looks like an aquarium pet, it’s because it should be: The goldfish, Carassius auratus, is a species native to Asia who has gained a foothold in countless places due to its popularity as an easy pet. But while being voracious and adaptable are cool in captivity, it becomes problematic when they begin to compete with the native species in a new area- such as Lafayette, Indiana, where this one was found and dispatched by an attentive Great Blue Heron.
I’ve never understood the mindset behind dumping a pet. Some types may raise difficulties in some situations: As someone who always had large dogs (almost all former strays, not to mention sweet and adorable) until I had large snakes (also sweet and adorable), I’m aware that housing- particularly dealing with apartment policies- can be a pain, but it’s baffling that anyone could consider leaving them behind as an option.
To the best of my knowledge, most places do not present such troubles when trying to move with a goldfish companion, so I’ll be charitable and assume that this behemoth’s former bestie must therefore be homeless or in prison.
Am I being a jerk over this fish? Sure. Things aren’t quite that simple, I know. But if a goldfish turned out to be such a large commitment that it must be inflicted on the local ecosystem, then perhaps therapy should precede the next pet.
On the bright side, at least the heron was happy.
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