
More than once, I tried to talk my father into buying me a real aquarium with all of the bells and whistles, but he stated, "Electricity and water just don't go together." He thought the whole house would blow fuses or explode. Over my childhood, I kept trying almost every year. I finally went to the library and checked out books about how to care for fish in an aquarium. I felt so guilty when my fish died. As a Scorpio (a water sign in the western astrology), I felt connected to water and water life.
As an adult, on Christmas eve in 1997, my friend bought me a 5 gallon aquarium and some fresh water fish. She bought me the chemicals, the filtration system, a heater and lights. I finally committed to the peaceful serenity that taking care of pets (my first) provided for me. I researched everything I could about a home aquarium and felt so happy to finally have a "real" aquarium. Over the years I graduated myself to a 29 gallon aquarium with rounded corners without any black or clear glue, so I had a full frontal unobstructed view. It brings me great joy.
Fish have a profound impact on human well-being, particularly when observed in aquariums. Numerous studies have demonstrated that spending time in spaces with aquariums can lead to significant mental and physical health benefits. For instance, research published in Environment & Behavior found that viewing aquarium displays resulted in noticeable reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, indicating a calming effect on the observer.
Further studies have linked interaction with fish in aquariums to outcomes such as reduced anxiety, increased tolerance to pain, and improvements in nutritional intake and body weight among residents of specialized dementia units. These findings suggest that aquariums can serve as therapeutic tools, providing comfort and relaxation to individuals in various settings.
The presence of an aquarium can also enhance mood and promote relaxation. A study indicated that participants experienced greater perceptions of relaxation and improved mood, along with reduced anxiety, during or after viewing live fish compared to other conditions. This suggests that aquariums can serve as a calming distraction, helping individuals shift their focus from stressors to the tranquil movements of aquatic life.
Incorporating aquariums into personal or communal spaces not only enriches the environment aesthetically but also contributes to mental health and well-being. As we continue to uncover the emotional lives of fish, it becomes evident that our relationship with these aquatic creatures is mutually beneficial. By providing them with compassionate care and respectful habitats, we, in turn, create spaces that foster our own emotional and psychological health.
Did you grow up with a fish tank or aquarium in the home? Did you go to a large aquarium as a field trip when a student in school? What was that experience like for you? I invite you to reach out to me and share your memories.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
Bibliography
- Cracknell, D., White, M., Pahl, S., Nichols, W., & Depledge, M. (2015). Marine Biota and Psychological Well-Being: A Preliminary Examination of Dose–Response Effects in an Aquarium Setting. Environment & Behavior, 47(7), 798–825. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150729215632.htm
- Edwards, T. M., & Beck, A. M. (2002). Animal-Assisted Therapy and Nutrition in Alzheimer's Disease. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(6), 697–712. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663029/
- Cracknell, D., White, M., Pahl, S., & Depledge, M. (2016). A Preliminary Investigation into the Restorative Potential of Public Aquaria Exhibits: A Study of Mood Change and Observers' Attitudes. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 45, 45–55. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747257/
- Braithwaite, V. A. (2010). Do Fish Feel Pain?. Oxford University Press.
- Sneddon, L. U., Wolfenden, D. C. C., & Leach, M. C. (2016). Pain in Fish: Evidence and Implications for Understanding the Animal's Experience. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 201–208. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9100576/