This captured my attention because I raise goldfish and I was interested in checking out these fabulous fishbowls.

When I saw this, I was utterly appalled. These five fishbowls are examples of impractical and inhumane designs. From the photos, 3 out of the 5 fishbowls house goldfish in a filterless environment. It’s basic Goldfish 101 that you need filter to provide air and clean the water. Shame on you; how is this making the world a better place for all of us?

Hi Katherine,

Thanks for stopping by. I’m sincerely sorry to hear that you’re appalled…

Please know that these bowls were selected by someone (me) who happily grew up with fish in old-fashioned glass bowls, sans filter. It was a great memory for me, and I selected the above bowls based on aesthetics alone. I think they all look pretty cool. And I love the idea of having fish in a workspace to act as a calming place or as a source of inspiration.

That said, I was not aware that goldfish need to be housed with a filter–and now I do. I’d love for you to leave another link within this comment section to give us more information.

If there’s ever another goldfish in my life, I’ll keep your insight in mind.

Many thanks! Hope to see you again.

I have to agree with the inhumane comment. Giving any creature such a tiny, tiny space, and not even a small plant or hiding spot is indeed cruel and inhumane. Your childhood memories mean nothing to the poor fish in their minuscule, completely bare spaces. Compassion toward other living things surely should rank above aesthetic sensibilities or even the calm it gives one to look at a (suffering) fish.