Fish Friends and Recipe

More Information on Fish and a Recipe that Reduces Fish Farming!

The Psychology of Fish

The college library during final exams week is a sight to see! You can go in during any time of day and see tired and over-stimulated college kids chugging energy drinks and ordering pizzas at 1 a.m. In one specific library, there is a huge fish tank sitting in the middle and a sign that says “take a break!”. Then, in the engineering library, there are stations for playing with Lego's and coloring with crayons. Interesting, I know!

So, this upcoming year, I am getting a fish for my apartment. Here’s why:

1.       Fish are not messy and do not have a litter box nor do they poop around the house!

2.       Fish do not bark or hiss at random shadows outside your window.

3.       Fish do not shed (in the air).

4.       Fish do not scratch your furniture, eat your shoes, or pee on the couch.

5.       One fish does not cost above $20 (at least not the ones at the local pet store).

6.       Studies have shown that aquariums reduce blood pressure and stress levels. Even watching a video of fish has therapeutic effects. Do you ever wonder why there are fish tanks in Finding Nemo? It’s because they are supposed to be calming!

7.       Alzheimer's patients experienced less physically aggressive behaviors and needed less supplements for memory loss.

8.       “Fish are friends, not food!”… Fish are companions!

Sources:

Saltwater Aquarium

Freshwater Aquarium

Fish Farming

This brings me to my latest point, which is about fish farming. According to Farm Sanctuary, psychologically, because we do not associate fish with screaming, we assume that they do not feel pain. Research also shows that fish exhibit intelligent behavior, like interactions with other fish and learning capabilities. Factory farming is an issue that not many people think about. Granted, fish is healthy for you, but not fish that has been fed hormones, antibiotics, and has high levels of stress. (Factory farming does not only apply to land animals). To learn more, read a pamphlet on Food & Water Watch, watch Overfishing: Reeling Them In or End of the Line.

Recipe

In case you are still craving seafood, check out this recipe that I just made. It’s delicious, low fat, and does not harm beautiful creatures!

Vegan Tofu Fish Sticks