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The tank in the O2 centre |
A little ponder over big fish...
Shoppers express concern over large exotic species kept inside ‘small’ home
BOSSES at the 02 Centre shopping mall have been forced to defend their latest attraction: a pair of large exotic fish.
Concerned shoppers have told how they are worried the giant gourami fish might need more space than that offered by the tanks in the middle of the retail arcade.
The 10-year-old fish, more commonly found in lakes in Asia, are 45 centimetres long.
While there are no laws on what tank volume is the correct size for a contented fish, some experts say giant gourami should live in structures at least 7ft wide – a foot bigger than the room afforded the fish at the 02.
Owner Nicholas Lloyd, of the Aquatic Design Centre in central London, who supplied the fish and their tanks, has insisted they are happy and show no signs of distress.
He said they are “not big swimmers,” adding: “If there were any signs of stress or if they were unhappy, we would be the first to know. If they were in the wild they’d probably be on a fisherman’s slab, but here they’re absolutely pampered.”
He said the tank contains 2,800 litres of water.
Happy or not, visitors to the centre said they were worried about the welfare of the fish.
Samantha Graham, a nurse who visited the 02 Centre with her children on Friday, said: “I think they need to clean the tank and it does seem like it’s on the small side.”
Another shopper, Natasha Davydova, of Hampstead, said she preferred the tanks that used to be in the centre.
“I seriously think the previous one was much better and I know a lot of people who regret losing it,” said the mother-of-one.
Irene Peake, who visited the fish with her grandson Charlie, aged five, said: “Big fish need more space I’d have thought, and far more going on. It’s a bit sad really.”
The O2 Centre directed reporters to the Aquatic Design Centre and declined to comment. |
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Your comments:
Good there's so many fish experts around.
D. Prothero
Funny how everyone is an expert - I presume the 'shoppers' who gave their expert opinions above, all have years of knowledge & experience in fish keeping - oh hang on a minute...
A. McCarthy
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