For many goldfish owners, a fish bowl seems like an easy and harmless habitat for their pet fish to live in, but it turns out fish bowls are so harmful they've been outlawed in several European countries.
This week, one of France's major aquarium vendors put an end to the sale of fish bowls, and now the SPCA wants to see New Zealand follow suit.
Goldfish can live up to 30 years in large aquariums but in small fishbowls, they can die within weeks.
SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan says fish are complex creatures that need enrichment, which she says a bowl doesn't provide.
"These bowls are just not suitable for fish to live in," Vaughan told The Project.
Vaughan says fish are complex and sensitive creatures that need enrichment, which she says a bowl doesn't provide.
"They are complex, clever and social little creatures and I think we've really been doing them a disservice."
"We are really calling on people to do better today."
If you are looking at getting a pet fish, Vaughan shared a few tips when picking out an aquarium.
"When we are looking at goldfish even the smaller species, we are looking at a minimum tank size of 75 litres for one fish and then 40 litres for each additional fish."
Watch the video to see Vaughan's interview on The Project
