I think it depends on the animal, size, and intent.
Using animals as food, especially invertebrates, is generally ok, as long as it’s a smaller “less advanced” animal that likely feels no pain and is low on the food chain. I would try to avoid it if possible. I certainly wouldn’t breed or torture animals/starfish to provide food. But copepods etc...it’s just nature.
throwing away or killing an animal (including coral) occasionally, if needed, is ok...ONLY if it’s rarely done, with good cause/relieve suffering and there is no other option. I personally have never done it, except for suffering animals or corals that are basically near dead.
what is NOT acceptable is having an animal (any animal) die because you can’t take care of it, you are too lazy, won’t try to rehome it, are bored, “need the space” etc.
My local LFS will take fish for free if it’s a once in a while thing. Any sick fish get treated at my home to the best of my ability. I try to do tons of research and only buy the basics/peaceful fish to avoid issues. No complex social issues/fighting in my tanks!
Corals to me are alive at the level of a plant or tree. They may feels something similiar to discomfort but no true pain. Regardless, the injury/death of a colony is like seeing an old tree harmed..it’s just wrong. And while fish/inverts aren’t cats and dogs, they still are animals and should be treated with the same respect as any living thing. However, sometimes we have to recognize that keeping an animal alive/in a certain tank is worse than death and just needless suffering. And most animals aren’t meant to be pets in the first place.
Using animals as food, especially invertebrates, is generally ok, as long as it’s a smaller “less advanced” animal that likely feels no pain and is low on the food chain. I would try to avoid it if possible. I certainly wouldn’t breed or torture animals/starfish to provide food. But copepods etc...it’s just nature.
throwing away or killing an animal (including coral) occasionally, if needed, is ok...ONLY if it’s rarely done, with good cause/relieve suffering and there is no other option. I personally have never done it, except for suffering animals or corals that are basically near dead.
what is NOT acceptable is having an animal (any animal) die because you can’t take care of it, you are too lazy, won’t try to rehome it, are bored, “need the space” etc.
My local LFS will take fish for free if it’s a once in a while thing. Any sick fish get treated at my home to the best of my ability. I try to do tons of research and only buy the basics/peaceful fish to avoid issues. No complex social issues/fighting in my tanks!
Corals to me are alive at the level of a plant or tree. They may feels something similiar to discomfort but no true pain. Regardless, the injury/death of a colony is like seeing an old tree harmed..it’s just wrong. And while fish/inverts aren’t cats and dogs, they still are animals and should be treated with the same respect as any living thing. However, sometimes we have to recognize that keeping an animal alive/in a certain tank is worse than death and just needless suffering. And most animals aren’t meant to be pets in the first place.
