Anyone who’s seen the underwater-adventure movie Finding Nemo knows that fish want to be free to swim the deep blue, not stuck inside a tiny tank. In this animated flick, Nemo is fishnapped from his home in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and put into a dentist office aquarium. Nemo’s dad, Marlin, sets off on a daring rescue mission, while Nemo and his new fishy friends are hatching an escape plan of their own.

Nemo’s lucky! Millions of real fish are doomed to swim in endless circles for their entire lives. You may never have thought about it before, but fish are a lot like us. They make friends with other fish and talk to one another through gurgles, squeaks, squeals, and other underwater sounds.

“I wouldn’t deliberately eat a grouper any more than I’d eat a cocker spaniel. You know, Fish are sensitive, they have personalities, they hurt when they’re wounded.” —Dr. Sylvia Earle, former chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Being Hooked Hurts
Some anglers say that fish can’t feel pain. We say these claims don’t float, unless you flunked biology! Fish have to be able to feel pain—and learn to avoid what could harm them—in order to survive. Fishing hurts birds, turtles, and other animals, too, when they get tangled up in fishing line or swallow lost hooks. Wildlife rehabilitators say that discarded fishing tackle is the number one danger to aquatic animals today!

“Fish Are Friends, Not Food”
That’s what Finding Nemo’s Bruce—the vegetarian shark—believes, and we agree! If you’re hooked on the taste of “seafood,” try great fish fakes, like Worthington Foods’ Tuno (order it from health food stores). It tastes just like the “real” thing—but nobody had to die!

Please never support the tropical fish trade by buying fish from pet shops. If you already have a fish or know someone who does, check out FishingHurts.com for tips on keeping your finned friend as happy as possible. E-mail Education@peta.org for a supply of our “Fish Are Friends, Not Food” stickers and share their fish-friendly message with your friends.