Aquariums

Fish have been raised in captivity since at least 2300 b.c.e., when people raised them for entertainment and to satisfy their intellectual interests. In addition, animals, shellfish, and plants have been kept as part of aquariums. In the 1800s, home aquariums became very popular in England. As interest spread, many people journeyed to the nearby English coasts in order to gather fish, plants, and other creatures. These were then kept in the available containers that constituted the aquariums of the day. Soon, attention turned to the fresh waters for aquarium specimens. Many homes became supplied with a lake in a glass bowl with specimens taken from local streams and lakes. Businesses began selling aquariums and aquarium supplies, aiding the growth of aquarium keeping. By the ...