Rotting Fish Tank Gets Transformed into an Aquatic Oasis When a Woman Treasures a Discarded Goldfish Needing to Be Rescued

Author image for Jesse Kessenheimer
Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Oct 4, 2024 5:00 AM EDT

If you were looking for a sign from the universe to buy a goldfish, it doesn't get much better than this. A woman was walking down the street and saw out of the corner of her eye, a rotting, algae-clad fish tank piled up in the dumpster. Thinking she could upcycle the tank and put a new fish inside, except she approached the glass only to be shocked by the adorable pink fish inside. 

Still swimming in circles in pond-water-like filth, the woman's heart leaped into her chest–she had to save him. 

Keep scrolling to read the heartwarming tale of a woman's growing friendship with a forlorn fish she found on the street. Although we usually see stories of the Cat Distribution System or heartwarming tales of dogs getting rescued from the life of a stray, this woman's devoted rescue of a resilient fish will sway your soul. 

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  • 01
    I found a filthy, abandoned fish tank left by the dumpster of my complex. I wondered why it was full of water, only to find a live goldfish still inside.
    via tetrafish.rehab

    She was shocked when she discovered a dark green tank in the garbage. What kind of monster would throw away a living animal? 

  • 02
    ΑΝΥΠΟΥ letraC traM TROPICAL FLAND There was a box full of broken and dirty equipment left by the De tank
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 03
    I can only assume this is the filter. Clearly not up to par.
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 04
    Dirty...
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 05
    He's still in his dirty tank. I won't move him until I learn how to acclimate him to better water. This is the safest condition for him, sadly.
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 06
    I've never had a fish before, though I've been considering it for a year now. I wanted to save up money for the right setup and make sure my little fish is dignified.
    via tetrafish.rehab

    She was determined to learn as much as she could about fish so that she could save her new buddy.

  • 07
    He was probably gifted to a child or won at a fair, only to become an inconvenient chore. These conditions don't happen over night.
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 08
    I'm cramming all the information I can, but I'm still so lost. It will be a miracle if he can survive coming back from this. There's hardly any guides or advice on a rehabilitation this drastic.
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 09
    I'm reaching out for help. Any advice, information, resources that can make this transition safe. I hope this will land on the right side of tiktok, so people with expertise can engage. Anyone who cares for fish and 'animal life in general.
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 10
    Cheezburger Image 10412349184
    via tetrafish.rehab

    Strangely, the fish seemed to have a lot of life in him still. Although he was trapped in a pond of his own waste, this strange woman would not let him go so easily. 

  • 11
    R I'm making a trip to the pet store tomorrow to by a water testing kit. That was I can incorporate clean water slowly until the water quality is as close to healthy as possible
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 12
    stay tuned
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 13
    Day 1 update
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 14
    Day 1 update We're moving him to a temporary 1 gal tank. know it's small, but I can manage the conditions a little easier here. And it's only temporary.
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 15
    Min War Lal We had to go with the cheaper options. I don't have the funds to purchase the quality items i really want. It'll take some time for me to afford it. But this will get the job done while we work on everything else
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 16
    And yes, this is the dirty water he was living in. I'll be cycling in fresh, treated water in here over the next week or so. I'll go slow and give him time to adjust.
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 17
    He's so cute 44 I think you guys are right, I don't think he's a goldfish. What do you guys think he is? Please let me know!
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 18
    Day 1 update I think he's confused by the clear glass! He was bumping it while exploring around. This is the side view some of you were asking for, does he look healthy? Is he full grown?
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 19
    He now has filtered and oxygenated water. Should I fast him today while he settles in? I'm keeping a close eye, but I don't know the signs of stress!
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 20
    Tank wash update evel
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 21
    Tried to save the tank items, but I'm throwing them out instead. We love a fresh start
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 22
    Satisfying
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 23
    Hi! My fish survived yet another transition. He's back in his original, renovated tank. This will be his med room while his new home is built. No more 1 gallon madnes
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 24
    Update: Happy, healthy, doing better by the day!!
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 25
    Also, he now has a name!!!
    via tetrafish.rehab
  • 26
    TREASURE
    via tetrafish.rehab

    This fish truly is a treasure and has secured a new life in a clean n' clear tank. Good luck, Treasure!

  • 27

    'Treasure' the fish launched a new passion for his rescuer

    via tetrafish.rehab

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