A fish might seem simple in appearance, but from interior design to scientific research, these versatile creatures have much to offer

Fish are interesting animals and often go unnoticed. After all, where’s the fun peering into an aquarium tank and watching these little guys around in circles? Well, just maybe we can learn from their simpler existence and perhaps practice a calmer, more stress-free approach to life.

There are countless species of fish and many serve very specific purposes. But in general, there are those that are bred in captivity for their aesthetic appeal (ornamental fish) and those that are more commonly used for scientific research (with some endangered species under close observation).

Last year, in Mexico, researchers discovered a blind fish that’s resistant to insulin, which ultimately means that it’s somehow immune to type 2 diabetes—this is an example of how fish can prove useful to science and, in this case, help us better understand serious medical conditions. Another example, in Kenya, is how fish skin is being transformed by the Victorian Foods company into cloth for clothing, helping to limit waste produced by the fishing industry.

People’s choice of ornamental fish is usually influenced by two things: maintenance and the fish’s inherent nature and characteristics. Species are captured in their natural habitat or, more commonly, bred in captivity (given that they’re destined for domesticity), as is the case of the koi, the exuberant Japanese carp that’s commonplace in garden ponds throughout the world.

Ornamental fish allow anyone the opportunity to become an ‘aquarist’, a term used to describe someone with a penchant for creating healthy and vibrant aquariums. However, it’s imperative to have enough time and dedication to care for these enchanting animals and ensure their well-being.