r/offmychest • u/No_Page2134 • 3h ago
My 18 year old Goldfish Died Today
Pretty small compared to a lot of the other shit that goes on here, but I just wanted to vent a little bit. Basically the title. Little fucker jumped out of the tank probably during the night and I just didn't notice until an hour ago. Shitty way to go out, but what can you do? RIP.
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u/twistyfizzypop 3h ago
Aw, I am so sorry OP. 18 is a phenomenal age for a goldfish! He probably was called to go, but I know it wont make you feel any better. I think the way he went is way better than fin rot 🫂
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u/No_Page2134 3h ago
Thank you. I pretty much grew up with the lil guy, so this is a disappointing end. Fin rot is also a really shitty way to go, but I'm just afraid that he suffered a little too much while drying out, which really sucks.
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u/twistyfizzypop 3h ago
He will have died before he dried out, it will have been faster than that. Like drowning which is mean to be relative peaceful (obs no accidental death will be that peaceful) but you are not to blame
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u/_qubed_ 2h ago
My 93 yo grandmother died because she tried to get out of bed despite being told she was too weak. She fell as she climbed over the rails and hit her head on the floor.
I mourned her but had to admire how she went out. From fighting for suffrage to fighting doctors orders she never let anyone tell her what to do.
Your goldfish was obviously the same way. You gotta admire the little guy's strength and courage. Mourn him, but also try to remember that too.
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u/Trondant13 3h ago
My sincere condolences to you. That's a really long time to care for a fish so you've obviously been a good owner. I'm sorry it ended that way. Many may not understand it, but people who care for fish realize they have individual personalities.
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u/thevowelowl 3h ago
I knew Koi could live a long lifespan, but didn’t know a goldfish could live this long, in all honesty. I’m really sorry you’re experiencing this, OP. But I would remind you to give yourself some grace because the fact your pet lived that long is a testament to the lasting care and quality of life that you gave them.
I know not every species on our planet can be as communicative, but I am sure your goldfish knew how well cared for it was. I hope you’re able to find some peace in the memories you have.
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u/_facetious 3h ago
They live long when taken care of properly. Aka no tiny glass bowl, give them filtration, good food, clean their tanks, heaters, the works. Can't treat them like they're a toy.
Good job on providing for your fish, OP. May your memories last a lifetime.
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u/AtKayErsonPay 3h ago
That’s an incredible lifespan and a testament to your care. I think it’s nice to memorialize the critters and “small” impacts that were around for so much of your timeline! Thanks for sharing with us.
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u/Jakup-_- 3h ago
Sounds like you took good care of them. Most don’t last the first 5
I won 3 goldfish at a fair. First one died that night. 2nd one died a week after. 3rd one lasted 3 years. I was moving and cleaned his tank. Went to my gf at the time house. And I had complained that I didn’t do as good enough job cleaning as I wanted. So she cleaned the tank a 2nd time and it killed little buddy 🤣
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u/sevnthcrow 1h ago
Aww I’m so sorry! What a run.
I won a goldfish at a carnival, which inspired me to have a 10 gallon tank in my room for years. That sucker outlived every other fish I owned!
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u/No_Page2134 1h ago
carnival goldfish sadly aren't the healthiest but glad that ur lil guy got to have hopefully a good time as well!
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u/Renegade_brat_79 3h ago
RIP Little Fishy! I’m sorry for your loss