Blowing fish: the cruel bar game that exploits goldfish

Blowing Fish is a controversial goldfish "race" held at a San Diego pub, where patrons blow through straws to push the fish down artificial channels, causing them stress and potential physical harm. A petition has been launched

A game is in the news by the name Blowing Fish, but not because it’s a hit. While so named, it’s not the fish that are blowing air—rather, people who have nothing better to do take turns blowing air through small straws into makeshift water channels. Inside these channels, unsuspecting goldfish thrash about desperately to escape. Meanwhile, a crowd cheers on the “players” as if watching a World Cup final.

But this is no laughing matter—it’s the latest (if not so newer) fad of cruelty from the United States.

This bizarre spectacle takes place in a San Diego, California bar where patrons seem to find it amusing to watch nothing more than a straw and a distressed fish.

The strange goldfish race

This enterprise, PB Shore Club, profits from pure animal cruelty. Every week, the venue hosts a show that puts goldfish through stress, misery, and even probable death. The supposed “goldfish race” is the title of this game that exposes these small fish to a cacophonous, chaotic atmosphere, where customers use straws to propel them through thin, shallow troughs.

What most don’t understand is that goldfish—as all living things—are sentient creatures. Due to their size and fragile bones, they are extremely susceptible to life-threatening injuries. Studies have indicated that goldfish do sense pain, possess long memories, and develop social relationships. They are living animals that feel fear and agony—not bar entertainment for drunk customers.

Animal welfare organizations, like the Humane Society and PETA, have condemned these goldfish races. These events at Washington and South Carolina bars already have been shut down due to public outcry and ethical concerns.

There’s a petition to stop blowing fish

There is currently a live petition available online at Change.org to stop the practice. Concerned individuals would like the PB Shore Club to desist from using animals for entertainment and financial gain. The increasing pressure could become too great once the public indignation has risen sufficiently.