People have been keeping fish in artificial environments for a lot longer than you may realise. However nowadays advancements in technology mean that you can keep a lot more exotic varieties in your own homes.
Many countries have references in their history about keeping fish either for practical reasons such as for food or as a hobby.
The Chinese are renowned for breeding colourful and exotic koi and goldfish, over 2000 years ago.
It is believed that the Romans used to keep saltwater specimens, but how long these creatures lived for is unknown as early methods of heating and filtration would have been quite primitive.
Luckily as aquatic technology improves we are able to keep our fish in an environment that is more stable and comfortable for them.
© Fresh Water Fish Keeping.com 2006
