Why This Koi Fish Restaurant Has Reddit Disgusted
Even if you haven't done it yourself, you're likely familiar with the concept of people having fish eat the dead skin off their feet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such procedures conducted in a controlled environment (like a medical institution) can be beneficial for those who suffer from psoriasis and other skin conditions. Additionally, "fish pedicures" are most successful when they use a particular species of fish, Garra rufa.
Needless to say, many of these treatments occur at nail salons and other small businesses where health and safety measures may not be quite up to par. The human-health factor is only a small piece of the puzzle that was the Koi Pond Café. More than 200 people swarmed Reddit's "We Want Plates" thread to voice their displeasure and disgust. But why? A café with a koi pond sounds pleasantly relaxing, doesn't it? Well, think again. This particular concept is pretty gross.
It's no fun for anyone involved
When a video of the Koi Pond Café reached Reddit, it prompted numerous concerns for the health and safety of café workers, diners, and the koi themselves. Although a few said it was a cool concept, most Redditors were appalled.
One user said, "Imagine working there, standing in that tepid water for an eight-hour shift." Another said, "Imagine how wrinkled your feet would be by the end of your meal." Others commented on how unhygienic it is to wade through fish excrement in a restaurant, but most expressed concerns about the fish.
According to one user, "This is animal cruelty. You know how you're not supposed to tap on the glass of a fish aquarium because the resulting vibrations can be painful or even harmful for the fish? Imagine what it's gonna be like to have footsteps, chairs scraping the floor, unruly children jumping up and down."
Fortunately, within 2 months of the café being open for business, the owners made some changes. Asia One says the koi now reside in tanks, both to keep the restaurant hygienic and to keep the fish from being stepped on.