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http://entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4459,7057947%5E10431%5E%5Enbv,00.html
Warning on Nemo fad
By Karen Casey
August 25, 2003
AQUARIUM experts are warning parents not to get caught in the hype of animated mega-hit movie Finding Nemo.
Clownfish need lots of water.
American children rushed to get their own Nemo when the film smashed US box-office records earlier this year.
But, for many, the enthusiasm was short-lived.
The bright, orange-and-white clownfish went belly up after being dumped into bowls that were too small.
"They're a marine fish," Perth Aquarium Centre owner Graeme Faulkner said.
"They need a minimum of 80 to 100 litres of water and they need special lighting.
"You need to spend at least $1000 to set them up in the right environment.
"I followed what happened in America in the online forums and there were so many people asking why their clownfish were dying."
Finding Nemo will be released in Australia on August 28.
Aquarium City manager Phang Pham said people were already showing an interest in clownfish after seeing the movie previews.
"Usually the market is not there for the clownfish," Mr Pham said. "But we have had a few people asking already.
"If they are going to get one, they need to take the hobby seriously."
Finding Nemo is not the only film to send children pet mad.
Stuart Little had movie lovers scrambling for mice and 101 Dalmations made them nuts for spotted dogs.
AQWA spokesman David Bloch said that while he expected an influx of clownfish requests he would not be encouraging parents to bite.
The Sunday Times
Warning on Nemo fad
By Karen Casey
August 25, 2003
AQUARIUM experts are warning parents not to get caught in the hype of animated mega-hit movie Finding Nemo.
Clownfish need lots of water.
American children rushed to get their own Nemo when the film smashed US box-office records earlier this year.
But, for many, the enthusiasm was short-lived.
The bright, orange-and-white clownfish went belly up after being dumped into bowls that were too small.
"They're a marine fish," Perth Aquarium Centre owner Graeme Faulkner said.
"They need a minimum of 80 to 100 litres of water and they need special lighting.
"You need to spend at least $1000 to set them up in the right environment.
"I followed what happened in America in the online forums and there were so many people asking why their clownfish were dying."
Finding Nemo will be released in Australia on August 28.
Aquarium City manager Phang Pham said people were already showing an interest in clownfish after seeing the movie previews.
"Usually the market is not there for the clownfish," Mr Pham said. "But we have had a few people asking already.
"If they are going to get one, they need to take the hobby seriously."
Finding Nemo is not the only film to send children pet mad.
Stuart Little had movie lovers scrambling for mice and 101 Dalmations made them nuts for spotted dogs.
AQWA spokesman David Bloch said that while he expected an influx of clownfish requests he would not be encouraging parents to bite.
The Sunday Times
