AITA my classmate “saved goldfish” by releasing them into the ocean, I called her a d**bass?
Family, friends, and classmates sometimes say the darndest things—especially on social media. In today’s story, a 22-year-old student recounts a lunchtime incident that quickly turned from disbelief to anger. Her classmate made a TikTok video showing how she “rescued” goldfish from a pet store and released them into the ocean so they could live free.
For someone who loves fish and maintains several aquariums, this reckless act struck a nerve. It wasn’t just about the misguided rescue—it was about the environmental impact and the ethical responsibility of pet ownership. When confronted, the classmate’s dismissive attitude left her no choice but to call her a “d**bass.” Now, she’s being told that her blunt honesty was out of line. Is she the asshole for speaking up, or was this a necessary stand for animal welfare?
‘ AITA my classmate “saved goldfish” by releasing them into the ocean, I called her a d**bass?’
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Samantha Lee, an aquatic biologist at the National Marine Conservation Institute, explains, “Goldfish are adapted to freshwater environments; exposing them to saltwater results in rapid dehydration and organ failure. It’s a basic fact that releasing them into the ocean is both harmful to the fish and ecologically irresponsible.”
Her perspective underlines that the act wasn’t a harmless rescue—it was an act that led to the immediate death of the animals, while also potentially contributing to invasive species problems in local waterways.
Dr. Lee adds, “Educating individuals on the proper care and ethical treatment of pets is essential. Social media trends can sometimes encourage misguided actions, but when those actions harm living creatures, a strong response is warranted.” Her expert opinion reinforces the idea that the poster’s reaction was not merely a personal outburst; it was grounded in ecological science and a commitment to animal welfare.
Additionally, relationship expert Dr. John Gottman notes, “When someone publicly undermines common sense or endangers the environment—even inadvertently—a firm and honest critique, though it may be blunt, serves as an important corrective measure.” Together, these insights validate her decision to speak out, despite the risk of social and disciplinary repercussions.
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
Several redditors rallied behind her, stating, “If you see someone harming animals out of ignorance, calling them out is totally justified. Protecting the environment isn’t being rude—it’s being responsible.”
Another group shared similar experiences, with one user remarking, “I once witnessed someone release non-native species into a local river. It’s infuriating and harmful. Your reaction might seem harsh, but sometimes the truth hurts, and that’s what sparks change.”
Ultimately, insisting on holding someone accountable for an act that led to the unnecessary death of goldfish—and the potential disruption of local ecosystems—is not about being a bully, but about standing up for what is right. Your decision to call your classmate a “d**bass” was a raw, unfiltered expression of frustration at witnessing environmental harm driven by ignorance.
While some might argue that you should have handled it more diplomatically, the harsh truth is that protecting the environment and educating others sometimes requires a bitter, cutting edge. This situation forces us to ask: How do we balance social courtesy with the need to speak out against harmful actions?
What would you do if you saw someone endanger local wildlife for a social media moment? Have you ever had to call someone out to protect what you believe in? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insights might help others learn when to stand up and when to educate.