The latest fad among teenage girls in China's Chengdu city is wearing live small, living fish encased in plastic pendants as jewelery.
Vendors say the fish can live up to three months in the sealed containers, which contain water, fish food and two solid oxygen balls. After three months the fish can be released in ponds or tanks by breaking open the pendants.
The ornaments, which cost less than 50c each, are popular as necklaces or bag decorations.
Various marine biologists have expressed outrage, arguing the practice is cruel and should be banned.
We've previously mentioned a scandal regarding similar live fish pendants branded with the Beijing Olympic mascots.
Wearing Live Creatures As Accessories
Fish Bling
Trend Themes
1. Wearable Living Creatures - Opportunity for developing sustainable and ethical alternatives to wearable accessories using live creatures.
2. Eco-friendly Fashion - Disruptive innovation potential lies in creating innovative and environmentally conscious accessories.
3. Animal Welfare Awareness - Chance to raise awareness about ethical treatment of animals and promote cruelty-free fashion choices.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Accessories - Potential for developing innovative and cruelty-free accessories using alternative materials.
2. Aquatic Life Conservation - Opportunity for organizations and researchers to develop initiatives and technologies to protect and conserve marine life.
3. Pet Industry - Potential for offering alternative accessories that provide an ethical and sustainable way to connect with pets.