When were fish first kept in tanks?

While the exact date is unknown, the earliest recorded evidence of fish being kept in tanks dates back to ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BC.

There's evidence of fish being kept in pools and ponds for food and recreation in ancient Egypt, China, and Rome. However, the use of aquarium-like vessels for keeping fish as pets or for observation likely emerged in Mesopotamia.

Here's why it's difficult to pinpoint a precise date:

* Lack of concrete evidence: Early tanks weren't preserved as well as later ones.

* Evolution of the concept: The transition from basic ponds to purpose-built tanks for viewing fish gradually evolved over time.

It's safe to say that fish keeping in tanks has a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years.