The iconic ARQ Sydney nightclub’s upper-level fish tank has been in a sad state for some time now.
When we previewed the opening of Poof Doof at ARQ on September 2, we could only spot one remaining fish. A few weeks earlier there were just two.
But in fresh news today, there are now at least eleven fish that we can see in a new video uploaded by ARQ’s James Maverty, the long-time man in the suit and tie at ARQ’s door, captioned “new fishies have arrived”.
The fish tank in the wall has always been a unique feature of ARQ.
But, in recent times, we couldn’t help but wonder (in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion): What about the fish? With most nightclubs pushing 100 decibels, are they OK in there?
How much debauchery have they witnessed and was it too much?
Was their demise a cry for help?
Where were they during the pandemic?
According to one study published by the National Library of Medicine, “Fish are known to depend on sounds for a variety of functions that are critical for survival and reproduction … and may therefore be negatively affected by noise pollution”.
What do you think? Should fish be put in loud environments?
Let us know in the comments.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au