I hate to say this, but it's NOT fake... :( What kind if person would come up with this AND THEN SELL IT??? It's the worst thing I've have seen done to fish MEANT TO BE PETS...... (besides that goldfish in the boot heel thing)Don't say, "I have one and it survived!" Because, technically, I could lock you up in a clear box for the rest of your life and you'd SURVIVE..... but would you enjoy that at all????? I'm sorry to those poor fish.... the sellers and buyers should be arrested for animal cruelty!