China’s Youth Swap Goldfish for "Tea Jellyfish" in Bizarre New Pet Craze

 

 

In a move that blends digital novelty with a touch of biological chaos, China’s Gen Z has turned to a surprising new companion: accidental mold. The trend, which has dominated platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu this December, involves "growing" pets inside bottles of store-bought iced tea. These "Tea Jellyfish," as they are affectionately called, are currently the most popular low-maintenance pets for the busy urbanite.

 

 

Young enthusiasts simply open a bottle of commercial tea and leave it in a warm place—like a desk or a locker. Within days, a white, gelatinous mass begins to form. These "pets" are more than just science experiments; they are treated like members of the family. 

While the trend is visually fascinating, health officials are raising the red flag. These growths are "spontaneous cultures" of airborne spores, wild yeast, and bacteria—essentially random mold. Unlike controlled fermentation used in food production, these accidental growths are unpredictable.

"This is not a traditional fermented beverage," warned one food safety expert. "Because these are uncontrolled, they can produce dangerous toxins. Drinking this liquid is strictly prohibited."

Sociologists suggest this is a natural evolution of the "minimalist pet" movement in Asia. Following the craze of "groomed mango pits" and "pet rocks", the "bottle mold" offers a way to cope with urban loneliness without the responsibility of a living animal. It requires no feeding, no walking, and zero financial investment.