Ivan the Angelfish

DoNATE

Mental Health Shouldn’t Depend on Your Zip Code

60 million Americans struggle with mental health. Ivan the Angelfish installs free aquariums and science education proven to reduce depression and anxiety


CONTACT

Real Impact

From clinics to classrooms, our work creates measurable change in how people experience their environments. 29 chapters across 17 countries.

0%
Reduction in Depression
Among elderly residents within 60 days of program enrollment
0+
Therapeutic Ecosystems Installed
Nature-based wellness spaces transforming mental health in clinics, schools, and senior communities
0+
People Directly Impacted
Elderly residents, clinic patients, and students internationally
Impact Map
Installations
US Chapters
International Chapters
Impact Events
AS FEATURED IN
Our Inspiration

The Moment That
Started Everything

He flew missions over Afghanistan. He came home changed. A 5-gallon aquarium with a betta fish gave him back something the war had taken.

Evan’s grandfather served as a Soviet Air Force pilot during the Afghan War. He returned carrying PTSD, restless nights, and a lost appetite. Then a 5-gallon aquarium with a betta fish changed things. Watching the water, he found calm. That moment is why Ivan the Angelfish exists. His name. His legacy. Our mission.

1
Pillar 1 · We Build

Custom Ecosystem
Installation

We design a living ecosystem, hand-curated for the space, the residents, and the season. Every species label is drawn by hand. We’ve built ecosystems in memory care units, schools, camps, and clinics across four continents.

Accra, Ghana Kids Community Workshop
Accra, Ghana
Umino Bazaar, Kochi City, Japan
Umino Bazaar, Kochi City, Japan
Santa Ana Senior Center
Tver Community Workshop, Tver Oblast, Russia
Adam's Camp, Denver CO
Adam’s Camp, Denver CO
South Age Well Center
South Age Well Center, Fremont, California
2
Pillar 2 · We Teach

Education That
Multiplies Impact

The ecosystem is a starting point, not the finish line. We return to run structured aquatic therapy sessions, ecology workshops, and community education programs for residents, families, staff, and students. We’ve presented our research at expos and conferences, and partnered with schools to build the next generation of ecological stewards.

3
Pillar 3 · We Measure

Proof,
Not Promises.

We partnered with facility clinical staff to measure outcomes using the PHQ-9, a validated depression screening tool. The results don’t lie.

Depression Scale
PHQ-9
Before
11.0
After
7.7
Validated · administered by facility clinicians
PHQ-9 assessment
4
Pillar 4 · We Return

We Don’t Just
Install and Leave.

Long after the tank is set up, we’re still there. We visit every site regularly, not just to clean the glass, but to sit with residents, hear what they’ve noticed, and learn what’s working. Every visit makes the next installation better. This is a long-term commitment, not a one-time transaction.

1 / 5

Our Aquariums Reduce Depression

We measure depression levels before and after installing an aquarium using the PHQ-9, a standard medical questionnaire. Lower scores mean fewer symptoms.

Nursing Home Residents
30%
Reduction in depression scores
Among 40+ elderly residents across facilities in California, measured over 60 days.
Facility Staff
32%
Reduction in depression scores
Among nursing facility staff members across 2 facilities, measured over 60 days.
How each resident's PHQ-9 score changed
Teal bar = score after aquarium. Blue bar = score before. Shorter teal bar = less depression.
Before aquarium
After aquarium (60 days)

Showing 10 of 40+ participants tracked. PHQ-9 scores recorded by licensed clinical staff.
Plum Tree Care Center · Saratoga Villas · Yu-Ai Kai · Ivan the Angelfish 501(c)(3)

Impact Archive - Ivan the Angelfish

Impact Archive

Every completed Ivan the Angelfish initiative since our founding. Browse permanent installations, workshops, research, media, awards, and international outreach.

Date Event Location Category Ecosystems People
IN THEIR OWN WORDS

What People Are Saying

Yu-Ai Kai Japanese Cultural Center
“

Our clients and their families enjoyed learning about the connection between nature and mental well-being through Evan's terrarium workshop. The self-sustaining terrarium jars were a hit, and we appreciated his generosity, professionalism, and engaging presentation.

Miho Masuda
Activity Director, Yu-Ai Kai Japanese Cultural Center
Tim Harn at Plum Tree Care Center
“

I felt curious. What stood out most was the design of the aquarium. I enjoyed learning about the characteristics of the fish and plants.

Tim Harn
Resident, Plum Tree Care Center
Emi Ubing — Plum Tree Care Center
“

I enjoyed learning the science of aquascaping and how aquariums can help calm people and lower blood pressure. It was interesting to see how nature and aquariums can positively affect wellness.

Emi Ubing
Manager, Plum Tree Care Center