A system is provided that promotes ram ventilation for aquatic animals stored therein. The system includes a horizontally oriented container that maintains fluid flow in one predominant direction with a first end of the horizontally oriented container receiving a first volume of fluid and a second end expelling a second volume of fluid. The second end is provided at an opposite side of the horizontally oriented container than the first end. A slot is provided that extends along a lengthwise direction of the horizontally oriented container between the first and second ends. The slot is positioned along an upper portion of the horizontally oriented container. For example, if the horizontally oriented container is tube-shaped, the slot is provided at an uppermost point on the circumference of a horizontally oriented tube directly across from a point on the tube that contacts an underlying surface such a transom of the fishing vessel.