Crossword Genius

Inhabitant of bowl, proverbially very public (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

goldfish

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue could be a double definition.

'inhabitant of bowl' is the first definition.
I know that 'bowl' relates to this answer. I also know that both the answer and definition are singular nouns

'proverbially very public' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for goldfish that I've seen before include "Place lacking privacy" , "Ornamental reddish Chinese carp (8)" , "Small carp kept as pet" , "one enjoying pond life?" , "Small orange carp" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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