That funny fishy feeling
Matt Hill looks into the reason we all keep fish...
Creative Commons Andre Karwath
Now I'm pretty sure 99% of those reading this will have experienced the wonderful feeling you get from buying new fish.
This is my first blog and it may seem an odd topic to blog on, but considering the recent 'Rectum eating eel', I think I'm safe!
So today Jeremy was kind enough to provide me with, Congo tetras, a pair of Siamese algae eaters, some Bristlenose plecs, a few cherry barbs (the office's 'underrated fish of the month'), finally and here's the ones I'm most excited about- Paradise fish.
Hardy fish
As some may know the Paradise fish was one of the first Aquarium fish to be kept in the home. Some were kept as early as 1800!
Yet, after 200+ years, and the discovery of countless new species, I sit here with a fuzzy feeling in my stomach looking forward to spending my weekend with my new fish.
This is an interesting thought, and one to be celebrated. It goes to show that nature does not have a 'sell by date' on the beauty we humans enjoy so much.
These fish really are little gems, they can be kept in an incredibly wide range of water conditions, from the tropical tank, all the way to the pond!
They are know to be slightly aggressive, however tank bred specimens, such as mine, can be incredibly peaceful.
I really feel they will be a beautiful addition to my community tank.
In my mind this post should serve as a reminder to us all that to achieve excitement in our hobby sometimes we don't need to rush out and spend hundreds on the lastest and greatest.
Sometimes the old classics can provide us with as much entertainment, a decent challenge, and most importantly, that funny-fishy-feeling!
What fish give you a funny feeling?
Matt Hill: Fri July 24, 2009, 3:42 pmViews: This entry has been read 4,670 times.
13 comments on: That funny fishy feeling
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"Great post matt :D cant wait to see your blog posts in the near future :D"
Posted by: Daniel Macrae - 3 months, 4 weeks agoDate: Friday July 24th, 2009, 11:05 pm
"its not a specific fish, but biotopes give me that happy feeling. gotta love watching your little creatures swimming around in a world you handcrafted to suit them.
very nice post. :)"
Date: Monday July 27th, 2009, 6:36 pm
"As I've mentioned in the forum, I bought three lovely blue ones that, after chasing the smallest Clown Loach to make sure he stayed in his corner set about killing my smallest Neon Tetra.
They're back at the shop now if anyone wants them.
From what little I saw of them (less than 24 hours) they were fantastic and interesting fish. If I ever get another tank...
As for fish that get me excited I have two Red Line Torpedo Barbs which are great to watch at feeding time.
They live up to their name as they torpedo from wherever they are, never minding the smaller fish that are in the way.
Marvellous things! "
Date: Wednesday July 29th, 2009, 1:59 pm
"My Puntius Denisonii do it for me and I agree with Daniel they are marvellous to watch at feeding time. I had two fabulous specimens that were four years old and had just got to the stage where they were showing an iridescent green along the top of the body."
Posted by: James Win - 3 months, 2 weeks agoDate: Sunday August 2nd, 2009, 4:18 pm
"its all about the gibbicep plecos with me i love them i have 4 in my 6'x2'x2' foot tank all about 18 inch in length i love them had them with my 6 blood parrots for 2 years now and i never get bored of watching them they all have differnt characters and all feed from my hand."
Posted by: Tom Keay - 3 months, 2 weeks agoDate: Tuesday August 4th, 2009, 9:57 am
"Cheers for all your comments guy n girls!
My Paradise fish have been flaring a lot recently, it's amazing to watch! "
Date: Wednesday August 5th, 2009, 11:20 am
"dear Matt
when you say paradise fish may be kept in ponds - can you elaborate? What, ponds in england year round?
ta
robbkit
"
Date: Thursday August 6th, 2009, 1:27 pm
"i am tempted to buy fish for the feel good factor, but no room for more."
Posted by: Glynn Kislingbury - 3 months, 1 week agoDate: Friday August 14th, 2009, 3:27 pm
"That funny fishy feeling, you are so right, I am giddy the day I get a new fish! I keep Cichlids, my latest is a Geo.
That fish more than any other fish looks like a cartoon character. People who don't keep fish would not know what you are talking about, but that feeling you get when you get a new fish is almost addictive."
Date: Monday September 7th, 2009, 7:29 pm
"I love to watch my blood parrot fish. they are fantasic to watch at all times, but especially at feeding times. i would love to get more but i think 2 is enough for a 180 litre tank. i've seen how big they get!"
Posted by: Kayleigh Fuzzard - 2 months agoDate: Monday September 21st, 2009, 3:19 pm
"I have never seen these Paradise Fish. Stunning! I will consider these for my new setup."
Posted by: Mark Webb - 1 month, 1 week agoDate: Thursday October 8th, 2009, 9:49 am
"is it just me or are we seeing less and less shops stocking paradise fish? i dont understand why... they are such a beautiful fish and seemingly hardy. it seems such a shame..."
Posted by: Matt Broomfield - 11 hours, 44 minutes agoDate: Friday November 20th, 2009, 5:06 pm
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"Those Paradise fish rock.
Posted by: Jeremy Gay - 3 months, 4 weeks agoA breeding pair and a fully grown youngster all living in harmony.
Good luck with those Matt - Paradise, Congo tetras and Cherry barbs are some of my favourite fish."
Date: Friday July 24th, 2009, 4:01 pm