After 12 years of a good life swimming, tolerating my son's attention & care, Mr. Fish, a South American Cichlid, is dying. Fish (as he likes to be known) has not taken nourishment for 4 weeks. Burial details are not yet finalized, but due to Fish's large size, a porcelain burial is not likely. Photo of Mr. Fish in the Prime of life:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/WWCD/CRW_3723C.jpg

Licorice & Iggy (Mr. Fish's feline and Iguana housemates) have been deeply affected by the news.

Regards,

Okay, I am dying to say something here...but I'll hold off to see which direction this thread goes.

Oh no, say it ain't so! Is there anyway to clone him? Did you freeze dry any of his sperm?

A really sad day. Goodbye Mr. Fish.:-(

"People come into our life that we love and then leave. Friends move, lovers leave, parents and grandparents pass. It’s important to celebrate the time we’ve had and the lessons we’ve learned, and not dwell on the loss."
Mr. Rodgers

Is he big enough to cook up for dinner?

After 12 years of a good life swimming, tolerating my son's attention & care, Mr. Fish, a South American Cichlid, is dying. Fish (as he likes to be known) has not taken nourishment for 4 weeks. Burial details are not yet finalized, but due to Fish's large size, a porcelain burial is not likely. Photo of Mr. Fish in the Prime of life:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/WWCD/CRW_3723C.jpg

Licorice & Iggy (Mr. Fish's feline and Iguana housemates) have been deeply affected by the news.



Regards,

well, i,for one, am sorry about mr. fish.

Is he big enough to cook up for dinner?

Yes, about 2 weeks ago. Total length is ~10". But after 41 years of keeping fish, I only eat the square species.

Regards,

Edit: Though spending a few weeks in Japan, I had to eat many uncooked fish.

Donations of lemon and butter, in lieu of flowers, are preferred. :rolleyes:

Because of his age, and the relative size, I would say that he's had a good life.
There are several reasons that some fish begin to refuse food. Age is one, but there are other factors also. Alteration in temperature, and pH, are the most common causes for freshwater species. So, check your pH, and the overall temp. And maybe you might be able to keep him for another ten years.

Because of his age, and the relative size, I would say that he's had a good life.
There are several reasons that some fish begin to refuse food. Age is one, but there are other factors also. Alteration in temperature, and pH, are the most common causes for freshwater species. So, check your pH, and the overall temp. And maybe you might be able to keep him for another ten years.

Thank-you for your suggestions. pH and water temperatures are normal, partial water changes occur each week. It would appear that a swim bladder disease may be partially responsible for the deterioration.

Regards,

My deepest sympathies for your loss.

Hi

I assume you have tried a couple of kinds of food.

Second option would be to dose for parasites.

Bob

Hi

I assume you have tried a couple of kinds of food.

Second option would be to dose for parasites.

Bob

Unfortunately, Mr. Fish, after fasting for 5-6 weeks and unable to swim properly with the tank lights on (always tail up and head down) but if lights were off then he could navigate semi-properly. Is now swimming normally and taking nourishment.

Now I've got to purchase another can of food. :neutral:

Thank-you all for your notes of encouragement and sympathy. I'll use the lemon oil for something else :twisted:

Regards,

Hi

Time to celebrate

Bob

Update:

Mr. Fish has recovered! It is quite amazing how fish can not eat for weeks on end, cannot maintain its proper orientation in water and make it through. Out in the wild he would have been "sushi" for a neighbor though. He is back again with his aggressive posturing in the morning, brilliant colors and so on. I've taken some video of Mr. Fish eating. This video is good for those of you how like to fish as it shows how a fish "hits" food on the water's surface (swallow first, taste later).

Regards,

Unfortunately, Mr. Fish, after fasting for 5-6 weeks and unable to swim properly with the tank lights on (always tail up and head down)................... Is now swimming normally and taking nourishment.

Now I've got to purchase another can of food. :neutral:

Regards,

If I get the drift of your message I am in the same boat. My daughter gave up her fish and aquarium 2.5 years ago and dad got stuck with taking care of the fish. I hoped that it would be a short lived endeavour for me. Unfortunately the little bas***ds keep looking at me when I get ready to leave in the morning and I dutifully go over an feed them. All 4 of them are still alive. She told me they only live about 1-2 years.:rolleyes:

We had a Jack Dempsey named Charlie growing up that lived for 13 years or so. It is amazing how the long lived fish become part of the family and develop personalities. We even moved him with us from Chicago to Detroit by having an aerater running off the cigarette lighter outlet to a five gallon bucket in the back seat.

Bofus,

Sorry about Mr. Fish. He lived a long life which means you cared for him well.

-g

Okay, I am dying to say something here...but I'll hold off to see which direction this thread goes.

Boy! That's a surprise!

Bofus: I am glad Mr. Fish has recovered. Also, glad he is too big for a porcelain burial. :rolleyes:

Flatlander: Take care of your fishies and Enjoy the love ! -g