Do you love your fishes?

[brett559]

As callous as this sounds, I think it somewhat depends on the fish. I was super bummed when my Regal Angel jumped. Different when I lost a green chromis. Maybe that makes me a bad person. I guess for me it's what I have invested in the fish - money, time, thought, etc. To train a fish to eat, a fish you saved for and put some time in, that sucks.

Don't get me wrong, I do feel bad that a creature I took ownership of died on my watch. But fish get eaten every day on the reef. Nature is harsh. I've read that a huge percentage (some say as high as 80% or more) of fish collected never even make it to the LFS, let alone survive in captivity. This is the wrong hobby if you really care about the well-being on these fish. Contrast that to rescuing a dog or a cat. These fish are obviously better off in the ocean, as opposed to the small box we put them in. Unlike a rescue cat/dog, who's lot in life is greatly improved by being taken off the street and taken into your home.

 

[MrCaveman]

I love my fish. I am 23 and live alone, single and see my dad a few times a month and mom is on the other side of the country. So when I have a bad day I relax in front or the tank and watch my fish cruise which really helps ease any frustration or anxiety. Plus they are all so excited when they see me too. I really like watching the angels and tangs pick at the nori and my Achilles play in front of the powerheads.

 

[OrionN]

I don't (or try not to) anthropomorphize my fish but I forever think of 6-line wrasse as evil calculated premeditated murderers.
I used to have a thriving 450 gal tank. In this tank, among other fishes, I have a Six-line pair and a Mandarin pair. The live together for at least 1 year, all fat and have plenty to eat. One day the 6-line coordinated and attack my female Mandarin. It only took a few seconds. I saw the whole thing and cannot do anything about it. The two wrasse each took a dive at the female Mandarin, one took out one eye and the other took out the other eye. A few second and my healthy Mandarin was blinded. The think is after the attack, they completely ignored her. She have no other wound. I was really sad for the Mandarin.
Needless to say, she was starving. I euthanized her when she got really thin. I trapped and return the two wrasse to the store.
What can you call that act other than evil, calculated, premeditated murder? or am I anthropomorphize my two fish?

 

[brett559]

Murder implies an evil intent. Hard to say a pea-brained fish has that. It may have felt threatened. It may have wanted to establish its territory.

 

[OrionN]

Mandarin is a food competitor and that was it. They coordinated the attack. Both of them attack and then completely ignored the blinded mandarin after they peck her eyes out. They mean to take out their competitor that is for sure.
It is evolution, I know, but I cannot help but hated them for it.

 

[jbvdhp]

Yeah, so much that I stress about them and have spent thousands.

 

[bat21]

Mandarin is a food competitor and that was it. They coordinated the attack. Both of them attack and then completely ignored the blinded mandarin after they peck her eyes out. They mean to take out their competitor that is for sure.
It is evolution, I know, but I cannot help but hated them for it.

That is awful man. I can't imagine watching that happen to one of my fish. I will forever advise everyone I see never to mix mandarins and sixlines, even in a massive giant tank.

 

[brett559]

Mandarin is a food competitor and that was it. They coordinated the attack. Both of them attack and then completely ignored the blinded mandarin after they peck her eyes out. They mean to take out their competitor that is for sure.
It is evolution, I know, but I cannot help but hated them for it.

Nature is @*#%ed up....

 

[kmbyrnes]

Not like my dogs, but yes. With the exception of my A****** Maroon Clown.
The other day she bit my hand while it was still above the water !!!