It took several minutes for the two of us to get our hands on the slippery 'whale' and return it to the tank. Afterwards my brother displayed the section of tail he'd ripped off the hapless plecostomus during the fracas. With an absolute deadpan face, he told me we'd probably be arrested by the fish police for assault and battery.
Being quite young and naive, I believed him, and was all for turning ourselves in on the spot. Fortunately, he convinced me to dispose of the incriminating evidence and pretend nothing had happened. The fish survived, its tail recovered, and nobody ever solved the mystery of how it came to be injured in the first place.
Fortunately my first hands-on experience with an uncooperative fish didn't turn me into Captain Ahab, but I did develop a lifelong love affair with tropical fish. I'm not alone in my passion. Aquaria is one of the most popular hobbies in the world.
It's hard to not be mesmerized by a tank of shimmering cardinal tetras swimming in unison. What doctors' office is complete without a colorful tropical tank to sooth nervous patients while they wait in the lobby?
Speaking of the doctor, fish keeping has been hailed as beneficial for our physical and emotional health. Studies have shown that blood pressure drops when relaxing in front of an aquarium. Instead of bottles of pills perhaps doctors should start prescribing an aquarium for stressed out patients.
Freshwater aquaria is a hobby that is relatively easy to get started in, and the options are endless. One can choose a species or community tank, cold or warm tank. Perhaps a tank loaded with live plants is your passion, or you might indulge in an outdoor pond, beautifully landscaped and stocked with colorful Koi.
Whatever your cup of tea is I'd like to provide you with the latest information about it. Join me here each week as we explore this diverse and fascinating hobby. If it's related to freshwater fish, aquariums, and ponds, you'll find it here. Your suggestions and requests for features are encouraged. I can be reached at freshaquarium.guide@about.com
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