Emotional Attachments

[borispanda]

Does anyone else feel emotionally attached to one or some of their fish?

Our ruby shark (called Fergal) whom we had for about four years, has just died of what we think was a bacterial infection, so probably our own fault though we do try to keep the tank as clean as possible. There are other fish in the tank but none of the others have quite the same personality and we were so sad when he died and really miss him. I am sure the guys at the aquarium shop think we are mad.

[Jenn]

Yes sure do. I lost a severum in a freak accident with our eel. I was very upset. I wouldn't worry about the petstore thinking your nuts, everyone thinks I'm nuts and I get by just fine :D Sorry for your loss, thats terrible. Lots of those internal infections---by the time they show symptoms--its too late. Don't beat yourself up, it's pretty darn likely that there was nothing you could have done anyway.

[Sofia]

yes, I am most definitely attached. I just lost a dwarf red gourami last night and feel awful especially that I knew he was not well but didn't know what was exactly wrong so therefore didn't medicate in any way. I guess I should have tried something and feel terrible about it now :(

[Nerina]

I don't think there is hardly anyone on this forum who doesn't feel attachment to a fish or aquatic creature they have owned at one time or another.

I have 3 goldfish but used to have a 4th....he was very small and had the cutest personality...but he died a month or so ago and it made me really sad because he was definitely my favorite.

I am currently obsessed with my shrimp...they are so adorable. One is a blue Vampire shrimp and I just adore him/her. My loaches also have great personalities and always kiss all over my hands when I have to move or put something in the tank. :o

Nerina~

[AngelMom]

So sorry for your loss. :(

I treat all my fish like my kids. Yeah, hubby thinks I'm nuts, but who cares? I think his hobbies are a little strange too! Every one of my babies has a different personality and I get distressed if I even think they might be ill.

You're definitely not alone! :D

[crazyred]

My sympathy on your loss. I cry like a baby when I lose a fish. I recently lost one of my first fish that survived all my tank disasters. He had dropsy and I had to euthanize. I was so bummed. Don't worry, you're not alone.

[borispanda]

Thanks for your replies everyone.


(And don't worry, our remaining fishies will get lots of care, including my gold gourami who likes to touch tentacles/fingers)

[AASPBY]

Yes, I am very much that way too.

When my one-year-old puffer died, I cried and cried for a long time. Then I wrote a song for him. It was awful. :(

Sorry to hear about your loss...

[Buddha_Red]

i love every single one of my fish. If onoe isnt gaining weight, i am all over it. I would worry if we didnt care, an effect of getting an aquarium, starts out as a hobby, becomes a way of life. Sorry for the losses, i have done my share of crying.