Hi Fellow Aquatic Addicts.
I thought this may be of some interest. A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to buy a couple of Blue Acaras. Their set up was sweet. 55 gallons for the two of them. Little did I know until after I did some research, that this species actually mate for life. How awesome is it that? The two that I picked out, from a tank full of them at the pet store, were actually bonded for life. And so friendly and social. It’s because of them, I learned so much about mating rituals and the process of successful fry , even husbandry. The most amazing part of this, was the actual “love and dedication” this beautiful pair of Blue Acaras shared. And I also had a bond with them. We won’t get into all of that mushy stuff, but just to give you an idea of what has happened, and how it also affected me. I named the pair “Jack and Diane”.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that Diane was acting a little withdrawn, and her appetite was down. She stationed herself in a tall plant. As time went on she wasn’t interested in any food. Of course during this time I tested the water etc. I did precautionary treatments as well. I use Microbe Lift. For a couple of days, she would pep up. But eventually she stopped eating. Jack was concerned during this ordeal. It was like he was trying to tell me something was wrong. When I would get close, he would frisk at the front of the tank. 12 days ago, she died. Not a single physical sign of illness. With the exception of appetite. When I went to remove Diane from the tank, Jack charged the net. He did not want me to take her. It was so sad. He started becoming withdrawn. Not wanting his favorite foods. I decided I would add another Blue Acara. He did not want anything to do with her. If she approached the plant where Diane hung out, he would chase her away. I rearranged the tank a little, in attempt to interest him in a change. No help. Then I read to add a couple of fish of a different species. I added 3 Buenos Aries Tetras. No help either. Jack was heartbroken and grieved himself to the point being motionless in the corner. He starved himself to death. I tried everything I could to save him. He died tonight. I have to say that this has been such a sad and heartbreaking experience to deal with. I was attached to Jack and Diane. I just wanted to post this because I was skeptical learning that fish bond for life. And now I know, at least in this case, it is a fact.
I thought this may be of some interest. A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to buy a couple of Blue Acaras. Their set up was sweet. 55 gallons for the two of them. Little did I know until after I did some research, that this species actually mate for life. How awesome is it that? The two that I picked out, from a tank full of them at the pet store, were actually bonded for life. And so friendly and social. It’s because of them, I learned so much about mating rituals and the process of successful fry , even husbandry. The most amazing part of this, was the actual “love and dedication” this beautiful pair of Blue Acaras shared. And I also had a bond with them. We won’t get into all of that mushy stuff, but just to give you an idea of what has happened, and how it also affected me. I named the pair “Jack and Diane”.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that Diane was acting a little withdrawn, and her appetite was down. She stationed herself in a tall plant. As time went on she wasn’t interested in any food. Of course during this time I tested the water etc. I did precautionary treatments as well. I use Microbe Lift. For a couple of days, she would pep up. But eventually she stopped eating. Jack was concerned during this ordeal. It was like he was trying to tell me something was wrong. When I would get close, he would frisk at the front of the tank. 12 days ago, she died. Not a single physical sign of illness. With the exception of appetite. When I went to remove Diane from the tank, Jack charged the net. He did not want me to take her. It was so sad. He started becoming withdrawn. Not wanting his favorite foods. I decided I would add another Blue Acara. He did not want anything to do with her. If she approached the plant where Diane hung out, he would chase her away. I rearranged the tank a little, in attempt to interest him in a change. No help. Then I read to add a couple of fish of a different species. I added 3 Buenos Aries Tetras. No help either. Jack was heartbroken and grieved himself to the point being motionless in the corner. He starved himself to death. I tried everything I could to save him. He died tonight. I have to say that this has been such a sad and heartbreaking experience to deal with. I was attached to Jack and Diane. I just wanted to post this because I was skeptical learning that fish bond for life. And now I know, at least in this case, it is a fact.
