Violence In The Fish Tank

You would think that having a big aquarium full of fish would be peaceful, but it's actually quite the "Nature Of Things" episode each day. What's happened lately?

Let's count the tragedies...First, an entire goldfish got eaten by the large male crayfish. The crayfish used to be a tiny bugger, but he's a big boy now and he likes sushi. Second, the crayfish went for the sister next. She has a red bruise where he jabbed her face under her eye and her tail fins are all ripped up and chewed on. However, she managed to get away so we put her in the fish breeder where she'll be safe up at the top. We can also feed her antibiotic food exclusively so she has time to heal.

Poor gal.
After all his escapades, we decided to take some action. The crayfish now has elastic bands on his claws. Where did I get such tiny elastic bands? From my braces, of course! Orthodontic elastic bands are strong and tiny. Perfect for keeping naughty, sushi-lovin' crayfish in check.

Don't worry, he still has lots of little, untied claws with which to shove food into his mouth. Plus, he has to be re-tied every time he sheds his exoskeleton to grow.Oh, and proof that getting his claws tied isn't enough? The Singapore Flower Shrimp (which is a pretty awesome red shrimp with fan-like hands) walked into the crayfish den last night. By the time my sister discovered what had happened, the head of the Singapore Flower Shrimp was already ripped off.

Sigh.
So today there are only little bits of red shell scattered about. I am very sad about losing my red shrimp. She was really lovely to behold. She might have been sick, and the walk into the dragon's den may have been a suicidal march, but it still sucks to lose a favourite aquarium friend.
Of course the crayfish is not hungry today. He is ignoring any food that falls from the heavens. Dastardly fellow...

Images Of Spring - A Floral Beginning

It has been rainy and I've seen a few cars go by with snow piled on, but there were a few good days in there where it really felt like Spring. And it didn't just FEEL like Spring... it LOOKED like Spring. I'll show you what I mean.See this? I took this picture on the way to work one day because I was so surprised to see cherry blossoms and blue skies. It looks so wonderful to me.In my backyard, Vinca began to bloom in shades of pretty blue and purple against vivid green leaves. Pouring down the hill, it was quite lovely to behold on a cool, sunny morning.Honey suckle clusters turning rosy and sweet are waiting for the return of the bumblebees.
And, spurred on by the blooming of Spring, I rushed to plant blooms of my own. These Marigold seeds will hopefully start to grow and yield multitudes of golden flowers for the Summer and Fall.

Have a happy weekend!