We all know how it feels to sit around all day, every day if we don’t have enough to do to keep us busy and productive. This is what is happening to many during this Pandemic. This phenomenon can also happen in a fish tank!
Well, I noticed recently that something strange was happening in our 95 gallon saltwater tank. I always check the beautiful tropical fish in this tank a few times a day. This tank is situated in our foyer.
I begin each morning before breakfast visiting the colorful fish here. They look at me and begged for food. My husband at this time has not yet fed them. We socialize for a few minutes and I always snap some photos of them. We originally had 11 fish plus two starfish and anemones but unfortunately one starfish died, Puffer passed recently, and also two gamma rays, a damsel, a clownfish and both anemones. They were getting old, I guess, since we had had them for a long time.
Well, one morning I noticed the beautiful red chocolate chip starfish, Red, was upside down. This distressed me because starfish can’t get back onto their bellies easily. It takes quite a long time for them to maneuver around. They move in slow motion with the aid of their tentacles underneath and around the mouth.
I also noticed that the other fish were looking a little guilty about something. They swiftly swam by me and did not meet my eyes. In fact in the above photo they are nowhere to be seen. They are hiding out in fear of me. I will scold them if they are bad just like little kids.
Notice that there are no fish anywhere around once again. I guess they are bored and looking for some amusement. To them this is amusing to torment poor Red. I kept checking up on him during these days after I found him upside down. He did manage each time to right himself but it took a long time – a good part of the day.
Lately he has been hanging out on the side of the glass to keep away from them. He smartened up and knows the game now. Haha!
My husband dropped in some shells for them to play with to take the pressure off of Red. He put them around the tank in a nice pattern. Evidently the fish didn’t like the pattern he configured. They proceeded to move them around.
Another thing the fish do to Red is cover him with sand. You can see all the sand that is on him in the above photo. I think our fish have become bullies! Sigh!
Things have settled down and Red is staying away from the fish. It’s safer that way. I hope you enjoyed hearing about the Tale of the Harassed Starfish. Stop by again real soon.
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
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Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina
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So sad to say that Red the Starfish passed to the other side recently. Sigh!
He is now resting in peace. Amen.
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This is such a cute story, Janice.
Thank you, Robbie! 💕
Fish are people too. I love this story. We had a saltwater tank at one time as well. Always something interesting going on in there. xo
Yes, they are! Always fascinating to watch them interact. 😘
I love reading about your fish tales! Sorry you lost so many inhabitants. Pretty kool that “Star” has learned to stay away from the “bullies”.
Thank you, Michele! He is upside Finn again today. They got him coming off the glass. Poor guy! 😘😢
Poor Red. I hope having the shells to play with – and Red learning to be cautious and watch out for them – means he won’t get bullied so much any more.
Not really. The fish flipped him over a few more times since I wrote the post. They are bullies and enjoy having a little fun with Red. Poor guy! 🤗
Awww… Poor Red!