Today in the Fishroom ~ 4/9/12 So Long Big Blue

[aquamojo]

I've been in the hobby for close to forty years. Nothing quite prepares you for the sight of one of your favorite pets suddenly dead. I found my zonatum "Big Blue" dead in his tank this evening when I got home. No signs of illness. Nothing to indicate he was anything but his nasty loving self last night. Just dead. It's happened before to fish...and in the back of my mind I know he was just a fish.

As near as I can figure I had him for ten years give or take. Without a doubt he was arguably the gold standard for the species. I've taken literally thousands of photos of the fish. He was on the cover of magazines, the topic of articles, part of my presentation and hands down my best aquatic model. He gave me hours of pleasure over the years...and I've had hundreds of e-mails asking questions about the species and the fish...but still...just a fish. I don't get weepy over their passing, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I feel a little hole in the pit of my stomach tonight when I lose one that meant something.

Here's the last of the photos that I processed. I took some more that I will look at later, but I liked these.







And one that I took, almost got rid of and thought, "Nah...that's pretty much how we interacted. Him posing and me shooting photos.



Coincidentally...I just posted old photo of Jumbo's passing in another thread. I had no idea I would be saying good by to the Blue Beast.

[Dean Hougen]

Great fish. I'm sorry that he is gone.


Dean

[steffano2]

You'll have all those memories to recall from your excellent photos and articles. He still lives!

[smitty]

Mo people that do not possess the love for the hobby and fish can say it was just a fish. Just like people that do not possess the love for cats can say it was just a cat, or ferret. I think you get the point. I had my Midas for 13 years and when he passed I felt empty just like I did when I lost my ferret. I know I told you how much that Zonatum impressed me. He alone was the reason Tommy and I purchased some. Sorry to hear that he is gone. Now the question is how long before we see another as impressive as he was.

[sccichlids]

well said smitty.

mo so sorry for your loss, glad that you have so many beautiful photo's to remember your old friend.

[Andy100]

Mo With all those great photo's you will be able to look back with fondness and celebrate a great fish freind. i certainly will and so will other hobbyist. Thanks for all the pictures

Andy

[Decker504]

Sorry for your loss

[DRE]

To bad, sorry for the loss. You really made him famous though with your amazing photos.