I like to change things up in SteveIrwin's tank every few weeks so he has new arrangements to explore and new area's to look at - after all - he is in a pretty tiny space with just a bit over 3 gallons of tank. I found this purple ball at the pet store - its was on sale for $4.99 and I figured he might like it because he spends a lot of time tucked between his heater and the side of the tank or nestled in his plant. It's fascinating to watch how a fish brain works:
- Ball get's put in the tank and first instinct is to scare it or kill it - whichever is necessary. Fins go up in an aggressive stance and we show the ball who is boss around here.
- Then since the ball is indifferent to us - we must be indifferent to the ball - he literally spent time ignoring the ball - swimming with his back to the ball - pretending it wasn't there.
- After about 45 mins he decided to check out the outside of the ball - it was okay but inside the ball looked kinda scary so he spent a good bit of time swimming right outside each opening of the ball.
- Then he decided to check out the inside of the ball - swimming through using all sorts of different combinations of the three openings - in the side and out the top, in the side and out the other side, in the top and out the side - he appeared to be having much fun.
- At last - he settled in to hang out in his new spot - he seems to really like it which makes me happy!
He seems to be on the upswing healthwise - done with antibiotics and eating regularly. Still cautiously optimistic - but he is a pretty stubborn little guy...so hopefully he will be with is for a good long while...
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