Page 1 of 2

RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 12:02 pm
by Pufferpunk
Image
Many of you have been following my tales of Filbert the fahaka puffer from the day I got him. It was around the time I took over this forum, 19 years ago. He survived the trip from Chicago to SC 18 months ago & finally got upgraded from his life-long 125g, to a nice, big 180g. Filbert has been a very special fahaka puffer, because he has happily lived with many tank mates! During this past year, I could see him acting "old". The other fish would easily steal food right out of his mouth. His appetite was lessening a great deal. He was looking tired & thin.
Image
When he was younger, he would usually eat 3-4 whole shrimps in an feeding. For the past 6 months, he'd barely bite at shrimp, so I kept his diet to mostly earthworms. For the past month I was happy if he ate 1 worm a day. He was getting very thin & listless. I went to visit my parents in AZ & left strict instructions for Hubby to feed him a worm every day & showed him how to fend off the other fish, so he could eat in peace. Hubby was actually cutting the worm in quarters, when he noticed Filbert was having trouble with whole ones. The day before I came home, he refused to eat. When I got home, I tried to put the worm right into his mouth but he didn't want it. He was a shadow of his former self. By the next morning, he was laying on his side & i knew it was time. Got out the clove oil poured the entire bottle into the bucket & gently laid him in. Sat on the floor with him, as he only had the strength to move his big eyes back & forth. I spoke to him the entire time, telling him what a great fish he was, thanking him for happily greeting me every day & not eating his tank mates. Good by Filbert, there will never be another fish like you!

I commissioned a artist-friend to make this:
Image

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 1:20 pm
by eieio
Pp, Filbert had the greatest life a puffer could ever have! ;-)

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 3:00 pm
by Bleedingheartmommy
This has me in tears, I am so sorry you had to say goodbye this way. 19 years is a long time to love anyone, I can only imagine how heavy your heart must be today- and wish there was some small way to give you some comfort beyond knowing he is at peace now.

Your an amazing person and incredible fish parent, he was as lucky to have you as you were to have him. S.I.P. Filbert.

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 3:38 pm
by Arny
Sorry to hear he's passed away pp. Did you ever have to trim his teeth in 19 years?

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 9:27 pm
by swimmer
bummer it is amazing how some fish can be "aware" of themselves and those that care for them
I am happy for you and Filbert to make that bond

"rest easy "

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 12:04 am
by Pufferpunk
Arny wrote: Sat Mar 04, 2017 3:38 pm Sorry to hear he's passed away pp. Did you ever have to trim his teeth in 19 years?
Nope, he ate his fair share of crunch.

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 12:36 am
by lobowind
He was such a figurehead on this forum that I think we all mourn him with you.

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 2:21 pm
by PYRU
I'm sorry for the loss, but great job on staying with for 19yrs. A move from Chicago to SC with a big fish...i commend you.

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 8:13 pm
by Pufferpunk
My miurus moved here, too.

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 9:20 pm
by grup
Taps for a special fish.

Thanks for sharing his amazing history.

Will there be consideration for another Fahaka some day in the future ?

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 11:23 pm
by pufferjkb
I'm very sorry for your loss of Filbert. He seems to have been an excellent fish friend.

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 11:45 pm
by Pufferpunk
grup wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2017 9:20 pm Will there be consideration for another Fahaka some day in the future ?
Unfortunately, I can't take the chance on my exotic fish collection with another fahaka. It's very rare when one is found that won't eat their tank mates.

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2017 6:14 am
by Iliveinazoo
Sorry to hear that PP. I've enjoyed hearing about Filbert over the years :rip:

He was a well loved fish

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2017 8:35 am
by CarpCharacin
:rip:

Re: RIP Filbert ='{

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 6:26 pm
by alg8er
Just joined the forum. Very sad reading. Imy sorry for your loss.