Strange Kitty Cat

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DaddySatyr -> Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 2:34:30 AM)
I apologize if the title was a bit mis-leading but, allow me to explain: I moved into a new place 02 APR and my landlord didn't want pets but, he gave the okay for me to keep fish. I already had my Betta, Mr. West, and I was (obviously) able to keep him but I have also been re-visiting my old hobby of keeping fresh water tropicals (guppies, neon tetras, and cory catfish for now). I have a half a metric shit-ton of guppy babies. These damned things will mate in a mud puddle during an earthquake and I don't seem to be able to keep the pregnant females in the main tank and just "let nature do what it does". So, I've been saving a bunch of fry. Anyway, about three weeks ago, Mr. West was dying. He kept his fins matted down, spent almost all of his time on the bottom of the tank and dashed to the surface for air, occasionally (they have a labyrinth organ). I was freaked and while I've had Bettas, before, I had never really had one get sick and I was scared to death. I test the water in all my tanks, every day and my water is always damn-near perfect. Water/ammonia/pH/metals levels are all great. I keep him in a 5 gallon tank. I'm not one of these people that keeps them in the cup that the pet store received them in. I got into gear and I saved him and now, he's not only strutting around the tank with his fins spread out like an aquatic peacock but, he's developed a new habit that I've never seen before (I've kept a few Bettas). He likes to be petted like a kitty cat. Yep, you heard me. I stick my finger in the tank and he swims up and swims back and forth while I run my finger down his side. I was so proud of myself for saving him and so blown away by this behavior that I made a video and posted it (I'll add the link, at the end, for those that care or are curious). I do have a question for anyone that has successfully mated a Betta. I am looking for input on the best methods. I *don't* want to put him and another fish in those little-assed "Betta tanks" if I can avoid it. Anyway, I'd appreciate any constructive, non-condescending advice. Pas, Jacque Cousteau Mr. West, Acting Like A Kitty Cat (Music added)

TNDommeK -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 2:40:42 AM)
Holy crap that's freakin awesome! Appropriate song too!

DaddySatyr -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 4:17:44 AM)
I need to try to get a video of him, "balancing" his food on his "nose". He's been doing that for a little while, too. This fish is exhibiting some interesting behavior; why it might not be a bad to get his genes passed on. Peace, Ian Wilmut

Duskypearls -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 5:39:07 AM)
So, now we can call you the Fish Rescuer, yes? I know nothing about fish, but he's beautiful. Is it possible his uber-friendliness might be linked to some kind of courtship/mating behavior? If so, you'd better get a condom for that finger!

tj444 -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 5:47:10 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DaddySatyr Mr. West you didnt name him after Zimmy's horrible lawyer, did you??? [&:] Good luck with your fishies.. I tried once and things did not go well... [:(]

MasterCaneman -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 7:48:10 AM)
Can we call you the "Fish Whisperer" now? [:)]

theshytype -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 11:40:24 AM)
That's awesome! Fish need lovin too! I'm impressed you were able to nurse him back to health. I've always had horrible luck with betta. Actually, most fish with an exception to a piranha. He far out-lived any others I've ever had. He became accustomed to my hand...I never tried petting him. As for mating, I believe they make dividers for tanks to make things a little more intimate. I would think you would have better success if they had closer contact. I've never done it, so I really don't know.

tommonymous -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 12:10:28 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: theshytype I've always had horrible luck with betta. Actually, most fish with an exception to a piranha. He far out-lived any others I've ever had. He became accustomed to my hand...I never tried petting him. So I guess that's a lesson learned then. Never put a piranha in the tank with all your other fish. [;)]

theshytype -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 12:21:02 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: tommonymous quote: ORIGINAL: theshytype I've always had horrible luck with betta. Actually, most fish with an exception to a piranha. He far out-lived any others I've ever had. He became accustomed to my hand...I never tried petting him. So I guess that's a lesson learned then. Never put a piranha in the tank with all your other fish. [;)] Haha! No, I had two seperate tanks. The big guy had his own. He, of course, did not play well with others. Although, it seemed he made a friend of one of his meals. For some reason, he refused to eat one particular gold fish.

DaddySatyr -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 1:01:26 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Duskypearls So, now we can call you the Fish Rescuer, yes? I know nothing about fish, but he's beautiful. Is it possible his uber-friendliness might be linked to some kind of courtship/mating behavior? If so, you'd better get a condom for that finger! My lady suggested (as did Caneman, down there) "Fish Whisperer". It didn't really strike me so, now, I'm "Fish Daddy". As for the mating thing; no. They're aggressive maters and I have had females killed by males during courtship. That'll teach the bitches to forget the safeword, next time. [:D] Good luck, Matt Hooper

DaddySatyr -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 1:08:02 PM)
Actually, this is a little embarrassing ... I named Mr. West as I did because my first Betta was "Rex Meximus" and my second was "Elvis Aaron". They were both purple. This one was picked out by a "friend's" three year old and she went with a red one so, in tribute to The King, he was named after Elvis' bodyguard, Red West. Anyone old enough who wasn't a fan of The King may remember West as the cigar-chewing, officer-hating, mechanic from "Black Sheep Squadron". Sunny days, Col. Tom Parker

BurntKitty -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 2:08:34 PM)
That video is soooo cool!

DomKen -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 2:09:09 PM)
Never tried breeding betta but by all accounts it is tricky as they do like to fight. Also my book on tropicals says its best to remove the female after mating because she'll eat the eggs. BTW that is a gorgeous betta. I've messed around with breeding guppies but the trick there is to control the breeding and to get the crosses you want.

MasterCaneman -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 4:00:04 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DaddySatyr As for the mating thing; no. They're aggressive maters and I have had females killed by males during courtship. That'll teach the bitches to forget the safeword, next time. [:D] Good luck, Matt Hooper So, in other words, your fish like it a little "roughy"? [image]local://upfiles/1614272/780BCE4A1E4D4521A499102BA5D01131.jpg[/image]

tj444 -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 4:08:48 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DaddySatyr Actually, this is a little embarrassing ... I much prefer that story!.. I am sure the fish prefers that too!!!.. [:D]

DaddySatyr -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 6:30:40 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MasterCaneman So, in other words, your fish like it a little "roughy"? Was that a dog/cat joke? Regards, Henny Youngman

MasterCaneman -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 11:21:56 PM)
I'm in town all week. Try the veal...

DaddySatyr -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (7/31/2013 11:59:47 PM)
Grrrrrr You should have spelled it: "ruff" Regards, Marmaduke

Winterapple -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (8/1/2013 12:11:28 AM)
I don't have any wisdom for you but that is a beautiful fish and tank and the video was a lot of fun. I love that you named him after Red West who is a very cool, nice guy. He made a movie a couple of years ago called Goodbye Solo which if you haven't seen I recommend.

KMsAngel -> RE: Strange Kitty Cat (8/1/2013 2:14:40 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DaddySatyr quote: ORIGINAL: MasterCaneman So, in other words, your fish like it a little "roughy"? Was that a dog/cat joke? Regards, Henny Youngman it's a fish joke! don't know about you, but the fishmonger's sell them here for dinner :)

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