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Back in the summer of 1986 (no, this isn't a Bryan Adams song), when I was 11, I left my father at the barbeque contest in Memphis and wandered across the street to a carnival. I met up with one of my dad's friends and then I saw it. The throw-the-ping-pong-ball-in-the-fishbowl-and-win-a-fish game. I knew I had to have that fish! My father's friend offered the guy at the counter $5 bucks for a fish, but he wouldn't take it (an obvious scam, of course). So we proceeded to shell out $20 bucks for a tiny goldfish that probably wouldn't last through the night. Surprisingly enough, he did make it. And what a night! Alfred (the fish) was left in front of the speakers of a live band, which shook the very water in the bowl. Ever since then, Alfred has loved music - he dances, believe it or not. In fact, Beethoven is his favorite. Anyways, Alfred grew up. He's now 4 inches long, 12 years old, and a senior in college. He ate 3 successive roommates, until 4 yrs ago, when he was joined by a rather fat goldfish named Luckey (lucky to be alive, I presume). Recently, Alfred and Luckey were joined by 3 more roomies: Rubert (a fat white and orange goldfish), Mr. Catfish (you figure it out), and Ralph (a red beta who's scared of his own shadow and spends his time hiding from ole Alfred). But Alfred is still KING of the road (or tank, whatever the case may be.) (Winter '96) Unfortunately, Mr. Catfish didn't take a liking to the tank and presumably left. (We don't know where.) Also, Ralph (poor Ralph) was found after disappearing for weeks at a time, under his rock. Notably, this rock kept him from harm (and food.) (Summer '96) I went to cozumel to do a little diving for myself and decided that customs would have a problem with me bringing along goldfish, so alfred and the family stayed home. Unfortunately, several didn't survive with my roomie being the landlord, but I'm sure that you'll be happy to hear that alfred was not taken by the plague. Rubert was the only other to make it through that (I'm sure) dreadful weekend. (fall '97) Yes, once again I have decided update my tribute to Alfred for those that regularly stop by to entertain themselves about a Goldfish that is 12 years old. I know that alfred would be impressed knowing that he is one of the oldest internet goldfish around. So, I will soon be putting of (real) Images of alfred for all to see. Anyways, Alfred is still alive and swimming hard. He has recently taken up fooseball because I have. I know that you might be saying to yourself, "Goldfish play fooseball?" Well, He doesn't actually play, he just likes to watch. I know he wants to watch because, whenever he is ready, he splashes out water onto the electrical socket to which his air supply is attached. Where upon I have to move that tank to a different location, on top of the fooseball table. My father has recently given me the horrible notion that Alfred, like other pets, might die one day and told me that I should have him mounted for a keep sake... I don't much know what to think about this, but if you have any ideas as to what to do with alfred upon his death, please let me know. But, I don't expect this to ever really happen because I now believe that Alfred is immortal (being a goldfish and as old as he is.) (Summer 2000)HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALFRED! I am pleased to say that it is alfred's birthday (again.) But this is a special birthday because I consider alfred to 15. I would like to say that it ranks right up there with what us humans consider the 'sweet sixteen'. Needless to say, alfred got the present of a lifetime, a 55 gallon tank sitting upon a homemade fishtank stand. Yes, yes, carpentry is in my background, and my family knows what I mean. I would first like to thank my father for the donation of the fishtank and his guidance to help the project see completion, lowe’s and home-depot for the enormous amounts of wood & paint, my wife for her patience in the one year project, and finally alfred with his patience to finally see what it’s like to be driving the "BMW" of fishtanks. By the way, rubert is still doing great. He is a monster now and loves the tank too. Hopefully soon, we will get some more friends for alfred since he has so much room to spare. (fall 2000)There's a new fish in town. Just got two new sucker fishes and I decided it was appropriate to name them after two of my friends: Ben and Chris. Unfortunately, Chris just died (the fish.) Anyway, Ben is swimming strong and continues to grow. (late Fall 2000)The Illness I just recently went to New York City to visit one of my good friends, Ben Callister. To My dismay, alfred, rubert, and ben all contracted the ick. You will be glad to hear that all are doing fine, thanks to my wife's inquisitive nature and the wonderful fish friendly website she found: http://www.cyber-dyne.com/~Nunnie/ick.html. This site has great information about how to cure the ick (duh). I suggest it to anyone and everyone wanting to save their fish. For just information about goldfish, please check out this site: Glimmering Goldfish This has also prompted me to do some research as to how old alfred can live. The world record is an mere 43 yrs. I personnally think that alfred has a chance, being 1/3 of the way there. Check it out for yourself at guinness world records. |