In Memoriam: Peach, Sliver, and Wilberforce Sharkbait

Our beloved friends, Peach, Sliver, and our new friend, Wilberforce Sharkbait, all recently passed away this week. Sharkbait died on Thursday, May 1st and Peach and Sliver followed him this morning, Saturday, May 3rd.

We welcomed Peach and Sliver into our home 2 years ago when they were left on the doorsteps of the girls' apartments at Alta. They were tiny feeder fish, so small that you almost could not tell what color they were. Despite all the odds, these two friends persevered and lived through the tumultuous time of our wedding and moving into our new home. They continued to grow larger and the solidified a special place in our hearts.

Peach was known as a beautiful Common (that's his breed) goldfish with bright scales and a smaller tail. He loved to eat and dinnertime made him very excited. He was also a camera and attention hog. He loved the limelight. Sliver was a lovely silver colored Comet goldfish with a long flowing tail. He preferred to stay in the back corner of his tank and gladly gave the attention to his best friend, Peach. One of their favorite pastimes involved pulling each and every plant in the tank out of the rocks and letting it float at the top of the tank. They began with a rich array of plants, but ended up with two that they either liked, or couldn't pull out. Together they made an excellent team.

Wilberforce Sharkbait was a recent addition to the family, given to us by a dear friend. He seemed to greatly enjoy the company of the other fish and at night the three of them would lay side by side. Sharkbait was a glorious orange and white colored fantail goldfish with a bite out of his fin (hence "sharkbait"). Though we did not know it, he was already dying of a horrible parasitic disease when he arrived. He lived his last few days happily and in the company of good friends.

Sadly, we did not realize the quick spreading and contagious disease soon enough to save our lovely friends. We did the best we could to make them comfortable and prepared for the worst.

When Peach finally gave out, he lay on his side at the bottom of the tank. At the very end of his life, struggling for breath, Sliver floated to Peach and lay down on top and died there, next to his best friend.

Although they were only fish, they were the only pets Alexander had ever had, and I had grown very attached. Sensing the end was near, I took pictures of my dear ones while they were still happy and active. This is how I will remember my friends.

Peach


Sliver


Wilberforce Sharkbait (doesn't it look like he is smiling?)


Typical arrangement: Peach out in front, Sliver hiding in his corner ;)


New Friends Sleeping Side by Side