An Ode to My Randall

[FlemFlam86]

Ok, I don’t have the time, so not really an ode but a little story. I have been a freshwater hobbyist for most of my 58 years. Nine years ago, for our anniversary, we decided to get into saltwater. Among our first shipment of livestock, we decided on a most unique symbiotic relationship- the one between a pistol shrimp and goby. They were listed as beginner friendly so we purchased a pair. They became separated at first, but soon found each other. They began their journey together on one side of the tank but soon ended up on the other. That side has a very unique asset I like to call chimney rock. I believe this feature may be responsible for the incredibly long life that my beautiful little friend experienced. These three rocks sit atop another that forms a perfect giant cave. Many fish and inverts have called these chutes home over the years. The fairy wrasses especially like to back down into them so they can see out but still feel safe at night. The shrimp could often be seen sticking his head out the top as well. He found a way to use one of the tubes to leave the cave, to hide, and to rest. We watched as the yellow watchman goby often led the Randall’s pistol shrimp out carefully at mealtime. The shrimp dictated where the goby could stick his head out. It was never a surprise to find the old side closed and a new one opened. We loved the way he wrapped his claws over the turkey baster sometimes to get his food. We turned the television higher when the little popping sounds were annoying. And we were amazed at how much sand, and how large of debris got moved under and around that very special rock. To see him throwing sand was always a treat. It seemed he could cloud up the entire 75 gallons in a few seconds if he wanted. The shrimp eventually outlived his guide and quite unceremoniously shoved him from the cave, for us to find the next day. Being the good pet owner, I promptly went to the lfs and got a new one so the shrimp could feel safe again. That night, I snuck into the room with a red light to find that shrimp on the back wall on the other side of the tank. Why I tell you, I was so shocked! But, goby found the next day, our lives returned to the status quo. That is, until a few weeks ago when the goby was once again ejected, this time very much alive, to begin a new life on the other side of the tank. Last night I realized it had been a few days since I had seen any sand being shifted or heard any popping sounds. I decided to conduct some fresh research on my sadly silent little shrimp. I could not believe when I discovered that his life has continued more than twice that expected. I will wait a few more days but I believe his life has come to an unexpected end. This little guy lived through a tank upgrade, a 450-mile move, and Isaiah’s five-day power outage. I am thankful for the time we had together and hope the lfs can provide me with a new one post haste. Enjoy the time you have; we get no more.

 

[kevgib67]

Ok, I don’t have the time, so not really an ode but a little story. I have been a freshwater hobbyist for most of my 58 years. Nine years ago, for our anniversary, we decided to get into saltwater. Among our first shipment of livestock, we decided on a most unique symbiotic relationship- the one between a pistol shrimp and goby. They were listed as beginner friendly so we purchased a pair. They became separated at first, but soon found each other. They began their journey together on one side of the tank but soon ended up on the other. That side has a very unique asset I like to call chimney rock. I believe this feature may be responsible for the incredibly long life that my beautiful little friend experienced. These three rocks sit atop another that forms a perfect giant cave. Many fish and inverts have called these chutes home over the years. The fairy wrasses especially like to back down into them so they can see out but still feel safe at night. The shrimp could often be seen sticking his head out the top as well. He found a way to use one of the tubes to leave the cave, to hide, and to rest. We watched as the yellow watchman goby often led the Randall’s pistol shrimp out carefully at mealtime. The shrimp dictated where the goby could stick his head out. It was never a surprise to find the old side closed and a new one opened. We loved the way he wrapped his claws over the turkey baster sometimes to get his food. We turned the television higher when the little popping sounds were annoying. And we were amazed at how much sand, and how large of debris got moved under and around that very special rock. To see him throwing sand was always a treat. It seemed he could cloud up the entire 75 gallons in a few seconds if he wanted. The shrimp eventually outlived his guide and quite unceremoniously shoved him from the cave, for us to find the next day. Being the good pet owner, I promptly went to the lfs and got a new one so the shrimp could feel safe again. That night, I snuck into the room with a red light to find that shrimp on the back wall on the other side of the tank. Why I tell you, I was so shocked! But, goby found the next day, our lives returned to the status quo. That is, until a few weeks ago when the goby was once again ejected, this time very much alive, to begin a new life on the other side of the tank. Last night I realized it had been a few days since I had seen any sand being shifted or heard any popping sounds. I decided to conduct some fresh research on my sadly silent little shrimp. I could not believe when I discovered that his life has continued more than twice that expected. I will wait a few more days but I believe his life has come to an unexpected end. This little guy lived through a tank upgrade, a 450-mile move, and Isaiah’s five-day power outage. I am thankful for the time we had together and hope the lfs can provide me with a new one post haste. Enjoy the time you have; we get no more.

Sorry for your loss!