Friday, December 31, 2010

Just can't decide on what new project to start on for the New Year!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

WASHINGTON (AFP) - – The US Senate toughened laws against shark finning, hoping to save the ancient fish which experts fear is on the brink of extinction due to growing demand in Chinese restaurants.

Tens of millions of sharks are killed each year by fishermen who slice off their fins -- a delicacy in Chinese cuisine -- and leave them to die in the water. Sharks live long and have few offspring, compounding risks to their survival.

The United States banned finning in 2000 and has enforced restrictions in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The new rules close a loophole that permitted trade in the Pacific so long as sharks were not finned onboard the vessel, triggering a booming clandestine industry.

The legislation cruised through the House of Representatives in early 2009 but had languished in the Senate, which approved the measure without objection on one of the last days of its session.

"Shark finning has fueled massive population declines and irreversible disruption of our oceans," said Senator John Kerry, who championed the bill.

"Finally we've come through with a tough approach to tackle this serious threat to our marine life," the Democrat from Massachusetts said.

The bill does not ban the sale of shark fin, which is readily available in many upscale Chinese restaurants in the United States.

But conservationists welcomed the bill, saying it would curb a burgeoning but largely undocumented US trade in shark fins.

"This legislation will help address not only an unspeakably cruel practice of removing fins from live animals and then releasing them to suffer a slow death," said Nancy Perry, vice president for government affairs at The Humane Society of the United States.

"It will also help address on the macro level the rapid decline of shark populations," she said.

Environmental groups estimate that up to 73 million sharks are killed each year around the world for fins, leading to declines of up to 90 percent of some species of sharks -- which have swum the oceans since the age of the dinosaurs.

Despite campaigns from activists, demand for shark fins is seen as growing as China becomes increasingly prosperous.

Matt Rand, director of the shark conservation campaign at the Pew Environmental Group, said he recently heard of shark fins selling in California for an unprecedented 800 dollars a pound, or about 1,750 dollars a kilogram.

"The United States is a major shark exporter," Rand said. "I think this legislation sends a big signal that the United States is concerned about the decline of shark populations, not just in its own waters but in international waters as well."

Sharks are caught almost exclusively for fins. While the law does not ban the killing of sharks, all fins entering the United States must have an accompanying carcass.

In one notable incident in 2002, the US Coast Guard seized a Hong Kong-chartered, Hawaii-registered ship that was hauling nearly 65,000 pounds (30,000 kilograms) of just fins -- meaning tens of thousands of sharks died.

While closing loopholes, the Senate bill also opened one. To win support from North Carolina's senators, the law makes an exception for one shark -- the smooth dogfish.

Fishermen in the southeastern US state kill the shark for all of its meat instead of just the fins, but objected to the ban because they cut off fins in their ships.

"We had hoped they would adjust their practices so there wouldn't be any loophole," Perry of the Humane Society said. "But that was done to get the legislation over the finish-line."

Monday, December 20, 2010


Didn't think they could grow so huge?


A giant goldfish was apparently caught at a lake in France but now some are calling the story a fake, though marine experts say that a fish that size and color is very possible. Photoshop magic but it is real, Fisherman Raphael Biagini caught a huge Goldfish in France where the fish are very popular. The fish is orange in color and looks like a giant goldfish which weighs 30 pounds. Photo is several months old but it is getting popular now through an article from U.K’s Daily Mail.

During the 10-minute struggle to reel the giant goldfish in, Raphael Biagini said, “To begin with, we couldn’t tell what was at the end of the line, but we knew it was big.” After snapping the above shot, Biagnini released the fish back into the water. Experts say orange koi grow to fit their habitat so catching a fish of this size is not impossible, just rare. In fact, koi carp can even grow bigger than the one Biagini caught.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

SINGAPORE - Two of the seven bottlenose dolphins, which were destined for Resorts World Sentosa's (RWS) Marine Life Park, have died in a holding area at Langkawi.

The dolphins were caught from the wild in the Solomon Islands in January. Two females - one aged between four and five years and the other, around 10 - died from an acute bacterial infection of Melioidosis in October, said RWS spokesman Robin Goh on Friday. They were in "perfect health" previously, he noted. The remaining five have no signs of infection.

The virus, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can be transmitted through contact with contaminated soil and surface waters, with infections occurring primarily during the rainy season.

The deaths are set to reignite opposition to RWS' plans to house the animals as entertainers.

Marine conservationist Paul Watson told MediaCorp the "incarceration of dolphins lowers life expectancy of the animals".

"It's a trade based on blood and misery and has no place in the 21st century," said the founder and president of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals executive director Deirdre Moss agreed: "This is a tragedy. The animals were obviously under tremendous stress ... If RWS could change its stand on whale sharks, why couldn't they on dolphins?"

Last year, RWS scrapped its original plan to exhibit whale sharks. Animal Concerns Research and Education Society founder Louis Ng hopes RWS will also "re-think" its decision to keep dolphins in captivity.

Marine Life Park is still under construction. Said RWS' Mr Goh: "We currently do not have a definite date for its opening, and likewise, details like animal configuration are also being finalised."

As for the 18 dolphins being trained at Ocean Adventure Park in the Philippines for the Marine Life Park, RWS said they were in "good health".

"We're continuing with the development and establishment of the medical, behavioural, husbandry and training programmes that include the preventive medicine programme to ensure the well-being and health of the dolphins," said Mr Goh, who added that the Marine Life Park was "part of the bid" when RWS was awarded the integrated resort licence.

"We're committed to delivering the bid and the Marine Life Park that will not only boost tourism but research, conservation and education in marine mammals in this part of the region."

However, Ms Moss reiterated: "It's cruel to capture these animals from the wild with a view to entertain the public. We should promote tourism but not at the expense of these animals."

Bottlenose dolphins are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which entail strict regulations in the trade of these mammals.

RWS has said previously it would comply with CITES.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Shocking news on Stomp about the plight of fishes caught my eyes today:
Earlier today (Dec 13), STOMPer ilovetokick arrived at work to see the pond outside his office building drained, leaving some fish dead and others gasping for breath. He contacted the SPCA, and 6 fishes, as well as 4 terrapins, were rescued.


Said the STOMPer:
"I arrived at work this morning and was shocked to see the pond outside the building drained of water.

"The fish were mostly dead but there were a few plecos (commonly called sucker fish) barely breathing, as well as a few terrapins stranded in the dried pond.

"I immediately told the security guard and called SPCA, which sent an inspector within half an hour.

"We managed to net the live plecos and terrapins into two tanks.
"The security guard informed us that the pond is owned by an advertising company that had just shifted to a new office and abandoned the pond, though it was still full last night. I am not sure who drained it.
"Great work, SPCA, for your swift response."




Sigh... aquatic life always seem to be more susceptible to animal cruelty.


Friday, December 10, 2010

New Project...

Excited to start a new project for a new tank!!!!

Sunday, November 21, 2010



Just discovered something today:

See these 2 packs of Hikari Lionhead Sinking Pellets, they are of the same pack size.. but I bought them from different places.
This pack was from my neighbourhood pet shop:
and this pack was from a popular shop in Clementi:

A price difference of $1.50!!!

Converting that into percentage: 18.75%!

Now I know how to save costs while feeding my fishes!

Monday, November 15, 2010




Bought a UV light sterilizer for my tank... it really helps cure ich.

Jebo brand:
Connected to my canister filter (note the soft blue glow):


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Finally, my fishes are recovering from a bad case of ich, no casualties so far, but the clown loaches seem to still affected by ich.

Hope they all will pull thru

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Thats the main thing on my mind now..


What new fishes should I get to fill up the space in my main tank after losing all my parrot fishes?

I am really in a dilemma now!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Been really sad lately...


I just lost the entire shoal of my parrot fishes...

Dunno whats happening, but it seems that just parrot fishes are being affected.

Sigh!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

RIP to the icon

This morning, when I was feeding my fishes, I found a lifeless object floating at the surface of of the water in my tank...


It's the parrot fish that I have used as the main icon for my blog, Fishy Passion, and he has been with me for some 6 years....

I remember when he was first bought from the fish shop, he was a dull olive green colour, almost similar to the luo han colouration. After spending months in my tank... the colour started to morph and turn a distinct fiery red with yellowish tones...

That certainly inspired me to use this fish as the iconic mascot for my blog!

Anyway, may my iconic fish rest in peace in fishy heaven!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Added a shark to the tank...

A Chinese high fin banded shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) that is!



Pretty interesting fishes... I never had success with them before...

But seems like they will be doing well in this tank, as there is more current within the tank, and these fishes come from fast flowing rivers!

We're shifting



Shifted my L114 aka Leopard Cactus pleco and my L91 aka Three Beacon Pleco to my parrot fish community tank..
And they are doing so well..
snatching food and all!

Guess these few species being the more territorial and meaty eaters tend to do better with some competition!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Underwater Lights

Bought a new NAN light for my parrot fish tank after the previous one died on me...

This one uses T8 bulb and is fully submersible into the water!!!!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Nan Light

Water and electricity do not mix...

That's a lesson learnt after my tank lighting tripped and caused the whole house to plunge into darkness.

Really feel like upgrading to a Nan light now, which is submersible

Saturday, August 7, 2010

SOL - www.seaoflove.com
Looking for Love? Dive in SeaOfLove.com to find your love pearl: http://seaoflove.com

sponsored like
Fireopal's profile on MyLikes

Monday, August 2, 2010

Get your Ipad today - 1.ltroute.com
Bids are only 1 cent each! The last Ipad sold for 96¢ ! This is not your regular type of an auction this is Bidfire! Bid Now Auction starts in a few minutes

sponsored like
Fireopal's profile on MyLikes

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tank revamp...

I am in the midst of tank revamp...

What should I get?

Some marine fishes? or a theme of puffer fishes?

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Farmville

Farmville - Southwestern items - apps.facebook.com
Join me & all your new friends in Farmville on Facebook. Southwestern items have come to Farmville! Play free

sponsored like
Fireopal's profile on MyLikes

Friday, July 16, 2010

Snap shots of my online aquarium, Fishville, a game produced by Zynga via the Facebook platform.

Has fish keeping evolved to a new level?

Sunday, July 11, 2010

It's been a long time since I had the time to go to Qian Hu, and I must say that there have been lots of changes since I had been there the last time round.

As usual... rows and rows of tropical fishes...
fancy polka dotted rays....
.. and even tree frogs...
... what caught my eyes were some clown loaches with uncommon markings... bought 5 of them.. and got a 10% discount from the storekeeper...

It's the weekend!

Finally time to do major water changes to my tanks!!!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Alright... bought these fish food from Hikari to pamper my fishes!!!


Hikari Cichlid Excel:

Hikari Wheat Germ:
I really love to use Hikari feed for my fishes!!!

The water does not seem to cloud as bad and leach out colourings from the red pigments!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Discovered these little crabs in a box of oysters while I was packing some today:


So cute...
Wonder if can keep them as pets in Singapore...



Thursday, June 10, 2010

Farmville - It's Puppy Love - apps.facebook.com
Have you seen the new puppies in FarmVille? Join me on Farmville in picking one

sponsored like
Fireopal's profile on MyLikes

Sunday, May 9, 2010

My colleagues were sorting out a shipment of crabs and they came across this specimen:

Look carefully at its right claw, you can see a smaller set of claws growing out from the larger one!

Well, I wanted to save this specimen and rear it at home, but it was already too weak to be saved. Died on the way home...

RIP!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Eggs...

Wow.. been a long time since I updated this blog!~

Over the weekend, introduced some apple snails into my tank, and was surprised by this whole bunch of eggs on the tank lid when I got home from work!



Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I was at an aquarium store in the evening after work, and was looking for some aquatic snails for my tanks when the store owner told me that they did not stock them and other freshwater shrimps anymore as people had the tendency not to place back the air operated filters back into the tanks after they had caught them, resulting in massive losses.


Thus, the store stopped stocking them..

Sigh...

The result of inconsiderate hobbyists!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Holiday fishes

Just came back from my holiday, realised that the water in my tank has become much clearer!


Must be the effect of not over feeding...

Sunday, January 24, 2010

My experience of using Seachem Prime as a water conditioner has certainly been good...
So I decided to buy a 2 litre bottle which costs me $58!

Pretty much looks like a regular bleach container, don't you think so?

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Clown Loaches!

It just pondered upon me that the lunar zodiac animal for Lunar New Year 2010 happens to be the tiger...

Don't you think it would be auspicious to include fishes with tiger colouration / markings into your tank?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I think I have gotten the clown loach bug recently!!!!

Anyway.. did some online research and found out that there are many other types of patterns that clown loaches have!!!

Amazing!! It makes me wanna go find all of them!


Image from: Loaches.com

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Got three pieces of jumbo clown loaches recently...

Very active guys...

Swimming with the rest of the slightly smaller clown loaches I have in my tank..

Some pics of them (taken with flash):





Without flash:





Thursday, January 14, 2010

SINGAPORE: Investigations are being carried out after several fish died at a local koi competiton. One fish owner, Jemmy Tan, is suspecting foul play.

He said all the fish in the Young Koi Show were placed in the same type of water but only his batch of 10 were affected.

A koi can command a market value of up to S$20,000 and Mr Tan is estimating his losses run into tens of thousands of dollars.

But this isn't the first time mischief has plagued the show. Mr Tan said one of his championship fish had its tail cut after winning the title a few years.

Mr Tan has filed a police report and has sent his fish for further analysis. - CNA/vm


Can't believe such a thing actually happened in Singapore.

I wonder if the people were so jealous that they had to resort to doing this.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Rekindled Passion

Going on reservist training has certainly rekindled my passion for the aquatic hobby..

Looking forward to a revamp in my tank!

 
ss_blog_claim=27df0a5e1a34df7bf83a5d23dda5ab2c