March 6, 2009

Leg Workout 144.2 lbs

Leg Ext. 105/6
Squat 165/10

Leg Curl 80/6

Calf Raise 140/12*2

Crunches 32.5/8*2




These are my two Blood Parrots, Kazimierz (orange) and Gustav (red). Although I am quite aware of the douchebaggery concerning the creation of these fish, I couldn't help but grow very attached to them. I bought my first one, Kazimierz, uniformed and looking for the most weird looking fish I can get at Walmart. My buddies were walking through the fish section when the Blood parrots immediately caught my eye. Since then, we at home have set up a tank containing the two parrots, two severums and a yellow cichlid.

What I find most endearing about cichlids in general is the attention they pay to the environment outside of the tank. The common perception is that fish are more like ornamental furniture. The behaviour of my cichlids have caused me to look upon them as pets in every sense of the word. Kazimierz and I go "way" back (lol)and others who have seen them quickly remark how she seems to respond differently towards me. On a related note, the reason I know that Kazimierz is a female is that she had layed eggs a while back.




I've been on several fish forums, both for and against these fish and all I can say is that while the practice can get quite appalling; heart shaped parrots are created by having their tales removed at birth, I don't believe that necessarily makes the owners of fish immoral low lives. The common argument is that these do not occur naturally in the wild. While that may be true, the same can be said about domestic cats and dogs. But that doesn't stop both owners and pets from establishing and maintaining a unique connection with each other. Questionable practices do occur in the breeding of all pets. But a lot of breeders do engage in ethical practices and many owners are very caring of their pets. Even if the breeding of these fish are outlawed the fact remains that a market for these fish exist and that illegal breeding would still occur. Without regulation, the opportunity for more questionable behaviour will arise. As for me, I will continue to maintain these fish and in the future I hope to grab myself a larger tank. Apparently, these things can grow into a full 10 inches of fish.