Awww. RIP Alfa, the Coolest Betta in Western Canada

[ChiaJesus]

I'm sad to report that my betta, Alfa, was murdered tonight by a gang of stupid (and now condemned) guppies.

Alfa was a really, really cool fish and the family favorite. He had a distinct, mellow personality and did things I have never seen before. For instance, he would flare his fins and let himself get sucked up by the internal filter. He would then lay there and admire his reflection for hours, suspended by the intake of the filter.

Another one of his favorite pastimes was laying down on the heater, which is conveniently located near the top of the water. He would then lay his head down on the power cord so he could breathe air and have a snooze. It was really, really cute to see. If he saw me he'd lift his head up to acknowledge me, and if I didn't have food in my hand he'd lay it back down.

He was aware of his surroundings and it always amazed me that it seemed as though he was conscious of his own existence. I have seen bettas freak out when they saw their reflection - not Alfa. I'm convinced that he recognized himself. I feel foolish for saying that, but I'm sure he really did.

RIP Alfa. The Spencer family won't ever forget how cool you were.

[snoopy65]

I am so sorry for the loss of Alfa.

[crimsonmoon]

aw, im sorry :( it sounds like he was a great, smart pet :D
rip

[ChiaJesus]

Thanks. I'm actually pretty sad. I am not a big fan of wimpy fish but he was really cool. The guppies were going to be moved to a new planted tank in order produce offspring for my cichlids. After tonight, though, they're dead fish swimming. I'll breed something else.

[mel_20_20]

Chia, I'm so sorry for your loss, but please don't hold it agains the guppies for being... well... guppies. Just move them and let them breed and feed you cichlids.

Alpha sounded like an awesome fish. I can imagine how heartsick you must be. I'm truly sorry.

[leeser28]

I'm so sorry for your loss!

[ChiaJesus]

Chia, I'm so sorry for your loss, but please don't hold it agains the guppies for being... well... guppies. Just move them and let them breed and feed you cichlids.

Alpha sounded like an awesome fish. I can imagine how heartsick you must be. I'm truly sorry.

Thanks, Melody. Alfa was awesome and I'm going to miss him. But please don't get me wrong. I'm an animal lover and have a BIG conscience. Just last week I found (more) baby plecos in a filter and I felt bad putting them back in the tank because I knew what was in store for them (and I have too many plecos as it is). But I have never been a fan of guppies. I only took them because they were given to me and I know how prolific they are - so they were going to serve a greater purpose.

For the past two days I have been thinking about what I wanted to do with this new planted tank because I didn't want to do guppies. However my conscience got the best of me this afternoon and I decided that I was going to keep them because I'm a responsible fish owner and that's what responsible fish owners do.

Now this happens. It's almost insulting after putting all that thought about "fish keeping ethics" into it.

I like guppies even less than I did before. I would rather keep some fish in that tank that I'm going to enjoy but still serve a purpose. I will TRY to give the guppies away because that is the right thing to do, but if no one is interested I will resort to Plan B.

[laurabb]

That stinks. Sorry about Alfa - he sounds like he was a great fish.

[mel_20_20]

Sorry Chia... You are obiously a caring fishkeeper. I can put myself in your position, too. After trying to do the right thing for the guppies they go and kill your favorite fish.

I'm truly sorry for your loss.

[crimsonmoon]

wow. i never knew guppies had a dark side. i always saw them as the air-headed cheer leaders of the fish world, not cold-blooded serial killers.
:( sorry

[saram521]

I'm sorry that your betta died, they're one of my favorite fish. How exactly did the guppies kill your betta though? They're typically peaceful fish.

[mel_20_20]

I was wondering about that myself.

[b.greene]

Great euligy. Makes me want to get more bettas. Sounds like a he had a great lofe and was well loved :)

[acevudoo]

alas Alfa.. we commit you to the mighty sea.. that you might join your fallen brothers.. and become one with the eternal wave