There is such an amazing variety of fishes, too: almost (?) any behavior
one can imagine has at least one fish species that represents it. Males
caring for young (Anabantoids, etc), males giving birth (seahorses), pair
bonding of fishes, haremic spawning w/leks, even fishes "cloning"
themselves (a sp of killie), they seem to do it all. Then there are the
many different shapes, colors, sizes, dispositions, feeding behaviors, ad
infinitum. Literally a fish for everyone's taste. :)
Then, in case you still don't really dig on the fishes, there are the
inverts and aquatic plants..... Gardening even if one is not fortunate to
have a yard! :)
Andrew talked about the fascination of breeding fish. This is definitely
an affliction of mine. :) I not only enjoy helping to bring about new
life, but love to watch the species' breeding and coutship behaviors, and,
when they provide it, the care they often give their young. That last is
probably why so many (including myself) have been bitten so hard by the
cichlid bug. ;) Plus, when I raise a fish from the egg on, I tend to get
quite attached to it, and enjoy it even more when it then produces
offspring of its own. There is a certain sense of satisfaction that comes
w/ this that keeps things fun.
Lastly, but most certainly *not* least, there are the people. Some people
get into hobbies to spend some peaceful time by themselves, others for the
social aspect. While I like nothing better than to just sit back and watch
my fish, I have gotten immense pleasure from the friendships that I have
made through this hobby. For the most part (w/ very, VERY few exceptions),
fish people are the friendliest, most generous group of people around.
They give freely of their experience, knowledge, and even their fish and
plants to help each other out, and not just to those in the ranks, but the
newbies as well. Plus it is always nice to be able to talk w/ someone who
shares your addiction -- those nonbelievers always seem to get this
glazed-over look in their eyes at the mention of the latest spawn... ;)
Then there's the beer.... :) And the mixing of the generations. There are
folks of all age groups in this hobby, and on this list, yet when we get
together to talk fish and have some fun the "gaps" for the most
part vanish, and we all interact freely and w/ good will. That is a very
rare and wonderful thing, esp these days. :)
While I consider myself to be "fish-geek" extrordinaire, one thing that I
have been able to do, that many others in this world don't get to do, is
to travel and get to know people from all parts of my country, and via the
Net, now even all parts of the world. This hobby transcends geographic
barriers, as well as social ones. And the opportunities for learning and
meeting people are boundless.
Guess it sorta makes up for the "fish-geek" part, eh? ;)
Julie <><