Last Saturday (April 16, 2011) I decided to buy the aquarium that I have longed to buy. After office I directly went somewhere in Colon Street (not sure of the name of the street) to see the fishes sold there. I inquired from one of the vendors where I can buy cheap aquariums and she pointed me to one named Virgilio, located a few meters from PBCom. He sold his 14"x 8"x9" aquarium at 250 pesos but I was able to make a bargain and got it at 230 pesos. He also sells some glass wares and aquariums of different sizes.
I then proceeded to buy the fishes to fill my tank. I was particularly attracted to the fishes sold by a man located in the middle of the stalls. Actually I liked the clown fishes better but they required saltwater for survival, so I turned back and started choosing from the freshwater varieties--gold fish, guppy, kois and others, turtles and eels too. You can also find seaweeds and other plants sold, including exotic animals like snakes, monkeys, spiders and birds too. The prices are really cheap a big, I bought 10 fishes plus freebies for 50 pesos plus an a pair of eels, according to Manong, at 40 pesos each.
I set it up immediately when I arrived home. What were eels according to Manong turned out to be snakes, eel-snakes to be exact, according to our research. I think Manong really did not know that these belonged to the snake family but he was partly right though, I can not blame him. It was an astonishing discovery for me, a fearful one for my house mates. These sorts move and looked like serpents magnificently exuding their bright blue colors as they swim sideways inside the tank. As expected, my house mates were hostile about the thought of it. They were afraid of the mere thought of keeping a snake in our company. However, as for me, I enjoy watching the beautiful creatures. Misunderstood as they are, but they deserve our care too. The sight of them is relaxing, every time I see their tongues whenever underwater or above it, I am always left in awe to their natural charisma and aura of security. I'd rather be feared than be loved, said Machiavelli. So did the snakes to assure them of their survival and safety.
I touched them like what Manong did. Every movement seemed like the peristaltic movement of food through our mouth way. I am just worried because I am not sure if they eat the fish meal I bought, I hope they will survive. As of today only 4 of the 13 fishes survived, the eel-snakes and the janitor fish. May you continue to bring serenity and peace to the people watching. :-)
