I’ve kept fish at home since I was in High School. I’m not sure why I have taken such an interest in them, but I guess everyone loves seeing colorful fish flutter by in a tank, don’t they? I’ve read that they keep fish tanks in doctor’s offices because it calms people and lowers their blood pressure.

Over the years, I’ve kept all kinds of fish, from simple community fish, cichlids, piranha, and I’ve even done a full saltwater setup. Today, I’ve got two fish tanks. A small one for my betta named Fred and his snail friend Barney, and a 30 gallon setup with community fish, ghost shrimp, and a very large apple snail I plucked from the local pond named Gary.

They’re easy to take care of. Food once a day and keep the water level up. I don’t subscribe to the notion of regular water changes. A good filter and ecosystem in the tank should take care of everything. And, I’ve had a lot of luck doing things this way. I couldn’t stop many of my fish from breeding, even.

Some of the fish I’ve owned were the inspiration for this piece. I’ve had goldfish in the past and enjoy them to this day. I’ve even broken more aquarium rules and had them cohabiting with other community fish without problems.

Just call the me the rebel aquarist.

This painting is on display at the home of a friend.