It’s been so cold that fishy brains have been on hiatus. They get instinctive and spooky when their system is on the edge of winter sleep, and our weather has been that cold. The brain is a very energy-hungry part of the body, and it goes on holiday when the fishes are hunkered down by the bottom pump to stay warm. The instinct says go deep, keep in the dark, and run if you see movement. And that’s all that’s processing.
Also, these are babies which have had nothing in their lives but ‘run when the school runs’ and ‘stay together.’
We got Goku and Sanzo to shepherd them but they’ve been so cold they’ve hunkered down too.
Now we’re getting warmth, and the fishes are beginning to swim quietly, with purpose, the mouths are working, skimming the bottom, and they’re beginning to take in the idea that food happens when we’re close, so we’re not a bad thing. They’ve been coming into the sunlight, seeking warmth. We have several 4′ diameter patches of water lilies, white, sunset, pink, and yellow, and they hide there, but come out to see if food is available. They’re also hiding in the bridge shadow, but coming out into the sun warmth.
So nice to see.
Excellent news! Hope the koi continue to learn safe versus danger. I think you’ve been keeping the cold weather all to yourself. Send a little bit to Arizona.
I’ll be coming down to Bubonicon in Albequerque in August. You know how heat and I do not get along, and after all the vertigo problems, I can’t fly right now, and Jane’s not letting me drive alone. So she’s vacationing at the air conditioned Motel 6 and I’m over at the convention hotel…
Don’t forget that on the 21st of August is the total solar eclipse. If you are planning to depart a little early, you can probably make it to an optimal place to see the eclipse within a day of driving, and you’ll be headed in the correct direction anyhow!
Looking at the guest list, I am most jealous!
Will the kittehs be traveling with you? Would Jane like some company. Albuquerque is about a (long) day’s drive from our home and we could visit with Jane while you do the social butterfly thing.
That would be lovely. Our black kitteh is a pita with company, but we always travel with a spring-up kennel. And it would be so nice if Jane had company. We’ll keep you posted!
Oh yes, I remember the warnings about Eiushu..he’ll walk up to you as if he wants you to pet him, and then the “wildcat” persona comes to the surface. Sei, OTOH, is the big marshmallow, but unless he came to me and stayed within petting distance, I didn’t try. After all, who IS this guy, Mom?
Please to give whatever kittehs are amenable to petting one from me!