My very good friend ( and brilliant author by the way) A.C.Flory mentioned in a comment on my last blog that she’d like a reminder of who’s who in the fishy world now they all have names. I’m sure some of you may remember the originals but here’s a run down of the Famous Five, survivors of their very own Armageddon.
Bronze Cory ‘Bonzo’
Don’t worry that he looks a little startled, he’s camera shy Unhappy that he was caught scouring for food. Bonzo a bronze corydorus (cory)
‘Pepper’ a member of the Pepper Catfish family companion of Big Al
Pepper is a very even tempered fish and quite fond of his/her grub. Also a cory.
‘Big Al’ in the process of a ‘Dirty look’ Little Al is smaller and paler
Hard to tell but Big Al is the same size as Pepper about 2″ long. Little Al is just over 1″ so far. Big Al is a little more orange than in the picture but it’s about right for Little Al’s colour. Albino corys.
‘Harold’ the Hoplosternum ( Hoplo)
Considering the number of times recently Harold has tried to give me a heart attack by completely disappearing when I’m searching the tank for him and then re-appearing as though nothing is amiss, should probably be renamed Harry Houdini of the fish world.
All of the above are a species of catfish and you’ll notice from their quaint little moustaches that they’re all from the cory family. Very hardy little beggars to have survived the Great Plague (Thankfully). I hope you enjoyed re-acquainting yourselves with them.
Hugs
barsetshirediaries 
Nice to make their acquaintance. 🙂
They feel likewise Suz.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
David, this is marvelous! I very much enjoyed seeing each of the “original” fish. And isn’t it appropriate that they have mustaches! Mega hugs my friend. ❤ 🙂
Of course they’re allmodelled on mine !
xxx Humongous Hugs Teagan xxx
These chaps are delightful. I am very taken by their moustaches, particularly. Poor Bonzo does look startled!
I find it best not to warn them when I’m camera happy as they tend to hide. They think (Big Al does) that they should be paid for photographs. I disagree since they’re housed and fed for free.
The moustaches are a competition between us to see who can most look like a Pictus by the end of the year.
Bonzo wears a startled look most of the time like he’s only just found out he’s a fish.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
And they look like such ostentatious creatures that would happily pose for photos! Like underwater Kardashians (but with smaller bottoms). I think they are marvellous, especially Bonzo.
Moustaches are the perfect things for competitions, I am a big fan.
xxxHuge Hugsxxx
If it wasn’t for their moustaches, they wouldn’t be half as cute. My son-in-law has a fish tank but keeps losing fish. 😦
I hope he gets to the bottom of the problem soon. If he knows when the problem started and whether he put a fish in just before that he could isolate it in case it had the plague like my Laurel did.
You’re right, it’s the moustaches that make them.. The bigger the better for me, unless it rivals mine.
xxx Huge Hugs Tess xxx
No-one’s moustache can rival yours, David.
🙂 I’ve no idea why he’s lost a few, but one or two became stuck in the pump(?). My favorite fish are the ones I can eat. 😦
Ach, I need to shave, it’s not as good as it was.
Remind me not to have cod or sea bass in my tank when you’re in town.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Either one of those would do too. Yes, do hide them. 😀 😀
I am torn by your recent plague as to whether I want to set up a tank again, part of my says yes but your recent misadventures reminded me how quickly and drastically it can all go wrong.
Huge hugs by the way and I am pretty sure you are going to love this weeks Vlog on friday xxxx
If you’re more careful than I was you should be OK. Just buy fish that have been through a quarantine period at the shop.There are some beauties about and you can let the Monster name them.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Thank you, I shall look forward to the vlog xxx
Big Al is showing that attitude. You rock, David. Thanks for sharing.
He’s an attitude fish Mary J. Scares me to death sometimes.
Thank you so much. What a lovely thing to say.I usually hear thick as a brick but never rock.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I was glad to see the fish I’ve been hearing about. I can now imagine Big Al spitting at someone. He looks like a fish with a lot of attitude. I can see what he sees in Pepper. She’s a good-looking fish. 🙂 Mega Hugs to you and the gang. 🙂
Thanks so much Sazanne. I think Pepper is the one who does the chasing, not Big Al surprisingly. She’s very outgoing.
xxx Mega Hugs back xxx
David, they look like dapper chaps (and lass?)…they remind me of someone. 😉
Thank you for sharing them with us. 🙂
Hope this day is kind to you and yours. 🙂
To be honest Donna, I’ve no idea which are chaps and which chapesses, poor Pepper may be the only male or the only female but it seems Big Al’s luck is in.
Thanks for popping in and especially for the nice wishes.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
Thanks for putting pictures to the names. 🙂
Sometimes it helps Christoph. At least everyone knows one of Big Al’s dirty looks now.
Hugs
At least I won’t forget now Christoph.
Hugs
Bonzo is such a cutie. He really needs a top hat. Wonder if you could find a waterproof one that wouldn’t weigh him down.
It depends what they make the one in Monopoly out of these days.If it’s still metal I’d say he’s got no chance.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
So that’s Big Al. I must say, he looks a suspicious character!
Somehow he always makes me feel guilty. As If I have need of guilt. he he
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
I can imagine them thinking… oh again, paparazzi! They are such stars, I love that tank fish have such personalities if you take a little time to get to know them:)
Big Al complains he doesn’t have time to paint a smile on. That”s if he knows how. They do have little personalities. Hmm, now I want more again.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Happy to meet the fishies, David. My dentist has a wall aquarium in his waiting room, and he has two “Harolds” that stay together, away from the dozens of others, and weave around all the foliage and things that look like spidery plants but are actually living organisms that move around the tank.
I found my hoplos stayed close but weren’t together all the time. But I now know that Harolds are the ones who keep pulling flipping plants up or eating the tops off them. I’m surprised one died and one didn’t but I’m delighted I still have him.
xxx Mega Hugs xxx
I used to have a tank with a school of Cory catfish years ago! They are so adorable! They’re like puppies of the fish world! Thanks for sharing this! 💕🐟
That’s a perfect description when they’re small like Bonzo but I don’t feel ,like petting Big Al thanks. I bet he has teeth specially sharpened for the day he can catch me. I’m waiting for Pepper to mellow him.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Thanks for the cast pictures, David. Now I’ll be able to better imagine who is who…
Does that include me?
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
A nice collection of fishy friends 🙂 They’re pretty cute and the photos are excellent.
Not quite as nice as the fishy friends that were there before The Plague though Madison, I need to get at least 1 synodontis back and certainly another beautiful pictus with it’s glorious moustache.
I hope all is well in your world and the ginseng is doing well.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
A “motley” crew you have there, David. Inexhaustible source of tales to come, I’m sure. So pleased to meet them “in person” 😀 I wonder what stir to the “pond” a Harlequin Rasbora would bring/female of course 😀
She might bring a spot of colour Ina but luckily she shouldn’t have their tongues hanging out as they’re different breeds. Of course I could always get a male rasbora and see how my luck goes.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
Yes I actually thought of colour of “her”as personality-wise I hear rasbora is peaceful and doesn’t bother anyone 🙂 Hugs, hugs
Why do I feel like they’re smiling at me, through the tank, into the internet and into the hearts of so many of your blogging friends? Can they tell that I’m smiling back? 🙂
I’m sure I’ve seen them preening (and probably applying makeup) before making an appearance in a morning. I have mentioned heir fan club to them so they probably expect smiles but return them gladly…..except Big Al of course, we mustn’t expect too much there.
xxx Huge Hugs Pamela xxx
What’s so interesting to me is the camouflage effect; each photo’s background blends in so well with the individual fish…thanks for sharing, David! xosoSarah
Oh, they’re all poseurs, they don’t allow pics until their right side is showing, the light is in the right place and there’s no chance a piece of plant will float in front of their face.
xxx Gigantic Hugs Sarah xxx
Thank you! These little guys have become family to all of us I think. They are lovely, especially Harry! Maybe he just likes playing peek-a-boo with you. 🙂
Blimey, people liked me for the cat, then they liked me for my grandson, now they like me for my fish. That’s not peek-a-boo that’s hidin’ with malice aforethought because it winds me up and Big Al enjoys it. They’re his boys.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
lmao – oh c’mon! You love it too 😀
Lord of the Fish! 🙂
More like Lord Under the Fish Billy Ray. I haven’t ruled in my house since a) I got a wife b) I got a daughter c) I got a cat and d) I carried on with the fish. Though More Big Al than anything.
Hugs
So, are these related to catfish?
Yes, all catfish Joe. 4 Corydoras and 1 Hoplosternum. The ones you’d have recognised as catfish are the ones that died. I guess you have plenty of large catfish there.
The famous five! I wonder if they know how popular they are? 🙂
I’m sure they know that they’re more famous than I am and since Big Al is contemptuous I’m sure he know who’s the most popular too.
Have a Lovely Easter Christy
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Hehe it’s great how they have personalities 🙂 Thank you, David, and I wish you a beautiful Easter too xx BIG HUGS
Ever thought there might be a conspiracy among the originals? Perhaps they’ve got some fishy motive for bumping off the others? It could be some entertaining mystery script–Rancor in the Tank.
Regardless, I’m glad the founding fish are still functioning and not floating. They are a solid band of survivors.
Happy Easter to you and the lovely family.
xoxo
I’m all for conspiracy theories especially when I’m the target but it seems unlikely as the 5 aren’t down to four yet and I’m keeping a weather eye on them all.That would be a grand title for a script.
I hope you’re enjoying your Easter.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
We used to have a loach that we called Ken….
Oh, I have to get me one of those. I have been tempted before as they”re beautiful fish but didn’t want another bottom feeder at the time. I think I have vacancies now.
xxx Ginormous Hugs Elaine xxx
And to you, too, David x
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Those of you who follow Lord David Prosser will be aware that he has several aides de pond in the form of catfish.. up to now we have only heard their names in passing but now we can put a name to a face and very stunning they are too…
Oh Heavens, don’t attach too much importance to them Sally, they’ll want a raise.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
For some reason, they look biigger than only 2 ins… do they all have their own distinct personalities?
That’s ‘cos they have an inflated opinion of themselves Ali. Big Al and maybe Pepper are the only two with a real personality, and Pepper is perhaps just a little bigger that 2″. I think there’s nothing in the pictures to give context as to size and I think that was done on purpose.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
Well they’re all very handsome! I bet its quite hypnotising watching them swim about. At Carys’s hospital there is a huuuuuge fish tank, I used to go and watch the fish swim about when I had my lunch, they always relaxed me and made me feel drowsy. Pity all the kids running about and screaming didnt have the same effect on them!
It’s funny , many years ago I worked with children who had a variety of problems. The home also had a tank. There was invariably one child who stood at the tank mesmerised as mayhem went on around them.We used to watch in case the movement induced epileptic attacks but I never saw one.
xxx Hugs xxx
Gosh… the movement of fish can bring on epileptic fits??? Who would have thought it?!
I think it’s more the focus that does it. Sooner or later they go into a dreamworld (like we drift away) then they may just be aware of little flashes or nothing at all. Away the poor little soldiers go.I’m sure a doctor would have the correct explanation or certtainly a better one than me.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Well… you live and learn! I thought they were always meant to be relaxing… Carys has epilepsy, I’ll be keeping her away from fish tanks in future lol! 😀 Cheers David and huge hugs back at ya!
Thank you for an interesting look into your piscatorial fish tank world.
Emu and Ian
Thanks for joining myself and my masters.( and/or mistresses). They love the adulation of the crowds. I love the way you have morphed your image to that of the emu on your site.
Hugs ( Honest, it can still be masculine).
Thanks David for the compliment on my Emu morph.
And yes I accept your masculine hug, at my age I accept hugs of anyone game enough to enter my bubble.
Cheers
Emu aka Ian
Nice to see pictures of “The famous five.” I’ve never known a fish tank to be discussed in such an animated manner. They must love the attention 🙂
Divas all Peter, No interviews without full make-up.They’re in retirement now though and no doubt missing it all.
Hugs
The catfish are strange but very cute!
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
I adore catfish Margaret, the bigger the better. Those moustaches fascinate me , much better than mine. The fish above are all tiny but some grow in excess of 3 feet. Gorgeous.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx