The last one left..(any advice would be greatly appreciated)

[KT]

Here's my story in short....

At 12 years old I rode my bicycle down to the pet store and bought three dojo loaches for my little ten gallon tank. That was 1992. One was always sickly and died a few years later. The other two have lived through many tank changes and upgrades and have been my only two fish for many many years now. I have had them for 15 years. Last week the smaller of the two (Ish) died. He had seemed fine, then he was dead. The larger of the two Atticus seems in perfect health.

Here's my dilemma: I am aware that dojos, like so many creatures, prefer the company of others of their species (Atticus and Ish were always lying side by side in the tank). I hate to see Atticus all alone in that tank, but at the same time, I do not want to get any more fish as I do not want to make another 15 year commitment to the care of another creature. This may sound silly to some, but is there anything that I might be able to do to help ease the sudden solitude for him? Possibly add some entertaining features to the tank? Or...?

Again I apologize if this seems like a silly or inappropriate post for this forum, but I have had this little guy for over half of my life and would like to ensure, to the best of my ability, that he is comfortable and well cared for. Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you kindly in advance.

[loachmom]

Hi KT,
I don't think your post is either silly or inappropriate for this forum. You obviously care a great deal about your loaches.

I have a suggestion if you are not willing to find a new home for your remaining loach. He would be happiest with several other members of his own kind, so would you be willing to buy a few small dojos as companions for him, and then find new homes for them once Atticus passes on?

[mikev]

Hi KT,

Fully agreeing with loachmom. You did a great job keeping your loaches alive and healthy for a very long time, but there is no substitute for companionship. Perhaps you will be less attached to new dojos, so when Atticus passes on and you don't feel like continuing, you will be able to part with them easier.

Good luck!

[Dr. Momfish]

If your dojo has been only in the company of the other guy for many years, it's probably not a really good idea to introduce any other fish for immunological reasons. He has not been challenged immunologically and introducing another fish with all it's myriad micro-organisms could hasten the demise of Atticus and score you another number of years to care for the new fish.

My advice, asked for or not, is to just keep Atticus on his own until he casts off his mortal coil and finds himself in aquatic paradise with Ish. It's the KISS principle. At 15 years of age, Atticus is pushing the limits anyway.

[KT]

I have been putting quite a bit of thought into it and I do think that Atticus is going to have to be a solo fish from now on. I know that if I took on another loach or two that I would feel responsible for their care for the remainder of their lives (and as I said, I am not ready to commit to another 15 years). I had also not considered the potential risk to Atticus that a new fish could bring.

So, since he is going to remain a solo loach, what kinds of things can I add to the tank that he would possibly enjoy? He has always had a pretty simple setup (generic gravel and plastic plants). I have heard that some like pvc pipe? Any suggestions for features that I might be able to add to make his loach life more enjoyable?

Also, does anyone know how long these guys can live (i.e. any record of the oldest living dojo)?

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate your assistance and advice.