I tried some different food for the fish today. They didn't quite get it at first.

I came back later and they had eaten some of each.

Here's the old man eyeballing a piece of zucchini:


Now he checks out the cantaloupe:


The next two pics are off topic, but fun. When I came home later and parked my car, I stepped up on the curb and this little fellow (maybe a whole 2 inches tall) was rocking back and forth and trying to look menacing. He seemed to think I was going to attack him or something. I hope he wasn't too embarrassed when I busted up laughing at him.




Oooh! Soooo scary!

nice fish...bet they enjoyed their exciting new foods!!!

what on earth is that creature....i've never seen anything like it!!! is it "normal" where you live? it's kinda cute isn't it...not really scary! LOL!

i

It is a Praying Mantis.

And they are cute buggers. They can get pretty big - like 6 inches long. Some people keep them as pets.

They were imported to the U.S. as beneficial garden predators.

Great pics Daniel.As for praying mantis maybe it thought you were going to feed it to your goldfish

Those are great pictures Daniel. I love the Praying Mantis , far too cute!

Most fish accept new foods if given them on a regular basis

I think the zucchini and cantaloupe were too firm. They ate a little, but left most of it.

I parboiled it for a few minutes then cooled it, but it was still firm.

Maybe I'll try oranges and see what they think.

Oooooooooo!!!! I love the praying mantis! I'm one of those people who want one as a pet. The ones I've seen aren't nearly as cute as that one..I think its the dark eyes that I'm not used to. I think they are the neatest creatures. Daniel, you bet you'd be scared if he was magnified to the size of a horse. Alien attack!

If she was the size of a horse, I would be dinner. haha!

We get lots of mantises in Japan and people keep them as pets. The first time I saw one I was awe struck and had to crouch down on the road for a better look (dangerous!) Kissy is right they are like little mini alien predators the way they stop and then robot like click their heads round to look at you with those big black eyes...mmm . Watching them tuck into a butterfly makes you wonder about lifesize ones eating people yikes! Think Ill stick with goldfish.

That is a great shot of your fish eyeing the underwater buffet

Great pics Daniel. LOL! That thing frightens me beyond believe! Trump is looking beautiful and bigger everytime I see a new photo.

i love a prey mantis i would kept one as a pet but i think they like it outside better!!

Thanks Erin, but that's not Donald Trump. That's the Old Man - the first one of the bunch.

The Old Man came home with another fish, who just happened to be a jumper. You can imagine jumpers and Half Barrel Ponds do not mix.

A little while later I brought home the two Shubunkins because I thought the Old Man could use some company. I thought that was all - three is enough.

Maybe three months later I saw Donald Trump - mostly white all over, with nice long fins, and the orange toupee - and I had to get him.

Usually "The Donald" is most active. But recently he's bigger and mellowed out. He was chillin' under the lily leaves when I took these pics.

Wow, he looks kinda like Trumpster doesnt he?? Maybe doesnt have the nice neat head of hair though.

No silly people!

THIS is Donald. All white with a red toupee.

LOL!!!

So sorry master! *bows down*

Now THAT'S more like it!

hehe