Species of Giant Clam (re)discovered in Red Sea

Here is a link to the article.  Turns out, it fed early humans.  They found it while trying to establish a breeding program for the Tridacna Maxima, a popular clam in the reefkeeping hobby.

Of course, I had to read the comments.  Take a look at the comment from NekoMimi (2nd comment).  Its soo ridiculous, you have to laugh.  I am continually amazed how humanity can be so brilliant and ignorant all at the same time.

Copperbanded Butterfly, Spotted Mandarin, and Marlboro Ultralights

After losing 8 fish in a month, I took a break from purchasing any new fish for the tank. In addition, I have horribly reneged on the deal I had with my wife on this tank and she is not happy.

So, my tank has been stable for some time and I really needed to quit smoking again, so I made a concerted effort to quit smoking.  After making it a whopping 2 days, I decided I needed to treat myself for a job well done.  So, I went in search of a copperband butterfly.  This is a risky fish for a reef tank (as is any butterfly), but I thought I would give it a shot.  I found a beautiful specimen that was eating well at the lfs.  And, I finally found the spotted mandarin that my wife loves so much.  So, I picked up both.

Big mistake!

Oh, the fish are fine.  And, as far as I can tell, both healthy.  the spotted mandarin spends his days picking copepods off the rocks blissfully unaware that any other fish are in the tank.  And the butterfly is swimming around happily.  I am not sure if she is eating or not as I haven't seen it happen, but she still looks great and is swimming well.  And, I have seen no evidence that she is picking on any of the coral or inverts in the tank.  I have to say that this is one of the most beautiful fish and their price is very reasonable.

The issue is that I two days later I was smoking again.  If there ever was a poster child for cigarette addiction, I am it.  I have always said, thank god I never tried drugs because my will power sucks.  So, I managed to really tick off my wife again by breaking our deal again.  And, I continue to struggle with smoking.

I can not seem to break this habit and I fear more and more that I never will.  I need to figure out a way to stop.  I continue to be more and more depressed about my inability to quit and disappointed in myself for my weakness. 

Its funny (in the so-not-funny-its-a-shame kind of way) really.  My relationship with my wife would be so much better, my health would be so much better, my fish tank would have a lot more fish if I could just break this effin habit. 

And, with a trip to Vegas just 3 weeks away, signs don't look good for quitting.  Vegas is not the place you want to be right after you quit smoking.

Anyway, I will post some pics of the fish in the next day or two and have my wife post pics of my lungs when I die a young man...