When I want to relax and enjoy some quiet time during of a busy or anxious day, I visit our goldfish and watch them swim so peacefully. Aren't fish just amazingly calming?

Join our fish and pause for a moment of quiet reflection.

Many varieties of minnows are used as fishing bait, or food for carnivorous fish and aquatic reptiles. But when my friend Laurentha decided that her empty 10-gallon aquarium could use some action, she decided to keep four of the beautiful minnows that she feeds to her turtles, to bring her tank back to life.

Members of the carp family, minnows' care is similar to goldfish. They are cold water fish, so heaters are not required. They thrive on goldfish food. Since they are a very shy fish, Laurentha added anacharis, hornwort and other plants to the tank, which was greatly appreciated.

Are you an "afishianado"? Leave a comment and tell us what's in your tank.

My connection with pets over the years as an animal lover has been mainly with the furry variety. Cats, dogs, some domesticated birds, horses and guinea pigs were the critters with whom I had formed some wonderful relationships.

It did not really occur to me that folks can really get that attached to other varieties of pets that are not covered with fur or feathers. I was quite naive.

My husband has educated me, however, that there are many people that form close connections to fish!

My husband set up a small aquarium in our office for us to enjoy. I love to watch the four beautiful goldfish that reside in it. They interact with one another yet always come to greet my husband, swimming to the side of the tank when he enters the office where the aquarium is set up. We thought they would be a lot safer from possible harassment from our cats, as the room is off limits to them. (Click on the little paw to read more)