Jurassic Shark: Chief Brody arrives

New toys liven up life for Oscar

Breathing new life into the aquarium

I finally discovered something to cure the restlessness and seeming boredom that Chief Brody has suffered ever since I moved him to the new house in mid-May. It's not like he could tell we live in a new place, right? Well, maybe ....

While visiting my local pet store today, I found an employee with lots of experience with large cichlids. I was advised to add some visual interest to the aquarium for my Oscar. Specifically, some bright toys.

Great idea! The addition of two bright plastic fish toys, a plastic Ping-Pong ball and a rock with soft rubber nubs is just the ticket! Chief Brody has never seemed happier. He can "play" with the Ping Pong ball as it floats along the surface. He has two fish friends on the bottom to bully when he needs to vent some frustration. And he has the rock with soft rubber nubs to rub up against when he needs to calm an itch.

I'm so happy for Chief Brody as he seems happier now than he's been in months.