fish – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

The Fish That Isn’t: Taiyaki

Susan Spann Blog February 26, 2018February 19, 2018fish, Japan, pancakes, street food, taiyaki, treats

Taiyaki – a kind of filled pancake–are one of my favorite traditional Japanese treats. The fish-shaped cakes are easy to find–there’s a taiyaki vendor on the approach to many of Japan’s Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and every festival has a taiyaki stand. Traditionally filled with sweetened adzuki bean paste or custard cream, I’ve also seen them filled with ice cream, chocolate custard, coconut cream, and jellies. One thing they don’t contain is fish. During my first trip to Japan I saw them, but didn’t try them because I wasn’t sure whether or not they were safe for a person with fish allergies

Tank Tuesday: Feeding Time at Kyoto Aquarium

Admin Uncategorized September 27, 2016aquarium, divers, fish, Japan, Kyoto Aquarium

One of my first stops in Japan last summer was the Kyoto Aquarium. (This might surprise some people, but those who know me also know that I’m a sucker for well-kept aquariums and exotic fish.) Like many large aquariums around the world, Kyoto features an enormous “deep sea” exhibit featuring many species of fish, including sharks and rays, along with sea turtles, corals, and invertebrate life. We arrived at feeding time, and I loved snapping shots of the diver feeding the various species — none of whom seemed frightened by his presence. While I love to watch aquatic species moving around at any time,

A Visit to the Audubon Aquarium

Admin Uncategorized September 19, 2016Audubon Aquarium, fish, New Orleans, seahorses

New Orleans is home to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and since I love aquariums, I decided to pay this one a visit during my final afternoon in New Orleans (I’m here attending Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention, which ended Sunday.) One thing that sets the Audobon Aquarium apart is its emphasis on freshwater species, and species native to North and South America. The exhibits include a display of plants that grow in the Amazon rain forest … A special section with Louisiana-themed exhibits even includes a tasty local favorite…the crawfish. To the giant potbelly seahorses – they’re not pregnant, despite those

It’s Full of (Sea) Stars

Admin Uncategorized January 5, 2016fish, marine aquarium, sea stars, starfish

Sea stars (sometimes called “starfish,” even though they’re not actually fish) rarely do well in home aquariums. Many species starve to death, either quickly or over extended periods, which is unfortunate because sea stars are fascinating creatures to watch, and often brilliantly colored, too. I’ve tried to stay away from acquiring sea stars, because I don’t like bringing home creatures that won’t thrive in my aquarium. For a while, I had a thriving population of micro-brittle-stars (which measure 1-2 inches in diameter, from arm to arm). Sadly, I lost them due to an unexpected (and largely unpreventable) salinity shift a couple of years ago.

In Honor of National Pet Day

Admin Uncategorized April 11, 2013adoption, fish, Max, National Pet Day, Oobie

April 11 is “National Pet Day” here in the United States, a day to celebrate pets of all shapes, sizes and origins. National Pet Day was the brainchild of Colleen Paige, a pet lifestyle expert and animal welfare advocate. As the National Pet Day website says, “it’s about love” – and about encouraging people to make the choice to spay, neuter, and adopt whenever possible. Almost all of our cats are and have been rescues, adopted from shelters or foster homes. (A couple we received in other ways, but when we have the option we adopt.) We wouldn’t have it