My favorite fish and the most admired, Bumpkin, a lovely midnight blue shubunkin, has disappeared from my pond!
Yesterday afternoon, I took a break from the rain to photograph a new wakin for my blog. When I prepared the pictures for the net, I noticed that Bumpkin appeared in not a one. I ran outside in the dark and could not see him anywhere. I checked the few hiding places as well as possible with a flashlight and my hand.
In the past, I have thought a fish was gone only to find it later. Not this time. In the morning light, I looked again - no Bumpkin. There is no carcass in the pond. No odor in the yard, and I can't find remains there either, though I have not moved every chair and trash can.
Possibilities:
1. He jumped, and I will find the body eventually if a cat or possum hasn't already.
2. A predator. But why just him? He is not the easiest to spot with his blue black color, and he was the fastest swimmer of the lot.
3. A thief. But I have a ten foot fence and only the UPS and FedEx guys have the key to the gate. They don't steal, and only as afishanado would be able to spot my prize fish.
I am heartbroken.