Mr. Makario, My Daugher’s Pet Tilapia (St. Peter’s Fish, Tilapiine Cichlid)

This is my daughter’s pet fish. When I got it from the pet shop, it was about the size of a 20 cents coin. In fact it only cost me 20 sen each! I actually bought 10 red tilapias, but they fought among each other and this is the only one survive. Anglers would use small tilapia as bait fish. Since it is pinkish in colour, tilapia can attract the attention of predatory fishes like the Toman (Giant Snakehead). Tilapia (hong fei chow) is supposed to be a very hardy fish and they grow very fast. She named it ‘Makario’ (Male Greek name, for blessed). I am not sure whether the Mr. Makario is male or female. LOL! Makario would surface whenever it sees my daughter. When he is hungry he would push the bubble sinker against the wall to make some ‘tong tong’ sound. He reminds us of his feeding time! Smart fish! My little 22 months old toddler likes to put his hand in the water and play with Makario. Makario would not bite but I am worried that the sharp fins might poke his hands! Can you guess what my daughter’s response was when I said that since Makario has grown so big, it will make a good ‘Nyonya Assam Fish’ dish! He he he!