Why Did Our Catfish Keep On Dying?

"Village Pets" Owner VIsits Murray Kindergarten

by Kay Kobbe

(April 3, 2008) “Why did our catfish keep on dying?” was just one of the questions listed on the class chart by Patrice Schwartz’s Kindergarten class at Murray Avenue School for John Aguo, owner of “Village Pets” of Mamaroneck. The children, who experienced the loss of their class rabbit recently, were seated in a circle on Thursday, March 27 ready to learn more about the care of their home and school pets.

Mr. Aguo, whose helpful presence is familiar to classrooms of varied ages around the school district, immediately pulled out his ammonia tester and began to explain the necessity of a balanced eco-system. “When there is more waste in the tank than bacteria can keep up with,” Mr. Aguo explained, ammonia takes over making it unsafe for the life in the tank.” And sure enough, the tester gave a reading of too much ammonia.

“Oh!” whispered the class. “What can we do about that?”

The students offered suggestions, and soon all agreed that more water needed to be taken out and replenished each month in order for the balance to be maintained.

Another tank question surfaced about why the tank was growing more algae
on its sides than it had in the winter. The students had ideas about the sunlight and the position of the tank next to the window. As natural scientific investigators, they developed new ideas as they got new facts.

Then Mr. Aguo had something more to share - a small, tightly-strung bag that wiggled on its own. “What do you think may be in this sack?”

The children tossed out responses like contestants in a game show. “A snake…?” And yes, it was, in fact, a young ball python.

The class discussed “prey,” “fangs,” and “texture” as Mr. Aguo carried the python to each student for a hands-on experience. Facts about pythons zoomed around the circle and the learners were eager to share their own stories.

John Aguo, owner of Village Pets, introduces a ferret to Murray kindergarteners.

The next traveler to greet the circle was a playful female Silvermitt ferret. “Did you know that ferrets were originally kept to keep rats and mice out of houses?” asked Mr. Aguo.

“We should get a ferret! We have mice in our house,” said one student enthusiastically.

“So do we!” said another brave soul.

“We had one the other day,” thought this reporter, “Maybe a house ferret is the answer.”

The last question on the chart wrapped-up the fast-paced session: What pet would be a good one for our classroom to get? “What do you think about a guinea pig, John?” asked the class.

“Excellent choice,” replied Mr. Aguo. “A guinea pig is interactive and loves to sleep or sit on your lap. It likes your company and purrs when it is happy,” he said.

“It comes in different colors,” said one of the class members. Another asked, How long does it live?”

“Typically, about 4 to 6 years,” said Mr. Aguo.

The class then considered care for a guinea pig and what would be proper foods to give it. “Be careful not to give a guinea pig foods that have water in them, like lettuce and celery. They can get very sick from too much liquid,” advised Mr. Aguo.

The session ended with a change of the water in the tank and a retest of the ammonia levels. The class was satisfied with the outcome and with the solutions to their questions. No more dying catfish.

As for the new classroom pet? Plans are underway to adopt a baby guinea pig.

As a biologist and natural teacher, Mr. Aguo said he enjoys time with students. If you have questions, you can visit him in his store, “Village Pets “opposite the Mamaroneck train station at 249 Halstead Avenue.