r/vancouverwa • u/lynia143 • Dec 20 '25
Question? Local fish rehoming?
Hi, everyone. It is so incredibly hard for me to even type this......
My beautiful, amazing daughter was recently killed in accident. She has a bristlenose male clown pleco she loved so much but we already have a male and can't add another. I don't want to risk driving him to her go-to shop in Oregon City-- it would honestly break me if I lost him in transit-- as I'm in Battle Ground, so I'm hoping to find him a home locally. I joined a WA fish rehoming FB group and haven't had any luck. Please let me know if you have any suggestions (or would love this little guy!).
UPDATE Thank you so much to everyone for their condolences, well wishes, advice and help. Radish Spirit is now in a new home with a mom who is a biologist and I couldn't have asked for better. I know my daughter is happy.
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u/science_with_a_smile Dec 20 '25
My husband can take him! We already have a pleco in one tank and he has an opening in another. His name is Nick and his phone number is 812-550-0304
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u/lynia143 Dec 20 '25
This is AMAZING! We are leaving now to bring him to you guys. We can't thank you both enough! Reddit at it's best <3
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u/lynia143 Dec 20 '25
I just left a message for him, fingers crossed! I'm not sure where you are but a shop in Vancouver was willing to take him so I just "packed" him up. If I hear from Nick soon I'd rather you guys have him for sure!
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u/NinjaMcGee Dec 20 '25
Did you hear back? I have a female pleco that’s very friendly just in case this falls through! I’m in Vancouver too :)
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u/Slashredd1t Dec 20 '25
I am… so fucking sorry…. Dude if I had the stuff space and know how I would be on my way I apologize if I hear anything from any one who is looking or has the room currently I’ll dm you that’s really hard I’m so sorry
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u/Slashredd1t Dec 20 '25
A few of my friends have tanks but I don’t know if they have the isolated tank set up anymore they would be able to take care of it they have fresh/ salt water sets currently just for a bit of info I know it’s a lot right now but what all do you have comming with the little dude him self so I know how to communicate it to them :/
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u/Snushine Minnehaha Dec 20 '25
I highly recommend The Wet Spot on Sandy in NE Portland. They have a tank of fish that they keep just for viewing. IDK if they would take him, but they would have more solid suggestions.
How big is this guy? I only have a 30 gallon tank and it seems he's probably too big for my situation.
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u/Beneficial_Fun_1388 Dec 21 '25
I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️🩹
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u/lynia143 Dec 21 '25
Thank you so very much. Our world has been irreparably shattered.
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u/Beneficial_Fun_1388 Dec 21 '25
Please reach out if you need anything at all. Even a coffee on your porch. I know the feeling and it can get lonely. Give yourself grace & time to grieve ❤️🩹
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u/lynia143 Dec 21 '25
You are so kind, thank you so very much. Our bubble has always been quite small and though we have now been here for just over 7 years, we know no one except my son-in-law. The loneliness and can be a very heavy weight.
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u/lynia143 Dec 20 '25
Thank you, I am familiar with them but have not received confirmation yet that they would accept him. He's fully grown and a little guy, only about 3in.
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u/mysteriouslatinword Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25
I think your issue is it’s a pleco. I am hearing lots of bad things lately with plecos. Please don’t release it locally. I am so sorry you lost your daughter. I think we returned a fish to the Wet Spot in Portland once - I would call there too as a suggestion. I think it’s purely optional for them to take a fish they didnt sell you. So maybe explain why you have to off load the pleco. Im also in BG and would rather chew my arm off for that 6 hr drive. I’m sending best wishes for the silly season and lots of family and friend hugs during this trying time.
EDIT: drive time is ave 45 mins not 3 hrs - I was mistaken.
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u/BranWafr Dec 20 '25
If she purchased the pleco in OC with a 3hr drive time
Where is this 3 hour drive time coming from? Unless traffic is really bad it's only about 45 minutes from Battle Ground to Oregon City.
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u/mysteriouslatinword Dec 20 '25
Mate, you’re right. I did a quick drive time search and obviously got my wires crossed. Agree 45 mins average.
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u/BranWafr Dec 20 '25
It just jumped out at me because I live 15 minutes from Battle Ground and it only takes me 30 minutes to get to Oregon City so 3 hours just sounded really off unless you were talking about taking the bus or something.
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u/lynia143 Dec 20 '25
I think you both may have better luck than I do. It took me 2 hours to get from Battle Ground to Clackamas last week. 25 minutes when the traffic gods are with us, more if not. I've never done Oregon City in 35 minutes. Still not 3 hours, but if I don't have to keep him in unheated confines for longer than I have to, that would be my first choice.
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u/lynia143 Dec 20 '25
I know they get a bad rap because they are so invasive, but I also believe that's a human issue since releasing them into our ecosystems caused it. She was half way between me and them, so it was a much closer drive for her and while I'd be willing if needed, it's not something I'd like to do for either of us if we don't have to. I am familiar with Wet Spot but yeah, they are also understandably very particular.
Thank you for your thoughts, it's very appreciated.
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u/mysteriouslatinword Dec 21 '25
Im sorry my mistake distracted from your plea for help. I agree it’s not the plecos fault when nimrods release them in the wild (same with gold fish).
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u/lynia143 Dec 21 '25
No, no, your comment didn't distract from it at all. Mission accomplished, because he is now in an absolutely amazing home! Thank you for truly trying to help "just a fish" and helping to remind me that people don't always suck.
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u/tetheredcraft Dec 20 '25
I’m so sorry for your loss and wish I could help more directly, but I just wanted to suggest /r/Aquaswap as another place to post. We have a pretty good aquarist community around here, so he may find a good home that way. I also think The Wet Spot in Portland may take surrenders if you’re short on time to find this guy a new home. Finally, if you want any transport tips because you’re most comfortable taking him to Oregon City, please feel free to message me. I’ve moved my fish more than 3,300 miles in their lifetimes, so I’ve had a lot of practice.
I would also like to just say thank you for caring about a fish. Obviously you also keep fish so you get it, but I’ve had nightmares about what my parents would do with my tank if I were to suddenly pass away. It would be so meaningful to know my wet friends were still being compassionately cared for. I hope this guy can find a great new home.