Loaches Online Forum

Sunday was a sad day in the Shafer family. A long time friend nic-named Dale the Whale passed away in his residence at a ripe ole age of approx 13 yrs old. This site is owned by Jeff Shafer, and his Mom and Dad had looked after Dale since 1998 when Jeff departed for School. I met Jeff's dad while purchasing the fish that were in the photo with Dale. We talked for several days about fish before it was revealed that Jeff was involved with fish and had taken over this site. So of course we talked a long time about loaches as next to my Tanganyikans, they are my favorite. I was fortunate enough to receive a pic of Dale as he really was an awesome loach specimen, and reminded me a lot of Emma Turner's "Marge"... A huge clown loach that I'm sure every loach fanatic has seen. Dale was a Blue Botia aka Yasuhikotakia modesta, an awesome looking specimen, and one of the biggest I had ever seen.

To the Shafer family, I have never met you Jeff, but getting to know your Dad and talking fish, I know you how much Dale was part of your family and I'm sure he will be sadly missed.

Glen Mason ( GCAS )

Sorry to hear it.

Dale the Whale is a very beautiful loach. I'm sure he'll be missed greatly and remembered forever.

Are there any more pics? I'd love to see a full length photo of him.