As Steve Foley, owner of Foley's Pets and Aquatics shop in Swinton says, there isn't a fish in Salford better fed than the giant gourami that fills a tank at the far end of the store.
Today the fish has a smorgasbord of delights on offer – pieces of banana, kiwi fruit, orange, tangerine, tomato, cucumber and even a raspberry or two. But unfortunately he's grown from a mere two inches in 2005 to almost two feet now, and has well outgrown his six feet wide tank, barely being able to turn and swim to the other side.
"We expected to sell him but he just kept growing and nobody bought him, so we ended up keeping him" says Steve "We feel really sorry ourselves for him now because he needs a bigger tank."
He's offered the stunning fish to Blue Planet in Ellesmere Port, Sealife at the Trafford Centre and Bolton Aquarium but they turned down the chance to home the rare fish.
"Nobody wants him because, quite frankly they are all too bone idol to come for him in my opinion" Steve explains "We went to Blue Planet in Ellesmere Port, which hadn't got a giant gourami and they said they hadn't got room. Have you ever heard anything so stupid in all your life, when they've got tanks as big as this shop?"
Now Steve is asking for help to get the fish more swimming space as there's just not enough room in the shop to house a tank big enough for him. It would need to be at least eight feet or bigger and would suit a public aquarium. In the meantime, the giant gourami struggles to stretch his scales. The saddest fish in Salford?
"I don't think he's sad" says Steve as the fish gulps down a juicy piece of kiwi "He's as interested in you, as you are of him; he weighs up the customers all day long. But he needs more swimming space..."
Anyone who can help out is urged to contact Steve Foley at Foley's Pet and Aquatics. Phone 0161 794 3716
Video by Mikey K
Photos by Anya Samantha
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