Teacher hatches plan for exotic fish

This article appeared in the Pasco edition of the St. Petersburg Times on Dec. 16, 1998.

By MICHELE MILLER

Vivian Jolin hadn't planned on becoming a fish midwife -- it just sort of happened.

Over the years the science teacher kept a tank in her classroom at Gulf High School, filled mostly with goldfish she'd picked up at the local pet store.

But after her son set up a tank of black velvety Tanzanians a year ago, things got a little more involved. It seems the exotic fish from Lake Malawi in Africa need a little more nurturing than the typical goldfish variety.

"They're mouth breeders," explained Jolin. "The female lays the eggs, then the male fertilizes them. Then the female scoops them up in her mouth. After 14 to 21 days she's ready to deliver and she spits them out."

That's where the midwifery comes in. It seems the females need a little coaxing -- some gentle squeezing and stroking on the throat before unleashing her young. Call it underwater Lamaze, but judging by the burgeoning nursery tanks in Jolin's classroom, it works.

Jolin has expanded her hatchery. Some nine or so tanks are filled with Rusties, Electric Yellows, and Benga Peacocks -- all exotic and rather colorful breeds of fish from Lake Malawi.

Her students recently set up a 45 gallon tank chock full of the little tikes. Jolin has bred some of the fish, others have been donated by her son, Capt. Rob Gupton, and his friend, Gene Leto, who both work for the Port Richey Fire Department.

The fish have become a fond hobby for Jolin. Typed "birth announcements" label the tanks telling the breed, date and number of fish that have come into her underwater world. Once, when she first started out, she birthed the fish too soon and discovered a litter of preemies still in their egg sack.

"I called my son and he told me I had to set up an incubator." Jolin did just that, wrapping the fish bowl in towels. "The babies are all doing fine," said Jolin. "But now I don't get over-anxious."

Since the birthing began, Jolin's had frequent visitors in her classroom -- those eager to see the recently emerged wee ones . The fish also have become a hit with her students. Individual classes have adopted their own tanks, taking on the tasks of feeding and cleaning.

"A lot of students don't really like science because they find it hard," Jolin said. "But this is very beneficial -- it's hands-on. But sometimes I do have to tell them to stop watching the fish and pay attention to what I'm saying."

The fish also have been an education for Jolin.

"Every day I learn something new," Jolin said. "Sometimes they call me the fish lady, but that's okay."