Inside Shadow Ridge, where students tackle math problems and projects, Ms. Eichenser’s classroom has something a little extra, her pet fish! Though the tank no longer sits on her desk, her small underwater companions still bring plenty of calm and curiosity to her days.

It all began with a simple gift.

Eichenser says, “Some fabulous students gave me a Betta for Christmas last year.”

That Betta, named Concavity, marked the start of her fish-keeping journey.

Alongside him now swims another fish, an Otocinclus catfish affectionately named Mother Function III.

“This fish likes to eat algae and helps to keep the tank clean,” Eichenser explains.

Taking care of fish isn’t as easy as dropping in food.

Ms. Eichenser puts thought and effort into every detail, from checking pH levels to cleaning her tank glass.

Her weekly routine includes replacing part of the tank’s water, testing quality, and inspecting the equipment to make sure everything from filters to lights are running smoothly.

“It takes consistency,” Eichenser shared.

Though she makes it sound like second nature by now. Her fish have their own unique personalities, too. Concavity’s antics always make her smile.

“Concavity makes faces at me and swims around at his feeding spot when he’s hungry,” Eichenser says.

Meanwhile, the shy Mother Function III tends to keep a lower profile.

Eichenser states, “Mother Function III does not like having his picture taken and always hides if he sees me with my phone out.”

But keeping peace inside the fish tank can be hard.

“Bettas are more aggressive territorial fish, so it has been a challenge to find him a new tank mate,” Eichenser explains.

Despite the challenges, she learned how important it is to balance curiosity with care.

The fish also used to bring a peaceful energy to her classroom, until a lighting issue made that impossible.

Eichenser expresses, “I had to take my tank home because the new lights do not function properly in my room, and they stay on all the time. The fishes need darkness to sleep, so I had to take them home.

Even outside of school, though, they still give her that same sense of calm she used to enjoy during the day.

As for anyone interested in starting their own aquarium, Ms. Eichenser has some simple but solid advice.

“Do research on care and types of fish before making a purchase. Be ready for the responsibility of maintaining your tank.”