Fish Tales: Aquarium hoarder rents flat for fish to save marriage

Önder Doğanay, an Ankara-based radiologist with an obsession for fish has rented a flat for his 42 aquariums after his wife declared that taking care of the fish at home had become a nightmare. Doğanay has even employed a care-giver to take care of his thousands of fish while he is at work. "When I am with my aquariums, I forget every other event on the Earth," he said. What began as a leisure activity for the radiologist has now become an addiction. Doğanay's wife gave her love-struck husband an ultimatum: Either leave the fish behind or leave her. Doğanay could not make a choice between his wife and his fish so he rented a flat for his aquariums in the meantime.

"The amazing world of marine life has sparked my interest in fish and aquariums. When I was a child, I used to buy ornamental fish," he said. Initially, Doğanay bought a single aquarium, but a short time later his entire home was full of aquariums; including his children's room, the bathroom and the kitchen. "I had to rent a flat for my fish after my wife got angry about my aquariums. I do not have enough time to look after them as I am very busy. This is why I have a care-taker. Some of my friends also help me," he said. Doğanay said that looking after fish is therapeutic, making him feel positive. "I used to feed all kinds of fish in the beginning but now my most favorite fish is the discus," he said. Known for its colorful scales, the discus fish is found in the depths of the Amazon River. "My fish allow me to touch them," he said.