I'm very sorry that you lost Fishstick. I really like your tribute to him. And most of us can relate to how much you can actually bond to a fish.
I would have never thought it possible until I started keeping (hoarding) them myself. I think they're all great but there are those that I really bond with and am sad to lose even to this day.
Ah yes, it's good to know that there are so many others who understand exactly what you describe - the bonding experience with our finned friends. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and remembrance of Fishstick :)