One fish's poop is another crab's breakfast

First off, apologies for the title of this episode. But that's the raw and solid truth in the ocean, and much more so in the little microcosm we've created in our saltwater aquarium.

For the past several days I've been thinking about what kind of instrument I should get in order to clean the aquarium floor of all the fish poop the minnows have been happily producing. A medical vacuum pump? Some really fine-tipped tongs? A miniature suction hose?

None of the above. Our very own pooper-scooper is already signed up and employed. It's the smaller hermit crab. I spotted him this morning holding a nice big juicy one in his claws, chomping down on it like an organic chocolate chip granola bar. The worst (best?) part is, he really seemed to enjoy it. It was just before breakfast for me; needless to say I delayed eating for a few hours.

Really.

I mean, nothing like seeing a hermit crab devour fish poo to help you lose weight.

But there is something wondrously complete and right about this natural reality. It makes you realize what true sustainability is. It's not the latest green brand parading around on the stage of global public relations campaigns. It's not a sound bite, a conference presentation or even an environmental policy.

It's every one of us living and working within the cycles of life in our own homes and communities.

p.s. Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! Just watch what you slurp tonight.