Surfin, you should not be posting on this website in the first place, other than to ask educated questions. If you want to learn about fish, ask questions and stop giving advice. You are in no situation to give advice. You have much to learn. I also have to question where this kid's parents are that they just allow him to post on internet forums all day long. At the age of nine, it would do him so much better if he were to start reading fish books, focus his time on school, sports, acitivities that get him to be a kid.
TennisAce, I am very sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through with the eel. My diamond goby succame to that same fate.