Funny that we all dislike Brussels spouts :d If I tried to feed brussels sprouts to my plecos I'd probably cause a riot. In my family, fresh brussels sprouts are to be chopped into coleslaw-sized strips and stir-fried with crumbled bacon, shallots, and olive oil, then topped with a dash of balsamic ...

Pond gloves are a wonderful tool. Although I doubt they'd stop a big catfish spine!