Kong gets stay of execution

Tank administrators announced today that Kong the giant algae eater will remain in the community aquarium for at least another week. During that time, administrators will try to determine if the poo pile being caused by the great fish is an anomaly or a sign of shit to come.

The decision came hours after a petition to remove Kong was circulated through the community. The petition includes 24 signatures from citizens who want the big fish removed for the aquarium. An additional five signatures came from people who want Kong to remain in the aquarium.

"When I owned him he never shit that big," said Sharon Wiles, Kong's previous owner. "I think he just needs to get used to his new environment."

Tank administrators agreed that a combination of stress and abundant food may be contributing to the catastrophe.

Petition! Fish owners press for Kong's removal

A petition was filed with administration on Friday calling for the removal of Kong, the large algae eater who was added to the community aquarium on Tuesday. Since his arrival, Kong has cleared the aquarium of most algae deposits. Unfortunately, he's been leaving rather large fecal deposits on the tank bottom.

"This is bullshit," said one fish owner who refused to identify herself. "We're fed up with the poo!"

The petition, which was started by Frog owner Rachel Platt, now includes 24 signatures. An additional five signatures call for Kong to remain in the aquarium.

A decision is expected soon from tank management.

Holy Mackerel! Kong is here ...

A gigantic new shadow overwhelmed the tankmates today as Kong, a six-inch plecostomus, was added to the community aquarium.

The brown algae eater is easily five times larger than any fish currently swimming in our aquarium. With his mottled, near-reptilian skin and his steely brown eyes that blink (my God - they actually blink!), the new arrival has creeped out fish and fish-watchers alike.

"The thing is gi-normous," said a startled Nourisha Wells. "It scares me."

Sheri Hart, who is well-known for her concern about the welfare of the smaller, weaker fish, was quick to point out her displeasure. "That thing is too big. It's going to start eating everybody."

Kong's previous owner, Sharon Wiles, was quick to point out that Kong was previously living in a 10-gallon aquarium with four small guppies.

"Don't you gettin' all up in my face, honey," Hart replied, unimpressed by the explanation. "Don't make me get all midieval on your ass."

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Loach

A clown loach was "just clowning around" Wednesday afternoon when he hid inside the aquarium's replica of the Parthenon. The fish's owner, Matt Brummett, was panic-stricken about 4 p.m. when it appeared that his loach was missing. Eric Jones was able to calm Brummett down when he spotted the clown loach peeking out from inside the opening in the plastic edifice.

"The little guy gave me quite a scare," Brummett said, "but I love how smart this fish is. Somehow he knew that 'Hide and Seek' is my favorite game ever. I'm going to play it with him all the time now that I know he loves it, too."

Yes, Matt, we hear you. Let us know how that works out for you.

Jen Brown: Portrait of Grief

Jen Brown's smile has turned to a frown as she's witnessed the untimely deaths of two of her three beloved panda cory catfish. Her only surviving fish is not well, and she fears his imminent demise.
"I am cursed, I think," Brown said Wednesday night. "Someone up in Fish Heaven doesn't like me very much."
The dead catfish were thought to have been infected with a fast-moving fungus. Neither responded to treatment and died within days of being introduced to the community aquarium.
"I loved both of my catfish," she said between sobs. "Now both my catfish are dead."

Farewell, Pandamonium. We hardly knew ye

Pandamonium was a greatly loved panda cory catfish during his brief hours as a member of our community aquarium. The tankkeeper noticed soon after his arrival that he had a mild fungus on his fins. It was hoped that the anti-fungal medicine that is dropped in the aquarium every day might help the little guy beat his ailment, but he died overnight.

Pandamonium's body was removed from the tank Friday morning. No autopsy is planned. His remains will be returned to the pet shop so that a suitable replacement may be acquired.

The two surviving panda cory catfish are adjusting well to life in our community aquarium, and we welcome the newest bottom-feeders. They are a nice addition to our tank.

New fish bring new life to aquarium!

We got a gaggle of new fish today. Eric Jones and Matt Brummett are proud owners of a pair of clown loaches. These little guys could grow to 11 inches in length, which would make them the undisputed heavyweights of our community tank. These fish were in a tank full of tiny neon tetras, so we're fairly confident that these loaches won't disturb our other fish.

Sheri Hart got a beautiful sunburst molly named Sunny until it was discovered that the fish is male. So, now he's Sonny. Sheri is his Cher, of course.

Jen Brown took her love of pandas to another level by buying three panda cory catfish. Sadly, one had a fungus on his fins and died after a few hours in his new home. We're going to return him and get a replacement on Monday. The other two are healthy and are the newest addition to our collection of bottom feeders.

Zac got a red black-tailed molly that was apparently injured during transport from pet shop to aquarium. The poor fish is swimming on his side (could be the result of an injured swim bladder) and isn't expected to recover. He remains under observation at Dorothy Jean Memorial Hospital (on Dana's desk).

Roger Sikes also got a red black-tailed molly. His is healthy and doing well.

Mary Admire and Billie Huey got matching 24-karat gold mollies that are the most brilliant yellow. Mary's is the bigger of the two and has already proved itself to be a tank bully. This fish has taken several nips at Frank the frog, who has finally learned to defend himself. Now Frank has developed a habit of "attacking" fish who swim within his range of vision. People are loving this kind of aquarium drama, but the tankkeeper is keeping a close eye on the little guy. He may be getting in over his head.

The tank continues to receive daily anti-fungal treatment in the form of a chemical drop. The green medicine has clouded the water somewhat, but it's a small price to pay for healthy fish.