Terrence: We Hardly Knew Ye

A light rain fell Friday morning as a lone worker stepped out onto the concourse and lowered the house flag to half-staff.

Terrence, one of two albino paradise fish that joined the community aquarium only last month, died overnight just hours after being stricken by an unknown ailment.

Philip, the surviving paradise fish, is being closely monitored by tank officials for signs of illness or distress. At present, Phillip appears to be sufferering from nothing more than the intense grief of losing his fellow paradise fish and friend.

Little is known about the optimal conditions for paradise fish, which are a distant cousin to the gourami.

"We knew he was sick but we had no idea it was so serious," said Princess Leia, the most beautiful blue dwarf gourami ever. "He was a nice fish and a good neighbor. He will be missed."

The fish's owner, Kevin Ness, is determined to remember the good times.

"They were both the life of the party," Ness said. "I have received many a letter today from fish who said he was the liveliest, happiest fish they ever met."

Funeral arrangements (all events private) are being undertaken by the firm of Flush Brothers, Inc.