Dwarf gourami found dead

Tank officials made a grim discovery this morning as they inspected the aquarium -- the bloated body of a dwarf gourami lying face down on the bottom of the aquarium in front of the Parthenon.

Last week officials noted swelling in the fish's abdomen and took appropriate action.

"We applied medication to the water late last week to address any issues that might be afflicting the fish," said TankKeeper. "In this case, we were simply too late. She was already beyond help by the time her condition became acute."

Fish-watchers thought the fish might be pregnant, but tank officials debunked that theory quickly, stating that gouramis are not live-bearing fish. Gouramis are, in fact, nest-egg breeders. When she is ready, the female gourami will lay eggs that form a "bubble" along the surface of the water. The male will then swim up and mate with the female, spreading his matter and fertilizing the eggs.

Tank officials declined to comment on the cause of death. Funeral arrangements were pending at Flush Brothers, Inc.