Gozer and Orangejello:A study in contrasts

One is the most famous fish in our aquarium; the other, a virtual unknown. One is the child of privilege and fame; the other lives a simple, quiet life. One has taken to aquarium life with zest; the other was nearly killed upon release.

Here is the tale of two baby fish who, though they shared the same crib through adolescence, are growing into two distinctly different creatures.

Orangejello, a Mickey Mouse Platy, was born June 23. As the first fish born in our aquarium, he was an instant superstar. Just as the world was falling in love with the baby fish, his mother committed suicide on July 5 in her guilt over killing all of Orangejello's siblings.

"I think from that day, we were fated to love him," said one fish watcher. "He became the underdog that everyone wanted to root for, but more than that - he became the stuff legends are made of. From that day on, we have been enthralled by his every move."

Orangejello inherited his mother's vast estate. Wealth, coupled with the little fish's bright colorings and equally bright temperment, are a very powerful combination.

Gozer, however, was not of the manor born. The little molly, now considered to be the son of Fatty Arbuckle and Knuckles McGee, was discovered Aug. 3 hiding near Orangejello's crib.

"It was as if he was trying to emulate Orangejello from the very beginning," said Tracy Benbrook. "Of course, there is only one Orangejello."

Gozer and Orangejello became crib mates. Over time, they became best friends. Only Orangejello's release on Sept 23 could separate them. Even then, Orangejello is known to swim by the crib often, calling on his old friend from earlier days.

Gozer has had a difficult childhood. Labeled a runt, his growth has been so slow that tank officials once considered putting him on a steroid drip. This lack of growth was never more apparent than last Friday, when the little fish was finally released to the community aquarium.

Within seconds, fish descended on Gozer, determined to tear him fin from fin. Only the swift and courageous actions of the TankKeeper prevented a terrible devastation. While Gozer rests in his crib once again, the differences between the two fish has never seemed more apparent.

Kevin Ness, who named Gozer, is sensitive to any talk of "that orange guy."

"Gozer deserves better than he's getting," Ness said. "Just because he's not a prima donna orange fish doesn't mean his life should be any less special. He's a special fish in his own right."

For her part, Orangejello guardian Corey Smith is quick to point out the merits of both fish.

"I love both of those little fish," Smith said. "They both bring unique and important things to the aquarium for which we should all be grateful. It is not necessary to compare one to the other. We should just be grateful for them both."