Zebra Danio clinging to life;doctors issue grim diagnosis

A member of our school of zebra danios is clinging to life at this hour. Doctors who examined the fish say it is unlikely that she will live through the day.

"There are no signs of ick or other bacterial ailments, but the fish is definitely not well," said one doctor who examined the ailing danio. "We often see this kind of wasting away and are always helpless to stop it."

Early in the day doctors considered moving the fish to Dorothy Jean Memorial Hospital, but without a firm idea of what is ailing her, the move was deemed unnecessary.

"We felt, regretably, that the fish is beyond the help of the best medical care," TankKeeper said. "It was the fish's wish to be left in the aquarium with her friends."

The fish, which belongs to Traci Robinson and Sarah McMeans, was one of four danios that were among the first set of fish added to our community aquarium.

Robinson and McMeans were contacted early today about their fish's condition. They were quick to point out that the fish has a living will that stipulates that no heroic measures are to be undertaken to extend life artificially.

"When we spoke with Zebra this morning, she made it very clear that she didn't want to die in
some hospital," McMeans said. "She said she preferred to die where she has lived. We are determined to see that this last wish is honored."

Family members are already discussing funeral arrangements. As a pioneer fish, Zebra is entitled to burial in the National Fish Cemetery.