Fish who played dead many times found dead

Phillip, our long-suffering Albino Paradise Fish, went home to Paradise today. Phillip's dead body was discovered floating inside the west food ring.

Phillip was one of two paradise fish added to the aquarium on July 15 by Kevin Ness. Terrence, the larger of the pair, died Aug. 12 of an unknown ailment. In the months that followed, tankmate Phillip grew increasingly depressed. He was most often found floating near the crib net in a comatose state.

Phillip's hang-dog expression led to several false alarms from fishwatchers who would call tank officials to report a dead fish. Today, the call was real.

"He was a strange fish," said one fishwatcher who wished to remain anonymous. "We tolerated him because he was no doubt depressed about the loss of his friend. But to be honest, he was so depressing to look at. I can't pretend to be sad. He's in a better place and we should just be happy for him. And happy for ourselves that we don't have to look at him any more."

Phillip was buried in the privacy of the backlot. Flush Brother, Inc. handled arrangements. Also buried today, a neon tetra who died over the weekend.