We have had just one fish in our tank for over a year. The angel fish that was smaller than a quarter is now quite large. But we thought he might be lonely. So a week ago ventured out and got the angel fish some company. Got two medium Bala sharks, a sucker fish (the one with a long name starting with a p) and then the mystery fish. I just can't remember what kind he is but I think of him like a little dog.

Here let me explain.

When all the new fish were introduced to the tank. One fish looked like he was a goner. Was almost ready to fish him out to return to the store. But decided to give him to the next day.

Really thought he was done for laying upside down. But floating from one edge to the other. Just didn't want to take care of him that night. Figured will take him back the next morning. However didn't have too. He was swimming around, swishing his fin like he was a dog wagging his tail.

Proceeded to just think he was in shock that first night and had to get over it. Well if that was the case. Was cleaning the fish tank. Draining some of the water off to add fresh to the tank. Lo and behold there is that flipping fish laying in the corner of the tank as if that was the end as we know it. Watched him for awhile and e just didn't budge. So I took a picture of him just to see if he was playing dead. Left the tank for about five minutes to return to the little guy zooming around the tank with bounding energy. Reminds me of a puppy racing around the house only to suddenly plop down somewhere and fall asleep. Only this fish was doing the same but in reverse.

Never heard of a fish playing dead. I know a rodent will to avoid death if a predator is eyeing the mouse as prey. A dead mouse isn't fun to chase as a live one would be. But this is a fish, laying upside down in the corner of the tank. That's usually a fish on the brink of death. But to have him alive and well. Guess when the time comes for the final flush to the great beyond will need to make sure that he really is dead.