It was probably about seven years ago that my children decided that since I was always so fascinated by tropical fish we saw in the fish and reptile section of the garden centre, I might like them as a Christmas or birthday present. A tank and filter system was bought, and two gold fish called Prospero and Beaker, plus two snails who do the housekeeping, Boris and Bushfoot. They were followed by Zebulon and Zorro, plus Isaac who seemed to have stowed away unseen when I bought the double Zs. Sadly, Isaac disappeared, I suspect that Zebulon might have mistaken him for a snack.
I learned that, despite my best attempts and taking every care with cleaning and feeding, and following all instructions, my fish were not destined for long life, until Graham arrived. I can’t remember who his companions were when this small, chubby chap entered my tank, but for various reasons they disappeared until Graham was alone. I did notice he put on weight soon after he arrived – maybe that is the reason the others went AWOL.
It took a while to name Graham, and his name is nothing to do with our neighbour of that name> The fish was not only rosy in hue, he was distinctly pink (in fact I have no idea of his gender, it’s difficult to tell until a fish gets pregnant) and at first I was going to call him Pinky. I don’t think he approved, so I pondered on another name, and then remembered the character of Pinky in Graham Green’s famous 1938 book, ‘Brighton Rock. My dilemma was solved, his name was Graham.
You might notice I use the past tense in mentioning Graham, sadly he seemed a little unwell yesterday, and this morning he was beyond being unwell, he was in fact deceased. I was a little sad to see my fishy friend was no more, but seven years of being responsible for fishy fellows is enough, and I have emptied and cleaned the tank. It does give me more space in my little writing room, but it will take a while to not turn round to consult the finned one.
Unfiortuantely I don’t have a picture of Graham, but here is Beaker who was such a character!
Lois Elsden 