Meet Fred the Fighting Fish.
by: Steve B.

Our featured “employee” is a 3 year veteran of Indepak administration and reception, Fred the Fighting Fish.  Fred is a Betta, A.K.A. Betta Splenden, or Siamese Fighting Fish.   Fred was presented as a gift to co-owner Jan Aho on Mother's Day over 3 years ago and spent his early employment as entertainment by the window of her office.  He soon found a new home at our reception desk where he receives much attention and helps greet visitors to Indepak.

Early opinions were that he wouldn’t last long in his small vase with a plant stuck in the top and everyone thought it was just a conversation gift.  Fred soon won the hearts of the many employees who passed by to get their mail, but especially took a liking to our receptionist Lani.  She feeds him and lets him vacation in his “condo” while she cleans his bowl and replaces water on Friday’s.  Employees have been known to pester him by tapping on the glass and watching him swim while his beautiful flowing fins wave in the water.  His striking good looks don’t mask the fact that Fred and others like him have a bad attitude problem.  He especially reacts with anger towards Sam F. who harasses him every time they meet.

Fred’s family comes from Southeast Asia .  The males of his species are very territorial and will fight to the death over a small space in a big blue ocean.  They normally eat mosquito larva, brine shrimp, worms and insects.  Betta’s  have an extra organ that allows them to breathe and absorb air.  Because of this, they can survive in polluted water with very little oxygen.  They build bubble nests among plant leaves and can actually drown if they don’t get air to breathe.  Yes, Fred is about as unique as they come.  He has already outlived his normal life expectancy and gets nursed back to health in his “condo” every time he looks or feels bad.  Having Fred at the front desk has helped with the reception of customers and guests at Indepak and he will take a good long look at you if you get his attention.

Co-worker comments:
"On a "scale" of one to ten, I think Fred is a 9- plus and a "fresh" addition to the reception area at Indepak."  "What a fish-stick!"

"I like Fred just for the "halibut."

"Many unusual conversations have been held over Fred's bowl at the front desk.  He is a nice conversation piece and promotes communication."

"Fred's great!, he's a good listener and never talks back at you." 

Thanks for letting us feature you this month Fred.  We appreciate your efforts in the reception of visitors at Indepak.

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