Big Blue, a Blue Tang fish, was the lone survivor after a180-gallon tank she shared with other creatures was smashed by robbers. Photo by WPRO’s Steve Klamkin.
By Steve Klamkin and Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
Four robbers broke into Animal Instincts Aquarium and Pet Center in Fall River after midnight Wednesday.
The thieves made off with computers, a cash register and merchandise, but they also made their way into the aquarium room, where they smashed the glass of a 180-gallon coral reef tank.
Owner Bob Schenck called the damage “irreplaceable” and “unthinkable.”
“I can’t even tell you how many things that were alive that were in there that are now in the dumpster,” Schenck told WPRO.
The lone survivor was a foot-long Blue Tang named Big Blue; Dory from the Disney film “Finding Nemo” was also a Blue Tang.
“At 6:30 in the morning she was on top of the rocks still alive, and she’s still alive right now, which is amazing,” said Schenck.
As for the other creatures in the tank, which Schenck has had for roughly 20 years, they were “unsalvageable.”
Schenck is now offering a $500 reward for anyone with information. Animal Instincts can be reached at 508-673-6755
