2 giant fish dead at DC zoo

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two giant fish have died and a third is in poor health at the National Zoo in Washington.

The zoo announced the deaths of the arapaima fish Monday. The fish, which were easily seven to nine feet long, had lived at the zoo’s Amazonia exhibit since 1993. Zoo officials say they suspect the cause of death was a bacterial infection and the third fish is being treated with antibiotics. A fourth fish, an adolescent, appears healthy but has been put on antibiotics as a preventive measure.

Animal autopsies were not conclusive in determining the causes of death. Additional tests are pending.

The first fish was found dead on Nov. 19 and a second on Nov. 27.