A Most Unusual Condition

    "As you can see, the subject's pectoral fins have, at this point, become noticeably smaller."  Dr. Pescado rotated the laser pointer in tiny circles on the limbs in question which were projected on a large wall for everyone to see.  Murmurs and nods of understanding coursed through the crowd of experts who had assembled after hearing tell of Dr. Pescado's mutant patient.

    "If that weren't enough," the good doctor continued, "the cranial cavity has expanded to accomodate the subject's ridiculously oversized facilities."

    The crowd roiled with muted fascination as the tiny circles migrated to the image's posterior.

    "Not to mention his tail has begun to recede, indicating less of a propensity for swimming."

    Gasps of incredulous alarm escaped the audience.

    "It doesn't end there," Dr. Pescado raised his fin to still the building turmoil.  His final diagnosis would surely blow the roof off of the place, and the tenseness of expectant silence only added to the drama.  "My final observation would indicate that it is even worse than I thought."

    Everyone in attendance hung on his next words.

    "His gill capacity has diminished so that he may not be able to stay submerged for more than a few hours.  Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my diagnosis that our subject's condition is highly contagious...and that he is suffering from evolution."  He had coined the word when he had originally published his findings.

    Predictably, there was pandemonium, and Dr. Pescado basked in what would become his legacy.  After breaking for some kelp, some fish food and worms, they would all swim back into the reef where Dr. Pescado, once just a clownfish in high school, would deliver the news that would rock the fish world as they knew it.