Gordon The 300 Pound Grouper On The Move

Nearly 60,000 people each year visit Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson. It's a fish hatchery, annually stocking 13 million redfish into Texas bays. But it's also an educational visitor's center complete with giant aquariums full of giant fish.

Whatever you're reason for visiting, you probably won't leave without seeing Gordon, the 300-pound Queensland grouper who's lived there for 10 years.

The time came recently for Gordon's home to get a makeover, but first, he had to move out.

Gordon's from Australia, but he's the same as native grouper off the Texas coast. When he first came to Sea Center in 1996, he weighed 241 pounds.

Sea Center Texas recently had to move their main attraction so its tank could be renovated.

Ten years has taken its toll on the 50,000-gallon tank where Gordon and his roommates make their home. A $73,000 makeover was planned for three large aquariums but first, Gordon had to move out.

"Gordon is our mascot and you know like all mascots and like all favorites, he requires a lot of attention," Sea Center director David Abrego said.

First, the water level was lowered so the fish are easier to catch. Harnesses, pulleys, nets and people were all carefully positioned. The nurse sharks were a little tricky.

But it all worked out. Gordon allowed himself to be transported but he had to have the last word and gave all his handlers quite a splash.

Sea Center closed in December to begin repairs and just recently reopened with Gordon's return to the big aquarium in time for his 21st birthday.