This fish was known as the Rainbow Fish, and he was the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean. His scales were his pride and joy, and he loved to show them off to the other fish.

Despite his beauty, the Rainbow Fish was very proud and vain. He wouldn't play with the other fish, and he refused to share his dazzling scales. Whenever a little blue fish would ask for one, the Rainbow Fish would scoff and swim away.

One day, the Rainbow Fish noticed that none of the other fish would come near him. He swam through the ocean, lonely and sad, realizing that his beauty meant nothing without friends to share it with. He decided to seek help from the wise octopus who lived in a cave at the edge of the reef.

The wise octopus listened to the Rainbow Fish's troubles and said, "I have a solution for you. Give away your shiny scales to the other fish. You may no longer be the most beautiful fish in the ocean, but you will have many friends."

At first, the Rainbow Fish was horrified at the thought of giving away his precious scales. But, as he swam back and thought about the octopus’s advice, he realized that being beautiful was not worth being lonely.

The next day, the Rainbow Fish found the little blue fish and offered him one of his shimmering scales. The little blue fish was delighted and swam around showing off his new scale. Soon, the Rainbow Fish found himself surrounded by other fish, all wanting a shiny scale.

The Rainbow Fish began sharing his scales one by one, and with each scale he gave away, he felt happier and lighter. Before long, he was swimming with a whole school of fish, all of them sporting shiny scales of their own. The Rainbow Fish no longer had the most beautiful scales, but he had more friends than he could count.

In giving away his scales, the Rainbow Fish discovered that true happiness comes not from being admired, but from sharing and making friends. His heart was filled with joy, and he was no longer lonely.

From that day on, the Rainbow Fish was known not just for his beautiful scales, but for his generosity and the happiness he brought to the ocean. The other fish loved him dearly, and the Rainbow Fish had found the true meaning of beauty and friendship.