AQUATIC PLANTS 



41 



general type. Some are thread-like. They thrive for a time in the 

 aquarium if given plenty of strong light. The Bladderworts are carnivo- 

 rous plants, trapping the microscopic lower forms of animal life in their 

 bladders, where they are digested. It has been claimed that they can trap 

 extremely small fishes, such as the young of Dwarf Gourami, but this is 

 very improbable. There can be no question, however, that the plant does 

 take living food which would be useful to young fishes, and to that extent 

 is objectionable. On the other hand the matted masses of the thread-like 

 varieties afford good hiding places for young fry. 



HAIR GRASS 



Eleocharis acicularis, a dainty hair-like aquatic of recent introduc- 

 tion, fills small tropical aquaria in a very agreeable manner. It is another 



Fig. 24. Hair Grass (Life Size) 



