FISHFOOD 79 



are the natural food of cyclops and other small crustaceans. All except 

 the very largest of the infusorians will pass through ordinary cheese- 

 cloth nets, but silk bolting-cloth of fine texture will hold those which 



Fig. 62 Fig. 63 Fig. 64 



Asplanchnopus myrmelco Pterodina patina Noteus quadracornis 



Typical Rotifers (Greatly magnified) 



are large enough to be of real use. Further information on this point is 

 contained on page 129. Infusoria are shown in Fig. 109. 



Freshwater Shrimp (Gammarus). While this shrimp is not plenti- 

 ful enough anywhere to feed in large quantities, it is a delicate morsel for 

 grown fishes and should be taken as opportunity offers. They are found 

 principally in small streams, under stones and around decaying wood 

 under water. 



Fig. 65. Freshwater Shrimp (Enlarged three times) 



Placed in a large aquarium or tank with plenty of vegetation they will 

 multiply rapidly. 



Enchytra?. Thread-like small white worms usually bred in winter 

 as a substitute for daphnia for feeding to tropical fishes. Goldfishes are 

 also very fond of them, but it is a difficult matter to cultivate a sufficiently 

 large quantity to satisfy the appetite of several goldfishes. For some of 

 the smaller fishes requiring living food they are almost indispensable 

 in winter. 



The culture of these worms is quite easy and requires very little 

 attention after the start is made. Many dealers and fanciers have a 

 supply of enchytrae, from whom a stock can be procured at a slight 

 expense. These are placed in ordinary garden soil from which all worms 

 and larvae have been carefully removed. Wooden or earthenware boxes 

 about 15 inches long, 7 inches wide and 6 inches deep may be filled with 

 earth to a depth of 4 inches. A cover glass must be provided, this sitting 

 directly on the soil. Proper feeding is the principal keynote to success. 

 They like thick sour milk, white bread, mashed boiled potato, cheese 

 rinds, etc. In a box of this size, four or five small holes are dug out 

 with a spoon; the food is dropped in and the earth replaced. This is 



