THE GOLDFISH 



187 



difficult to breed, it has been done several times in the United States. No 

 peculiar contrivances of any kind were used. At the usual period of 

 about twelve weeks they developed ordinary telescope eyes in the regular 

 way. Later the pupils gradually turned towards the top of the head, as 

 shown in Figs. 159 and 182. 



If any such peculiarity had been produced by mechanical means, 

 it would not be reproduced in the offspring. By some Orientals the 

 Celestial Goldfish is said to be considered sacred on account of its con- 

 stant heavenward gaze, and is accorded a place in their temples. 



The Celestial Telescope is the most difficult of the imported gold- 

 fishes to rear or to keep alive in the aquarium. 



THE LIONHEAD GOLDFISH 









**» 



Fig. 160. The Lionhead, or Buffalohead 



In point of grotesqueness and the amazing accomplishments of breed- 

 ing fancy goldfishes probably nothing surpasses the so-called Lionhead. 

 It is often remarked that the name is not particularly appropriate, but it 

 seems to have become established. "Buffalo-head" would be a much 

 more descriptive and appropriate name. There are three strong char- 

 acteristics to this fish. The first is a thick growth over the gill plates and 

 head somewhat resembling a large raspberry. The second is the entire 

 absence of dorsal fin, and the third is the extremely thick, short body. 

 The growth on the head seldom commences before the age of six months 

 and sometimes never appears. It is frequently well developed in four 



