208 BREEDING GOLDFISHES 



possible to again bring them indoors promptly on the arrival of the cold 

 spells sure to occur in most climates. 



No matter how goldfishes are fed, there will be a tremendous differ- 

 ence in their growth, and it will be desirable to sort them into sizes several 

 times in a season. The really practical thing to do is to pick out the 

 "growers" which have good points (there will be few enough with this 

 combination), and a few of the most promising of the second size. Dis- 

 pose of all the rest by sale or gift. They will make someone happy. 



This wholesale culling should not be done later than midsummer, 

 so that the choice specimens will have the full benefit of the extra space 

 and food. Even many expert fanciers fail to get the best results on 

 account of trying to raise too many young in a given space. 



A peculiar fact is that with otherwise identical conditions and food, 

 goldfishes will attain a greater size in a large tank than in a small one. 

 That is why fishes in small aquaria seldom grow after purchase. 



Small fry should be dipped out and never poured. Rough handling 

 kills them almost instantly. 



Goldfishes at any age should be at least partially protected from 

 the direct glare of the sun, so that they may at will go into the sun or 

 shade. This is particularly true of young blue Calicos, whose delicate 

 tints are apt to bleach in excessive direct sunlight. A few sticks to form 

 a rough lattice over the tray or tub will do very well. In case of rain the 

 sticks, unless already weather-beaten, should be removed, as water from 

 new wood is injurious. If the fishes are in a position where they get only 

 about two hours of sun, no protection from light need be considered. 



Coloring Age. Most young will change in August from their baby 

 color to approximately their final color. 



Breeding Age. Strong goldfishes begin breeding at the age of about 

 one year. For the spawn to amount to anything in quantity a female 

 should have a body length of two inches or more. 



Sterility. Excessive forcing of growth of deep-bodied fancy gold- 

 fishes often carries a penalty. In cases where the young in October have 

 bodies of 3 inches or longer, and in general have the appearance of fishes 

 at least two years old, they are likely to prove sterile and to have short 

 lives. "Too much of a good thing" is a possibility here too. 



In-breeding. A certain amount of in-breeding is necessary in order 

 to preserve the best points of a strain of stock — say a cross # as close as 

 first cousins. Closer than this weakens the .vitality of the stock. When 

 we have two breeders of good ancestry, but of no blood relationship, we 

 are likely to get strong fish, but with poor points. 



Note : On pages 209 to 216 the principal points in the story of Goldfish 



Breeding are re-told in picture. 



