WH OLESALE B REEDING 229 



Included in the equipment of most goldfish farms are a few trusty 

 shotguns to give a fitting welcome to the several birds that take fish 

 without paying for them. These birds are named in the chapter on 

 "Enemies." 



In Conclusion. This chapter is more likely to be read by those 

 contemplating a goldfish farm than those possessing one. To such we 

 would say, start in a small way. All enterprises seem to be better built 

 from a little start. But keep a weather eye open for expansion and 

 select only a site possessing real possibilities. To those already estab- 

 lished in a growing business of this sort we suggest an exchange of 

 visits with fellow fish farmers. They are a good sort, willing to trade 

 the benefits of experience. Most of them believe that "Co-operation, 

 not competition, is the life of trade." 



COMMERCIAL BREEDING OF TROPICALS 



There is a rapidly growing demand for tropical fishes, and the pur- 

 chasing public is always glad to learn of sources where a good selection 

 of healthy stock may be had. From a business standpoint it would 

 therefore seem that the rearing of tropical fishes offers favorable oppor- 

 tunities, especially to those who wish to start in a small way, and who 

 are in a position to give close attention to the enterprise. The principal 

 adverse possibility is one which overtakes many a new business— too 

 many persons getting the same idea at the same time and causing over- 

 production. At the time this is written (nearly 1932) there has been a 

 recent great increase in breeders, but as yet no one knows the potential 

 purchasing power of the public. Interest in the subject is on the rise, 

 and of the many who are starting with tropicals, few give them up. 



Many are taking advantage of the climate of the Gulf States for 

 rearing tropicals, where the use of buildings and artificial heat is reduced 

 to a minimum. Northern breeders, however, enjoy closer touch with 

 their markets. 



A continuous warm temperature is imperative for some species and 

 for these it is not worth while attempting to breed outdoors in a temperate 

 climate. 



In selecting a stock from which to breed for commercial purposes 

 it is inadvisable to choose the kinds which have already become com- 

 mon, even though they are easy to breed. It is much better to pay more for 

 something out of the ordinary if there seems to be a reasonable chance of 

 breeding it. The "fashions" change so rapidly in tropical fishes that we 

 could not attempt here to advise what to breed, as our suggestions might 

 be antiquated in a few months. 



