CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 





Tropical Fishes and Aquaria 



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General Conditions. Where one has limited space and wishes for a 

 variety of fishes, it will be found that many of the tropical varieties now 

 available will do admirably. Most of them stand close quarters, thriving 

 in aquaria which are not much more than quart jars. Some of the fishes 

 are of such belligerent disposition that they must be kept alone, and in 

 these cases it is well that they will live in cramped quarters. Larger 

 aquaria with divisions for separating the different species are a con- 

 venience, especially if artificial heating has to be resorted to. 



The question of space economy, however, is not the chief point in 

 favor of tropical fishes. It is the endless variety of habit, structure and 

 coloring, which gives us new avenues for personal study and observation. 

 Some idea of the variation in breeding habits alone is continued on pages 

 237 to 243. 



Water. Many tropical fishes are very sensitive to the bad effects 

 of new water, even though it be of the proper temperature. It is well to 

 keep some of the old water to mix with the new when the aquarium must 

 be cleaned. 



Feeding. The majority of tropical fishes are not heavy feeders like 

 the goldfish, and there is not great danger of overfeeding. Care should, 

 of course, be taken to leave no unconsumed food in the water. When 

 they are warm and comfortable they may be fed twice daily, although 

 this is not essential. Foods are described in Chapter Three. 



Heating. The majority of tropical species thrive in temperatures 

 ranging from 65 to 85 degrees F. Nearly all will do well at 72 degrees. 

 For short periods they will stand temperatures below that at which they 

 will thrive, and it is very probable that after a few generations in our 

 climate they become accustomed to cooler water. When fishes are new 

 and rare it is emphatically a mistake to experiment on seeing how low a 

 temperature they will stand. That should be left for a later period after 

 breeding has been accomplished and a stock secured. Tight-fitting glass 



