with tweezers. If it is not possible, try the concentrated salt treat- 

 ment mentioned under "Treatment for General Illness," or place 

 the fish in pale cherry red colored solution of potassium perman- 

 ganate for half an hour or until the fish shows signs of distress. 

 (Remember, do not use permanganate on exotics!) Repeat the 

 treatment until the fish is cured. At the same time place enough 

 permanganate in the aquarium to color the water a faint pink. 

 Replace the water in the aquarium when a cure has been effected. 



BROKEN FINS 

 There are several causes for broken fins. One fish will sometimes 

 bite the fins of its fellows. While some species have this inclination, 

 fin biting is often the work of a single individual which may be 

 destroyed or placed in solitary confinement. A crayfish in an aqua- 

 rium will often tear the fins of fishes while trying to catch them. 

 Water that is too alkaline will cause fins to split. This factor is 

 especially troublesome where the water comes from wells in lime- 

 stone country and is hard. The only remedy is to change to pond 

 water. 



TUMORS 

 Tumors may occur in the skin, within the body, or in the eyes. 

 It is best to destroy promptly fish diseased in this way. 



DROPSY 

 Dropsy takes the form of a general bloating of the body, so that 

 the scales stand out at an angle from the skin. It has been blamed 

 on poor diet, including a diet consisting too exclusively of "white 

 worms" (Enchytraeids). It may be relieved by draining off excess 

 fluid and changing the diet, but seems to be incurable. 



APPENDIX 4 



Treatment of Ailing or Diseased Reptiles 



AND Amphibians 



FOR GENERAL INDISPOSITION 

 The most common ailment of reptiles is a general inactivity accom- 

 panied by a refusal to eat. There are two possible causes: the need 



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