The Cicbliiis (Cichlidae) 



Egyptian Mouthbreeder — {Haplochromis multicolor) 61 mm. 



Cutteri — {Cichlasoma cutteri) 90 mm. 



Portalegrensis — {Aeqiiidens portalegrensis) 100 mm. 



'^ These fish are best if placed in tanks containing other fish 

 when they are only about half grown; otherwise, some will chase 

 smaller fish. 



APPENDIX 2 

 Water for the Aquarium 



It cannot be assumed that all water is suitable for aquaria. Quite 

 the contrary. Most city water is treated with alum, or a similar 

 precipitating substance, and with chlorine. Copper plumbing is 

 treated with waterglass in hard-water regions. Hard water itself 

 is often harmful to aquatic life. However, do not be discouraged 

 by this factor, for water is easily made suitable. 



Chlorinated and hard water can be corrected for the aquarium 

 by boiling it. About ten minutes of hard boiling drives off the 

 chlorine. When the water is cooled to room temperature or below, 

 the excess salts in hard water will partially settle out and the clear 

 water can be decanted off. Let the boiled water stand overnight in 

 a large, rather shallow pan. It is now ready for use, except that it is 

 probably low in oxygen content. Pouring it back and forth be- 

 tween two containers a time or two will remedy this deficiency. 



Some water, particularly in hard or alkaline water regions, will 

 prove to be unsuitable for an aquarium, even though fish may live 

 in it in outdoor pools. 



Where the water is in doubt or where it is known to be unsuit- 

 able, it is best to get water from some pond. A duckweed-covered 

 pasture or woodland pond is best. Remember, a surface mat of 

 vegetation is usually a sign that the water is good. Strain such 

 water, put it in your tank, and watch your plants and fishes grow. 



There are a few rules to remember: 



I. When adding water to a tank or transferring fish to a newly 

 established aquarium, be sure that all of the water is of the same 

 temperature. 



[100] 



