Guide to 

 Higher Aquarium Animals 



By Edward T. Boardman 



Zoologist, Cranhrook Institute uf Science 



Introduction 



This book is intended for amateur naturalists and teachers as a 

 guide to selected vertebrate animals suited to aquarium life. In 

 general I have tried to indicate which animals can be found readily, 

 which will do well in captivity, what food they will need, and what 

 breeding habits or other behavior the reader may expect to observe. 

 Though focused on the Michigan fauna, the guide is intended to 

 be of general use. Obviously, because it is selective it cannot be 

 used as a means to the identification of all vertebrates in Michigan. 

 Reference is made to other books suited to such purposes. 



In fairness, I should point out that an aquarium is but a poor 

 substitute for natural conditions. To grow things of any sort re- 

 quires what the gardeners call a "green thumb," which consists 

 essentially of giving them frequent observation, of being able to 

 profit by experience, and of having an interest which will survive 

 many discouraging accidents. 



A good field knowledge of the animals that arc to be kept is 

 especially important. For instance, a person who knows from field 



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