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EXPERIMENTAL FISH EMBRYOLOGY 



AQUABIUN VEGETATION ; 



The plants that are used in fish aquaria have three functions, to provide a means of 

 achieving chemical balance, to aerate, ajid to add heauty. Unfortunately the last function 

 Is generally the only one considered. 



The plants should not be dropped into the tank but should be spaced appropriately. 

 In general, the two back comers should have abundant gravel (or sand) and the taller 

 (Sagittarias) plants carefully placed. See that the roots are completely covered in the 

 non-floating plants. The smaller plants may be placed in the back center, leaving the 

 front of the tank free- This will facilitate cleaning (with siphon), will space the 

 plants properly so that they will be exposed to light and give off oxygen, and will also 

 provide an artistic background for the fish. 



The type of plants to use depends upon a number of factors such as the size of the 

 tank, the amount of oxygen needed, and whether the plants are to be used for hiding of 

 female (Betta) or fish fry. A list of plants is given below but it must be remembered 

 that all plants should be sterilized before placing them in an aiuarium. This steriliza- 

 tion is accomplished by washing them in a dilute solution of potassium permanganate for 

 10 minutes and then rinsing them in clear water for an equivalent period. 



Courtesy General Biological Supply House, Inc., 

 Chicago, Illinois 



PLANTS SUITABLE FOR FISH AQUARIA 



♦Anachrls; dark green foliage with heavy stems. 



Australian under water clover; 



Bladderwort; do not use with fry since it is carnivorous. 



Cabomba; red or green; somewhat floating, glossy green, fan-like leaves. 



Cellophane plant from Honduras; excellent for oxygenation. 



Duckweed; floating, small plant sometimes used as accessory food by fish. 



Elodea; survival value not good unless abundant light. 



Ludwigia; colorful, foliage green above and pink below. 

 »Myriophyllum; feathery and therefore excellent for female Bettaa or fry to hide in. 

 *Nitella gracilis; excellent, grows well in aquarium. 



Eiccia salvinla; floating, excellent surface plant. 



* The most satisfactory plants for laboratory aquaria. 



