REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 69 



Food: Feeds on small aquatic animals and insects; young specimens were 

 found feeding on diatoms, entomostraca, small aquatic worms and 

 insects. (Kendall, 1908.) 



Size: Three inches. 



31. Carassius auratus (Linnseus). Goldfish. 



Geog. Dist.: The goldfish or silverfish is a native of Asia, whence it was 

 introduced into Europe and from there to America, where it now is one 

 of the commonest aquarium fishes, and is abundant in many of our 

 streams. De Kay says that the goldfish was introduced from China 

 into Europe in the early part of the 17th century and probably shortly 

 afterward found its way into this country. 



Habitat: Introduced into aquaria, fountains, reservoirs, ponds, and lakes. 

 In many streams and ponds it has run wild and returned almost entirely 

 to the original olivaceous type. In the fauna of the moraine ponds and 

 in quarry holes, the goldfish stands first. (E. Smith, 1898.) 



Season in R. I. : This introduced species has run wild in certain ponds and 

 streams of the State. Abundant in ponds in Roger Williams Park, in 

 Easton's Pond, Providence, and in Railroad Pond, East Providence. 



Reproduction: It spawns early in the spring. The eggs are about 1.5 

 mm. in diameter and are laid singly upon weeds and other fixed objects. 

 They hatch in 8 or 9 days after fertilization. (Ryder, E,eport, U. S. 

 Fish Commission, XIII, 1885, 506.) 



Size: It grows to a length of about twelve inches. 



33. Cyprinus carpio (Linnseus). The Carp. 



Geog. Dist.: Native of Asia and introduced into Europe and America. 

 (The history of tlie carp in Europe has been svmimarized by Cole, Report 

 Bureau of Fisheries, 1904, 537.) Introduced into America by the U. S. 

 Fish Commission in 1877. 



Habitat: Moderately warm, shallow waters with an abundance of aquatic 

 vegetation and deeper places to which the fish can retreat are the most 

 favorable conditions for the carj). They are verj' adaptable, however, 

 and are often found, though in lesser numbers, in other places. During 

 the winter they seek deep holes, where they remain in a semi-torpid con- 

 dition. 



Season in R. L: Abundant in Cunliff Pond, ponds in Roger Williams 

 Park and connecting streams; found in Mashapaug Pond and vicinity; 

 Slocum Pond and Queens River. 



Reproduction: The eggs are small, but laid in enormous numbers. The 

 eggs sink; they are not laid in bunches or masses, but are scattered about 



