SELECTION OF FISHES 35 



found in both lakes and streams. It is especially abun- 

 dant in small ponds when predator fishes are not 

 present. It is not available commercially but is easily 

 obtained by seining. 



The green sunfish will eat liver and other meats, but 

 tenebrionid larvae or earthworms are a better choice 

 of food for it. It does not normally breed under aquar- 

 ium conditions but breeding could very likely be 

 artificially induced. In southern latitudes, this species 

 reaches a size of one-quarter pound or larger, but it 

 wiU spawn at three or four inches. It tolerates consid- 

 erable handling and does weU under aquarium con- 

 ditions. Larger specimens may become pugnacious, 

 and sorting out of individuals may be necessary. 



The cichhds, convenient-size experimental fishes 

 adapted to aquarium conditions, are usually in the 

 four- to seven-inch class. They are natives of South 

 America and Africa, but at least some of them are 

 widely available in the United States. Those of the 

 genus Tilapia are of particular interest. They are 

 raised as food fishes in Africa, and Mr. Swingle at 

 Alabama Polytechnic has experimented with them 

 both as food fish and as sport fish. The breeding habits 

 of this group are rather speciaHzed. Some members 

 of the group carry the developing eggs and the young 

 in their mouths. 



The cichhds are quite adaptable in their feeding. 

 They will utihze all types of meat and dried foods, 

 and some will utilize green plants. They should be 

 held at a temperature between 75° and 85° F. See 

 also Gordon (1950), Nigrelli (1953), and Brown 

 (1957). 



