TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 



head. It is often remarked that the name is not particularly appropriate, 

 but seems to have become established. "Buffalo-head" would be a much 

 more descriptive and appropriate name. There are three strong char- 

 acteristics to this fish. The first is a thick growth over the gill plates and 

 head somewhat resembling a large raspberry. The second is the entire 

 absence of dorsal fin, and the third is the extremely thick, short body. 

 The growth on the head seldom commences before the age of six months 



Fig. 20. The Lionhead, or Buffalohead 



and sometimes never appears. It is well developed in two years and 

 increases in size as long as the fish lives. After the head growth has 

 become quite thick it is advisable to keep the fish in running or other well 

 oxygenated water. The mechanical difficulty of breathing is considerable 

 and unless there is plenty of oxygen the fish is liable to suddenly expire 

 when in apparently good condition. The tails and anals should be double, 

 but defects in these points are not considered serious if head and body are 

 good. The colors are the usual pearl and red of the common goldfish. A 

 few transparently scaled specimens have been produced by crossing with 

 transparently scaled fish of other breeds. One or two Lionheads in a 

 mixed aquarium add considerably to the variety. It was believed by some 

 that the absence of dorsal fin was the result of its being extracted by 

 Japanese breeders while the fish was young. This has been proven a gross 

 error for the same reasons stated in paragraph on Celestial Telescopes. 



