62 GOLDFISH VAEIETIES Al^B 



WHOLESALE BREEDING 



With the rapidly growing demand for aquarium fishes there is no 

 reason why, with the proper faciHties, one should not make a comfortable 

 living from the breeding of goldfishes and other fancy kinds. Good 

 water, plenty of room, moderate taxes, ample shipping facilities and 

 thorough experience in fish culture are all prime requisites. Climatic con- 

 ditions must be carefully considered. The weather should be settled by 

 May 15 and continue moderately warm until early October. Localities 

 where the nights are cold or the days excessively hot are not suitable. 

 States in the same temperature belt as Maryland and Virginia are particu- 

 larly advantageous, although it is by no means to be said that success can- 

 not be had elsewhere. Farmers in many localities are turning otherwise 

 unprofitable land both into goldfish and foodfish ponds. In the latter 

 branch several of the State Fish Hatcheries are giving encouragement and 

 practical help. 



It is not necessary to have an expensive establishment in order to 

 succeed, but certain natural advantages, besides those already mentioned, 

 are of importance. If one has a good spring, clay-bottom soil and ground 

 that lends itself readily to a series of pools that will drain from one to 

 another, a start can be made with reasonable chances of success. Our 

 figure number 49 will give a good general idea of an inexpensive 

 layout. The water runs from springhouse to a tempering pond, where the 

 water becomes more heated by the air and sun. It also absorbs oxygen, 

 for in this element spring water is apt to be lacking. Where no tempering 

 pool is used it is advisable to arrange small waterfalls if there is sufficient 

 drop. Even 2 or 3 inches is better than none. From the tempering pond 

 the water is run through a series of sluices into the rearing ponds. As the 

 fishes develop, some will grow much more rapidly than others. In order 

 to prevent them from devouring their smaller fellows, they must con- 

 stantly be sorted out, particularly in the first several weeks. These larger 

 ones can be placed to advantage in the two long pools shown in illustra- 

 tion, using one side for choice grades with good fin development, color, 

 etc., and the other for single-tails or fish with blemishes. 



As a final use for the water it can be placed to advantage as shown in 

 a large pond for the propagation of daphnia or other live food. The fish 

 pools should be drained in the winter in order to expose the bottoms to 

 the action of frost, thereby killing lurking insect enemies. We have shown 

 an outlet on the daphnia pond, but ordinarily this is not to be emptied. 

 By draining it the stock of live food would not be entirely lost, but many 



