GOLDFISH VAKIETIES AND 



NATIVE AQUARIUM FISHES 



It seems to be human nature, especially in America, to assume that 

 the best things come from distant lands — the more distant, the better. In 

 this search for the rare and interesting we are apt to overlook excellent 

 material close at hand. There are many handsome native fishes admirably 

 adapted to aquarium purposes. They are easily managed, tenacious of 

 life, varied in habits and easily tamed. Those who have made collections 

 of our own fishes have found much pleasure in this form of the aquarium 

 hobby. 



THE RED-BELLIED DACE 



Chrosomns erythrogaster, not exceeding a length of three inches is 

 one of the most satisfactory of hardy aquarium inhabitants. During the 

 breeding season the belly, mouth and base of the dorsal fin of the males 



Fig. 51. Red-Bellied Dace (Life sise) 



are bright red. There are two black lateral lines on the sides, separated 

 by a band of pale gold, so that even when not in breeding colors, the 

 Red-Bellied Dace is an individual of attractive appearance. It is per- 

 fectly harmless, will eat any prepared food and is of active habits. 

 Native to the small streams of the Middle West. They are believed to 

 be community breeders requiring large space. The author placed six of 

 them in a 3 X 5 foot tank in May and several months later took out 30 

 well developed young, but the breeding was not observed. 



Owing to their extreme agility it is necessary to catch the wild stock 

 in a minnow seine, operated by two persons. 



