TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 



77 



THE GOLDEN ORFE OR IDE 



Originally imported from Southern Germany, the Golden Orfe has 

 become one of the best ornamental pond fishes. They do not stir up the 

 mud as do goldfishes and are more active in avoiding their enemies. 



Fig. 60. The Golden Orfe or Ide (Young) 



The color on the back is orange dotted with black, shading to lighter on 

 the sides and white on the abdomen. The extreme length is two feet, 

 requiring probably ten years of growth under favorable circumstances. 

 The young are suitable for aquarium keeping, but the top must be 

 screened to prevent their leaping out. They do best in spring or running 

 water and have been successfully bred in the Government fish ponds at 

 Washington. 



THE CATFISH 



Any of the forms of Catfishes are well able to take care of them- 

 selves in an aquarium. If not large they will not touch other wild fishes, 



Fig. 61. Stone Catfish 



but should not be kept with goldfishes, as they are likely to nibble at their 

 long fins, Catfishes like animal food best, but will take boiled cereals. 



