TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 149 



Turlington's Balsam as described for White Fungus. Feed on good 

 nutritious substances, such as daphnia or chopped earthworms. If the 

 fish seems to be standing it satisfactorily, keep in the strong salt for about 

 one week, changing the water daily and relying on accurate measurements 

 for salt quantities. A progressive permanganate of potassium treatment 

 may also be used, but should not be continued as long, five days being 

 about the maximum for a fish in poor condition. Start at one grain to 

 the gallon and go up to three. With this chemical there is no need of 

 gradually reducing the strength, but a new solution should be mixed daily, 

 and twice daily is better, always remembering not to change temperature 

 of water. Happily Black Fungus is not as prevalent as formerly, owing 

 probably to the fact that we now have many more American wholesale 

 breeders, thus doing away with the necessity of purchasing so many fishes 

 that are in a thoroughly bad condition from hard trips across the Pacific 

 Ocean, and shorter but equally hard travels across the American Continent. 



Itch. The itch is one of the more common complaints in the aqua- 

 rium. The fishes are observed to quickly rub their sides against the firmer 

 objects in the aquarium, often against pebbles on the bottom. The affec- 

 tion is caused by different fish parasites. 



Treatment. Although this trouble is caused by different organisms, 

 they all yield to the progressive salt treatment (page 144). The aquarium 

 should be cleaned out before fish are returned, and care exercised' to keep 

 it in a cleaner condition, paying particular attention to seeing that no 

 uneaten particles of food are left lying about. The introduction of more 

 snails and a small Weatherfish or two (see page 13) will help to avoid 

 a recurrence. It is not improbable that mussels consume a large number 

 of suspended parasites and bacteria of various kinds. 



Constipation. Among the highly-bred, short-bodied fishes, constipa- 

 tion, as well as other mechanical disorders, is naturally common. The 

 much shortened bodies throw the internal organs out of position, give rise 

 to swimming bladder troubles and tie up the muscles which must dis- 

 charge eggs and also the excrement of the fishes. Lack of proper exercise 

 in the cramped confines of the aquarium and too highly concentrated foods 

 are other causes leading to constipation. The excrement should be of a 

 bfown color and free from bubbles or any slimy appearance. In health 

 it usually is seen in long sections. 



Treatment. An equal mixture of sea salt and Epsom salts, made 

 to a strength of one ounce of salts to the gallon, will usually prove bene- 

 ficial. It is better not to feed the fish during the period of treatment — 

 about two days. The trouble may be due to overfeeding, and in any case 

 a short fast will probably do good. 



