174 GOLDFISH VAEIETIES A^^TD 



characteristic which, at least in the aquarium, should be considered a 

 favorable point — that is — rapid growth. It may generally be taken for 

 granted that if an aquatic plant is thriving, it is doing good work for the 

 aquarium. In form it is moss-like, the leaves growing on a fragile stem, 

 the entire plant being completely submerged at all periods. Several spe- 

 cies are distributed throughout the United States and Southern Canada. 

 A cultivated variety, probably derived from A. canadensis, is considerably 

 larger than the common local specimens to be found. The closeness of the 

 leaves together depends upon the strength of light in which the plant is 

 kept, the difference being so pronounced that sections of the same plant 

 divided and kept in strong and weak light conditions will soon appear so 

 different as to be scarcely recognizable as the same stock. The plant 

 grows several feet in length, sending off occasional shoots and a few 

 roots at random that reach down into the soil. In the aquarium it is best 

 to only retain from 6 to 15 inches of the newer growth, cutting away the 

 old ends, re-bunching and re-planting. Planting is a matter of little 

 concern to Anacharis. In a well-lighted aquarium, where it will not be 

 nibbled at by large fishes, it will prosper whether planted or not, particu- 

 larly if not kept too warm, Anacharis is an excellent oxygenator and is 

 a good plant for the beginner or for those who want to add variety to 

 their aquarium vegetation. Allowed to grow into a mass it forms perfect 

 hiding places for young fishes, as it does not grow so close but that they 

 may move about in it. To be had of dealers generally. 



CABOMBA 



Commercially there is no doubt Cabomba is the leading aquatic plant. 

 Its finely-cut, fan-like, bright green leaves make a very good first impres- 

 sion, although it does not long look so well in the aquarium. It is brittle 

 and the fishes if active soon pick it to shreds. Even though this does not 

 occur, it becomes long and spindly. Enormous quantities are gathered 

 from ponds, some of them purposely planted, from Maryland to North 

 Carolina. 



The plant under natural conditions is a good producer of oxygen, 

 but in the aquarium its activity in this respect is doubtful. Although its 

 use is recommended by many writers, the author's experience and obser- 

 vation lead him to take exception to their views. 



Cabomba caroliniana is the species usually sold in bunches in pet 

 shops. It is well known as Washington Grass, Fanwort, and Watershield. 

 In habit it is purely aquatic and propagates mainly by branching. The 

 Stems under natural conditions attain a length of several feet. 



Cabomba roseafolia is a species whose principal distinguishing char- 

 acteristic consists of a distinct reddish hue on the stems and lower sides 

 of the leaves. It too is a handsome plant when first introduced. 



