176 GOLDFISH VARIETIES AJ^D 



MYRIOPHYLLUM 



Here we have another plant which at first looks well in the aquarium 

 but which deteriorates rapidly. It has, however, a strong redeeming 

 feature, the very finely divided hair-like leaves being ideal for receiving 

 the spawn of goldfishes. For this purpose it has grown more and more 

 into favor. It is used either in the bunches as they are sold, or made into 

 a spawning-ring as shown on page 51. As a spawn-receiving plant it 

 has one advantage over Water Hyacinth in that the individual pieces may 

 be spread out so as to give all the eggs a similiar amount of sun, whereas 

 with Hyacinth one side is usually much more protected than the other, 

 making the eggs hatch at different times. Before using Myriophyllum 

 to spawn on it should be well washed ofif by moving it about in clear 

 water, being careful to remove all insects, snails and snail eggs. When 

 spawning is finished the plant had as well be thrown away. 



There are a number of generally distributed species throughout 

 America, all having the same general characteristics, but some are better 

 than others as "spawning grass" on account of closer and longer leaves. 

 They are all popularly known as Water Milfoil. 



Myriophyllum verticillatum. This is the best /American species and 

 is found in both shallow and deep ponds throughout the United States 

 and Lower Canada. Its leaves are dense and crowded, making an excel- 

 lent spawning plant. M. nietschei is a cultivated variety of the same, the 

 leafy filaments developing from 1^ to 3 inches in length. 



Myriophyllum proserpinocoidcs or Parrot's Feather is a partially sub- 

 merged form which should be allowed to creep on the surface of the 

 water, where its blue-green, feathery leaves display a charm exclusively 

 their own. Does well in the greenhouse or established on the edges of 

 partially shaded lakes, where it becomes very robust and looks strikingly 

 beautiful. The roots are not winter-killed. On account of growing so 

 rapidly it requires too much attention in a small aquarium. 



CERATOPHYLLUM 



Hornwort, as it is generally known, is mentioned here on account of 

 its resemblance to Myriophyllum, for which it is sometimes gathered. It 

 is an extremely poor aquarium plant, being very brittle and liable to rapid 

 decomposition. Besides its characteristic of being fragile it may also be 

 recognized by having practically no roots, absorption taking place in 

 the leaves. 



It is found principally in ponds and slow moving streams, where it 

 washes about freely with the current. 



