192 



GOLDFISH VARIETIES AND 



Floating Aquatics 



DUCKWEED 



This commonest of all floating plants is found in several species in 

 still pools everywhere. From the middle of summer until cold weather 

 many ponds are completely covered with this green mantle, greatly in- 

 terfering with the work of collecting daphnia for fish food. Duckweed 

 itself is a good food for goldfishes large enough to eat it, and has a 

 laxative effect beneficial to the finer breeds. The form most commonly 

 found is Lemna minor. Propagation is by ofifshoot extensions. 



AZOLLA 



Azolla caroliniana is one of the less used of small floating aquatics. 

 It is not in any way a brilliant plant but has a rather quaint charm. The 

 leaves are of velvety appearance and range from a dull sage-green to 

 dark red, according to age and the conditions of light. To be had of 

 dealers. Native to the Southern States. 



CRYSTALWORT 



Riccia fluitans grows in masses in small, angular shapes, resembling 

 crystal formation. It floats just beneath the surface and is valuable in 

 the propagation of small tropical fishes, some depositing eggs in it, and 

 the new-born young of the live-bearing varieties using it for hiding 

 places. Native to the Eastern States and may be had of dealers in aquatics. 



Fig. 145. Salvinia (Life size) 

 Fig. 146. Teianea (Slightly reduced) 



