Although lliis variety is almost always called Japanese- in foreign writings, as a matter of 

 fact it was developed in China and was unknown in Japan until the close of the war with China 

 i 18! '4-5 ). The Japanese have, however, improved on the original importation. The variety 

 doubtless came into existence at a comparatively early date, and has undergone much modification 

 of form and color in China. 



The special feature of this variety is the lateral protrusion of the large eyeballs. The extent 

 of the protrusion differs in different types or individuals, in some being verv slight, in others 

 strongly marked. The age of the fish mollifies the condition; when first hatched and for about a 

 year thereafter, the eyes are normal in size and position, hut in the further course of growth the 

 protrusion gradually develops. Sometimes even in full-grown fish only one eye protrudes, the other 

 being normal. 



The body is rather short, the hack is elevated and the ventral outline much decurved ; the head 

 is broad, and the snout is rounded and very short. As originally introduced from China, the 

 demekin had a short caudal fin, hut the Japanese have given it a long, flowing caudal, and have 

 improved the fish in several other minor particulars. The anal is double, and it and all the other 

 fins arc l< ing. 



The demekin rarely shows a brilliant coloration. The usual colors are a uniform black, or a 

 pale red or pale reddish-yellow with small black spots or irregular black areas; in the variegated 

 form the fins may he reddish, blackish, or blackish with pale red or orange base. Sometimes, 

 especially in fish of pure Chinese breed, there may be three or four irregularly distributed or 

 mottled colors in a single fish. 



36 



