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U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 



The fish taken may be placed in portable metal tanks immediately 

 for transportation, or in the well of the collecting boat. The seine 

 usually brings in some invertebrates, such as crayfishes, crabs, and 

 mollusks, which are desirable both for exhibition and for feeding 

 purposes. 



In regions where stationary pound nets are employed in the 

 commercial fisheries the aquarium collector may benefit by a method 

 of fish catching more effective than any other. Such nets are sure, 

 sooner or later, to take specimens of all species inhabiting adjacent 

 waters. These can be purchased from the fishermen at market prices 

 when the nets are lifted. Fishes taken in fyke nets are equally desir- 

 able, but those captured in gill nets usually are injured and worth- 



FiG. 28. — Hand air compressor for the aeration of shipping tanks 



less for exhibition. Fyke nets of small size can be purchased. As 

 fish catchers they are useful in regions where large pound nets are 

 not available. 



For fishes of small or medium size, cans of heavy tin, such as are 

 used for shipping milk, serve the purpose of the collector very well. 

 Large fishes that require more room during shipment are carried 

 in cans of greater diameter and less depth. These are made of 

 galvanized iron and may be round or oval, the latter being prefer- 

 able. In the transportation of large fishes a few extra-long tanks 

 of oval shape are required. The largest of those used at the New 

 York Aquarium is 3 feet 6 inches long, 2 feet wide at center, and 2 

 feet deep. Ordinary ash cans, well soldered, are cheap and may be 

 used for medium-sized specimens but are not as convenient as milk 

 cans with narrowed tops, which prevent the splashing out of the 

 water. 



