V. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



SUITABLE AQUARIAL PLANTS. 



Among the most suitable plants for an acjuarium are anacharis 

 and fanwort. Anacharis, Anacharis canadensis gigantea (Fig. 1), is a 



food oxygenator and at the same time provides forage for goldfish, 

 'anwort, Cdbomba caroUniana (Fig. 2), is a very hardy species and 



thrives well in small 

 aquaria.- It is ever- 

 green, will grow from 

 cuttings, especially the 

 forked joints, and a 

 branch planted in the 

 sand at the bottom of an 

 aquarium will produce 

 roots. These plants are 

 very common, and sup- 

 plies can usually be pur- 

 chased from goldfish 

 dealers. Other desirable 

 aquarial plants are 

 willow moss, Fontinalis 

 antipyratica (Fig. 3), 

 and arrowhead, Sagit- 

 taria Tiatans (Fig. 4). 

 Very beautiful aquatic 

 gardens may be made 

 by a proper selection of 

 plants. A frequentl}^ 

 used and very hardy and 

 beautiful plant is the 

 hornwort, Ceratophyllum. 

 demersum (Fig. 5), but 

 it requires careful atten- 

 tion, as it is liable to 

 decay and contaminate 

 the water. Moreover it is donnant in the winter and has only 

 decorative value at that period. Ludwigia, Ludwigia glandulosa 

 (Fig. 6), is highly prized for its fine appearance in the aquarium and 

 is easily propagated from cuttings. 



BALANCED AQUARIUM. 



When the relations of plant life and animal life in an aquarium are 

 properly proportioned the aquarimn is said to be self-sustaining or 

 balanced, and under such a condition the water requires no change. 

 Filling in to make up for what has evaporated is all that is necessary; 

 or, if preferred, about half the water may be drawn off through a 

 siphon and a similar amount of fresh, aerated water added. Dm'ing 

 very warm weather this will probably have to be done about once a 

 month. If the water should become vitiated at anytime the aqua- 

 rium must be thoroughly cleansed and the entire water supply renewed, 

 the fish first having been removed to another vessel. When fish 

 become restless and rise to the surface of the water to breathe, it 

 indicates that the oxygen supply in the aquarium is insufficient. 

 Relief may be given them by dipping up and pouring back some of 

 the water. 



Fig. 1. — Anacharis (Anacharis canadensis gigantea). One-half 

 natural size. A good oxygenator; grows rapidly; thrives with 

 or without roots when set in pebbles or sand: may be pur- 

 chased of dealers. This is considered the most satisfactory 

 plant for the amateur aquarist. 



