
SOME FRESHWATER AQUARIUM FISHES 

THE SPINY-RAYED FISHES 
The Bass, Perch, Pike, Pike-perch, and other predaceous spiny-rayed 
fishes need not receive mention here, as their belligerent habits preclude 
their being kept in aquaria with other fishes. They thrive only in large 
tanks having a constant flow of fresh water. Very small specimens are 
sometimes kept in aquaria, but it is difficult to keep them alive. 

COLLECTING IN STREAMS AND PONDS 
One of the chief pleasures incidental to the household aquarium for 
other than goldfishes, is the collecting of the plant and animal inhabitants 
of running streams and standing water for home study, observation and 
classification, and the pleasant outings with congenial companions which 
this occupation affords. Very few andsimple appliances are required; these 
being a close-meshed pond net with a long sectional handle, upon which 
a small garden hoe and a wire scoop may be fastened, a collapsing dredg- 
ing net, a fishing line and minnow hooks, a can of two gallons capacity, 
a number of small tin cans with perforated lids and small bottles for catch- 
ing and holding the water inhabitants; and, for the collecting of plants 
otherwise out of reach, a wire dredging hook or grapple fastened to a 
strong cord. Larger cans are required to transport fishes, covered with 
gauze, not with a lid, and if ice is necessary it should be put into the gauze 
cover, not into the water. 
In collecting, a certain indication of abundant animal life is the 
presence of a considerable plant growth, and a careful examination of 
the floating and submerged leaves, the overhanging foliage, the bottom 
and the stones is advisable before rendering the water muddy with nets 
and scoop, which should be turned out on a clear space rather than 
in the grass, as the contents can then be better searched and the catch 
seen. The route should also be up-stream that the water may be clear. 
In addition to identifying the plants and preserving such as may be desired, 
a thorough examination of them, as well as of the mud and gravel, should 
be made as these are the home of many insects, larve, and molluscs. 
The dredge will also yield many of the latter not otherwise readily ob- 
tained. 
The late summer and fall months are the best for making collections 
for the household aquarium, as those collected in the spring may not sur- 
vive the summer heat. 
