THE FRESH-WATER AQUARIUM. 39 
and when it does, they speedily recover if thrown into a 
large pan under a jet of water. Minnowsspawnin June, 
and just before that time acquire their gayest mottlings 
of green, and bronze, and silver, losing colour considerably 
after spawning. 
C. gobio—The gudgeon is an every-day sort of fish, 
proper enough in a general collection, but where room is 
scarce it may very well be spared. In its markings the 
gudgeon has a striking appearance. It is a hardy fish, 
and rarely shows signs of exhaustion. 
C. Tinca.—The tench is a quiet, shy fish, distinct in 
outline, and easily recognised; but, like the gudgeon, 
destitute of any highly attractive features. The tench is 
the most tenacious of life of any fish in the collection, 
and never shows signs of exhaustion by gulping air from 
the surface. Tench are easily tamed, and take great 
pleasure in nibbling their proprietor’s fingers. Mine eat 
bread and cheese with me, and nibble my fingers fiercely 
whenever I permit them. 
C. Barbus.—The barbel takes the lead in the aquatic 
moustache movement. His barbs are really ornamental, 
and altogether he is a handsome but shy fish. The dorsal 
and caudal fins are very symmetrically shaped, and the 
lateral line arrests the eye when we contemplate his 
pleasing colours. If small newts, small carp, and min- 
nows are kept in the same tank with barbel, they are 
likely to disappear one by one; for when all is quiet he 
makes his meal without seeking aid from the culinary 
art, 
C. barbatula is perhaps the most interesting fish in the 
tank, considered as an individual. With no attractive | 
