PHOTOGRAPHING FISH 111 



their innumerable enemies. It seems very difficult 

 for us to realise that the wonderful colouring of the 

 various kinds of angel-fish should be a means of pro- 

 tection, but that such is the case is scarcely to be 

 doubted. 



When photographing any fish that "jumps" it will 

 be found necessary to place either a piece of glass or 

 wet cheese-cloth (wet because it is more transparent) 

 on the top of the aquarium ; otherwise they will leap 

 out, even though the sides are several inches above 

 the surface of the water. 



In arranging the backgrounds for fish, their beauty 

 may be greatly enhanced and additional interest be 

 given by using such examples of sea life as would 

 be found with the fish if it were in its natural home. 

 Sea-anemones, crabs, urchins, and any of the various 

 shell-fish add life and value to the picture. But do 

 not use any kind that give off coloured liquids, such 

 as the squids, sea-pigeons, etc. 



In handling fish of any kind, more particularly the 

 catfish and some of the salt-water species, it is advis- 

 able to guard against being cut by the sharp spines 

 of the fins. The Key West fishermen tell of all 

 manner of diseases that come from such cuts. Such 

 stories are gross exaggerations, but it is nevertheless 

 true that the wound caused by a fish's fin is fre- 

 quently poisoned and proves very troublesome. Any 

 one unused to handling fish will find it difficult to 



