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THE FAUNA OF THE CHINESE PROVINCE 



variations in colour, there are breeds distinguished by their strange form, such as 

 the so-called telescope-fish and the veil-tailed fish, which have been imported into 

 Europe from Japan. The former is characterised by its large goggle-eyes and long 

 tail-fin and the latter by its short body and complex tail. 



Another curious type is presented by the paradise-fish, a domesticated form of 





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TELESCOPE FISH AND VEIL-TAILED FISH. 



a species of carp of the genus Polyacanthus. This fish, which is from 3 to 4 

 inches long, is banded with blue and red, and assumes a specially brilliant hue 

 during the breeding-season. The males, which are much lighter-coloured than 

 their partners, are distinguished by the excessive development of their fins. 

 The paradise-fish is indigenous to China, but has been introduced into Europe as 

 an ornamental denizen of aquariums. It is one of several fishes which build nests 

 for their young. 



