332 THE AQUARIUM 



secure suitable food, can easily manufacture their own. 

 White and graham flour and various cereals may be mixed 

 with finely ground dried shrimp, ants' eggs, or other animal 

 food, and beaten up with a sufficient quantity of fresh eggs. 

 A small amount of table and Epsom salts should also be 

 added. No set formula can be given, as the constituents are 

 varied according to the needs of the fishes kept, but the 

 proper proportions are easily determined. The dough is 

 then baked, thoroughly dried and ground to the desired 

 size. Food suitable for the needs of every aquarium fish 

 can be made in this way, and it will keep indefinitely. 



The goldfish breeds in the spring, and when one or two 

 individuals are observed driving another about the tank 

 constantly they should be placed out of reach of interference 

 by non-breeders. The eggs are small, clear globules, 

 which are attached singly to the plants by the female, and 

 there fertilized by the male. After they have been deposited, 

 the fishes should be removed, as they will eat the eggs if al- 

 lowed to remain. Tadpoles and snails will destroy them 

 also, and must not be kept in the breeding aquarium. The 

 eggs, at a favorable temperature, will hatch in about three 

 days, the young being extremely minute, and with large 

 egg sacs attached. They will keep very quiet for a few days, 

 but soon begin to move about the aquarium, feeding on 

 the protozoans, chiefly infusoria, which swarm among the 

 plants. If the fry are numerous, the supply of food will 

 soon be exhausted, and can be renewed by placing a bundle 

 of hay or aquatic plants in a jar of water. In a few days 

 the water will be full of tiny creatures, many visible to the 

 naked eye in the proper light. They may be poured into 

 the aquarium as needed. A little dried lettuce thrown into 

 the tank will produce protozoa, and there are prepared 

 substances which serve the same purpose. The young fishes 

 will soon take small crustaceans, such as Cyclops and young 



