338 THE AQUARIUM 



well when established in the aquarium. Fundulus chrys- 

 cetus is perhaps the most beautiful of this genus, and is a 

 most desirable aquarium fish when it can be procured. It 

 is very abundant in ponds in our southern states, and its 

 scarcity in the New York market is difficult to explain. The 

 species of Fundulus will thrive on the usual preparations, 

 but should have as much live food as possible. 



The genus Haplochilus contains some of the most bril- 

 liantly colored fishes known to the aquarist. The males 

 especially are remarkably handsome, and possess various 

 embellishments of the tail and fins which add greatly to 

 their beauty. H. earner oonensis, a comparatively recent ar- 

 rival in America, is the most brilliant species so far imported, 

 but many exceedingly fine forms have not yet been intro- 

 duced here. H. rubrosfigma, H. ehaperi, H. panehax, H. 

 sexfaseiatus and H. latipes are the best known species, and 

 all may be recommended. None is especially delicate, but 

 the water should not be less than 70° Fahrenheit. The eggs 

 are attached to the plants of the aquarium, which should be 

 thick and bushy. After spawning the fishes should be re- 

 moved. The fry when hatched are very minute, and will 

 feed at first on protozoans and tiny algae. Later they may 

 be given Crustacea and prepared foods. The adults do very 

 well on good prepared foods and chopped earthworms, but 

 should have Daphnia and Cyelops as often as possible. 



The species of Rivulus somewhat resemble those of 

 Haploehilus in general appearance, but are much quieter in 

 coloration, and do not have decorative appendages. Few 

 species are known, all from Central and South America. 

 R. oeellata, R. Hdbellieauda and R. pceyi are the forms most 

 familiar to aquarists. They are fascinating fishes, the soft 

 colors being very harmoniously blended. Their breeding 

 and feeding habits are much the same as those of Ha- 

 ploehilus, but they are expert climbers, and able to live for 



