CONCERNING GOLDFISH 235 



was imported first into Europe during the year 

 1911. 



Several of the variegated forms of goldfish have 

 been given special names, but it is doubtful whether 

 they are entitled to be regarded as distinct varieties. 

 Of these, the * superb -goldfish ' is black and scarlet 

 upon the back, and has the scales edged with 

 gold, the under surface of the body being of a 

 silvery tint. That known as the ' mottled-beauty ' 

 is black upon the dorsal region of its body, and the 

 sides are decorated with blue, rose, yellow, and 

 black pigments ; while another kind, called the 

 ' red-fin,' is distinguished by the brilliant scarlet 

 tint of its head and fins, and bluish-black body. 

 The variety termed ' the blue ' is characterised by 

 the metallic -blue tint of its back and sides. 



Goldfish will breed readily in captivity, even when 

 but a year old. It is only during the breeding 

 season that the two sexes can be distinguished the 

 one from the other ; the males at that period 

 developing a slight roughness upon the sides of the 

 face. The eggs of the females are deposited upon 

 the foliage of aquatic plants to the number of about 

 1,000, and after an interval of about a fortnight, 

 the period varying according to the temperature 

 of the water, the young ones hatch out. Unless 

 the tank wherein they dwell is so shallow at one 

 end that the adults are unable to gain access thereto, 

 the fry should be immediately removed to separate 

 quarters or else they stand a good chance of being 

 eaten by their parents. It is even advisable to 

 keep an eye on the infants themselves, for those 



