THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 53 



The coloring attained by the fish generally remains so, though 

 there are instances in which the red markings may become milky 

 white, and what was previously white changes to red, or black spots 

 may appear, or if present, be lost. This may occur either wholly or 

 in part. A satisfactory reason for this phenomenon can not be 

 given. 



The selection of faultless beauties for breeding purposes, how- 

 ever, is not absolutely necessary, such specimens are best kept for 

 exposition purposes. Any fish whose fins may have become injured 

 in any way, by accident or otherwise, but have grown again in some 

 crooked or objectionable shape, are nevertheless perfectly fit for the 

 spawning bed, if they are otherwise in perfect condition, though for 

 ornamental purpose they would be of little account. 



It may be remarked in this connection, and with propriety, that 

 certain peculiarities in the shape of foreign fish, /. <?., those newly 

 introduced, are in the course of time, lost, when imported into the 

 United States, the change of climate, locality, food, etc., producing 

 gradual changes in their typical forms, assuming or acquiring, so to 

 speak, an American type. In view of this, the culturist should 

 never neglect to infuse new blood into his stock whenever a favor- 

 able opportunity offers, for by so doing he can keep it up as near to 

 the original standard as it is possible to do under the change of 

 circumstances. 



At the breeding season the sexual differences are plainly revealed 

 to the practiced eye of the patient observer not before. Upon 

 close inspection the bony plates that cover the gills, the gill-covers, 

 or operdes, will be found covered with small white prominences, 

 usually denominated tubercles. Those fish bearing this distinguishing 

 mark are male fish. These tubercles appear on the fish when it 

 is in condition for reproduction, and disappear when that 

 function ceases to be in an active state. This period may be of longer 



