38 



THE GOLDFISH 



States. No peculiar contrivances of any kind were used. At the 

 usual period of about twelve weeks they developed ordinary telescope 

 eyes in the regular way. Later they gradually turned towards the 

 top of the head, as shown in Figs. 13 and 25. It lacks the dorsal fin. 



If any such peculiarity had been produced by mechanical means, 

 it would not be reproduced in the offspring. By some Orientals the 

 Celestial Goldfish is considered sacred on account of its constant 

 heavenward gaze, and is accorded a place in their temples. 



The Celestial Telescope is the most difficult of the imported gold- 

 fishes to rear or to keep alive in the aquarium. 



Fig. 26. The Lionhead, or Bukfalohead 



THE LION-HEADED GOLDFISH 



In point of grotesqueness and the amazing accomplishments of 

 breeding fancy goldfish, probably nothing surpasses the so-called 

 Lionhead. It is often remarked that the name is not particularly 

 appropriate, but seems to have become established. "Buffalo-head" 

 would be a much more descriptive and appropriate name. There are 

 three strong characteristics to this fish. The first is a thick growth 

 over the gill plates and head somewhat resembling a large raspberry. 

 The second is the entire absence of dorsal fin, and the third is the 

 extremely thick, short body. The growth on the head seldom com- 

 mences before the age of six months and sometimes never appears. It 

 is frequently well developed in four years and increases in size as long 

 as the fish lives. After the head growth has become quite thick it is 



