48 BREEDING GOLDFISHES 



Considering the other great variations of points in fancy gold- 

 fishes, it is remarkable how well fixed we find the telescopic eyes. 

 From well-developed telescopic stock there will probably be not over 

 two per cent, of young which do not sooner or later show this 

 peculiarity. 



The beginner should get his first experience in breeding the more 

 hardy varieties — the comet, for instance — ^but this stage passed he 

 should select none but the best breeding fish out of known good stock. 

 As previously stated, the best time to purchase new stock is in Septem- 

 ber and October, preference being given to the larger fish about seven 

 months old. At this period the dealer-fancier is usually willing to sell 

 off some of his larger old breeders. These are more showy than the 

 young, but should not be selected. 



SEX IN GOLDFISHES 



The chief indications of a male fish ("buck") in the breeding sea- 

 son — about January till August — are the small tubercles appearing on 

 the gill plates, and sometimes on the first ray of the pectoral fins. 

 These are a little smaller than pin-heads and the fish must be viewed 

 at a certain angle in order to see them. (See illustration on page 30 

 and lower photograph on page 55), as well as colored frontispiece. 



The female fish ("roe") is usually shorter and fuller of body, par- 

 ticularly when carrying spawn. The spawn as a rule is more on one 

 side of the fish than the other, so that in looking directly down on the 

 fish's back it may be found to be curved to one side. After spawning 

 is over this deformity often remains. In a female which has spawned 

 the vent is always a little protuberant. The eggs can often be seen 

 through the translucent skin of females of the scaleless type. 



Early in the year the young males will begin swimming after the 

 females, following close to the vent. Without observing any of the 

 foregoing rules the sex may often be told in this way. If this is 

 observed before March, the sexes should be separated, as early 

 spawns are not to be desired, unless one has very special facilities for 

 securing a supply of live food. If the spawning can be delayed until 

 May, results will be more satisfactory. The reasons for this are that 

 the harmful long cold spells are less likely to occur and that living food 

 can be obtained with more certainty. Spawning may be somewhat 

 delayed by separating the sexes and by keeping the fish in cool water. 

 ■With this object in view the females should be placed where they 

 cannot rub against plants, as it induces an excitement at this time 

 liable to promote spawning, even without males being present. 



