Chapter Six XJ 



XJ 



tr 



ropical Aquaria 





General Conditions. Where one has hmited space and wishes for 

 a variety of fishes, it will be found that many of the tropical varieties now 

 available will do admirably. Most of them stand close quarters, thriving 

 in aquaria which are nothing more than quart jars. Some of the fishes 

 are of such belligerent disposition that they must be kept alone, and in 

 these cases it is well that they will stand cramped quarters. Larger 

 aquaria with divisions for separating the different species are a conven- 

 ience, especially if artificial heating has to be resorted to. 



The question of space, however, is not the chief point in favor of 

 tropical fishes. It is the endless variety of habit, structure and coloring, 

 opening, as it continually does, new avenues for personal study and 

 observation. Some idea of the variation in breeding habits alone is 

 contained on pages 253 to 260. 



Water. Many tropical fishes are very sensitive to the bad effects 

 of new water, even though it be of the proper temperature. It is well to 

 keep some of the old water to mix with the new when the aquarium must 

 be cleaned. 



Feeding. The majority of tropical fishes are not heavy feeders like 

 goldfishes and there is not great danger of overeating. Care should, of 

 course, be taken to leave no unconsumed food in the water. When they 

 are warm and comfortable they may be fed twice daily, although this is 

 not essential. 



Heating. The majority of tropical species thrive in temperatures 

 ranging from 65° to 80° F. Nearly all will do well at 70°. For short 

 periods they will stand temperatures below that at which they will thrive, 

 and it is very probable that after a few generations in our climate they 

 become accustomed to cooler water. When fishes are new and rare it is 

 emphatically a mistake to experiment on seeing how low a temperature 

 they will stand. That should be left for a later period after breeding has 

 been accomplished and a stock secured. Tight-fitting glass covers should 

 be provided for all tropical aquaria. This helps keep the temperature up 



