Fig. y2. Ctciiops vittatns (Croaking Gourami) 



The illustration shows one phase of the breeding habits of the bubljle-nest 

 builders, of which there are a number. The nest is Ijuilt of luibbles from the mouth 

 of the male, who takes entire charge of affairs. As the female drops a few eggs he 

 at once fertilizes them, picks them up in his mijuth, attaches a ljul)l)lc, and floats 

 them into the nest, where he guards them valiantly. If in a usual aquarium, the 

 female must be removed after spawning is completed, otherwise he will kill her, 

 so zealous is he in guarding the eggs and young from her possible cannilialism. In 

 outdoor pool culture this does not always appear to lie true. We have seen many 

 pairs work together in common interest. Dwarf Gouramis like to interweave bits 

 of vegetation into the nest, such as broken leaves of Myriophyllum. In this work 

 the female helps with apparent enthusiasm. Illustrations 72 to 76 are all nest- 

 builders. Additional breeding instructions on page 255 (Laliyrinth Fishes). 



85 



