NATIVE FISHES 103 



THE SILVERFIN 



Notropis analostanus 



Of all the native fishes tried in the aquarium by the writer the 

 Silverfin stands out as one of the most satisfactory. For aquarium pur- 

 poses the male fish should be selected. The ends of their fins are of a 

 whitish, satiny color from May till September. Darting around in the 

 aquarium, their sleek bodies overcast with a pale steel-blue, and sides 

 laced with black-edged scales, they make a most attractive appearance. 

 Two of them will often indulge in what appears to be a game of tag, 

 during which they will chase each other around a short circle, producing 

 the effect of a pinwheel. 



A 50-gallon aquarium, with plenty of open space, containing about 

 ten adult male silverfins is most fascinating. 



They are very hardy, tame, and will eat any prepared food. Harm- 

 less to other fishes. 



They may be caught in the open reaches of the fresh tidal portion of 

 the Delaware as well as its upland tributaries. 



Silverfins have been kept in aquaria for several years, but unusual 

 care should be exercised to cover with a screen to prevent their leap- 

 ing out. 



THE DARTERS 



With few exceptions the Darters have no swimming bladders and 

 are therefore considerably heavier than water. They move along the 

 bottom in jerky motions somewhat like hopping. When in reach of 

 their prey they make a short leap. Although this seems to be short of 

 the mark they always succeed in getting what they go after. One 

 would imagine them to have a long tongue like a frog, moving with 

 the same invisible rapidity. There is something quaint and droll 

 about the Darters. The majority of them cannot stand warm water. 



The Rainbow Darter Esteoma coerulea is probably the most bril- 

 liantly colored of our native fishes, being barred with red, blue, orange 

 and green in most striking fashion. On account of its brilliant coloring 

 it is known as the Soldier Fish. It occurs in shallow streams of the 

 Mississippi Valley. Extremely fond of daphnia or very small worms, 

 but may become trained to taking shreds of raw meat, shrimp or fish. 

 They can be kept best in cool water and are well worth the eft'ort. 



THE ROACH, OR SHINER 



Abramis crysolcucas 

 This fish is one that takes easily to the aquarium and is quite 

 hardy under anj^ reasonable conditions. It is very active. In the 



