128 PREPARED FISHFOODS 



not apply to fish in their second year or over, although oatmeal in much 

 smaller quantity is good for them also. 



An improvement on boiled oatmeal is secured by adding a moderate 

 portion of powdered shrimp, dried fish roe, dried mussel flesh or pow- 

 dered shredded codfish. For preparation of ingredients see page 129. 



Dried bread crumbs make good food for goldfishes, or for vegetarian 

 wild fishes, especially when Graham or whole wheat bread is used. 

 If out of other fishfood this will be found a convenient and satis- 

 factory substitute. 



Practically all fishes enjoy scrambled tgg. Beyond doubt it is 

 a fine change from dried foods, possessing both nutritive and laxative 

 qualities. A little Cream of Wheat or Cream of Barley mixed in be- 

 fore scrambling increases the bulk and improves the balance of the 

 food. For those who, like the author, had to learn to scramble an 

 egg, we give the method : Beat the tgg, add a bit of salt and a table- 

 spoonful of milk or water to make it more tender. Stir in teaspoon- 

 ful of the cereal if desired. Pour into saucepan which had been 

 thinly greased with butter and place over a moderate fire, stirring 

 rapidly to prevent sticking. In feeding it should be somewhat broken 

 up. The slight grease on the water does no harm and soon dis- 

 appears. The mixed tgg may be rendered into greaseless flakes by 

 slowly pouring into boiling water while stirring. Add a little salt to 

 the water, as well as the tgg. Gather flakes by pouring through 

 tea-strainer. 



Finely chopped crisp lettuce leaves are eagerly taken by many 

 fishes, no doubt to their benefit. 



Boiled spinach as prepared for the table, chopped finely, is enjoyed 

 by many aquarium fishes, especially goldfishes. It seems to have a 

 distinct laxative effect. 



In feeding any kind of dried granular food it is best to use small 

 sizes. Water causes the grains to swell considerably. This sometimes 

 produces indigestion when the food swells after being swallowed. Some 

 fanciers scald dry food just before feeding, which is no doubt a good 

 practice. 



It might be well to repeat here that the use in the aquarium of 

 pebbles without sand is inadvisable because granular food lodges in 

 the stones, where it cannot be reached by the fishes, eventually decom- 

 posing and fouling the water. 



Dried mussel flesh in powdered form is now obtainable. It may 

 be used either without preparation or as an ingredient in a com- 

 bination food, or it can be moistened, baked and ground to size. 

 Those who have tried it speak well of it. The price is quite low. 



