AQUATIC PLANTS 



187 



idea of the general type. They thrive in the aquarium if given plenty 

 of strong light. The Bladderworts are carnivorous plants, trapping 

 the microscopic lower forms of animal life in their bladders, where 

 they are digested. It has been claimed that they can trap extremely 

 small fishes, such as the young of Dwarf Gourami, but we do not 

 know that this has ever been definitely proven. There can be no 

 doubt, however, that the plant does take living food which would be 

 useful to young fishes, and to that extent is objectionable. 



HAIR GRASS 



Eriocaitlon scptangularc, a dainty hair-like aquatic of recent intro- 

 duction, fills small tropical aquaria in an agreeable manner. It is 

 another of those plants forming a useful adjunct to the breeding of 

 tropical fishes. It multiplies rapidly from short runners and is a good 



Fig. 170. Hair Grass (Life size) 



