254 DESCRIPTIVE KEY TO PAGES '-U TO 2^ 



B2 GROUP 



THE BASS OR THE SUNEISH GROUP. Eggs are deposited 

 in a hollow excavated in a sandy bottom by the adults for this pur- 

 pose and carefully guarded by the male until they hatch and also 

 after the 3'oung fish first emerge and are defenceless against their 

 enemies. Microscopic live food in the form of infusoria must be 

 abundantly provided for the young fish, who, even later, do not take 

 kindly if at all to prepared dry foods. 



B3 GROUP 



THE CARP FAMILY, including all the varieties of the Gold- 

 fish. Spawning habits same as Group Bla, differing only in respect to 

 the fact that the fish under B3 deposit their eggs all over the plants, 

 mainly at the surface. Fish of Group Bla usually deposit their 

 spawn near the bottom. For elaboration of the breeding habits of 

 this famih". see ])age 47. 



B4 GROUP 



THE CHARACIN FAMILY, mostly distinguishable by the 

 small adipose or fat rayless fin situated on the back between the 

 dorsal fin and tail. Spawn like Group Bla. 



B5 GROUP 



THE CICHLID GROUP. Fish of this family are savage 

 wooers, sometimes tearing each other to pieces, so that they need to 

 be closely watched at this time. Some breeders first separate the 

 proposed pair by a glass partition until the}' seem to display friendly 

 intentions towards each other, then letting them together. If there 

 is not an open combat they may presently interlock mouths in what 

 seems to be either a tug-of-war or a protracted kiss. The outcome 

 mav not be told at once. The twinship of love and hate will never 

 be shown more clearly ! After the action is repeated several times 

 it will either end in a happ}- marriage or murder, unless human 

 interference steps in. It is preferable to try to mate fishes of the 

 same size. Otherwise the smaller is likely to lose heart and make a 

 retreat. Males and females seem to be ecjually "temperamental," 

 which is a polite way of descri])ing a nasty disposition. In justice to 

 them it should Ije said that in large pools none of these fatalities 

 occur. The^' deposit adhesive eggs on stones or, in the aquarium, 

 on the convex side of a large flowerjiot laid on its side, or on the 

 glass. Eggs hatch in 3 or 4 days, during which period the parents 

 take turns in swimming o\-er the eggs and fanning fresh water over 



