DESCRIPTIVE KEY TO PAGES 2U TO 232 261 



rivals as roosters in a barnyard. Dense vegetation and sufficient space 

 are the best protection for weaker fish, and females which have just had 

 young should be isolated for several days before being placed with their 

 males, or they may be persecuted to death. With the exceptions of the 

 species herein specified, most live-bearers will live together in harmony 

 in a large aquarium. 



N3 GROUP 



Members of this group are mostly egg-laying, such as Haplochilus, 

 Fundulus and Rivulus. These can be kept in large numbers together, if 

 of approximately same size, but otherwise are best kept in pairs. The 

 larger species, such as Haplochilus sexfasciatus, rubrostigma, etc., are 

 best kept only with their own species, as their tendency is generally war- 

 like. They eat their own and the young of other species. 



N4 GROUP 



Fish of this classification are more or less inclined to hunt trouble, 

 but when kept in numbers together, each fish is afraid of a rear attack 

 from his fellows and consequently nothing happens. This refers to the 

 labyrinth fish or bubble-nest builders and is noticeably manifest among 

 Paradise fish, Polyacanthus cupanus and dayi, Osphromenus, etc. The 

 Dwarf gourami is exceptional in this class for his peaceable nature. 



N5 GROUP 



Very large goldfish and other members of the carp family some- 

 times eat their smaller brethren, but in the main they are peaceable and 

 devoid of the combative element. Except for a scavenger fish or two 

 it is better to keep highly developed goldfishes by themselves. 



N6 GROUP 



This group includes the most savage species, such as the 

 Cichlids. Out of breeding season and in a large aquarium ranging 

 from 65 to 70 degrees, they may be kept together, especially in 

 numbers, but danger is always present. It is very necessary to pro- 

 vide places of shelter for the pursued, such as flower pots laid hori- 

 zontally, crockery, small clay soil pipe or rock arches. It is best to 

 keep known mated pairs together. Solitary confinement seems to 

 increase the severity of the nature of these fishes. 



NOTES. The temperatures given in the Alphabetical Index are average for the 

 species indicated. Breeding, especially among the tropicals, usually requires a little 



Fishes classed as "Omnivorous" eat a variety of foods. They are likely to 

 thrive on a diet composed of vegetable and animal ingredients. 



