122 



FEESH-WATEB AQUAEIA. 



in a rather large and shallow aqnariimi, and not crowded 

 there; for they are subject, not only to the fish fungus or 

 mould, but also to another disease which causes their scales 

 to turn black. Roach while in confinement may be fed upon 

 crushed vermicelli. 



The depth of the body of this fish is- a little greater than 

 the length of the head. It " is stoutly built, of a silvery 

 colour on the sides, and of an olive-brown upon the back. 

 In maturity the fins are red. The lateral line has a down- 

 ward curve. The mouth is toothless, and rather blunt. The 

 scales are large, and become easily detached. This fish 

 seldom exceeds 1ft. in length and 21b. in weight. 



The Chub {Leuciscus cephalus) (Fig. 92) is a hardy and 

 'handsome fish, and will live for a long time in an aquarium 



Fig. 92. Chub (Leuciscus cephalus). 



under judicious management. He is rather a large eater for 

 his size, and seems to prefer insect food. A small kitchen 

 blaokbeetle (so called) will soon tempt him to feed from the 

 fingers. In a natural state he lives upon larvae of insects, 

 worms, and the tender shoots of water-plants, but in the 

 aquarium he will readily learn to feed upon vermicelli. Chub 

 are found in many of the rivers in England, especially in 

 those which have a gravelly bottom. They may be caught 

 with either a fly or a minnow as a bait or by " float fishing." 

 They ought not to be more than Sin. or 4in. in length for 

 the aquarium; but should they be larger than this, it will 



