131 



playing. This fish can be distinguished from the carp- 

 bream by its silvery scales and smaller size. The habits and 

 habitat of both fish are alike. The White Bream is rather 

 common. It takes the bait of the fisherman in snch a 

 manner as to make the float lie flat upon the water instead 

 of going under its surface. Toung carp-bream and White 

 Bream are not by any means difficult to catch in their native 

 waters. If, however, they cannot be conveniently procured in 

 this way, they may generally be purchased cheaply enough 

 from some of the London dealers in aquarium requisites. 



The Pomeranian Bream [Abramis huggenhagii) is rare, and 

 Dr. Giinther regards it as a hybrid between the roach and 



Fig. 98. Bleak (Albhrnus lucidus). 



the carp-bream. It is certainly more like the former than 

 the latter. It should be treated according to the directions 

 given for the keeping and feeding of the carp-bream. The 

 Pomeranian Bream can sometimes be bought at the London 

 dealers. 



The Bleak (Alburnus lucidus) (Fig. 98) is a very active 

 and beautiful little fish, with bright glittering scales, and 

 looks . exceedingly well ia an aquarium ; but imf ortunately 

 it is not by any means easy to keep aKve in confine- 

 ment. It should be placed either in a large and shallow 

 tank which is well stocked with growing plants, , or in one 

 possessing a constantly-playing fountain. As Bleak are 

 great jumpers, it is necessary to cover the aquaria in 

 which they are confined. These little fish abound in many 

 of the rivers of England, swimming near the surface in 

 the swiftest pai't of the stream. Their natural food consists 



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