GOLDFISH BREEDS 



red and brown or a combination of these colors, sometimes associated with 

 black. It is hardy and tenacious of life, grows to large size, often attain- 

 ing a length of i6 inches and reaching an age of 12 to 16 years, with re- 

 ported instances of even greater size and longevity. It is prolific and will 

 thrive under trying and adverse circumstances in any Stillwater pool, cis- 

 tern, tank or aquarium. It will withstand almost any temperature unless 

 deprived of sufficient oxygen or subjected to sudden changes and may be 

 transported over long distances. It is easily domesticated, and like its 

 progenitor, the Crucian carp, will survive considerable periods out of the 

 water in wet waterplants, to keep the gills moist. 



When the fish has a grey or olivate hue, it is known as a silverfish, but 

 these colorings may not be permanent and at some time either become 

 mottled or entirely change to golden hues; though this rarely occurs with 

 white or albinoid fishes; and when it does is usually just before or during 

 the breeding season, thereby proving that the fish was only a dull colored, 

 colorless or uncolored goldfish. Sometimes the color is entirely white 

 with an irridescent or rainbow lustre. These are known as pearlfishes, 

 their oftentimes red eyes proving them to be albinos. 



When they have almost transparent scales and bodies, as sometimes 

 happens with the white or very light-colored fishes, hybrids crossed with 

 Japanese or Chinese stock, they are called transparent goldfishes, and 

 these offer most interesting study in the aquarium, as all the functions of 

 their existence may be observed through their transparent sides. ■ Others 

 of the goldfishes have a deep, resplendent blue-brown color on the sides 

 and so dark a tone on the back as to appear to be black, with the scales 

 sometimes outlined with metallic purple-bronze or bluish tints. These 

 are commonly known as black goldfishes and are not highly prized, 

 though a close study of the beautiful and fleeting changes of color should 

 lead to a higher appreciation. These fishes usually lose their colors and 

 assume those of the ordinary goldfish. All the common goldfishes are at 

 first of a dull greyish-brown or olivate color. 



Another fine distinction is in the shape of the head. When its out- 

 line, from the snout to the dorsal fin, forms an even upward curve, the 

 head somewhat flattened on the sides, with the lower side of the body, 

 from the gill covers to the caudal fin, nearly on a straight line, the fish 

 is known as a Ram's nose; and when the head is very broad and rounded 

 on the sides, with thick lips, is slightly depressed at the interorbital space 

 and where the head joins the trunk, and the back very much rounded, the 

 whole fish having a porcine appearance, it is known as a Hog's nose. 

 These characteristics have been bred by the Japanese and Chinese, but 



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