SOME FRESHWATER AQUARIUM FISHES 



THE SPINY-RAYED FISHES 



The Bass, Perch, Pike, Pike-perch, and other predaceous spiny-rayed 

 fishes need not receive mention here, as their beUigerent habits preclude 

 their being kept in aquaria with other fishes. They thrive only in large 

 tanks having a constant flow of fresh water. Very small specimens are 

 sometimes kept in aquaria, but it is difficult to keep them alive. 



COLLECTING IN STREAMS AND PONDS 



One of the chief pleasures incidental to the household aquarium for 

 other than goldfishes, is the collecting of the plant and animal inhabitants 

 of running streams and standing water for home study, observation and 

 classification, and the pleasant outings with congenial companions which 

 this occupation affords. Very few and simple appliances are required; these 

 being a close-meshed pond net with a long sectional handle, upon which 

 a small garden hoe and a wire scoop may be fastened, a collapsing dredg- 

 ing net, a fishing line and minnow hooks, a. can of two gallons capacity, 

 a number of small tin cans with perforated lids and small bottles for catch- 

 ing and holding the water inhabitants; and, for the collecting of plants 

 otherwise out of reach, a wire dredging hook or grapple fastened to a 

 strong cord. Larger cans are required to transport fishes, covered with 

 gauze, not with a lid, and if ice is necessary it should be put into the gauze 

 cover, not into the water. 



In collecting, a certain indication of abundant animal life is the 

 presence of a considerable plant growth, and a careful examination of 

 the floating and submerged leaves, the overhanging foliage, the bottom 

 and the stones is advisable before rendering the water muddy with nets 

 and scoop, which should be turned out on a clear space rather than 

 in the grass, as the contents can then be better searched and the catch 

 seen. The route should also be up-stream that the water may be clear. 

 In addition to identifying the plants and preserving such as may be desired, 

 a thorough examination of them, as well as of the mud and gravel, should 

 be made as these are the home of many insects, larvae, and molluscs. 

 The dredge will also yield many of the latter not otherwise readily ob- 

 tained. 



The late summer and fall months are the best for making collections 

 for the household aquarium, as those collected in the spring may not sur- 

 vive the summer heat. 



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