GENERAL CARE 325' 



It is somewhat destructive to plants, but a few specimens 

 will not injure vigorous growths. 



The species of Planorbis, the Trumpet-snails, are more 

 desirable. There are a number of native species, and the 

 common European form is usually obtainable from dealers. 

 There is also an albinistic variety of this snail which is much 

 in demand among aquarists. The fleshy parts and shell, 

 especially in younger specimens, are bright red in color, and 

 they are very effective among the green foliage of the 

 aquatic plants. 



The Pond- and Trumpet-snails propagate by means of 

 eggs, which are deposited in masses on the plants or sides 

 of the aquarium, enclosed in gelatinous capsules. If undis- 

 turbed, these hatch in about two weeks, according to the 

 temperature of the water. All fishes large enough to do so 

 will feed voraciously on the young snails, and some will 

 attack the eggs, so that few are generally reared in the 

 aquarium. If the eggs or young, or, better still, the breed- 

 ing snails, are removed to a small tank or jar where they 

 will not be disturbed, large numbers may be reared without 

 difficulty. The young should be fed on tender leaves of let- 

 tuce and fine fish food. 



The larger snails of the genus Paludina are harmless to 

 the plants when the supply of food is sufficient. They may 

 be distinguished from the preceding species by the posses- 

 sion of an opercle, with which they are able to close the 

 opening of the shell. In these snails the eggs, after fer- 

 tilization, are retained by the female, the young finally 

 emerging fully equipped with shells and large enough to 

 escape the attentions of all but the strongest fishes. 



One or two tadpoles should always be kept, as much for 

 the interesting metamorphoses through which they pass as 

 for their value as devourers of refuse and algae. Tadpoles 

 of the common Green Frog are the most desirable. 



