AQUARIUM FISHES 331 



which is covered with a protuberant, fleshy growth, extend- 

 ing down over the cheeks. This hood appears when the 

 fish is about eighteen months old, and reaches its greatest 

 developipent in about two and one-half years. 



Only within the last year or two have American breeders 

 been able to produce good young of this form, perhaps be- 

 cause of the scarcity of suitable breeding stock. All of 

 the best adults now seen are imported fishes, but it is hoped 

 that within two or three years domestic specimens will have 

 developed sufficiently to equal them. 



The Oranda is very similar to the Lion Head, but differs 

 in possessing a heavy veil tail and a well-developed dorsal 

 fin. The hood is less pronounced, but this may be merely 

 individual, as the Oranda is not yet so well known as the 

 Lion Head. 



Goldfishes are easily kept if properly fed, and are not 

 difficult to breed. The chief point in feeding all fishes is 

 not to give more than is taken at once. If any remains, it 

 should be carefully removed. No hard and fast rules for 

 frequency can be laid down, but the fishes should be fed 

 once or twice a day, according to their willingness to par- 

 take. Like all of the carps, goldfishes are chiefly vege- 

 tarians, and the bulk of the food should be of this nature. 

 The white wafers commonly sold as goldfish food are most 

 undesirable, as they contain little nourishment and discolor 

 the water. 



Excellent foods, mostly of German origin, are sold by 

 all dealers. They are composed of proper mixtures of 

 natural animal and vegetable food, and are well calculated 

 to sustain life. Goldfishes will also take boiled cereals, 

 ants' "eggs," dry or fresh, bits of chopped clams and 

 worms, and almost any insects small enough for them to 

 swallow. 



Those who care to take the trouble, or are unable to 



