348 THE AQUARIUM 



fishes. It is able to travel long distances overland, pro- 

 pelling itself by means of sharp spines on the gills and fins, 

 or, in case of drought, to bury itself in the moist bottoms of 

 dried-up pools and await the coming of rain. Some skepti- 

 cism is shown as to its ability to ascend trees, but it has been 

 recorded by good authorities that the fish can climb inclining 

 trunks for a distance of several feet. This seems to require 

 confirmation. , 



The best known species (A. scandans) is far from lovely, 

 being of unattractive form and dull olive in color, but its 

 curious habits recommend it to the aquarist. It is hardy and 

 long-lived in captivity, and feeds well on the usual foods. 

 Its tank must be kept carefully covered, to prevent it from 

 jumping out. 



The Cichlid fishes (Cichlid^) are bass-like in general 

 appearance, but are separated from this group by several 

 important anatomical characters. There is a vast array of 

 species, extending throughout tropical America, Africa and 

 western Asia. From Mexico southward almost every 

 stream has its own kind and sometimes several. In Costa 

 Rica the writer has taken three distinct and gorgeous forms 

 from a tiny brook not more than a foot in width. In 

 British Guiana a narrow irrigation ditch swarmed with a 

 very handsome species which could be scooped out in the 

 hands. Many of these fishes are exceedingly brilliant in ' 

 color. , 



These are hardy aquarium fishes, being mainly carniv- 

 orous, and thriving on scraped beef, chopped clams and 

 worms, Crustacea and prepared foods. They are quarrel- 

 some in the extreme, and often even a pair cannot be kept 

 together. If a pair can be induced to live amicably, they are 

 not difficult to breed, when they form a most interesting 

 family group. The eggs are deposited in a' hollow in the 

 sand, and fanned by the fins of the male until they hatch. 



