CuHaPpTer XXVIII. 
| THE DISEASES OF THE GOLDFISH. 
The goldfish, when in perfect health, carries the dorsal fin 
in an erect position, in other words, fully expanded. Its colors 
are very distinct, the body of the fish glistening as though 
highly polished. The fins appear very clear, translucent, allow- 
ing an examination of their structure, they are also very flex- 
ible, moving in the water with animation and grace, When 
closed by the fish, the gill covers fit tightly against the head. 
Liveliness is not always an indication of good health, and, 
on the contrary, sluggishness is no positive evidence that the 
fish is ill. 
But when the brilliant red color fades away into an off- 
colored pink, or the milky-white portions of the body become 
intermixed with bloody streaks, or the fins of the fish appear 
to be coated with something unusual, or seem inflamed and 
stick together, or are carried close to the body, or when the 
gill covers appear so swollen that they will not fit tightly in 
their proper place, then the health of the fish has failed, and 
danger is close at hand. 
Most of the diseases of the goldfish are the direct result 
of ill-treatment while kept in captivity, and nearly always 
originate in the breathing apparatus; the gills, when affected, 
fail to supply the blood with oxygen. Some of the diseases, 
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