TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 149 
Turlington’s Balsam as described for White Fungus. Feed on good 
nutritious substances, such as daphnia or chopped earthworms. If the 
fish seems to be standing it satisfactorily, keep in the strong salt for about 
one week, changing the water daily and relying on accurate measurements 
for salt quantities. A progressive permanganate of potassium treatment 
may also be used, but should not be continued as long, five days being 
about the maximum for a fish in poor condition. Start at one grain to 
the gallon and go up to three. With this chemical there is no need of 
gradually reducing the strength, but a new solution should be mixed daily, 
and twice daily is better, always remembering not to change temperature 
of water. Happily Black Fungus is not as prevalent as formerly, owing 
probably to the fact that we now have many more American wholesale 
breeders, thus doing away with the necessity of purchasing so many fishes 
that are in a thoroughly bad condition from hard trips across the Pacific 
Ocean, and shorter but equally hard travels across the American Continent. 
Itch. The itch is one of the more common complaints in the aqua- 
rium. The fishes are observed to quickly rub their sides against the firmer 
objects in the aquarium, often against pebbles on the bottom. The affec- 
tion is caused by different fish parasites. 
TREATMENT. Although this trouble is caused by different organisms, 
they all yield to the progressive salt treatment (page 144). The aquarium 
should be cleaned out before fish are returned, and care exercised! to keep 
it in a cleaner condition, paying particular attention to seeing that no 
uneaten particles of food are left lying about. The introduction of more 
snails and a small Weatherfish or two (see page 13) will help to avoid 
a recurrence. It is not improbable that mussels consume a large number 
of suspended parasites and bacteria of various kinds. 
Constipation. Among the highly-bred, short-bodied fishes, constipa- 
tion, as well as other mechanical disorders, is naturally common. The 
much shortened bodies throw the internal organs out of position, give rise 
to swimming bladder troubles and tie up the muscles which must dis- 
charge eggs and also the excrement of the fishes. Lack of proper exercise 
in the cramped confines of the aquarium and too highly concentrated foods 
are other causes leading to constipation. The excrement should be of a 
brown color and free from bubbles or any slimy appearance. In health 
it usually is seen in long sections. 
TREATMENT. An equal mixture of sea salt and Epsom salts, made 
to a strength of one ounce of salts to the gallon, will usually prove bene- 
ficial. It is better not to feed the fish during the period of treatment— 
about two days. The trouble may be due to overfeeding, and in any case 
a short fast will probably do good. 
