192 GOLDFISH VARIETIES AND 
Floating Aquatics 
DUCKWEED > 
This commonest of all floating plants is found in several species in 
still pools everywhere. From the middle of summer until cold weather 
many ponds are completely covered with this green mantle, greatly in- 
terfering with the work of collecting daphnia for fish food. Duckweed 
itself is a good food for goldfishes large enough to eat it, and has a 
laxative effect beneficial to the finer breeds. The form most commonly 
found is Lemna minor. Propagation is by offshoot extensions. 
AZOLLA 
Azolla caroliniana is one of the less used of small floating aquatics. 
It is not in any way a brilliant plant but has a rather quaint charm. The 
leaves are of velvety appearance and range from a dull sage-green to 
dark red, according to age and the conditions of light. To be had of 
dealers. Native to the Southern States. 
CRYSTALWORT 
Riccia fluitans grows in masses in small, angular shapes, resembling 
crystal formation. It floats just beneath the surface and is valuable in 
the propagation of small tropical fishes, some depositing eggs in it, and 
the new-born young of the live-bearing varieties using it for hiding 
places. Native to the Eastern States and may be had of dealers in aquatics. 
Fic. 145. Satvinia (Life sisc) 
Fic, 146. Trranea (Slightly reduced) 
