The Inhabitants of the Aquarium 123 



the other fins show no abnormally strong 

 development. Indeed in good specimens the 

 dorsal fin is totally missing. This fish is the 

 most unfortunate of the whole family. Un- 

 able to see in any other direction than up- 

 ward it is practically helpless and unable to 

 look for food except on the surface of the 

 water. 



So far most attempts to breed the Celes- 

 tial Telescope fish either here or in Europe 

 have failed, so that it is to China that we are 

 indebted for all the fishes of this variety sup- 

 plied to our markets. They come in all 

 colors of the gold fish, but the highest priced 

 specimens are of a uniform velvety black. 

 The price of this fish, when of perfect shape 

 and with all the essential points well de- 

 veloped, is almost prohibitive, except for the 

 wealthy aquarist. Moreover, it is a very 

 difficult fish to keep. 



The Comet-tail Gold Fish (Carassius au- 

 ratus', var. japonicus simplex)wa.s introduced 

 in this country about 1872. From its scien- 



