144 Fresh Water Aquarium 



rous fishes. Its back is of a rich olive color, 

 the sides are bluish. During mating in 

 spring the colors of the male fish gain con- 

 siderably in intensity, the belly turning yel- 

 low, and a black and red spot appearing on 

 the gills. In almost all the states of the 

 Union this fish is to be found in ponds and 

 such rivers as are connected with still water. 

 It prefers water with a dense vegetation. 

 As soon as spring weather begins to warm 

 the water, the sunfish looks for a spot free 

 from vegetation, sandy if possible, shallow, 

 and near the shore. Here the male pre- 

 pares the nest, which consists of a slight de- 

 pression in which the female lays her eggs, 

 which, after fertilization by the male, are 

 guarded and protected against intruders by 

 both parents. This otherwise very shy fish 

 now changes its character entirely and be- 

 comes sufficiently bold to try to prevent even 

 powerful enemies from approaching its nest. 

 After the eggs are hatched, both fishes, 

 biting, and beating with the fins, violently at- 



