The Inhabitants of the Aquarium 187 



large fins are orange in color with a bright 

 blue border. The pectoral fins are an ex- 

 ception, appearing as two threads of the 

 most intense orange red. The male fish can 

 easily be recognized, as not only the colors 

 are considerably more intense, but the fins 

 are also stronger and larger. A never fail- 

 ing distinction between the sexes is a large 

 orange-bordered spot of the darkest blue on 

 the cheek of the male, even young male fish 

 having this spot, which, on the female, ap- 

 pears only very faintly, if at all. 



In a later chapter the mating and nesting 

 of this most interesting little fish is described. 



The Macropodes thrive best in water 

 which has been kept in a tank for some 

 time. Even in partly renewing the supply, 

 entirely fresh water should be avoided. 



The Gourami (Osphromenus olfax) is a 

 very beautiful fish, comparing favorably 

 with the Macropodes. In 1902 Mr. Eggel- 

 ing imported the first Gourami direct from 

 Calcutta. In shape it is not unlike the Mac- 



