200 Fresh Water Aquarium 



The Chanchito needs a sandy bottom and 

 fairly dense planting in order that it may 

 thrive well and mate, thus giving its owner 

 a chance to observe the very interesting 

 manner in which it proceeds to prepare for 

 this important event and in which it cares 

 for its young. The fish first prepare shallow 

 depressions in the sand. Then the male 

 pushes the female towards the hollow, using 

 often more force than is necessary, biting or 

 tearing her fins and body. After the spawn- 

 ing, and the recovery from the exhaustion 

 following this process, the fish take turns in 

 guarding the nest against intruders. Both 

 sexes by a rapid waving of the fins create 

 a circulation, thereby supplying fresh water 

 and oxygen to the spawn. Soon the young 

 fish appear, and are closely watched by the 

 parents. The whole family swims about to- 

 gether, the old fishes leading, always re- 

 turning again to the original nest until the 

 young are strong enough to take care of 

 themselves. The Chanchito is very aggres- 



