Fish Maladies 327 



the health, or even the lives of fishes of spe- 

 cial value become endangered by one or the 

 other complaint to which they are subject, 

 it pays to try to cure them by following the 

 directions based upon the experience of 

 practical aquarists and fish hatchers. 



The nonparasitic maladies, due to mis- 

 takes in treatment or lack of care of the 

 fishes, if not too far advanced, can often be 

 checked and eventually cured by better care 

 and closer observation of the habits and re- 

 quirements of the inmates of the aquarium. 

 A healthy fish is usually lively, alert and 

 rapid in its movements, during which the 

 fins are well extended. It will remain un- 

 der water most of the time and readily take 

 the offered food. As soon as a naturally 

 lively fish begins to be sluggish, when its 

 colors fade or lose their luster, when it de- 

 clines or ignores the offered food, and re- 

 mains near the surface of the water with 

 fins folded and motionless, it is time to com- 

 mence treatment. 



