66 



THE FAMILY AQUARIUM. 



taught to come to the side of the Aquarium, and take 

 food from the -hand. He soon acquires confidence, if un- 

 disturbed, and will follow his fair keeper quite around the 

 tank, manifesting considerably what may be called a 

 grateful recognition. 



The Gudgeon is another amusing little fish. He seldom 

 grows to over four inches in length ; but as he is gregarious, 

 and accustomed to swim in company, three or more, if 

 any, should be introduced into the Aquarium together. 

 His back is of a purplish-green ; his belly a faint purple 

 running into a dusky-white ; his tail and dorsal fin a 

 light brown, waved or spotted with darker brown. He 

 thrives fully as well in the tank as in his native home. 



The SuNFisH, or common Pondfish {Pomotis vulgaris) ^ 

 is so familiar to the least instructed that he needs no 

 description. He owes his common name to the glittering 

 hues he exhibits while basking in the sun. In some parts 

 of this country he is known as the Pumpkin Seed, on 

 account of the numerous spots that adorn his body. He 

 is quick, comely, and interesting ; but w^e cannot com- 

 mend him as a companion for other fish in the Aquarium. 

 He is excessively quarrelsome, and has a vicious habit of 

 attacking the eyes of his associates, as if he took a de- 

 light in rendering them blind to his own pursuits. 



The Shiner ( Stilbe chrysoleucas) is a beautiful little 

 fish, and well adapted to the Aquarium. He is to be 

 found in the fresh-water streams of this and the adjoin- 

 ing States. We have kept a number of them for months. 



