i8 



THE AQUARIUM. 



corner for retirement. It attains the length of about a 

 foot. 



The Perch is a noble-looking fish to introduce into a 

 large aquarium, but its great voracity necessitates care 

 being taken to have only small specimens. It should be 

 well fed with worms and insects to prevent its disposal 

 of smaller fish. 



Undoubtedly one of the best fish for aquaria is the 

 Minnow, although its natural habitat is running streams. 

 Being of a very active nature its movements are a source 

 of great interest, whilst the clear white of the lower half 

 of its body contrasting well with the olive nues of its 



More interesting perhaps than any other species is the 

 common Stickleback of every pond and stream. We 

 confess that this fish has long been our favourite in the 

 aquarium. It is probably the first subject in the 

 aquarium-keeper's experience. Most persons can date 

 their start in aquarium-keeping from the time when, as 

 youngsters, they sallied forth to the nearest pond, armed 

 with a stick, a length of cotton, a few worms, and a 

 pickle-bottle, — the tackle required in the capture of this 

 pluckiest of all fish. For courage and daring it is 

 unrivalled. It has been credited with attacking and 

 destroying fishes five or six times its own size, running at 

 them and ripping them up with its sharp spines. On 



Stickleback. 



Fig. 7. 



back gives it a pleasing 

 appearance. After being 

 in the aquarium for a 

 short time this fish loses 

 whatever timidity it may 

 have possessed in its na- 

 tive streams, and will will- 

 ingly eat from the hand. 



