TROPICAL 
AQUARIUM . . . 
H ERE is a darkened hall set with 
a number of brilliantly-lit and 
attractively decorated and planted 
tanks suggesting a series of animated 
pictures. As more than a hundred 
species of exotic fish are usually 
shown only a few of the more 
interesting specimens can be des¬ 
cribed here but all fishes are fully 
labelled. 
While hardly “ exotic/’ the electric 
eel is the fish which attracts the most 
attention. This specimen, now more 
than five feet in length, was caught in British Guiana but these fishes are fairly common 
in the fresh waters of north-eastern South America. The electric eel is reputed to reach 
eight feet in length and is then capable to giving a shock of 600 volts. Having no teeth 
to speak of the eel stuns small fishes with an electric discharge into the water and then 
swallows them whole. 
A more recent addition is the electric cat-fish from Tropical Africa. While much smaller 
in size than the electric eel, this cat-fish can give quite a good shock if touched. Its usual 
method of feeding is to sidle up to another fish and give it a slight shock which usually 
causes it to vomit up the remains of its last meal which the cat-fish promptly eats ! 
Of the small exotic fish the neon tetra is the one which always “ catches the eye.” This 
dazzling little gem from Peru has a glittering streak of emerald green running almost from 
the nose to the tail, passing through the eye. In addition, a splash of crimson decorates 
each side. A curious fact was noticed recently in connection with this crimson colouring— 
a dead specimen was laid upon a sheet of paper and, when it was removed, a crimson stain 
was left behind. 
Another fish of outstanding beauty is the male Siamese fighting fish, which produces 
gasps of admiration whenever it “ displays ” by spreading its gorgeous fins. The speci¬ 
mens exhibited are domesticated varieties of the wild fish and appear in diverse colours. 
From time to time it is possible to show marine specimens, particularly the droll little 
sea-horse. There are many species of these fishes varying in size from an inch or two up 
to “ giants ” more than a foot in length. The sea-horse is encased in a bony skeleton 
with openings for the mouth, eyes, fins, etc. The tail is prehensile and allows the owner 
to anchor to a convenient piece of sea-weed or, if none should be available, to his fellows. 
Our sea-horses usually come from the Bay of Biscay and are fed on daphnia and baby 
fishes. 
★ ★ ★ ★ 
BELLE VUE DIRECTORATE: 
Chairman : Managing Director : 
H. F. B. ILES, m.a., j.p. R. M. DIXON, f.c.r.a. 
Directors : 
I. ANDERSON, o.b.e., m.c. W. B. CULLEN, f.c.a. 
JOHN KAY A. S. HART 
Photo by B. Garth , F.R.P.S. 
TEXAN CICHLID 
Twenty-six 
Secretary : 
T, G, NOLAN, f,i.a,c» 
Milestones of Entertainment 
' By “Buckland” 
“ Buckland ” 
(D. Buckland-Smith) 
Press and Publicity Chief 
of Belle Vue 3 Manchester 
As we pass another milestone along the road of 
entertainment success, I again have the honour of 
introducing a new Guide to this world-famous 
Showground. 
In doing so I am faced with the great difficulty 
of having insufficient space at my disposal to 
adequately convey to you the great happiness, the 
interest, pleasure, thrills and sensations that are 
attractively presented in this famous Playground. 
This Guide will, however, in brief but sincere 
picture and story, outline the many excellent attrac¬ 
tions that have made Belle Vue outstanding in the 
Amusement World. 
Always absorbingly satisfying, it is the ideal 
rendezvous for “ a day out,” and in this direction 
has given to millions of visitors their money’s worth 
and more. It has given quality, quantity and 
worthy service for over 116 years and will never 
fail to continue to give just that. 
Belle Vue’s policy is to maintain and increase its popularity yearly by giving such a 
full measure of entertainment that will meritably justify its description of “ The Show- 
ground of the World.” 
GATEWAY TO A THOUSAND PLEASURES 
The Main Entrance Avenue to Belle Vue showing the famous Floral Clock, Gibbons’ 
Cage and perspective view of Europe’s most sensational ride “ Bobs Coaster 
Twenty-seven 
