18 
Lakeview Ponds, M+. Airy, Cincinnati— 1892-1934 
Forty-Second Year 
“FRIENDSHIP” COLLECTION 
No. T2 
| One pair of each of the Fish shown 1 
1 above, except Betta and Paradise, 1 
I making eight pairs of congenial I 
| Tropical Fish. A splendid collec- § 
| tion for a 12-Gallon Aquarium. § 
| Plants and snails to Balance the 1 
| aquarium are included. (Value, 1 
| $9.00.) Noextracharge d* 
1 for can. Collection No. 4) 
| T2, only. 
Tropical Fish are Interesting 
T HEBE are hundreds of varieties of small fresh water fishes, native to the various 
warmer countries of the world, which may be successfully kept in aquariums 
and pools. Of the many species of these fish, a few are outstanding in their 
beauty of color and form, as well as their interesting habits of breeding. During 
the past ten years the hobby of keeping these tiny Tropical Fish has gained great 
popularity in Europe and in the United States. We list here only the best varieties 
of proven merit. 
KEEPING IN THE HOME—When properly managed, a balanced aquarium (See 
Page 14) can be easily maintained; and with clear water, growing plants, and with 
some colorful Goldfish and a few lively Tropical Fish, is a source of much beauty. 
Tropical Fish will live contentedly in rather close quarters, and will proceed to mate 
and raise their families in their accustomed way. However, if you are a beginner 
in this hobby, we suggest that you order at least one of the books we list before you 
start. The most essential points for keeping Tropical Fish are a balanced, healthy 
aquarium, kept between 65 and 75 degrees. If possible, do not allow the temperature 
to vary more than a few degrees. For extra heat in Winter, automatic electric 
heaters are now available at low cost. (See Page 22.) 
* Varieties marked (*) will live together peacefully. 
KEEPING IN POOLS—Tropical Fish may be kept in outdoor pools with Goldfish 
from June to September. However, they are of course very small and inconspicuous 
for a pool, as their iridescent colors are best seen through glass. 
FEEDING^ -The feeding of Tropical Fish requires special foods such as we list 
on Page 21. Feed adult Tropical Fish once a day, and only as much as they will 
consume in fifteen minutes. It is important to have no surplus food in aquariums 
of Gold or Tropical Fish, as this fouls the water quickly. Clams and Snails are 
used as scavengers, also Weatherfish, Corydoras paleatus (the Brazilian Catfish) and 
Tadpoles. These creatures will help keep the water pure by eating up uneaten 
portions of food. 
SHIPPING—Tropical Fish are shipped in standard containers during warm 
weather, from June to about the end of September, for which we charge 50c each, 
non-returnable. At other times of the year we use special insulated cans or jugs 
for which we ask a deposit of $2.00 each, which will be returned when the con¬ 
tainer comes back. (Return charges only 20c per can by Prepaid Express from any 
point in U. S. We guarantee live delivery of Tropical Fish except in very cold 
weather. 
LIVE BEARERS 
'GUPPY ( Lebistes reticulatus) —These 
fish, often called “Peacock” and “Rain¬ 
bow” fish, because of the numerous and 
variegated colors of the males, which 
seldom exceed 1 inch in length, are the 
best known of all Tropical Fish. Fe¬ 
males are much larger than males, but 
lack their brilliant colors. A very pro¬ 
lific live-bearer giving birth to from 20 
to 40 young every four to six weeks. 
The young fish, if kept in a well-planted 
aquarium and not too crowded, are 
often ready to breed when only 10 to 12 
weeks old. Our strain of Guppies will 
produce males of exceptional quality 
and color. (Males not quite as large as 
shown.) 
Per pair, 25c. Per dozen, $1.00. 
'SAILFINS (Mollienisia latipinna )— 
The most colorful native fish of the 
Southeastern and Gulf States of our 
own country, and a live-bearer. Its 
popular name “Sailfin” was derived 
from the appearance of the large dorsal 
fin on the male. As these fish will 
stand temperature as low as 55 degrees, 
and are 2 to 3 inches in size, they are 
also well suited for use in outdoor fish 
pools during the Summer, and will not 
be harmed by Goldfish. They are 
largely vegetarian in their diet, and like 
to clean the algae that grows on Sagit- 
taria plants. They will also eat the 
growing tips of Valisneria. 
Per pair, 75c. Per dozen, $3.00. 
'BLACK MOLLIENISIA—Though of 
the same species as the Sailfins, they 
are the result of many years of selective 
breeding, so that now the adults of this 
variety are a beautiful black velvet 
color. Younger fish are spotted, turning 
black with maturity. “Black Mollies” 
are aPo largely vegetarian in habit. 
Medium size, per pair, $1.50. 
All Black adults, per pair, $4.00. 
'MEXICAN SWORDTAILS ( Xipho- 
phorus helleri) —Also a native of Mexico, 
and a live bearer. Body generally a 
bluish green on sides, abdomen silvery, 
two lateral lines of either red, orange or 
yellow on each side. These side mark¬ 
ings form upper and lower margins of 
the “sword” on males and meet at the 
tip or point of sword. Good specimens 
often attain a size of 3 inches and more. 
Per pair, $1.00. Per dozen, $4.00. 
'RED SWORDTAIL—S a m e general 
characteristics as the green swordtail, 
but body is an attractive red or “tan¬ 
gerine” color. Lateral lines are several 
shades darker than the body color. 
Sword is greenish gold with black 
Live Bearers 
(Continued) 
border. The males of this variety have 
a true “Swordtail”—not the short sword 
of the hybrids. A striking color con¬ 
trast in the happy family aquarium. 
Per pair, $3.50. 
'BLACK HYBRID HELLERI, originated 
through the cross breeding of Black 
Moon and Green Swordtail, is now a 
clear strain, and young are born true to 
form. Sides of body are black, under¬ 
parts light brown, dorsal region bril¬ 
liant dark green. Fins light green to 
yellowish. This is one of the most 
striking gems of the Tropical Fish 
world. This fish is susceptible to 
change in quality of water as well as 
temperature. Keep the water in our 
shipping can, and get them used to 
your tank water gradually. 
Per pair, $2.00. 
'MOONS or PLATYS (Variety Platy- 
poecilus maculatus), were first imported 
from Mexico, but through selective 
breeding many variations in color have 
been obtained; and at this time about 
the only resemblance to their progeni¬ 
tors that still remains, are the body 
lines and fins. All will do well in the 
happy family aquarium, though to 
breed, the full red, or “Blood” moons 
should have constant temperature of 
about 75 degrees. Size, 1 to 1% inches. 
Blue Moons.Pair, $ .75 ; Doz., $3.00 
Black Moons.Pair, 1.00; Doz., 4.00 
Gold Moons.Pair, 1.00; Doz., 4.00 
Pure Red Moons.. Pair, 1.50; Doz., 6.00 
'MOSQUITO FISH (Gambusia affinis) 
—A native live bearer from Florida 
waters. Females light brown to silver; 
size, 1 14 to 2 inches. Males lighter 
burnished silvery color; size, 1 inch and 
less. As their name implies, these fish 
are true mosquito killers and are used 
extensively for that purpose. Can be 
subjected to temperature as low as 45 
degrees without serious result. Some 
strains will withstand light ice on the 
water. A few of these tiny fellows will 
keep the small pool or tub garden en¬ 
tirely free of mosquito larvae. (But so 
will the Goldfish!) 
Per pair, 35c. Per dozen, $1.20. 
BUBBLE NEST 
BUILDERS 
'BETTA SPLENDENS—The fighting 
fish from Siam. These gorgeous fighters 
may be kept in the community tank 
with other species, but they just can’t 
agree with the male members of their 
