Y loess Paraben pasaap ise mations wet Aueacyiecentel wth . darter 0727 sons wet v6 32 90 aida nh eerie) wterarerte sem Sew aeeryepr ie alot etal abet leer SToverapeet tA . eesti Pak apiboreeae rede Pepncreite ie 7 : ene arp ae Par He aenatih Dota ow * RPT Tet ; r rer : a . aaeatt “i ns : ~ ; rere vay — 4 . : ‘ stiaesneetncmerecee sts shoes Fs ~ Seevanstae® “ ga ste eB ah rent neebnihs BebgtebeA nang roberery sat af Rakion ; ‘ Sera ranctaheperyame abet Srpured prseweaes pote tata HARVARD UNIVERSITY. LIBRARY OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY $0,930 j Se es 50, 93 Aquattc Lrfe Volume III, 1917 - 1918 WW. A. POYSER EDITOR PUBLISHED BY JOSEPH E. BAUSMAN PHILADELPHIA Copyrighted 1917 - 1918 BY JOSEPH E. BAUSMAN All Rights Reserved tN fom i mm i ee eee eee 3s Acara: bimaculata, 153; tetramerus, 99. Ambassis lala, 21. Amblystoma tigrinum, 53. Ampullaria gigas, 105. Anabas scandens, 11. Animals, Numbers of, 95. Aquarium: Accessories. 66. 67; Biochemis- try of, 139; Care. 65, 98; Construction, 131; Food rings, 67; Heating, 8, 95; Nets, 14; Optimum of water, 97; Oxygen (compressed) for aeration, 118; Photo- graphy, 45, 121; Plant containers, 38: Public, 85; Scavengers, 66; Saltwater or Marine, 71; Salt. use of, 67, 98; Water conditions, 139, 164. (See also Fish Foods, Plants, Snails.) Asellus aquaticus 49. Axolotl, 53. Baird, Spencer Fullerton, 162. Barbus: conchonius, 52; sundry species, 52. Batrachoseps major, 9. Betta splendens, 57; nest of, 58. Bitterling, 48, 94. Blackfish. 71. Bluefish, 122. Carbon dioxide, 164. Carp, Blue, 97. Chaetodipterus faber, 123. Chanchito: Common, 64, 143; Scarlet, 44, 119. Cichlasoma: erythrogaster, 44; facetum, 64, 143; steindachneri, 118. Classifying Fishes, 83. Climbing Perch, 11. Conservatory, 117. Cyprinodon variegatus, Breeding, 69. Dace, Copper-stripe, 114. Danio: albolineatus, 125; analipunctatus, 33; Hybrid in, 33; Pearl, 125; rerio, 28, 33; sundry species, 104. Daphnia: Carrying box, 155; propagating, 100; Sieve, 93. Darter: Fan-tailed, 145; Johnny, 83; dry species, 84. Diemyctylus pyrrhogaster, 160. Dragonfly larvae, 43. Eleotris marmoratus, 113. Enchytraeus, Propagating, 10, 138. Etheostoma flabellare, 145. Fighting Fish, 57, 59. Fishes, Resuscitation of, 27. sun- INDEX TO VOLUME IIL ) 9 6 PR 6 Fs Ps BG Fs BS 6 Oe 6 SSG Bs SS Ss Bs Be 6 Bs Sg Pe) Nearer nnncn yo ia F- Fish Foods: Algae, 158; Corethra, 19, 20; Daphne, 93, 100, 155; Enchytraeus, 19, 138; Goldfish, 67, 93, 117; Mosquito, 15, 18, 126; Nematoid worms, 166; Rotifers, 166; shrimp, 124. (Refer also to Gold- fish and other fishes.) Fundulus heteroclitus, 30; Notes on, 29. ‘Geophagus jurupari, 16. Goldfish: Address to (poem) 147; broadtails, 104; Breeding, 89, 114; Celes- tial with dorsal, 66; Diseases. 78: Ex- hibitions, 80; Foods, 67, 93, 117; Fraved rope for spawn, 95; Fringetail or Ryu- kin, 136; Gravid female, 89; Japanese Broadtail, 31; Japanese Method of Breeding, 114; Lionhead 15, 129, 136: Marengo, 129, W363 Oram, ig, 16s Ranchu, 129, 136; Rearing, 101; Rearing tanks, 92, 101, 102, 117: Sex marks, 91: Shishigashira ranchu, 15; Shubunkin 34; Shukin, 136; Spawning in Aquaria, 10; Spawning net, 91; Spawning plants. 92; Telescope (black), 116; Telescope (calico broadtail), 17, 78, 86, 90. (See also Aquarium,.Fish Focds, Plants.) Goode, George Brown, 163. Gourami: Thick-lipped, 76; Striped, 77; Sumatra, 88. Gudgeon, Purple-striped, 147, 164, 165. Haplochilus: cameronensis, 27; celebensis, 63; chaperi, 63; latipes, 55, 75. Haplochromis strigigena, 46, 64, 141. Hemichromis bimaculatus, 87. Heterandria formosa, 55. Hippocampus hudsonius, 61. Holocanthus nicobariensis, 148. Hybrid: Danio, 33; Poecilid, 35; phorus x Platypoecilus, 34, 35. Hydra, 60; life-history, 146. Hyla: versicolor, 41; pickeringii, 42. Ichthyology, The History of, 111, 127, 161. Krefftius adspersus, 147, 164, 165. Labyrinth Fishes, Notes on Nesting Habits of Two, 57. Lamprey, 84. Leporinus fasciatus, 20. Linne, Carl. 149, 151. Macropodus viridi-auratus, 58, 59. Medaka, 55, 75. Molge pyrrhogastra, 159. 1 Baby IDwwyari, 772 Xipho- 149, INDEX Mollienisia latipinna, 39. Mosquito: Food for fry, 126; larvae, 15; Sex, 18; Storing larvae, etc., 15. Mosquito Fish, 85. Mouthbreeder: Common, 46, 64, 141; South African, 51. Mud Minnow, 47. Nandus marmoratus, 160. Newt, Red-bellied, 159. Notropis: chrosomus, 114; metallicus, 114. Optimum of Water, 97. Oryzias latipes, 75. Osphromenus malayanus, 88. Paradise Fish, 58, 59. Parasites, 137; of Buffalo-fish, 60. Perch, Yellow, 111. Photographing Wild Fishes, 121. Photography, Aquarium, 45. Plants, Aquarium: Anacharis, 67; Bladder- wort, 59; Myriophyllum, 93; Sagittaria, 65; Salvinia, 46; Utricularia, 59. Platypoecilus maculatus rubra, 64. Plethodon glutinosus, 25. Polycentrus schomburgki, 16. Pomatomus saltatrix, 122. Pterophyllum scalare, Feeding, 124. Purple-striped Gudgeon, 147, 164, 165. Rasbora maculata, 21. Rhodeus amarus, 48, 94. Rivulus: flabellicauda, 13; tenuis, 13. Rotifers, 166. Salamander: Garden, 9; Slimy, 25. Saltwater Aquaria at Home, 71. Saltwater, Origin of, 21. Scataphagus argus, 50, 60. Sea-horse, 61. Snails: Four-horn, 105; 105. Spade-fish, 123. Spider, The Water, 70. Sunfishes, American: List of species, habits, etc., 1; Nest of, 4; Pigmy, 22. Terapon jarbua, 49. Thorichthys helleri meeki, 119. Thorichthys helleri, New Subspecies of, 119. General data on, 4 Tilapia: natalensis, 51; sundry snecies of, ole Toad, Common Tree, 41. Trichogaster: fasciatus, 77; labiosus, 76; lalius, 77. Tryonyx ferox, 157. Turtle, Soft-shelled, 157. Umbra pygmaea, 47. Variegated Minnow, 69. Water conditions (acidity and alkalinity), 164. Worms: Enchytrae (Enchytraeus), 10, 138; Nematoid, 166; White, 10, 138. Xiphophorus helleri, 36 SOG SNL September, 1917 10 Cents (Mesogonistius chaetodon) Black-banded Sunfish Courtesy of the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey =a Jacob C. Cassel vt 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food at and all aquarium requisites. y Send for Catalog. Ae Hi ns | Ht ! ll Ul i TM I li Ht tl eo oe Vertes Aquarium Specialty Co. sew Yoreciry * Fine stock of all breeds of gold fish the year round. Under present conditions we _ still succeed in showing an unusual good variety of tropical fishes, and imports are coming in quite frequently. We specialize in aquatic plants and snails. REVISED STOCK LIST OF AQUARIA OF OUR MAKE. Correspondence Solicited. JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. No Catalogues Galvanized Metal Frame, Enameled, Glass Steel Angle Frame, Heavy Plate Glass, or Slate Bottom Slate Bottom. ferns Or Tees) No. 8%. 24x14x14— 22. gal. ........ $8.00 8 Now 1 VT UG DE SOe Oo 104) COralaG— 9G Sal sosdssec 12.50 8 ab 2G hae 75 9415 2. 14x 9x 9 .....--. Lae Zo llld iC Hi, BG Bl GA, ~coaceco 20.00 8 ey, aeoe 17x11x11 Se Semon cool) 3.00 GGA | EOP I= A) GA nia sood a BYs00 8 ( “4, 20x13x13........ 3.30 00 “7%, 48x22x22—110 gal. ......-. 60.00 ( CON Bo HOES oig-bso Gice | LE) 6.00 “ 814, 54x24x24—145 gal. ........ 95.00 8 Solid Brass Frame, Projecting Slate “9%. 60x26x26—180 gal. ....... 135.00 8 Bottom, or on Legs. Any size or shape made to order. 8 Wo, 1, Ise Bx GS > DRe SL sce boonce GestY CO Ba valde Syrah) Palle Maa kee eee 4.00 CO 35 ARAL prea be) PPM len Garo cola ono 5.50 FISH FOODS. OC lS axils l4— ile! allow er coapetocer tone 7.00 8 Per Pkg. Per Lb. 8 Natural Fish Food ....... $0.10 $0.60 GLASSWARE. Universal Fish Food ..... alia 2.00 Dip-Tubes, Automatic Syphons, Ther- Ground Dried Shrimp.... 10 60 mometers, Feeding-Rings, Dip-Nets for Ground Dried Flies, ete... 51155 2.00 8 all purposes, Ground Dried Daphne ... .20 3.00 From 15ec. up and $1.20 per dozen Infusoria Creating Food .. Ld 2.00 | MM) 7000 >000c——D 000 ——D000CDO009 S000 S000 C000 CS 000 5000 50003000000 MD 000 D000 CD 000 D000 T4000 CS 000 TS 000 TS 000 CSM S000 C5000: A B C Aquarium Nets A B C Glass Scrapers a These nets are scientifically designed and U For removing dirt and vegetable growths carefully constructed of the finest materials. from the glass sides of aquaria, the A. B. C. The netting is soft and durable and the Glass Scraper is unexcelled. It has 12-inch 8 frames of non-rusting wire: handle and a well-sharpened scraping edge. No. 1. 1%x2% in., for Baby Fish. The A. B. C. Scraper is well made No. 2. 8x4 in., for Tropical Fish. throughout and with ordinary care will No. 3. 4 in., round, for Gold Fish, ete. last a long time. Sample of any by mail, 20c. Sample by mail, 25c. Special low prices on dozen and gross lots Live dealers can make splendid profits handling the A B C Line A B C SUPPLY CO. 1505 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York City, N. Y. peer eee tte fo st 000000 HD 000 D000 D000 C4000 C5000 CH D000 M4000 TM 4000 C4000 C0004 000000 < nm (The American Sunfish Family, with an Annotated Checklist of the Species JOHN LEE BENNINGTON ce ES 9s cs co eo os 0 ao a 6 a a a: Oe 6 a i oes Eupomotis gibbosus a Probably no species of fishes are better known to all men, and boys, than the sunfishes. Others may be as familiar by name, the food and game fishes, but these would scarcely be as readily placed taxo- nomically, though with some sunfishes specific determination is difficult. The group, including Elassoma and Microp- terus, ranges in size from little more than an inch in length to a weight of twenty- five pounds, though this latter is rare and far above the average. Equal diversity is presented in ecological relationships. Certain species evince a preference for running water; others like still water: some cloudy water, others clear; some a Courtesy The Nature-Study Review 8 PS OS 8 OS OS OS a PS Oe SPs PS Oa SPS OS Ly a CPS FS OS Oa Photograph by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt fom 8 a 0 8 a 8 i 8 Pn a a a as | clean, hard bottom, others mud; species will be found in ponds and lakes, rivulets and creeks and large and small rivers. The group is distinctly American, and ranges from Southern Canada through the United States to Mexico, though but a single species occurs west of the Rocky Mountains. The natural range of a num- ber of species has been extended through the efforts of the various fish commis- The family is, however, more characteristic of the Eastern States, where species and numbers are relatively more abundant. The sunfishes as a whole are remark- ably brilliantly colored, and rival the ex- sions. 2 Aquatic Lite otic cichlids more familiar to the aquar- ian. ‘The sexes present little or no dif- ferences. In disposition the species vary from the timid and inoffensive Black- banded Sunfish to the voracious black basses; all are carnivorous. In the wild live food is taken exclusively by all— small fishes, even their own fry, molluscs, crayfishes, entomostracans, water bugs, 5 8 6 Ps OS BS OSS PS 8 5 Os PP Photograph by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt § Rs 8 8 Oa 0 OS 6 OS 0 Ps OS 0 9 6 9 6 Or 0 OO 8 Oa SP 8 OO aquatic larvae, ete. In the aquarium some species can be accustomed to dry prepared foods, while others demand liv- ing material and require that it “wiggle” to be worthy of notice. The provident aquarist can meet the call by maintaining a supply of enchytrae, earthworms and mealworms during the winter months. Chopped lean meat will often be found ac- ceptable. It will be found quite amusing to feed flies. The fishes will almost leap for them and soon learn to anticipate the morsels. Ordinary household tempera- ture suffices for the sunfishes at all times, Eupomotis gibbosus, the Common Sunfish, in an Aquarium and probably the warmth of summer wili cause more discomfort than the cold of winter, particularly if the aquarium be small and therefore subject to a rapid rise during the day. Every aquarist seems to have an indi- vidual conception of the most attractive aquarium insofar as the assortment of fishes is concerned. Mine is a collection | | | | | | | | | : | | | | Courtesy The Nature-Study Review | | : : ! : ! of sunfishes. There seems to be but one requirement to ensure a happy, or rather non-quarrelsome family; all the speci- mens should be alike in size, the more voracious perhaps a little smaller. A big fellow becomes a bully, and will pester his smaller congeners. Individuality 1m temperament will also crop up, so a little watchfulness and the removal of offend- ers is advisable. The larger the aquarium the less trouble in this respect—and all others. ‘To the person of limited means the sunfishes solve the problem of an at- tractive aquarium at the minimum cost. Aquatic Zile 3 All the species seem to be nest build- ers. Most of our knowledge of them has resulted from field observations, as apparently but two, the Black-banded Sunfish and the Blue-gill, have been bred in aquaria. The preferred bottom seems to be of sand or gravel. The water-depth at the location selected varies with the species. Calico Bass construct nests at a depth of six feet, making observation difficult, while the familiar Pumpkin- seed chooses the shallows where all may see, the water at times barely covering the nest. Probably no fish is more am- bitious than the Pumpkin-seed in the construction of its nursery. With energy worthy of a larger fish, an oval or round spot, perhaps three feet in diameter, is carefully cleared of all movable debris to a depth of three inches or until the right sort of bottom is reached. The greatest depth is at the center or crater, sloping upward to a bank of sand about the cir. cumference. The eggs, one-twenty-fifth of an inch in diameter and so nearly re- sembling translucent grains of sand as to make detection difficult, are deposited in the crater midst the coarse sand and pebbles. During the spawning operation the male is ever alert to thwart trespass- ers. During incubation he assiduously guards the nest, and then the fry during the first few days. The female has been reported as assisting in rare cases. The male at this time, burdened with the re- sponsibilities of a large family, is a fear- less creature. Woe to a stranger ventur- ing near. It will not hesitate to attack even the largest fishes, and, as the sun- fishes nest in communities, an intruder will often be driven off by the combined efforts of the entire colony. After being deserted by the parent, the youngsters remain in companies, often for a consid- erable time. The following list is believed to include all the species. It has not been thought necessary to give the synonomy, which may be found in nearly all systematic works. In all cases the maximum re- corded size has been given, and, especial- ly among the larger species, it will be found considerably greater than the A number of the species are classed as food and game fishes, and are therefore protected by law. Permission should be obtained from the local fish and game commission to collect smail average. specimens for the aquarium in cases where capture would otherwise be illegai. Many can be purchased from private commercial fish hatcheries. Wild fishes in general are more successfully accli- mated in the aquarium during the fall months. Cis CK Sa: ELASSOMA EVERGLADEI. Southern Pig- my Sunfish. Brown, with darker spots; dorsal and anal spotted with red; two red spots at base of caudal. 1.3 inches. Swamp streams. North Carolina to Flor- ida. (Elassoma, diminution, a little thing ; evergladei, of the everglades. ) ELASSOMA ZONATUM. Pigmy Sunfish. Olive Green, 10 to 12 vertical bands on sides; fins faintly barred. 1.5 inches. Sluggish waters. Southern Illinois to Alabama and Texas (zonatum, banded). ed: ) POMOXIS ANNULARIS. White Crappie. Silver olive marked with green; fins mottled with green. 12 inches. Lakes, ponds and small rivers. Eastern U. S,, Great Lakes to Texas. (Pomo.-ris, sharp opercle; annularis, ringed. ) POMOXIS SPAROIDES. Green, Calico or Strawberry Bass. Silvery green, pink or purple diffusion; sides mottled with dark green; fins spotted in irregular rows. 12 inches. Clear lakes and rivers. Eastern and Southern U. S. to Texas (sparoides, like Sparus, the sea bream). CENTRARCHUS MACROPTERUS. Found 4 Aquatic Lite Sunfish. Bright yellowish or pea green, with rows of dark brown spots; soft dor- sal and anal faintly mottled or barred. 6 inches. Lowland waters and streams. Virginia to Florida and Louisiana; northward in Mississippi Valley to Ilin- oe e e ° 0° 0000 000000000000 000000 00000 200000000000 0000 09, e e 2 ee ee e AMBLOPLITES RUPESTRIS. Fock Bass. Pale green with dark mottlings; dark sopt on each scale; fins mottled. 14 inches. . Ponds and streams. Spawns on gravelly bars. Canada and southward through the Mississippi Valley and east- te Large Nest Entirely Exposed Courtesy The Ohio Journal of Science ig “spe, at igh 3 : Fos ey ret fest ert ee Keg ees DM POTTTTI te “eo ccccccccccccccccccccocccccccecccccceeccccccs.'..° pecemices ois. A desirable species. (Centrarchus, ward. Predaceous. (Ambloplites, blunt spiny anal; macropterus, large-finned. ) ACANTHARCHUS pomotis. Mud Sun- fish. Dark greenish, with five blackish lengthwise bands; cheeks banded. 6 inches. Sluggish muddy waters. New York to South Carolina. Voracious and nocturnal—likes to hide. (Acantharchus, spiny anal; pomotis, opercle-ear. ) armature; rupestris, inhabiting rocks. ) AMBLOPLITES RUPESTRIS CAVIFRONS. Cope’s Rock Bass. Distinguished from the preceding by larger mouth and more projecting snout; front concave; cheeks naked. Virginia. (Cavifrons, concave forehead. ) ARCHOPLITES INTERRUPTUS. Sacra- Aquatic Lite 5 mento Perch. Blackish above, sides sil- very, with about 7 blackish upright bars ; fins plain. 24 inches. San Joaquin rivers, California. The only member of the group native to the reg- ion west of the Rocky Mountains. (Archoplites, anal or vent armature; im- terruptus, interrupted. ) Sacramento and Elassoma evergladei CHAENOBRYTTUS GULOSUS. Warmouth; Black Sunfish. Dark green above, cloud- ed with red, blue or bronze; yellow be- low; vertical fins mottled. 1o inches. Creeks and rivers, mud-bottoms prefer- red. Great Lakes region eastward and southward to Louisiana and Texas. (Chaenobryttus, yawning growl; gulos- us, large-throated. ) E,NNNEACANTHUS Blue- Spotted Sunfish. Males dark olive green, numerous blue spots on body having a tendency to form cross-stripes ; opercular spot pearly blue with blue margin; fe- males duller. 3 inches. Clear streams. New Jersey to Florida. A desirable aquarium fish ; somewhat shy and not apt GLORIOSUS. to quarrel. (Enneachanthus, nine-spined ; ° gloriosus, glorious. ) ENNEACANTHUS oBEsus. Little Sun- fish. Olive green with 5 to 8 dark bars; body, cheeks and fins with purple or golden spots. 3.75 inches. Sluggish Massachusetts to Florida. Shy and not particularly pugnacious. (Obes- us, fat or thick. ) MESOGONISTIUS CHAETODON. Black- banded Sunfish. Straw-colored, silvery or purplish reflection, with vertical black waters. bars. 4 inches. Coastal swamp streams and ponds, occasionally in rivers. New Jersey to North Carolina. Shy, retiring and docile; will not molest goldfish. Forms nest in dense plant-growth; has been bred in aquarium. Demands live food, preferably crutaceans (Daphnia, Cyclops, etc.). Dr. Hugh M. Smith ob- serves: “Judging by its behavior in cap- tivity, this dainty little fish eats only liv- ing, moving food. Even when hungry it refused chopped meat. When supplied with white-fish fry and trout fry it ate them promptly, but without great avid- ity. One fish which struck at a trout fry failed to grasp it, and, although the fry dropped to the bottom dead, the sunfish did not notice it further. Another stop- ped following a trout fry to pursue a gammarid. Insect larvae and small crustacea were always eaten readily, and such animals are doubtless the usual nat- ural food.” Mesogonistius, middle-angled sail, in reference to the contour of the dorsal fin; chaetodon, bristle-teeth, inap- propriate in direct application, and given because this sunfish resembles in colora- tion some species of the salt-water genus Chaetodon. ) Pomoxis annularis APOMOTIS CYANELLUS. Blue-spotted or Green Sunfish. Olivaceous, yellowish below ; each scale with an emerald green spot; sides with 7 or 8 dusky upright bars; fins dusky. 7 inches. Quiet creeks and small rivers. Great Lakes region south to Mexico. An attractive species Will dominate the aquarium if permit- ted; select smaller specimens. (A pomotis, 6 Aquatic Lite without opercle-ear; cyanellus, blue or bluish. ) Apomotis 1scHyrus. Life colors un- known. Peculiar to Illinois, and but three specimens have been collected. 5 to 7 inches. [Illinois aquarians should study the description of this species in Forbes and Richardson’s Fishes of Ilh- Mesogonistius chaetodon nois, and compare carefully with all un- familiar specimens collected. If secured, Professor S. A. Forbes, State Labora- tory, Urbana, Illinois, should be in- formed at once, if possible sending a specimen preserved in alcohol or forma- lin. (ischyrus, stout or robust. ) APOMOTIS PHENAX. Deceptive Sun- fish. Olive green; body deeper and more compressed than A. cyanellus; scales lagen) 6 imehess ) Beesley toimt, Neo: Little known; locality in doubt. (phena., deceptive. ) ApoMOTIS PUNCTATUS. Spotted Sun- fish. Olivaceous, with numerous tiny deep brown spots, smaller than pin-heads, sometimes covering entire body. 6 inches. Lowland streams. South Caro- lina to Florida. A handsome and dis- tinctive species. (punctatus, spotted. ) APOMOTIS SYMMETRICUS. Symmetrical Sunfish. Green with darker bars; body and fins with numerous brown specks. 2.5 inches. Rivers, ponds and lakes. []- linois to Louisiana and Texas. (symmet- ricus, symmetrical. ) LEPOMIS AURITUS. Long-eared Sun- fish; Yellow-belly. Light olive above; belly orange; scales of sides pale blue with reddish centers; fins yellow or orange; opercular flap long and narrow. 8 inches. Streams. Maine to Louisiana ; abundant east of the Alleghenies. An at- tractive species with a fair disposition. (Lepomis, scaly opercle; auritus, eared. LEPOMIS AURITUS SOLIS. Distinguished from the preceding by larger scales on cheeks and breast, and a dusky spot on rear dorsal. (solis, of the sun.) LEPOMIS HAPLOGNATHUS.° Mexico. Olivaceous; yellow below; cheeks with — blue bands. 4.5 inches. Little known. (haplognathus, simple jaw.) LEPOMIS HUMILIS. Red-spotted swun- fish. Laight olive with small dots of gold or emerald, and spots of orange; belly deep orange. 3.5 inches. Small rivers, lakes and ponds. Middle U. S. and the Dakotas to Texas. Probably the most brilliant of the sunfishes. (humilis, hum- ble. ) LEPOMIS MACROCHIRUS. Chain-sided Sunfish. Steelish-blue, with many orange Apomotis cyanellus spots so arranged that the ground color forms a series of vertical chain-like bars. 5 inches. Ohio Valley south and south- west to Kentucky and Missouri. Hand- some and hardy in aquaria. Very vora- cious. (macrochirus, large hand.) LEPOMIS MEGALOTIS. Large-eared Sunfish. Brilliant blue above; orange below ; sides with orange spots and blue Aquatic Zile streaks ; cheeks orange with blue stripes. 6 inches. Creeks and small rivers. Mich- igan to Minnesota, South Carolina and south to Rio Grande. Very attractive. (megalotis, large-eared. ) LEPoMIS MINIATUS. Dark olive, with rows of bronze or purplish spots below lateral; below light or brassy; cheeks Lepomis auritus dark bluish-green. 4 inches. Lakes and ponds. Mississippi Valley; Southern II- linois to Florida, Louisiana and ‘Texas. (mimatus, vermillion or scarlet.) LrEPpoMiIs PALLADUS. Blue-gill Sunfish. Light to dark green with purple lustre; sides with dark bars; belly coppery-red. 12 inches. Ponds, lakes and rivers. Great Lakes to Florida and the Rio Grande. An attractive fish for large tanks. (palladus-pallidis, pale.) Eupomoris EURYoRus. Rare and little known. Allied to E. gibbosus. 6 to 8 inches. Lakes and creeks, Northern Great Lakes region. (Eupomotis, truc opercle-ear ; euryorus, wide margin. ) EUPOMOTIS GIBBOSUS. Common Sun- fish; Sunny; Pumpkin-seed. Olive above with bluish reflection; sides spotted with orange ; cheeks orange with blue streaks ; lower fins orange, dorsal and caudal with orange spots; opercular flap black, rear margin bright scarlet. 6 inches. Ponds and streams. Eastern U.S. An attract- ive fish and probably the most abundant species. Select small specimens; large ones are quarrelsome. (gibbosus, round- ed outline like a full moon. ) EUPOMOTIS HEROS. Pale olive, slight- ly mottled; black opercular flap with wide border, which is blood-red in males, pale in females. 8 inches. Streams. Southern Illinois and Indiana to Florida and the Rio Grande. (heros, hero, after a genus of Cichlidae which this species resembles. ) EupomMotrs HOLBROoKI. Holbrook’s Sunfish. Dark green above; silver be- low; breast yellow; fin dark with yel- low rays. 10 inches. Lowland streams. Virginia to Florida. (holbrooki, in hon- or of Dr. Holbrook.) EUPOMOTIS PALLIDUS. Bears a resem- blance to L. palladus. Rare; few speci- mens known. 7 inches. Georgia to Texas. MICROPTERUS DOLOMIEU. Small-mouth Black Bass. Dull green with brassy lus- tre. 6 pounds. Cool, swift waters. Can- ada, Middle and Eastern U. S. (Microp- terus, small-finned, an inappropriate name; dolomieu, in honor of Dolomieu, a French naturalist. ) MICROPTERUS SAL MOIDES. Large- Lepomis palladus mouth Black Bass. Back green; sides silvery; belly white; black lateral band. 25 pounds. Lakes and sluggish warm water; has been taken in brackish and salt water. U.S. east of the Rockies. (salmoides, like a salmon or trout; inap- propriate, but given because this species is called “trout” by the fishermen in some localities, especially in the South. ) 8 Aquatic Lite An Emergency Heater CHARLES M. BREDER, JR. When the aquarium heater fails, and the tropical fishes are in danger, float a shell-glass tumbler in the tank with a sweet oil night-light in it. Place a num- ber of lead shot, or other weight, in the bottom of the glass; just enough to pre- vent it from capsizing. Pour in sweet oil until the glass settles to a point where The Heater in Use Drawing by Author the water is about one-half inch from the brim. After the correct quantity of oil has been ascertained a rubber band may be passed around the glass as a marker LOGMAuMcUTe nm nllides wel | rounde that mathe average glass floated in this way holds enough oil to last for twelve hours or more. Fifty wicks for these night-lights, to- gether with a float for them, can be bought at almost any drug store for ten cents. They are designed to furnish a dull light for the sick room. Additional floats may be made of a piece of tin and a few bits of cork, patterned after the one supplied with the wicks, if more than one heater is to be used. ‘The cover- glass directly over the light should be re- moved, as the heat arising from the lamp would cause it to crack. A corner may be cut from the cover if the heater is in- tended to be semi-permanent. It is not safe to use this device with large or very active fishes as they might upset it, but it is just the thing to save Danio rerio, or other small species, when things go wrong with the regular heating appar- atus. The fishes always congregate about one of these heaters, being attracted by both the heat and the light: Milwaukee Society Milwaukee Aquarium Society held its regular meeting on Wednesday evening, August Ist, in the Public Mus- eum. Mr. C. G. B. Schenk read an inter- esting paper on Goldfish, which was foi- lowed by a spirited discussion. The Society contemplates holding a competition in the near future for house- hold aquaria. A lively interest is indi- cated, so there should be a full represen- tation of the membership in the contest. The recent resignation of President Roth has necessitated several changes of officers, the following appointments re- sulting: President, George J. C. Steffen; Recording Secretary, W. R. White; Treasurer, George Hemsing—ArTHUR Simon, Corresponding Secretary. The Truth is stranger than fiction! “A copy of your interesting publication with subscription rates will be appreciated. Your postage will not be wasted as I in- tended to subscribe for it. I have an aquarium, but never dreamed that there was a publication for the aquarist. I picked up a copy in the street, and al- though it was full of dirt, I was able to distinguish your address. It is strange how one gets things sometimes.—Joseph Stern. OR a 6 OS as Oa 6 Fa as {hh owe me or 6 a 6 es | Batrachoseps Major, A oe ckobls Sulumander | DR A 7, SaUsON CM. ZS. mt meme om om mom. During the middle of April, 1917, I examined three specimens of the new salamander, Batrachoseps major, collect- ed by Mr. Charles Lewis Camp in Cali- fornia, and described by him in the Unt- versity of California Publications (Zool- ogy)**. These specimens were all alive and in fine condition, and shortly after they came into my temporary possession I made two five by eight negatives of them, all vertical view. One of these negatives has two specimens upon it, and the other three. The latter is rather the more in- teresting, and a photograph made from it is here reproduced, in that some idea of this new form may be obtained. It possesses an annulated tail, which is twice the length of its body, and fully as thick anteriorly. For a salamander, its limbs are rather long, and each foot nor- Three specimens of the Garden Salamander (Batrachoseps major) Camp. at one time lost his tail near the middle, and the part has been fully restored, a marked constriction being observed at the point of fracture. Photographed from life by the author; natural size. SS OS a SO OS OS OS 9 6 OS OS Oa 6 a Pat as a Ps eh, | st Os eas The smallest one 8 Oa a: a a a QS Dt ww a All the live specimens I had had probably been kepi in confinement some two or three weeks, or maybe more. mally possesses four toes. This may accouunt for my finding their under-parts a pale pink- ish gray rather than “light yellow,” as given by Mr. Camp. The upper parts ane, dan—_____ Inadvertently two illustrations in the August number were transposed. For Polycentrus schomburgki read Geopha- gus jurupart and vice versa. Owned by George E. Wilt Address to Goldfishes HARTLEY COLERIDGE (1796-1849) Restless forms of living light Quivering on your lucid wings, Cheating still the curious sight With a thousand shadowings; Various as the tints of even. Gorgeous as the hues of heaven, Refiected on your native streams In flitting, flashing, billowy gleams! Harmless warriors, clad in mail Of silver breastplate, golden scate;— Mail of Nature’s own bestowing, With peacefu: radiance mildly glowing— Fleet are ye as fleetest galley Or pirate rover sent from Sal!lee; Keener than the Tartar’s arrow, Sport ye in your sea so narrow. Was the sun himself your sire? Were ye born of vital fire? Or of the shade of golden flowers, Such as we fetch from Eastern bowers, To mock this murky clime of ours? Upwards, downwards, now ye glance, Weaving many a mazy dance; Seeming stil to grow in size When ye would elude our eyes— Pretty creatures! we might deem Ye were happy as ye seem— AS gay. as gamesome, and as blithe, As light. as loving, and as lithe, As gadly earnest in your play, As when ye gleamed in far Cathay; And yet, since on this hapless earth There’s small sincerity in mirth, And laughter oft is but an art To drown the outcry of the heart; It may be that your ceaseless gambols, Your wheelings, dartings, divings, rambles, Your rest ess roving round and round The circuit of your crystal bound— Is but the task of weary pain, An endless labour, dull and vain; And while your forms are gaily shining, Your litte lives are inly pining! Nay—but still I fain would dream That ye are happy as ye seem. Broad-tail Calico Telescope Goldfish Photograph by H. W. Schmid oso | %~ Fishes that live in the great depths of the ocean are usually blind, but are pe- culiarly adapted to their environment. The pressure where they live is sufficient to powder glass. ‘To overcome this the skeleton is porous and the water appears to circulate through them as through a sponge. They are so fragile out of water that when taken from the nets they al- most drop in pieces. This will seem re- markable because they are fierce carniv- orous creatures. Some are phosphores- cent, having one or even more colors. ee Mr. C. A. Holtgreve, 7419 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, desires to obtain by purchase the first volume of Aguatic LiFe; the bound edition, an un- bound set, or single copies. ——S Please discontinue my advertisement. I have disposed of all the fishes I had for sale. I have had very good results from the advertisement; in fact I received more orders than I was able to fill—Otto Gneiding. 18 Aquatic Life The perplexity of Deacon Phishphan! Has it ever happened to your—F. R. WebBER, Chicago Aquarium Society. Philadelphia Exhibition The Free Exhibition of Aquaria and fishes under the auspices of the Goldfish Fanciers’ Society and The Aquarium Society of Philadelphia will be held in Horticultural Hall, Fairmount Park, October 6th, 7th and 8th. This is the biggest event in the calendar of the aquarist and attracts thousands of vis- itors. The coming show will far surpass those of former years. The finest gold- fish in the world, the beautiful exotic or tropical fishes, aquatic plants, new and unusual types of aquaria, and various in- structive features designed to help those not familiar with things aquatic will be shown. Entries may be made by anyone, whether a member of the Philadelphia Annual societies or not, subject only to a possible limitation of space should the number of individual exhibits prove unexpectedly large. Information as to entries may be obtained from the secretary of the Exhi- bition Committee, Fred Richardson, 3841 North Marshall Street, Philadelphia.— R. L. Harding. ee The first autumn meeting of The Philadelphia Goldfish Fanciers’ Society will be held in Saull’s Hall, 802 West Girard avenue, on Wednesday evening, September 19th. Annual public auction sale of fishes donated by members. Come prepared to give and buy !—Frep Ricu- ARDSON, Secretary. pall ie MO In the July issue appears an article on mosquitoes. The author erroneously blames the male for the blood-sucking. Asa male, I protest. The male mosquito, if he eats at all, is a poor, harmless veg- etarian. It is the ferocious Amazon of the species that causes all our trouble. As the mosquito is a good argument of mine against Woman Suffrage, I trust you will make the necessary correction.— Dodoichthys. ————— Don’t judge a man by his coat or a ham by its canvas cover. ABE Ae The chief value of nature study in character building is that, like life itself, it deals with realities. The experience of living is itself a form of nature study. One must in life make his own observa- tions, frame his own inductions, and ap- ply them in action as he goes along. The habit of finding out the best thing to do next, and then doing it, is the basis of character. A strong character is built up by doing, not by imitation, nor by feel- ing, nor by suggestion. Nature study, if it be genuine, is essentiallly doing — David Starr Jordan. i a a ener ane Use Regenia Aquarium Salts To replace the natural salts in your aquar- ium as absorbed by the fishes and snails. Excellent for plants. Help the snails form shell. Benefits the fish. Box of Six Pow- ders, 25c. For sale at Pet Stock stores. Violet-Ray Fish Remedy Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots on Tropic al fishes. Box of Six Powders, 25e. Safe and effective. REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. Station K. Philadelphia OOO D000 CT D000 TDM OOO CD00 C—D000' Rot, 000M D000C SD 000C—D000' Meee en bl g HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. fico) erent) mies Coco 000 CD00 Near Broadway. —<—<——Scoo Sco THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York Fine Broad-tail Telescopes BLACK & CALICO Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WILT, 1519 N. 62nd Street PHILADELPHIA FRANKLIN BARRETT EVERYTHING COMPLETE FOR THE AQUARIUM, POND AND LAKE Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. SEND FOR PRICE LISTS GEORGE’ S GOLDFISH SHOP | Goloftish of All Parieties George’s Imperial Fish Food Dried Shrimp Box 10c, per pound 60c PLANTS AQUARIA ALL SUPPLIES N. W. 60th and De Lancey Street, Philadelphia BETTER CUTS AT | « BETTER PRICES: PROMPT SERVICE GUARANTEED GOULD-WILHELM CO ARTISTS = ENGRAVERS = PHOTOGRAPHERS 44N.4% STREET PHILA. || SEND FOR SAMPLES#°PRICES THEY WILL INTEREST YOU} 10c Postpaid | ICS 000 C000: — C. NELLES | Dealer and Breeder of Tropical Fishes 25 Different Kinds Prices Reasonable MaKkE APPOINTMENT BEFORE CALLING 1305 3rd Avenue New York, N. Y. on Hand at Present BLUE BLACK AND VARI-HUED BROAD- TAILS AND VEIL-TAILS Good Quality Young at $3, $4, $5 a Dozen Breeders from $5.00 per pair GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremont Place Mt. Vernon: N. Y. | 7 Young eA | | Pterophyllum Scalare and Other Rare Tropical Fishes WM. L. PAULLIN 425 Wolf’ Street, Philadelphia, Pa. CoOoC S000 T4000 NO MAIL ORDERS SNL a 000 CD 000 CS 006 CS 000! IF YOU eon Are Looking for Something Extra Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes Don’t Forget W. H. HEIMBACH Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH Snails Plants FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! 413 NortH TENTH STREET ALLENTOWN, Pa. sa) o000c————c7°°1c COCO C000 CS 000 CS 000C— Line Brand The Brind [Bosh adh 2 (Reg’d Trade Mark.) Covers EVERYTHING GOOD that the Aquarist namely: needs, 1. ‘‘Best-Yet’’ Heated Aquarium (the only Trop- ical. Aquarium made). bo “Best-Yet’’ Fishfood (the product of twenty years’ practice). 3. ‘‘Best-Yet’’ Glass Scraper (keeps Aquarium Glass clear). é Dirt Remover sanitary, (Metal). Keeps healthy and 4. ‘‘Best-Yet”’ Aquarium won't break. fishes ‘“‘Best-Yet’’ Plant Fertilizer and Hydra Des- stroyer. Nothing like it! Send stamp fer special oO circular! Preserved Daphnia Live Enchytrae (See my May ad!) Tropical Fish in Greatest Variety Aquarium Plants. Zest Assortment! ‘‘Domesticated Fish’’ covering Gold and Trop- Price, $2.60, with Sup- Order NOW! First and Kbest Book, ical Fish exhaustively. piement or $2.08 without. N. B.—The Entire ‘‘Best-Yet’’ Line is only obtainable from myself, the manufacturer, W. L. BRIND 000 C000 C00 HS) OSCAR LEITHO 433 Fourth Avenue - _ Pittsburgh, Pa. | TROPICAL FISHES PLANTS SNAILS | Planorbis corneus Var. rubra Paludina Vivipara 8 Aquarium: 281 Southern Avenue p Write for Price List perinev ane 02 5) Se ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised in- doors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants Water Lilies 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Taxidermy Send for Catalog AQUARIUM WATER PUMP $2.00 Postpaid Send for Circular Are your Snails dying from decay- ing shells? Hang a block of lime in your aquarium. 15 cents each 2 for 25 cents, postpaid. WALTER M. COPELAND 179 Riverside Ave., Medford, Mass. A449 West 206th ‘Street, New York City ————] (Phone St. Nicholas 8418 before calling.) A Bevy of ve Seno. cal 100 Assorted - 5 to 7 Distinct Species An army of strenuous workers who will keep your aquarium free from unconsumed fish food, vegetable matter, and the confervae that con- tinuously developes on the sides. The 100, $1.00. Large Colored Pebbles Created in the depths of Lake Michigan, smoothed and rounded by her billows. They add color and lustre to the aquarium floor and blend harmoniously with all the other contents. Try a box. Large box, nearly a quart, Prepaid any address, 20c. THE PEARL PRODUCTS CoO. 236 Park Street Benton Harbor, Michigan id D900 C000 0005000: COO C——— Cc i Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N. Y Near Central ee L Station | | Breeder and Importer of 8 {TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES : — Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods hae, and Dried Daphnia QUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES 000 G3 SSS 000 SOS 000 Cc ——D MD 000 C000 CG New Aquarium Book GOLDFISH VARIETIES AND TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES By Wm. T. Innes This work is endorsed by the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries and leading fanciers. It is thoroughly practical in every respect, and is written so plainly that a beginner may easily understand every point, 170 beau- tiful illustrations, mostly from life, includ- ing prize winning Goldfishes. 19 chapters. Gives alphabetical list of 300 aquarium fishes, their breeding, foods, temperatures and care in detail. | Sent anywhere upon receipt of Price $3.00 Perfect Photograph of the Best Moor Goldfish Life-size, Natural, Extremely Handsome Price 50c We will enclose one of these prints with ench copy of our new book, “Goldfish Va- rieties and Tropical Aquarium Fishes,” where we send two or more books at re- tail- to one address. INNES & SONS, Publishers 129 - 135 N. 12th Street 000 => 000 GS A000 C—— 000 CS 000 000: TEN VARIETIES OF BEAUTIFUL | AQUARIUM PLANTS for $1.00 Postpaid J. Henrt WAGNER, chingion, Dice: The Onecet Subscribe for “THE AQUATIC WORLD” Trial 6 Months 25c Yearly 50c Money Back if First Number Fails to Please | THE AQUATIC WORLD, Station 0., Baltimore, Md. Philadelphia | | ae | 1909 North Capitol | Now is the time to list the Aquarium Vac- uum Cleaner in your Fall Catalogues. We are receiving repeat orders wherever it is placed and frequent inquires from private: parties asking who our representatives are. Samples by Parcel Post, 50c,75c, $1.00 Dealers Write for Discounts Mfg’d by Acton Electric Co., Inc. 1133 BROADWAY NEW YORK Patents Pending WALTER BELL | Breeder of Broad: tail Telescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS | 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable CARL LAZER Dealer and Breeder of Tropical Fishes Aquarium Plants Red Snails All Kinds of Aquaria and Supplies Open Evenings and Sunday | 647 West 184th Street New York City, N.Y. OOOTS000T S000 CS) 000TS000c AQUARIUM STOCK C 150 Chambers Street New York City Aquarium Specialists GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, SNAILS, ETC. Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Can 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Special Prices on Quantity Lots | Cash With Order Catalogue Sent Upon Request Orders amounting $2 delivered postpaic OF ) B ; : : Mail orders promptly attended to | | COOC— 000 TM D000 TSC 000: Sear ee CRESCENT FISH FARM Breeders and Collectors of Goldfish and Other Aquarium Fishes Alligators, Turtles, Chameleons, Snails, Water Plants 8 : mall We are now booking orders for Fall shipments of. Mollienisia latipinna, Gambusia holbrooki and paradise Fish. Mandeville Street, New Orleans, La. COO 000 D000T—000T— S000: 1624 i it ie ee ed HMchaelsen Bros GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies Wholesale and Retail Nippon Goldfish Co 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal Importers and Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH Drrect From BREEDERS IN JAPAN Awarded Gold and Silver Medals Panama-Pacific International Exposition San Francisco, 1915 ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES Price Lists Furnished to the Trade Only OOO 000 C000 C000 TS 000000000 | ie IOOO000 M000 000000 CS 000000 C——— 000: | 8 ; ji i E rit oo ee T | : mg OO0O00000 TD 000000000 = HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish | Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food 20c Box ; A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask vour dealer or send for it today. S000 CM S000T—000C 000 C3000 5000 TSC S000C S000) OOO C000 CMS 000T SCS 000 C000 TM S000 (000000000 000000 == .000000000 Breeders 8 A large assortment of splendid Telescope and Jap goldfish at reasonable prices. Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans, 45 Cents. Blacks and Calicoes $150 Doz. $5.00 Doz. Young Blues, Young Veiltails or Broadtails HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. WARNOCK STREET 8 PHILADELPHIA OOOCOCOO00 TMD O00000 00S 00S CS 00S O0C O00! GREEN RIVER FISH FOOD costs of ingredients, boxes and print- ing, it has become necessary to in- crease the price of these foods to 15 and 20 cents. When conditions again become normal the old prices will again prevail. HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 8 clo ee eee Due to the constant increase in : ee 77, So. wees =sa Jacob C. Cassel i ¥ 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food and all aquarium requisites. en rE ne I =| Send for Catalog. Ce en co gr ae Aquarium Specialty Co. xiwYorkcary Fine stock of all breeds of gold fish the year round. Under present conditions we _ still succeed in showing an unusual good variety of tropical fishes, and imports are coming in quite frequently. We specialize in aquatic plants and snails. REVISED STOCK LIST OF AQUARIA OF OUR MAKE. Correspondence Solicited. JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. No Catalogues Galvanized Metal Frame, Enameled, Glass Steel Angle Frame, Heavy Plate Glass, ; or Slate Bottom Slate Bottom. Ev Orn LOS No. 3%. 24x14x14— 22 gal. ........ $8.00 No. 1. (1x 7x 7 ......-. $1.35 $1.65 GO Awe sdMG—= YB wall godes soc 12.50 8 0 Bo MERE Bes Bon oocsee - Ueto pe C158, SOARS BFA sos soos c 20.00 8 te PRONE g52 o000 20D 0D R630 423202008 0h calle eae 35.00 8 ( A, DORMS ¢ ooo cae 3.30 4.00 Ue Chih | eR ODI) GET so. canoe. 60.00 | DP REE (CoS SSB ooo oe 5.25 G00 to 1802. -b4x24x24—— 145, gal. Gace 2-4) 99.00 8 Solid Brass Frame, Projecting Slate Pree WEAR SAS, {sells 9b co's 6c 1S}. 8 Bottom, or on Legs. Any size or shape made to order. 8 No. 1 OX GS —— Maye nal eye c.n tleweee $3.00 see 02, 14x 8x10— 5 SEM Siocon oc B00 4.00 “3. 16x10x12— 9 wale Pieesicssegeters 5.50 FISH FOODS. “4. 18xl2x1l4—14 Say usrchepenccer she 7.00 8 Per Pkg. Per Lb. 8 Nalturalmbishs hoodie... a0 $0.10 $0.60 GLASSWARE. Universal Fish Food ..... milly 2.00 Dip-Tubes, Automatic Syphons, Ther- Ground Dried Shrimp.... .10 .60 8 mometers, Feeding-Rings, Dip-Nets for Ground Dried Flies. ete... allay 2.00 8 all purposes, Ground Dried Daphne ... .20 3.00 | From 15ec. up and $1.20 per dozen Infusoria Creating Food .. oils 2.00 | S000 M4000 CS 000 C000 M5000 CS 000 CS 000 C000 S000 5000 D000 C000 C000 C—D 000 C000 TD 000 C000 TMD 000 T0000 TMS 000 CS 000C DCD 000000: A B C Aquarium Nets A B C Glass Scrapers These nets are scientifically designed and , For removing dirt and vegetable growths carefully constructed of the finest materials. from the glass sides of aquaria, the A. B. C. The netting is soft and durable and the Glass Scraper is unexcelled. It has 12-inch frames of non-rusting wire: handle and a well-sharpened scraping edge. No. 1. 14%x2% in., for Baby Wish. The A. B. C. Scraper is well made No. 2. 3x4 in., for Tropical Fish. throughout and with ordinary care will No. 3. 4 in., round, for Gold Fish, ete. last a long time. Sample of any by mail, 20c. Sample by mail, 25c. Special low prices on dozen and gross lots Live dealers can make splendid profits handling the A B C Line A B C SUPPLY CO. 1505 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York City, N. Y. OOO TM D000C—000C—000C—' re ea 000 C4000 TS 000 C000 T4000 C4000 C000 C000 C4000 C4000 CD000C—D000C—D000G—D000: as th — oe mom et 0 oa 6 a 6 a as a: Pe ee eee >. 6 6 Os ees ees The value of live food for aquarium fishes cannot be overestimated, which fact is clearly shown by the numerous articles appearing in these columns con- cerning the propagation of Daphne for the purpose. More recently “Enchytrae,”’ or white-worms, have entered the field, and I read with interest the article by Wie Crlpilcicedew NowAine) Birr Decem= ber, 1916, page 43. His statement re- garding their use as a food for aquar- ium fishes, “especially during the winter months when Daphne is scarce and un- obtainable,” leads me to ask: Why not feed Corethra? So little has been said about this particular larva, well-known and used with success by most of the members of the Milwaukee Society, that I often wonder whether these ‘‘subma- a SP Oa 6 Os Ot Corethra: A Winter Fish Food GEORGE HEMSING The Nets Showed a Yellowish Mass of Corethra 6 6 a at a 8 Oe a a a fF 3 rines” lurk only in waters adjacent to our fair city. This, of course, we know is not the case, for we read much about the gathering of Daphne, and while so engaged, others must surely be getting Corethra, as they occur in ponds of the same nature. To the uninitiated a word about larval Corethra may not be amiss. It is a long, narrow creature of extraordinary trans- parency, resembling glass. In fact, thou- sands may be in the pond under exami- nation, large numbers practically on the surface, and yet they can hardly be seen. They are known as “phantom larvae,” a name little to be wondered at, for no sooner is one noticed than it as mysteri- ously vanishes, only to reappear the very next moment possibly half an inch from 20 Aquatic Lite its former position. For some moments the larvae rests contented and motionless near the surface, then suddenly it changes its direction and faces the other way. They are supplied with colored air-sacs, of which there are four ar- ranged in two pairs, which act as floats and may also play some part in respira- Larva of the Midge, Corethra (After Weismann - greatly enlarged) tion. Corethra is predaceous, and its transparency assists it in capturing its prey. It is also possible that the colored air-sacs draw attention, and thus at- tracted by these bright spots, its victims are less able to discern the motionless form until it is too late, for the next mo- ment the Daphne or Cyclops, as the case may be, is roughly seized and held in the mouth of the larva, from which es- cape is prevented by strong hairs, and then the juices of the victim are ex- tracted. Inasmuch as Daphne and other crus- taceans form the food of Corethra, it follows that the latter are usually found where the former abound. In the hot summer months, when transformation into the mature gnat-like fly takes place, the larvae are scarce, but it is during this period that Daphne is found 1 abundance. The young Corethra hatched late in summer, however, remain in the larval state until the following spring, and it is therefore during the fall and winter months that the supply is most ample. Personally, I prefer Corethra as a fish food to Daphne, not only for the reason that one can lay in a supply (they can be kept for months in large pans of cold water, or even in tubs), but because | think they are more relished by the fishes, judging from the greediness with which they devour them, and, further- pedition ?”’ more, there is no danger of dead “bugs” contaminating the water in the aquar- ium, as in the case of an over-supply of Daphne, because Corethra will live in the tank as long as the fishes will let them. While their size prevents their be- ing fed alive to very small fishes, their use, however, is not limited to mature ones. Once a youngster is able to “smoke” a Corethra without strangling in the act, you can fairly see it grow. The remarkable growth attained by some of my exotic fishes I attribute solely to the diet of Corethra, and Corethra can be collected in winter; hence this story. The morning of January Ist, last, al- though not very early I assure you, found me pajama-clad answering the ring of my phone, and, after a “Happy New Year” exchange, my friend Rev. Rubrecht on the other end of the wire asked: “Do I understand that the pro- gram for this morning 1s a bugging ex- arranged. AvnGl 6) ihe WAS wor ae ws ® Bossa = Toes aS = eS TRS Brazil Leporinus fasciatus Within an hour, with buckets, nets, ice- pick and all the necessary paraphernalia, we were speeding along on a West Allis car for Johnson’s Woods, bug-hole bound. The sun shining bright, and the thermometer just at the freezing point, made a _ beautiful morning with just enough tinge in the air to put us on our mettle, happy as school boys during va- cation time. On arriving at our destina- tion, we immediately set to work cutting a hole. A week of zero weather had made the ice thick, but by taking turns Aquatic Lite on it was only a short time later that a cake about three by eight was cut and ‘“‘shoved under.” Now the question was, did we make a strike. Our cheesecloth nets were soon making their circuitous jour- ney through the water, creating a current which was the means of drawing the bugs owing to their lack of power of re- Ambassis lala sistance. After a few strokes the nets were withdrawn, and, anxiously peering into them, we joyously shouted “they’re here.” The operation was repeated again and again, the nets always showing a yellowish mass of nice clean Corethra. When we were about ready to leave, a happy couple who had followed us from our home, appeared at the top of the bank with a camera. For those fish fans who have never experienced the invigor- ating sport of “bugging in winter,” a photograph is reproduced herewith to show how it 1s done. —_—_~.>_____ The Origin of Salt Water Some twenty years ago Prof. Edward Hull, in a lecture to the members of the \ictoria Institute, London, explained that throughout all geological time the ocean had been receiving continual sup- plies from rivers bringing down not only sediments, but salts and carbonates, to gether with free silica, in solution. The sediment was deposited over the ocean floor, and generally not far from the lands, while the dissolved ingredi- ents were carried by the currents into all parts. Meanwhile the ocean surface was con- stantly giving off, particularly over the equatorial regions, enormous quantities of vapor, which were carried into the higher regions of the atmosphere and were precipitated in the form of rain and snow over the lands. Part, of course, fell on the sea again, but the greater quan- tity fell on the land surfaces, and was returned to the ocean in streams charged with fresh salts and carbonates. The consequence of that process must clearly be that the saline ingredients had been increasing in the oceanic waters from the earliest periods down to the present dav. ue oa The eggs of the native frogs are laid in large jelly-like masses; those of the toad in a long string. East Asia Rasbora maculata When filling an aquarium place a glass tumbler on the bottom and pour the water into it. After the water reaches the level of the top of the tumbler, the current will be deflected upward, and there will be no disturbance of the sand. Tne PIGMiIG suiNEISGES DR. ROBERT E. COKER, U. S. Bureau 7 ee: 6 i 8 Oh a a a aS LS & eR 8 OS es PS PS PS Pg PG 8 BS PS PP 9S OS OS Among the most interesting and the least known fishes of the United States are the pigmy sunfishes, Elassoma sona- tum, Jordan and Elassoma evergladei, Jordan, the smallest of our spiny-rayed fishes. Elassoma zonatum was originally described by Jordan in the Bulletin of the National Museum, No. 10, 1877, from specimens collected by Professor H. G. Reynolds in the Little Red River, Arkansas. He referred to them as “curt- ous little fish, representing a type en- tirely new to me, for which I would pro- Elassoma zonatum Pigmy Sunfish pose the above generic name” (Elas- soma, meaning a diminutive being). Jor- dan could not then positively assign the species to a particular family, but, a couple of years later, with more mate- rial from Forbes’ collections in Hlinois, he created for the pigmy fish a new fam- ily called Elassomidae which he placed between the small pirate perches (Aph- redoderidae) and the sunfishes (Cen- trarchidae). In 1884, another species was added to this unique family in Elas- soma evergladei from Lake Jessup and Indian River, Florida. The evergladei seems to be a very variable form, but it differs from sonatum principally in hay- ing much larger scales. Although many collections have been made subsequently, the genus and fam- of Fisheries | a ily remain to the present time with only the two representatives, the zonatuim of the south generally and the evergladei of Florida and southern Georgia. Ameri- can ichthyologists have followed Jordan in preserving a distinct family for the pygmies, although Boulenger in the Catalogue of Fishes in the British Mu- seum (1895) regards them as only a dwarfed form of the Centrarchidae. Jordan’s original specimens were just one inch in length, but specimens later collected in Mississippi measured 15% HaOMES, Erecorralnare wo IDie, (Os 12, Inlayy, Oinne specimens are rather uniform in size, varying from 5 to 34 inches in length, except that a single example has a length of 1% inches. These were collected by Mr. Franklin Barnes, who was engaged for the Bu- reau in northern Louisiana in an ecolozi- cal study of fishes with reference to mosquito extermination and who had béen requested to keep a lookout for the pigmy sunfishes. months before he found them and then only in It was some one collecting station. Again, during the spring of the present year, they were looked for in the same and other places, but they did not at first appear. I,ater they were found, but only at the original station. In order that something might be learned of the feeding habits of this elusive species, specimens were sent to Washington. Although four days were consumed in the journey by express from Mound, Louisiana, to Washington, D. C., in hot weather, the lot of fishes, comprising 75 Elassoma Gambusia affinis and 8 Fundulus chryso- tus in a ten-gallon milk can, came through with none dead. It may be men- gonatum, 2 Aquatic Lite 23 tioned that a year previously, Mr. Wil- liam Welsh, of the Bureau, while on a canoe trip on the Pee Dee and its tribu- taries, carried specimens collected in South Carolina for a week in a five- gallon can, finding in this test that they survived better than Gambusia affinis and Fundulus chrysotus. Only Cholo- gaster cornutus Agassiz, the “fish of the ble on the bottom, near a plant leaf at the surface, or by the stems of an aquatic plant. To line up against the stem of a plant, at whatever angle it may stand, and then remain motionless, seems to be a favorite pose. The translucency of the body, except where it is marked with dark bars and stippling on the surface, aids in concealment when the fish are Habitat of the Pigmy Sunfish, Elassoma zonatum, at Mound, Louisiana Dismal Swamp,’ seemed to be more hardy. Practically nothing has been known of the habits of the pigmy sunfishes except that they live in sluggish waters, and are rarely taken. In aquaria they have proven rather shy, extremely so at first, and they display a remarkable faculty for hiding. After a dozen or more had been placed in a small aquarium with ‘aquatic plants, it was almost impossible to believe that they were still there. A careful and close examination finally re- vealed a few, motionless against a peb- among plants or debris. In the open water the distinct dark bars and spots, contrasted with dark spots between, render them quite conspicuous. In spite of the predilection for stag- nant water and the habit of remaining motionless a good deal of the time, the pigmies are not sluggish. This is_ re- vealed when entomostraca or mosquito larvae are placed in the aquarium. Im- mediately the fish appear here and there, alert, excited, and making quick pounces upon their prey. A pigmy sunfish will seize a wiggler more than half its own 24 Aquatic Lite length, even if he cannot completely swallow it at once; often the tail of the wiggler projects from the mouth of the fish for several seconds. Again, if the fish are disturbed by removing them with a dipnet to another jar which affords no means of concealment, their high nervous tension is evident, as they dart about with surprising rapidity, all the fins literally quivering. Possibly the pigmy sunfish may prove to be effective agents in the destruction of mosquito larvae, but it remains to be learned if they are adapted to a suffi- cient variety of habitats. A character peculiarly favorable to efficiency against mosquitoes is their habit of lurking amidst the vegetation and debris, where the mosquito larvae are usually safest from top minnows and other species. What we know of the pigmy sunfishes can be briefly stated. They are southern in distribution, extending from the Caro- linas to ‘Texas and north to southern II- linois at least, being addicted to sluggish waters, and not often found or recog- nized. Somewhat in the nature of tiny pikes they lurk quietly amidst vegetation or debris, but in the search of food, or when disturbed, they display a high de- gree of activity and vigor. They are distinctly predaceous, so far as entomo- straca, mosquito larvae, and other ant- mals of small size are concerned. I have not with certainty observed them take lifeless foods. Those who may have the opportunity to collect the pigmy sunfishes and further to observe their habits would be inter- ested in the following description of the one habitat in the vicinity of Mound, Louisiana, in which they found: “’Cypress Bayou’: Seepage and sur- face water; motion varying according to season, none when these collections were made; clear and blackish; depth 1 to 3 feet in dry seasons; bottom exceed- ingly soft; 30 to 40 feet wide. Aquatic vegetation exceedingly abundant; Lem- na jessiae diffusa and Ceratophyllum forming a dense mat; also some Echi- nochloa colona and Zizarniopsis miliceae present. No scum. Some shade from few overhanging bushes and trees. Some large debris.”” (See photograph. ) The striking characters of the fish are its usually conspicuous bands, a more intense spot on one band (or a short stripe) on the side and under the begin- ning of the dorsal, and the two circular or semilunar clear spots at the base of the tail. While the eyes are very large, they are not so conspicuous in the living fish as would be imagined from the drawing. The body varies from clear trans- lucent to a thin yellow green color, over- laid by black stippling and bands. Even in an indidivual fish the color is variable, as the black markings may fade slowly or suddenly. The fading of the black appears to be accompanied by the as- sumption of the yellowish color. The i!- lustration herewith is the first published drawing of Elassoma zonatum. pitts I Tadpoles when first placed in an aquarium are good scavengers, but just so soon as they learn to eat fish food their value ends, and they become little more than pests to stir up the sediment and roil the water. They may occasion- ally be introduced for a brief period and will work industriously, especially if they have been previously placed for about a week in a bucket of clear water without food. Sh ceils ashes Tue Fisn Norepoox is the title of a splendid little guide to the study of the native fishes. It contains 108 pages, II explanatory figures, and illustrations of 50 species of fishes. Sent postpaid by Aquatic Life Book Department for thirty-five cents. t oS a Os Os Pi 6 Oi a 6 OS Oe i 6 On i 6 Os fom om mom, a a | On the evening of May toth, 1917, at a regular meeting of THE AQUARIUM Society oF WasHIncTon, Mr. Titus Ulke exhibited a very beautiful specimen of the Slimy Salamander (P. glutino- sus), which he had collected at Har- per’s Ferry, Va., a few days before. Mr. Ulke kindly loaned me this specimen for a day or so, and during that time I suc- ceeded in obtaining some very excellent photographs of it; one of these is here shown to illustrate my notes. It will be observed that this specimen presents very unusual markings for the species, the white speckling on the upper parts being very numerous. However, the Slimy Salamander is known to show great variation in this particular, some a a a ah 6 as Oh as Os 9 as 9 a 8 es (The Slimy Salamander IDR 1, WW SlalUlel sO, GMC ZS. 6 8 SS OOS PS Oa 8 Oa SPS OO Ps 8 9s On 5 Oe as ~ The Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus); natural size. of the living specimen by the author FS OT OO EO et PE PS FSS 7 SP a 8 On 6 0 a 9 | Pd a OP 6 Oe a 6 Fs Reproduced from a photograph C individuals being like the one in the cut, others having very few fine speckles, while still others are blotched with the light color marking. Sometimes the speckling 1s moderately continued onto the ventral aspect of the animal, where the general color is of a deep lead color or stone gray; for the rest, it is a rich black, as shown in the cut. The tail is round; the eyes conspicuously promi- nent, the species being a slender one of moderate size. This specimen measured about five inches in length, half of which being de- voted to the tail. This Salamander has rather a wide range, being found from southern Canada to Florida and west- ward to include Texas. In some sections 26 Aquatic Lite it is said to be very abundant; but this surely does not apply to the District of Columbia, where I have collected salamanders for many years, and where I have never taken a single individual of this species. When trying to escape from the han, the Slimy Salamander often attempts to do so by quite an active little jump in a horizontal direction; but the attempt is feeble. As a matter of fact, it is a gentle little creature, and, in my eyes, a very pretty one. It has earned its scientific and common names from the slimy exu- dation from its skin—a clear, sticky mu- cous, a product of the dermal glands. The species is a typical land one, and to some extent of nocturnal habits. It will also come out from its hiding places under logs, flat stones, and leaf-masses in rainy weather. Doubtless it lives upon the same character of food as do other sala- manders allied to it—small worms of various kinds, and certain insects, such as it can capture. In captivity, I doubt not but that it would take bits of raw meat; but I made no trials along such lines, as I had, at that time, quite a list of living things in my study to photo- graph. Philadelphia Goldfish Fanciers The September meeting of the Phila- delphia Goldfish Fanciers’ Society was held on the 19th, at 804 West Girard avenue. The public sale of fishes, with George B. Smith as auctioneer, resulted in a gratifying addition to the funds of the organization. New members: ert Spalding. Next meeting, October 17th. Com- petition for telescopes, scaled and scale- less, more than one year old. A silver cup and three ribbons will be awarded in each class. Entries for the House- John Korn and Rob- hold Aquarium Contest must be made at this meeting. An award will not be made unless at least six aquaria are entered.— FreD RICHARDSON, Secretary. The Essex Exhibition The second annual exhibition of the Essex County Aquarium Society was held in the Newark Free Library, Sep- tember 13th to 16th. ‘The attendance was large, due, no doubt, to the co-oper- ation of the local newspapers. Inasmuch as five silver cups and many ribbons were to be awarded, the rivalry among the individual aquarists ran high. The tropical fishes were judged by Mr. Ed- ward Kiernan, and the goldfish breeds by Mr. Richard Dorn. Awards were made as follows: Cup for best goldfish entered by a member to Rev. B. J. Coltorti; cup for best paw, of tropical fish, NaC. Mer Breder, Jr.; cup for largest entry by a member, Mr. Charles Thomas; cup for largest entry by a non-member, Mr. F. W. Hadden; cup for society having the largest aggregate entry by members, the Brooklyn Aquarium Society. Scaleless Goldfish: ist and 2nd. Rev. B. J. Coltorti (Broadtail Telescopes) ; arch, 18, We Jeleaclken (bine jays). O paque-scaled Goldfish: ist and 2nd. F. W. Hedden (Telescope Moors and Lionheads) ; 3rd, Dr. William Bach- mann (Fringetail Japs). Tropical Fishes: Paradise Fish; rst, William Tricker; 2nd and 3rd, Frank Storsberg. Trichogaster fasciatus; 2nd, Cea Breders iiss sLolycanthiusmcdayar st CouMa Bredem i|imuelatyooecilus maculatus rubra; Ist and 2nd, C. H. Peters; 3rd, Mrs. William Ball. Mol- lienisia latipinna; 2nd, C. M. Breder, Jr. Xiphophorus helleri, single and double stripe ; Ist on each, William Tricker ; 3rd Om. Sima@le Gioipe, S. CG, lahimes; Caine Concluded on Page 32 v | 0 ee The ability of exotic fishes to revive after exposure to low temperatures is sometimes surprising. I have saved fishes shipped during the spring and au- tumn that arrived apparently dead. Re- suscitation is, of course, only possible when the exposure has not been too long and the drop in temperature gradual; not below 35. degrees, Fahrenheit, which I think marks the “dead line” for most of them, the sub-tropical species, being hardier are excepted. The method I use is so simple that I urge all aquarists to try it before dis- carding any seemingly dead fishes re- ceived in shipments during cold weather. Place the fish in a receptacle in the water in which it was received. Then prepare some old settled warm water from an established tank by adding to it salt in the proportion of a teaspoonful to the quart. Apply “first aid” by adding this warm salt water to the receptacle con- taining the fish until a temperature of 75 degrees has been reached. Revival may not be immediate, but I have saved some valuable fishes in this manner. In my home I have a “community tank” which is maintained at a tempera- ture of 75 to 80 degrees, but one night it dropped to 50, due to faulty heating. While the majority of the fishes were not affected by the temporary fall sev- eral were in distress. A male of Hapflo- chilus cameronensis was laying upon the bottom and apparently lifeless. I placed him in a jar containing water from the tank, added some salt and placed the jar on the end of the kitchen stove. The temperature gradually rose to 75 de- grees. In about five minutes I noticed OL LE FS TS OTS FT SEOs OTS FS Fa SOR 8 PR Sd 9s 9 es | Resuscitation of Exotic Fishes ERNEST LEITHOLF | oa a slight tremor pass through its body and a perceptible rise and fall of the gill- covers; twenty-five minutes later the pectoral fins began to move. An hour and a half after placing the fish in the jar he righted himself and began to swim weakly about. At another time I had a number of fishes in a tank in the garden. As the weather was getting steadily colder, and West Africa Haplochilus cameronensis Photograph by Lee S. Crandall in fact did drop that night to 36 degrees, I removed all as I then thought, to warmer quarters. The following morn- ing I discovered a Danio rerio, which I had neglected to remove, laying on the bottom motionless. On the impulse of the moment I placed it in a can of the icy water, added salt, and set the can near a heater indoors. When I returned home that night I was surprised to find my Danio very much alive. While the suggested treatment is efficacious only at times and because it 28 Aquatte Lite is not possible for one to distinguish be- tween suspended animation and absolute lifelessness, yet every fish saved encour- ages to further efforts, and the labor en- volved is slight. Breeding Danio Rerio JACOB MERGET The little Danio rerio from the East Indies, is, in the opinion of the writer, one of the most attractive of our aquar- ium fishes. Further, it is not a difficult Lower, Male Danio rerio Upper, Female species to propagate, and is therefore a desirable species for the beginner, most of whom look for one of the egg-laying class after having successfully bred some of the live-bearing kinds. There is some- thing sprightly about this fish that com- pels attention, not to mention its inces- sant activity ; it is never still a moment. The back is olive-green, which merges into indigo blue on the sides to the yel- lowish belly. Golden stripes run length- wise along the sides from the gill-covers to the tail, the anal fin being likewise striped. The pectoral and dorsal fins are greenish yellow, the latter with a dark margin edged with yellowish white. The barbels or “whiskers” are so slender and transparent that they can seldom be dis- cerned. The males are slender; the fe- males deep through the abdomen, espe- cially when gravid. My breeding tank measures 20 by 12 inches, and contains a nice growth of Vallisneria. The sunny corner nearest the window, where the plants are thicic- est, 1s the spot the fish chose for spawn- ing. Here “with malice aforethought” I have an egg-trap consisting of a number of pebbles, one to two inches in diam- eter, placed among the plants. Directly above floats a clump of Bladderwort (Utricularia) ; this also serves a purpose. When spawning is imminent the males swim along the bottom towards or in front of the female, color intensified and with whiskers distended ; the female wii. be round and plump, so much so at times that swimming in the usual manner seems difficult. During the operation the male chases or drives the female, each dash usually ending in the clump of Utri- cularia. Here the eggs are expelled and fertilized, dropping into the trap below before the fishes are able to catch and devour them, which they will do if the water depth is too great. If more than six inches they will be able to capture them before they reach the bottom. With intervals of a few minutes the spawning proceeds until all the eggs have been expelled. The pebbles are now lifted and the eggs removed with a dip-tube to a shal- low dish, which is placed in a warm, sunny place for incubation. Hatching takes place forty hours to four days later, being dependent upon the tempera- ture, which should be, 1f possible, about 75 degrees or more. The fry require an abundance of Infusoria, which should be fed several times daily until they are large enough to eat tiny Daphne and Cyclops. A supply of Infusoria can be produced by placing a pinch of dried aquarium plants in a quart jar. A number of such jars should be prepared a week or two before the fry are expected. A pinch of the dried plant will be sufficient for each jar; too much will decompose with a bad odor. To feed the fry it is merely necessary to pour a cupful of the water from a jar into the rearing tank. 8 Oe at a a at 1 a Fc es 3 : Rt 6 0 6 9 5 0 i 6 9 Oe Ss Ss Se Fundulus heteroclitus me mmo me es es eo ms em mes The accompanying photograph shows, slightly more than natural size, a male of Fundulus heteroclitus with one abnormal eye. The protrusion is as prominent as in many of the so-called “telescope” goldfish. The specimen was taken from a small tidal stream emptying into the Hackensack River in the Jersey City Meadows. It was seemingly in perfect health and was placed in a twenty-gal- lon tank with a number of the same species. On the next morning to my great disappointment I found the mon- strosity dead. There was no apparent reason, as the other lived on for about nine months, and would probably be still alive had not an accident terminated their career. The specimen is now preserved in alcohol, and the photograph was taken of it in this condition. The scars on the side are from the nibbling of the other fishes, which began to devour it before it was removed. Later five smaller specimens of the same species were taken directly from the surf along the New Jersey coast and successfully acclimated to the fresh- water aquarium. Last spring they Notes on Fundulus Heteroclitus CHARLES M. BREDER, JR. Male, with abnormal Eye OS OS OS Fa 8 6 Oe 8 Oa 6 PS OS Fs Os Pe 9 es Os Os Oe ee a es | os FS 6 OS Ss PS Ss Photograph by Author Oe 6 FS 6 Pe 6 Fa 6 Oe 6 Pd Os 9d PS | a favored me with some spawn, but as I seldom took any particular notice of them I was unaware of it until apprised by a friend. I had given him some Sal- vimia from the tank containing the Fun- dulus, and they had evidently spawned on its small, submerged, root-like leaves, for he showed me a young heteroclitus that developed in the tank in which he placed the plants. It would be interest- ing to know if any other aquarist has breed this species. (Mr. Breder has performed a valua- ble service in recording his aberrant specimen by photography. A similar monstrosity has been reported in Eupo- motis gibbosus, the Common Sunfish, both eyes protruding. Such examples tend to substantiate the theory that the Telescope Goldfish was developed by mating specimens of the goldfish exhib- iting eye-protrusion, the extreme form of today being the result of selective breeding of subsequent generations, the variation thus becoming well fixed. That Mr. Breder’s fish deposited spawn on a floating plant is interesting and indieative of the adaptability of the 30 Aquatic Zite species to changed environment. Henry W. Fowler, in his work on the fishes of New Jersey (Ann. Rep. New Jersey State Museum 1905), describes its spawning habits as follows: “This interesting little fish was found in abundance May 7th, 1905, swimming in the lower waters of the small creek at Cape May Point. This stream flows di- rectly into the salt water of the bay side. At its mouth but few of the fish occur, Fundulus heteroclitus though thirty yards or so above they are abundant in numerous schools or shoals along the shallows of the banks, which are formed of sand. We did not notice them to any extent above these places or other than where the stream passes over the sandy beach. They were easily frightened into the deeper waters or channel by any sudden movement, though not at all disturbed by loud talk- ing or other noise. Provided there is no movement on the banks one may watch them conduct their spawning for a long time. hey do not remain in the chan- nel long, but soon swim up in the shal- lows close to the shore, and often when the orgasm takes place they are more or less out of the water. The usual method is for a male to swim rather nervously alongside a female and crowd her close on the shore, at the same time bending his body in a somewhat undu- lated fashion with the brilliant dorsal fin thrown over her back, and then with a rapid flapping of his tail, which pro- duces a rippling sound in the water, the milt 1s apparently expelled. This opera- tion lasts but several seconds, and some- times the participants find themselves washed ashore, when there is a very hur- ried attempt to get back into the water. All along these banks we could hear these little ripplings and see the fish wrig- eling back into the water. Sometimes copulation would take place entirely un- der the water on the little shoals. It did not appear that it was always necessary ior these animals to have a projection or some support of a similar nature from the bottom to enable them to successfully accomplish their purpose. In fact, they would frequently fasten alongside one another on a perfectly smooth bottom, in which case the male would apparentty crowd the female down. I was unable to determine the manner of coupling, if such takes place, of the organs of gen- eration. Examples freshly caught would produce mult or ova, as the sex of the in- dividual may be, if they were forced out by pressure on the abdomen with the thumb. The milt was purely white and milky. The ova was about the size of No. 4 shot, translucent, and of a very pale brownish. No male organ of gen- eration was noted. The female has the oviduct extending along the front of the anal fin nearly to its lower margin, and the ova could be forced through it only in regular sequence. When in the water the two sexes are readily recognized, as they are very distinctly marked. The males are blackish, and are decidedly black in contrast alongside the pale brownish females. Rather “small males, of about two inches in length, display the dark and brilliant colors of the older ones. The females were frequently seen swimming to and fro over the shallows, suddenly inclining their bodies somewhat on the side so that their shining whit- ish abdomens may be readily seen. I did not determine whether the eggs were Aquatic Lite Sil laid simply awaiting the initiative of the male. ‘he intercourse between the sexes was in some cases I noted confined to a single pair, though mostly it seemed to be promiscuous. In fact, these animals seemed to have nearly unlimited powers of intercourse.” The form found along the Jersey coast an accent that makes it rhyme with soup. But down here in Chicago they call the fish the “guppy,” pronouncing it in such a way that makes it jibe with puppy. Orsinger and Keedy just returned the other day, from a trip to Philadelphia where the fish is called “goo-pay.” And in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and in NE NNN NNN NNN ENE NN NEN NNN NEN ENE NNN NN Opaque-scaled Japanese Broadtail Goldfish RSA NS SS SOs SOs Courtesy of Harry P. Peters So So SRE ee ENN NEN ENN NE NEN NE NNN NNN NENG NE NEN ENN NEN NNN is Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus. Fundulus, of the bottom; heteroclitius, different angle or slope; macrolepidotus, large-scaled.—Editor. Help Wanted! Lebistes reticulatus or Girardinus guppyi or Acanthocephalus reticulatus! I got him in Milwaukee, where they ca!l the fish the “goop’—they give the word Nashville, Tennessee, I’m told that all the fish-fas call the fish the (DIE-OCS” “e00- They can talk of simple spelling, and rules of punctuation, and can want a standard dialect for all this mighty na- Om, lxete Il, a hereby file my wish, for a little pocket humble citizen, do manual to pronounce the names of fish.—Webber of Chicaao. 32 Aquatic Lite Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. We A. POWSIBR 66500 pen M cat Editor JOSIER IE 13, IBAVUTSIMUAIN 6.550000 Publisher 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aguatic Lire. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lirg has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Were SuUlbSeminnOm sooccocvnccs0ccd0d $1.00 LORIN SwlOSermpinloms osecoodccodcssos 1.35 10 Single Copy Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1917 by Joseph E. Bausman Vol. Ill October, 1917 Herewith please find one dollar to re- new my subscription to Aguatic LIFE. Have only one fault to find with the magazine, and that is you do not ask enough for it. A dollar and a half, or two dollars, would be little enough.— Caries E. Vissi, Brooklyn. The Book Department of AguaTic Lire desires a copy of “Goldfish Breeds and Other Aquarium Fishes,” by Her- man ‘T. Wolf. It must be in fair condi- tion with no missing pages. Address the publisher, quoting price postpaid. The Essex Exhibition Concluded from Page 26 busia holbrooki; Ist, C. H. Peters. Gi- rardimnus. reticulata; ust, (Canis eeters: Danio rerio; cup and Ist, C. M. Breder, din Elybrids; sist. Otto Walter znd M. Breder, Jr. Mouth-breeders; 3rd, @ttom Walters Chanchitopeencdy 1 CaeNie Breder jis) Webistes peticulattisn erst © lal, letewers3 Anal, A, (G, lalimes, Argieaiiie Plants; 1st, William Tricker.—H. T. Harrsuorn, Exhibition Secretary. ee 2 OSes Sometime since the publisher offered a substantial cloth binder that will hold 24 numbers, the issues of two years. Since these were made the price of ma- terials has advanced, making it now 1m- possible to manufacture them at the original figure, and for this reason they will no longer be carried after the pres- ent stock is exhausted. While the supply lasts the binder will be sent postpaid for $1.35, or including a year’s subscription for $2.00. ———_+>_—_ Irregularly shaped stones will often add to the beauty of an aquarium if tastefully arranged. Smooth pieces should be selected, and if moss or other plants are attached, so much the better. eS Unfamiliar native plants should be used with caution in the aquarium. Some are good oxygenators, while others are almost useless and soon become slimy and disintegrate in the still water, which is often warmer than that from which they have been taken. This particularly applies to the native species of Potomo- qeton. a The water in an aquarium will evap- orate, and more rapidly in a warm room. When fresh water is added to replace the loss, it should be of the same tem- perature. COOCT SCOOT S000 TS 000 CS 000 CS 000 SEA HORSES and SEA ANEMONES MARINE AQUARIUMS. Persistant change of water not necessary. Full and other assorted specimens for 8 8 ( instructions given for care. (] 8 8 R. DONKER 227 West 83rd Street NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. 8 | : Ls Che ature Study Review OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY The numbers for the coming school year will be filled with special articles from prac- tical teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school garden- ing, elementary agriculture and _ nature- study. $1.00 per year. 1I5c per copy. Add for Canadian Postage, 10c. Foreign Postage. 20c. With Aquatic Life One Year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be ra‘sed indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants Water Lilies N. J. 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. | Taxidermy Send for Catalog BETTER CUTS AT| : BETTER PRICES: PROMPT SERVICE GUARANTEED GOULD-WILHELM COX ARTISTS * ENGRAVERS = PHOTOGRAPHERS 44 .N.4% STREET PHILA. SEND FOR SAMPLES #°PRICES THEY WILL INTEREST YOU| PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated Coo C——c700 = RABENAU, Aquarist i Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 1168 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Broadway. a ee BLUE, BLACK and VARI-HUED CALICO JAPS and TELESCOPES Large assortment as to size and quality with a wide range of prices. Young from $3, $4, $5 per dozen. Breeders from $5 per pair. GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremont Place Mt. Vernon, N. Y. Aquatic Life 1916 - 1917 A limited number of copies are available in substantial cloth binding, with title page and comprehensive index. 166 pages and about the same number of illustrations, some in color. Price, $2.25, postpaid. Aquatic Life 542 East GIRARD AVENUE PHILADELPHIA SOMETHING RARE Young Japanese Goldfish $1 per Dozen Add 50c extra for shipping can J. HENRI WAGNER, 1909 N. Capitol Street Washington, D. C. IF YOU Are Looking for Something Extra Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes Don’t Forget W. H. HEIMBACH Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH Snails Plants FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! 413 NortTH TENTH STREET ALLENTOWN, Pa. Sl 500 GS 000C5: ie 000600 G—D 000000 G———]O00000 om my time, my Tropical Fish Business: 3000 Names, etc. etc. CCOCCC 000 C———— SS aa i Tee COOC—>CO0O CM DO00 COBO CM FSG00 Plant Containers Smith’s 00C 000 == 5 000 EEE 000 ER = 000 == 000 == 000 == 000 == 0005000 i ee BRIND WILL SELL OUT! My educational motion-picture business now demands all so I will entertain serious propositions to buy out Stock, Supplies, Established seven years. W. L. BRIND, 449 West 206th Street New York City, N. Y. | Mailing List of 8 | 8 OCO000 loee) STURDY FISHES! LUXURIANT PLANTS! Prolong their lives and make your aquaria sanitary by using SMITH’S Plant Containers Write for details and prices WILLIAM S. SMITH 857 E. 19th St., Brooklyn, N. Y. OOO CD00 D000 C500 MD000) OO ee eS Sr RET a ST a Ee Fe Broad-tail Telescopes BLACK & CALICO Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WAL 1519 IN? 62nd Street PHILADELPHIA FRANKLIN BARRETT EVERYTHING COMPLETE FOR THE AQUARIUM, POND AND LAKE Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. SEND FOR PRICE LISTS THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York GEORGE’ S GOLDFISH SHOP Golafish of All Varieties George’s Imperial Fish Food 10c Postpaid Common Goldfish and Cabomba Wholesale PLANTS AQUARIA ALL SUPPLIES N. W. 60th and De Lancey Street, Philadelphia “AQUARIA FISH” practical work on care and breeding of 9 fish in the Aquarium, Greenhouse and out- door Ponds. Finely illustrated. Ivery one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price. $1. Four-Horned Snails (Ampullaria Gigas) de- posit a mass of large coral red eggs out of the water, the little snails drop into the water as they hatch. ‘These snails are in- valuable for destroying Hydra in the aqua- rium. Thoroughbred marked. F. L. TAPPAN Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. oe ee Seay r Aquaman | | A Collie Pups, beautifully CoOOoOc—o700 ———) 000 C000 CSD 000 CG) COCOC 000 CT D000C 0005000: ) Station K. OOO COO D000 CDC O00 C000 T9000 COCOC— COO D000 MNCS 000 C000 Use Regenia Aquarium Salts To replace the natural salts in your aquar- ium as absorbed by the fishes and snails. Excellent for plants. Help the snails form shell. Benefits the fish. Box of Six Pow- ders. 25c. For sale at Pet Stock stores. Violet-Ray Fish Remedy Relieves Constipation, Fungus, ‘Tail lot, Congestion in fancy tishes; also white spots on Tropical fishes. Box of Six Powders, 25e. Safe and effective. REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. Philadelphia IOCO C000 T0900 TMD 000000 u ae a a ae AQUARIUM STOCK CO 150 Chambers Street New York City Aquarium Specialists GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, SNAILS, ETC. Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Can 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Special Prices on Quantity Lots Cash With Order Catalogue Sent Upon Request 8 : 8 | 8 Orders amounting $2 delivered postpaid. Mail orders promptly attended to. OCOT 000 CT D000 CS 000T 5000 ee Oe OS ES T EN VARIETIES. OF BEAUTIFUL | AQUARIUM PLANTS for $1.00 Postpaid J. Henrt WacGner, 1909 North Capitol WEBLO Sito ID, The Object ! ‘Subscribe for “THE AQUATIC WORLD” — Trail 6 Months 25c Yearly 50c Money Back if First Number Fails to Please THE AQUATIC WORLD, Station 0., Baltimore, Md. WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tail a@ilescevce| BLUES BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable CARL LAZER Dealer and Breeder of Tropical Fishes Aquarium Plants Red Snails All Kinds of Aquaria and Supplies Open Evenings and Sunday 647 West 184th Street New York City, N.Y. | Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 | ef | | illustrations. Ea | fancy varieties of the Goldfish and Now is the time to list the Aquarium Vac- uum Cleaner in your Fall Catalogues. We are receiving repeat orders wherever it is placed and frequent inquires from private parties asking who our representatives are. Samples by Parcel Post, 50c, 75c, $1.00 Dealers Write for Discounts Mfg’d by Acton Electric Co., Inc. 1133 BROADWAY NEW YORK Patents Pending & ALLIED THE AQUARIU SUBJECTS is ‘‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T.Innes, former President of the Aquarium Tells all about the é nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. COO C————)900 CNC MS O00 C000 Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N. Y Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder ana [Importer of TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan- tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods Fresh and Dried Daphnia AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES O00 C900 MNCS 000 C000 COO C300 C900 C900, COOOT 000 TM D000 TDC 5000 CRESCENT FISH FARM Breeders and Collectors of Goldfish and Other Aquarium Fishes Alligators, Turtles, Chameleons, Snails, Water Plants ai We are now booking orders for Fall shipments of. Mollienisia latipinna, Gambusia holbrooki and paradise Fish. 8 l 8 1624 Mandeville Street, New Orleans pee od ania ge ic un an HMichaelsen Hros HARRY P. PETERS GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish : ! : i Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. 58th and Walnut Streets | MANUFACTURER OF : | : : : : ; | | } 110 South 52nd Street | 8 | : | 8 | : Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish 1n good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It Philadelphia | Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies —S000TD000C 000 TD000C— D000 J D000 C000 DCD 000 C000 : will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask 3 Wholesale and Retail vour dealer or send for it today. Jee ive ie ea 000 = 000 SS 000 S000c= C00 IOODOCO COO M000 C000 CS 000000: | OOCOCOO C00 CJ 000 00C GS OCF COC O00! e e | 1 Nippon Goldfish Co 3 Breeders 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal Importers : and : Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH Drrect From BREEDERS IN JAPAN =! A large assortment of splendid Telescope and Jap goldfish at reasonable prices. Fine Assortment of Lionheads O0OT 000000: Young Blues, Blacks and Calicoes $150 Doz. Young Veiltails or Broadtails $5.00 Doz. HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. WARNOCK STREET OOO 000 GS O00 CS 000000: : 3 | : Shipping Cans, 45 Cents. | 8 8 | | PHILADELPHIA | COO000000 C000 CNC 000 000000: Pa en ee anne GREEN RIVER FISH FOOD Due to the constant increase in costs of ingredients, boxes and print- ing, it has become necessary to in- crease the price of these foods to 15 and 20 cents. When conditions again become normal the old prices will again prevail. HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. DOD COO OCOD OOO COO SOO O0T CT SDOOOOCO 000 Awarded Gold and Silver Medals OOCOTM DOCS COOC00 000: Panama-Pacific International Exposition : : 8 San Francisco, 1915 : : IOOOCOO 000 TM DOO0000000000 ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES Furnished to the Trade Only Price Lists Le er CEC CON, OOO COO 000 TM DOOOOOCOCOO TM DOOOC00 CD O00000C—DOOCOOCOO0OC—DOOOOCOCOG | to ae ee Se Zs — ee ee Pee earns cite Io YY ii ay Ea Hl Sana Jacob C. Cassel 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. ait it | Terma AN ae " i Mn i | ) i | Ce ECS Je ay ne eo aeouMpEeR MT S| 414 E. TREMONT AVENUE Aquarium Specialty Co. NEw York city Fine stock of all breeds of gold fish the year round. Under present conditions we _ still succeed in showing an unusual good variety of tropical fishes, and imports are coming in quite frequently. We _ specialize in aquatic plants and snails. REVISED STOCK LIST OF AQUARIA OF OUR MAKE. Galvanized Metal Frame, Enameled, Glass Steel Angle Frame, Heavy Plate Glass, or Slate Bottom Slate Bottom. Plain On Legs WOE BIA, QarasNA = OM eM osc o boos $8.00 IN@s Io WAS WEE od cc600 $1.35 $1.65 OS AY, BOs GrlG== BB BAG soocs don 12850) sommes Meal A OAD) ee sce tens 1d 5118) oo YW Gio prelhpral by rsIG ooh a boa 20.00 Grn teow (b,c) Ua bbe Ll DSS rete ect 2.50 3.00 6a. 342x20x20—— 810) (gall) ieee 35.00 OO EY eh alep.euey ing. oo god 3.30 4.00 cee Udon SAB KA 2902/2 —— 10) seallacg neaeieusen ate 60.00 HS Hg.) alrsiloxiles Goo ondoo B46) 6.00 =) Site 04x24 x24 ——145 Seal ree een) 2.00 Dee COx26x:2/6——180> legally sey. a 135.00 Solid Brass Frame, Projecting Slate Bottom or on! Legs: Any size or shape made to order. Packing and Cases at Cost. Ina, ale = ale Gb CE PS EMG 5b 6 Gab ooo $3.00 60 By Ale Sra} 6) EW be We oico ao onic 4.00 GO Ba alGpal)alyy——" &) ell rea cteteusuerrene 5.50 FISH FOODS. CAPES xaltOxgll4=— 114 eral eee re 7.00 ap Dye. Par iin, Natiirale Huish hoods san sc crnciererere $0.10 $0.50 Wniversaly-hish) Hood... mila 2.06 Si SW 0 GLASSWARE. Ground Dried Shrimp ........ 10 atts Dip-Tubes, Automatic Syphons, Thermometers. Ground Dried Flies, ete. ...... 3155 2.09 Dip-Nets for all purposes, from 15c. up and Ground Dried Daphne ......... .20 $1.20 per dozen. Infusoria Creating Food .... 15 2.00) Correspondence Solicited. JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. No Catalogues ew te S [Reese ere ee Ne ee Cc] 000C— 000 C000 GS 000900 S000 000 S000 SS 000 000 SS i : : Rn ee ee Ee 000000000 CD 000 C000 CD 000 M000 TS 000 TM S000 CS 000C S000 Ca C000 C 000: A B C Aquarium Nets These nets are scientifically designed and care- fully constructed of the finest materials. The netting is soft and durable, and the frames of non-rusting wire: a cae ABC Net for Baby Fish ABC Net for Tropical Fish No. 1. 1%x2% inches, for Baby Fish. No. 2. 3x4 inches, for Tropical Fish. No. 3. 4 inches, round, for Goldfish, ete. Sample of any, by mail, 20c. ABG Net for Goldfish Special Low Prices on Dozen and Gross Lots. A B C SUPPLY CO. 1505 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York City, N. Y. tee ee eres oe ! A HYBRID IN DANIO | | | ERNEST LEITHOLF | * During the past few years, after hav- ing raised a sufficient number of young Danio rerio and D. analipunctatus, we have at times placed breeding pairs of both species together. While the spe- cies have been associated we have at times secured spawn, but until this year the resulting progeny have always proved of one or the other, and from this we concluded that there was no disposition to interbreed. Last spring three or four pairs of each species were placed to- gether in an aquarium. From them we raised a large number of young, the eggs having been secured at intervals. Later in the season, while selecting specimens to be placed aside for breeding next year, we were astonished to discover four youngsters, about three-fourths grown, that displayed unmistakable evidences of hybridity ! To give a good conception of the rela- tive color arrangements of the parents and their fortuitous offspring, I have pre- pared three sketches; D. rerio is shown at the top, the hybrid next, and D. anali- punctatus below. ‘The hybrids seem to have inherited characters equally from each parent. The body is similarly prim and elegant, but the colors are more iri- descent, and the silvery bars of a warmer hue than in D. rerio. The back or dorsal region is a greenish olive. Through the centre of the side runs a wide, dark blue band, which is edged above with a promi- nent band of silver, this in turn 1s fol- lowed by a band of blue about half as wide as the central one. The two wide bands with the narrow one above is a pronounced characteristic of D. anali- punctatus. A row of symmetrical dots crowns the upper bands. Below the bands are two rows of dark blue bars of varying lengths, interspersed with dots, the lowest extending forward to the ventrals. At this point the four indi- viduals differ somewhat in detail. In one the dots predominate, but the linear ef- fect is retained. The caudal, anal and ventral fins carry rows of long dashes. Upper, Danio rerio; lower, D. analipunctatus; centre, D. rerio x D. analipunctatus Original Water Color by the Author From Life Regarding the actual production of the hybrid, we are inclined to think that the parent species chanced to spawn simul- taneously, and that the sperm of one fer- tilized the ova of the other. This seems: the only tenable theory, inasmuch as the persistent association of the parent spe- cies during other years yielded none other than the progeny of properly disposed Danio. The possibility of this hybrid being fertile is now engrossing our thoughts. It is needless to add that the four individuals are enjoying unusual care. Pom es Fe mF a Fa OO I Ot PS FPS ET Pe SOS 9 EDS OO OE FS PS Os Pa 8 Oi 8 a at Pa 8 Fa 8 a 6 a a ah a at Pa at Oe 0 a a a of The Japanese Shubunkin. A fertile hybrid from the Chinese Calico Telescope Goldfish and the Wakin, a form of the Common Goldfish The Poecilid Hybrid, Xiphophorus helleri x Platypoecilus maculatus rubra. From the original paintings by F. H. Goodby Rc ss 0 9 8 OS Sd a 9 cs 9s Pt ss Ps es 8 8 8 6 6 a 6 a a a a a a a 4d OE 6 OS OSS OOS FS 9 SP aS PS 9 69 i 9 6 9 6 ns es F | (The Fertility of the Poecilid Hybrid ! & el i i When three Wisconsin men announced that they had produced the now famous and much-sought-after hybrid, Platypoe- cilus maculatus rubra X Xiphophorus helleri, many experienced aquarians smiled, talked about Mendel’s law, rever- sion to the parental forms, mule fish and the like. Many were the terms of good- natured derision used by those not for- tunate enough to possess them. But now it has even been positively proven that the hybrid is fertile and breeds true to form! ‘Thus far there is no sign of even a small fraction of the offspring revert- ing. For the benefit of new readers of Aguatic LIFE, it may not be amiss to trace the history of this interesting fish. In 1914 the Rev. Paul Wagner Roth, of Milwaukee, read in a foreign periodical of an attempt to cross Platypoecilus ma- culatus rubra with Xiphophorus hellert. This he recounted to the members of the Milwaukee Aquarium Society. The an- nouncement was hailed with considerable interest, and experiments were soon be- gun. inmaiimes rons Nir}. Kev jensent of Janesville, Wisconsin, accomplished the cross. He described it to the writer as follows: “Roth gave me a lot of young Helleri and Platys. I kept them in the tank here and fed them well on Daphne, Corethra larve, etc. I had almost given up expecting hybrids. One day I noticed a small fish in the tank. I said to myself, ‘What can it be? I haven’t any fish like that.” Then I though of the hybrid. I had never seen one, but it proved to be ‘him’ sure enough.” The triumph was announced to the Milwaukee Aquarium Society. F. R. WEBBER LY 6 SOS 9S Ot Pd Ps Ps Psy A few months later Mr. Francis H. Goodby, also of Milwaukee, announced the arrival of about seventy of the new fish. About a month later Mr. Jacob Merget succeeded in producing them. He reports that all of his first batch were deformed, the next weaklings, but the third physically perfect. Later, Rev. Platypoecilus maculatus Upper, male of red phase (ruba) Lower, female of black phase (nigra) Roth was very successful, so much so that the form became popularly known as “Roth’s hybrid.’’* For a time it was thought by many that the hybrids would either be sterile, or else would breed back to either parent. About a year ago the writer received a letter from Mr. Merget, assuring him that he had not only produced the hybrids, but *An Interesting Fish Hybrid. Rev. Paul Wagner Roth. Aquatic Life, Vol. 1, pp. 55-57, et. seq. Describes hybrid and how pro- duced. Hybridizing Fishes. Jacob Merget. Aquatic Life, Vol. 1, p. 131, et. seq. Describes method of accomplishing the cross. My “Faulty Techniques.” Aquatic Life, Vol. 2, fertility of the hybrid. Jacob Merget. p. 66, et. seq. Records 36 Aquatic Lite = had offspring from them. Learning that Rev. Roth had also succeeded, we wrote him about it. He replied by sending two pairs of youngsters from the hybrids. Either the males could not stand a rail- road trip, or else we were not versed in their requirements. At any rate, the young males seemed to lose interest in life, and gradually pined away and died, b A) 9 8 OF OS PE PE OP EF OS IY! while the females grew large and strong. Last spring the writer visited Rev. Roth and returned to Chicago with sev- eral pairs. One pair we gave to Mr. Fred Orsinger, and the others were re- tained. In a week or two Mr. Orsinger phoned, announcing the arrival of a whole batch of babies from the hybrids, and a month or so later another lot. Then Dr. A. H. Peck, another Chicago aquar- ist, was successful. The patience of the writer was finally rewarded by the dis- covery of some babies swimming mer- rily in the tank with their hybrid parents. | Typical male of Xiphophorus helleri (upper) and two variants PS I I I a I I 6 a a a a a at | The writer can positively attest to the fact that the original cross is neither sterile, nor do any of the offspring revert. The experience of a number of us has proven it. The writer has had some sharp discussions with several wise ones, who insist that it is a physical impossibility to produce young from hybrid parents without at least part reverting to the form - a ecu me ms of the parents of the original cross—just as they once confidently insisted that this original cross was impossible. But the proof of the pudding lies in the eating thereof! A number of us have the proof in the form of the hybrid and progeny from it. So what can the cock-sure doubter say? Is ita nature fake? Be it as it may, the fish is among us to stay and is eagerly sought by the very ones who once said that “it ain’t no fish.” And although we are far from being re- vengeful, yet the knowledge of this fact brings sweet solace to the soul! Aquatic Lite 37 Comments Inasmuch as the mule, our most fa- miliar hybrid, is sterile, the opinion seems to prevail among the uninformed that all crosses are sterile. No law has yet been formulated to cover the question of fer- tility. While fertile hybrids are not com- mon, the capacity for hybridization in the first generation is widespread. Fertile hybrids have been secured by crossing the Virginia deer and the Ceylon deer, the American bison and domestic cattle, the brook trout and the Charr, the com- mon goldfish and the carp. The Shu- bunkin is a hybrid of the Chinese Calico Telescope Goldfish and the Wakin, the Japanese form of the common goldfish. And now we have the poecilid hybrid. Had the peas used by Mendel produced sterile hybrids, his work, at least with the particular species, would have ended. In- deed, it is in the behavior of the off- spring of the first hybrid generation that Mendel’s law becomes apparent. His re- sults have been confirmed and extended by workers, both for plants and animals, but much is still uncertain concerning both the extent to which the principles may be found to occur and also the fun- damental physical basis on which they depend. The interesting feature of Mr. Web- ber’s article has to do with the emphasis he places on the absence of a reversional tendency. It is not clear whether he implies that the hybrids were all of a type which resembled neither parent, or whether there was a reversional tendency, but not to such a degree that any of the offspring were counterparts of the par- ents of the first hybrid generation. An absolute reversion in such a cross would be astounding. The parent species dif- fer in colors and form and in all other characters save those which place them in related genera in the family PorciLt- IDAK. ‘Too many factors are involved in such a cross to permit an absolute rever- sion. Mendel, in his most easily ex- plained experiments, selected species that differed essentially in but one character ; size, for example. One parent was tall, the other a dwarf. Otherwise they were much alike, so but one character, size, was to be studied in the first and suc- ceeding generations, and this without the confusion that would result were other factors also opposed. The same applies to an animal cross between a black and a white, the colors being the opposing char- acters. When animals of sundry diverg- ent characters are crossed, many factors are involved, not only of the immediate subjects, but of their ancestors. ‘Thus some hybrids exhibit characters that are obviously those of ancestors, which, per- haps, may be non-existent today, as in the case of Ewart’s experiments with the zebras. In certain cases it may happen that when a black mouse is bred to an albino, each from a strain breeding true to its color, the result will be a reversion to the wild gray color. This is due to the bringing together of complimentary factors that, in the course of evolution, had become separated. The writer has examined numerous specimens of the hybrid, Xiphophorus hellert X Platypoecilus maculata rubra, none of which, however, were bred by the gentlemen named by Mr. Webber. The dominants were unlike either parent other than in shape, which was interme- diate, and in a tendency toward the devel- opment of the lower rays of the caudal fin into the “sword” that is characteristic of the male Xiphophorus. The recessive can be described as resembling a pale female Xiphophorus, which, also, in cer- tain cases, 1s said to develop a “‘sword- tail.’ The proportion of dominants and recessives exhibiting the ‘‘sword-tail”’ character does not seem to have been accurately recorded, so it is yet to be 38 Aquatic Lite determined which type of tail is dom1- nant. In any event it would seem that in this hybrid we have individuals that are dominants in this factor and reces- sives in the others, or vice versa. One writer records that in the first hybrid generation the individuals bearing gen- eral dominant characters prevail in the ratio 6:4. In a litter of the second hy- brid generation examined by the writer the proportion was about 5:5. The father was an apparent dominant, and the mother a recessive, the result indicating that the dominant was impure, or, in other words, carried the recessive char- acter. From the evidence thus far made available, the poecilid hybrid conforms to Mendel’s law, but further studies should be made. And in this connection it may be noted that we are dealing with parent forms in themselves variable. We have three or four color forms of each that freely interbreed. Platypoecilus macu- latus rubra varies to a great extent in the intensity of the orange or red ground color and in the presence or absence of the tiny dark spots. Further, it may or may not be possible to draw conclusions from a single litter. Contrary to the heretofore accepted theory, live-bearing fishes, or at least certain species bred by aquarians, will bring forth several litters resultant from a single intercourse with the male. ‘The writer once possessed a female of P. m. rubra that produced five successive litters. The specimen occu- pied a small aquarium alone ; hence clan- destine intercourse was impossible. From this it follows that a gravid female of. the first hybrid generation should be seg- regated immediately upon the fact be- coming apparent, and kept so until all the litters had been developed and expelled, and conclusions drawn from the total rather than from a single litter. The hybrid Danio does not admit of much discussion. ‘Too few individuals in proportion to the normal total were se- Cured ahha issan sintermediatem places it in contrast with the poecilid hybrid. If it proves fertile and repro- duces intermediates, it will be the third case in which heredity does not seem to follow the Mendelian rule. The two re- corded cases may be due to some physio- logical reason we do not yet understand. —FEditor. SS Plant Containers Sturdy fishes! Luxuriant plants! And that is the sum total of a flourishing aquarium. Smith says this follows as Smith’s Plant Containers the natural sequence to the use of his plant containers. Resetting an aquarium is the least in- teresting and most laborious task that falls to our lot. The work is easy 1f the plants are in containers. Removal is un- and the little sand can be Instead of the quantity of sand ordinarily necessary to necessary, drawn out by syphoning. anchor the plants, we have a mere sprin- kling to cover the bottom. One style covers the entire bottom, with openings in suitable places, so that no soil or sand is used other than that in which the plants are actually growing. This arrangement is especially valuable when one wants to go the limit in feeding young tropicals ; surplus food is easily removed. Ask Mr. Smith to tell you about them. {hh ome RS OE OS Rd OS 8 OR SE | | | | In Jordan and Evermann’s “Fishes of North America” (Pt. I, pp. 698-701) we find four species of the genus Mollien- isia described, but none of them are fig- ured in the work; as a matter of fact, I do not recall a good figure of any of these forms. The genus was originally described by Le Sueur, and named for the French Minister of Finance, Mollien, who was associated with Le Sueur in his scientific work, and who, too, was a pa- tron of Peron’s. Two of the species are found in Mexico, another at Lake Peten (Gunther), and the fourth, M. lati- pimna, occurs in enormous numbers in lowland swamps and streams from South Carolina, round the Gulf Coast to North- ern Mexico. Recently Mr. Edward S. Schmid, of Washington, D. C., has im- ported a large number of them from New Orleans, and through his kindness I have | Mollienisia Latipinna | | | 6 Pa Ps Os Notes on DR Reo We ShiUFELD IG Me Zs: 9 68 6 9 SP 6 9 9 ns Pl 6 9 a a | Male specimen of Mollienisia latipinna; natural size Reproduction of a photograph from life by the author a te been enabled to photograph several of these beautiful fishes alive. One of these photographs—that of a fine male—is here reproduced to illustrate my article. Jor- dan gives a good account of the charac- ters of Mollienisia latipinna, describing the great beauty of the male, the female being considerably smaller, and very plainly colored. He says: ‘The male, a fish of remarkable beauty. It often enters the sea, the gorgeous dorsal fin of the male being conspicuous in the shallow water about the wharves at Pensacola.” The markings of the male are well shown in my figure; the principal colors are bright lavender, brilliant orange, black and white. Many years ago I saw thousands of specimens of this species in the very shal- low pools connecting with the bayous south of New Orleans, La.; they were 40 Aquatic Life mating, and, as the gorgeously colored males chased the females about in the clear water of the pools, a scene was pre- sented that I have never forgotten. To the best of my recollection I would say that some of the old males exhibited markings of a bright azure blue in addi- tion to the orange ones; but I may be mistaken about this. My Louisiana field notes are not at hand at this writing; but I remember that in them I had drawings of both the male and female of this ele- gant little butterfly of a fish. Indeed, Mollienisia latipinna might well be called the “Butterfly Fish,” in the absence of any other vernacular name found in Jor- dan and Evermann for it. ———— The Water - Asel JOHN LEE BENNINGTON The. Water-asel or Slater, Asellus, is, barring the Pill-bug, Armadillidium vul- gare, the most familiar of the order Iso- poda, a division of animals of the class Crustacea. Of the seven American spe- cies, Asellus communis is the one most frequently met. It measures about three- fifths of an inch in length, with a breadth of one-fifth. . Superficially it resembles A. aquaticus, which is illustrated. It is strictly aquatic and breathes by means of gills on the modified abdominal or hinder appendages. This isopod will often be taken in ponds and streams, crawling about among the stones or on the plants, for it cannot swim. It is quite prolific, and repro- duces rapidly in spite of pronounced can- nibalistic habits. The eggs, which may number from fifty to sixty, are carried by the female in a brood-pouch during incubation, and the young therein for some time after hatching. The aquarian is apt to look upon Asellus with suspicion, but there need be little hesitation in introducing it into an aquarium if the fish have passed the stage of fry. It has been accused of devouring spawn, which is quite pos- sible, but inasmuch as it crawls—it can- not swim—any depredation among very young fish would be by accident rather than by design. However, to be on the safe side of the question, don’t place it in a tank with fry. Normally it feeds upon soft plants, living and dead, and for this reason it makes a useful scavenger in the aquarium, aside from its interest- ing habits. Of course, if one desires to investigate its life history it should be placed alone in a small, properly equipped Asellus aquaticus observation tank. ‘The Asel is regarded as a savory morsel by fishes large enough to devour it, hence 1f kept with other than the smaller species its life in the aquarium is apt to be brief. ae A spectator at the Philadelphia exhibi- tion, who remarked that he was not aware that such peculiar fishes existed, reminds one of the comment of the farmer on his first visit to a zoological garden. He plodded from house to house, his bewil- derment increasing, until he stopped in amazement before the giraffe and ejacu- lated: “Oh, pshaw! There ain’t no such animal.” NCIS dem Below is given a copy of an inscription that adorned a board fence in Kent: “Notis—If any man’s cows get into these here oats, his or her tail will be cut off as the case may be.”— The Country Gentleman. or woman’s © tr rer a | THE COMMON ‘TREE TOAD | RICHARD DECKERT, New York Zoological Garden & Se a There are few people who have spent some time in the country, in the eastern United States who have not at one time or another come across this wonderfully interesting little chap. Perhaps, while inhaling the fragrance of some flowering vine, you haye seen a bluish green tree toad, sound asleep under cover of a clump of leaves. Another time you have been picking cherries, and climbing among the limbs, have put your hand on what looked like a brown or gray knob of some branch, to feel it wet and soft and to see it come to life. It is our Hyla, sleeping after a good meal of flies and beetles. In early October, while looking for the first ripe apple, we will sometimes come across him in the old orchard. He may be found on the white-painted gate post of a fence, himself almost white, and looking like a paint blister. His behavior is not like that of most frogs, particularly the Spring Peeper, Hyla pickeringit. He is fat, lazy and confident —not easily frightened, and when taken in hand will cling with his ten sticky toe- pads, so that it takes quite some force to disengage him. If the hand is turned up- side down, he will slowly climb around until again uppermost, then begin to tuck in his “arms and legs,” satisfied to remain on his living perch. All his actions can be summed up in the word “cute.” His color changes, while rather slow, can be wonderfully diverse. Pale yellowish white, whitish gray, without marks, or with the star on his shoulders faintly outlined with black, this star sometimes pale green or pink, he can assume almost any shade of gray, brown and green, from palest bluish green to grass green. The above mentioned more or less star- shaped mark on his shoulder, two broad longitudinal bars on the sides, two, some- times three cross bars on the arms and legs, and a V-shaped mark on the head between the eyes, are usually present when the tree toad assumes a medium or The Tree Toad Photograph from life by D. Franklin Hyla versicolor dark color. These marks may be absent or but faintly indicated when our tree toad is dressed in his paler hues. A white, chalky patch under the eye can always be distinguished, no matter what the color of the rest of the body. The under sides are grayish white with- out spots, the concealed surfaces of the hind legs are orange yellow, marbled with dark brown on the hinder sides of the thighs. The iris of the eye usually cor- responds with the color of the body, ex- cept when the latter is green. It then assumes a silvery or pale brassy hue. The upper parts are covered with even-sized, large, more or less prominent granules or warts. When the tree toad has been ex- 42 Aquatic Life posed to strong light for some time, he may become almost perfectly smooth. The skin is usually very loose, and forms many folds, making the tree toad appear as if “his clothes did not fit him.” ‘The abdomen is evenly granular, the throat much wrinkled, and in the male dark gray or black. Hyla pickeringii The Spring Peeper Photograph from life by D. Franklin The male, when giving voice to its call, can distend this throat pouch until it is larger than his head. His voice 1s loud, high-pitched, and strongly trilled, and often resembles the bleat of a very young kid. Aside from the songs of birds, there is, to the writer’s mind, hardly a more cheerful sound in nature, so full of happiness and utter contentment it seems. In May, when the woods are beautiful in their new spring hues, and the cherry trees are in bloom, the tree toad wanders to the nearest pond, the males arriving first. In the afternoon they start their calls, sometimes in the high grass and weeds, still some distance from the pond. The chorus at the pond becomes stronger when rain is threatening, and other tree toads still in the trees, will answer those at the pond. Breeding operations begin in late May or early June, and are usually over by July—dependent on the weather. The eggs are laid in small packets of from six to twenty each, surrounded by small quantities of foam. ‘They float at the surface of the water, usually gather- ing around a protruding stick, leaf or grass-stem. FHyla versicolor prefers ponds contain- ing pond lilies, pickerel weed and floating plants. From 1000 to 2000 eggs are laid by one female. The eggs hatch in from two to five days, and the tadpoles trans- form into perfect baby tree toads after 55 to 65 days. The color of the tadpole is dark olive green, usually with a red- dish golden tinge near the head. The belly is white with golden iridiscence. The base of the tail is colored like the body, the remainder .to the tip being orange or vermilion red, with black spots. Like all tadpoles, they have many ene- mies, such as the back swimmers ( Noto- necta), the large diving beetle (Dytiscus ) and the larger dragonfly larvee. Leeches will also attach themselves to these help- less creatures, sucking their blood. Fishes eat them, as do many birds, particularly ducks. The perfectly formed baby frogs are large, considering the size of the adult, which is two inches. They are from five-eighths to three-quarters inch long, from snout to vent, and at first pea green in color; they do not assume the gray tints until some time after leaving the pond. Their chief food is mosquitoes, small spiders, flies and plant lice. Like most species of tree toads, our little friend has the sense of locality strongly developed. I have found indi- viduals in the same spot day after day for many weeks. I have left the cover of the vivarium open time and again, and although the tree toads would wander at night over the plants surrounding their cage, in the morning I would, with rare exceptions, find them tucked in the vari- ous corners of their homes. Three or Aquatic Life 43 four will often choose the same corner, but do not dispute with one another. The first comer chooses his resting place, and the others sit under, above, or on top of him, as the case may be. When hunting for insects our little friend concentrates all his attention on the prey, leaping at it and never worrying where he himself is going to land. His sticky toes are sure to find something to cling to, and, after quite some efforts, he will find a new rest- The Larva of a Dragonfly ing place, from which he begins his hunt for the next victim. To the best of my knowledge, the tree toad hibernates in the pulp which fills the deep knotholes often found in fruit trees, willows and swamp oak. oe A French woman, proud of her limited konwledge of English, and an American woman, proud of her limited knowledge of French, were introduced at a social affair. The French woman insisted in expressing herself in bad English and the American woman would talk nothing but bad French. When the guests began to depart they were still at it. At last they arose to go. Here is their watery farewell: “Reservoir,” said the fair American. “Tanks,” responded her new friend. poll eutiiin Can’t afford to miss a single number. IT always “devour” every line of an issue before I read my evening paper—Joun L. Davis, Penna. BRD TEN An aquarist who has an exalted opin- ion of himself is a mighty poor judge or goldfish—Mosr. The Philadelphia Show WM. T. INNES In the fore part of October for the past several years Philadelphia fish fanciers have prepared exhibitions in Horticul- tural Hall, Fairmount Park, that the pub- lic might become better acquainted with the remarkable achievements in develop- ing and breeding fancy goldfishes and exotic wild species. That. we have suc- ceeded in arousing a decided interest is evidenced by the large crowds that are attracted, even when the exhibition is but slightly advertised, which was the case this year. Visitors come from many points, and leave with the conviction that the trip was well spent. Dr. Leonard, of Carbondale, telegraphed : “Meet me at the piscatorial centre of the universe Satur- day at two.” I did not need a code to translate the dispatch, but went straight to Horticultural Hall, and there met the next Mayor of Carbondale. While there have been shows and shows in other years, it is practically a set custom to say that the last surpassed all others. That is exactly what I want to say this year, but let none take it for an empty statement. The exhibitors were there with the “real goods” in such pro- fusion that no experienced observer could fail to be impressed with the progress made in the breeding of beautiful aqua- rium fishes. Mr. eadoine Wolf, whose extensive importations some years ago were largely instrumental in founding Philadelphia as the goldfish centre, vis- ited the exhibition twice, the second time being accompanied by his brother, Mr. ernie T. Wolf, formerly an active con- tributor to aquarium literature. These gentlemen were delighted with the im- provements in the different breeds, which is gratifying in view of their wide and long experience. The Calico Telescope reigns supreme, and it is with this breed that most of the progress has been made. The riot of colors among them is gorgeous and daz- 44 Aquatic Lite | Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. TieOMCnRI i eee Bator JOSEPH E. BAUSMAN........ Publisher 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 29,1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aguatic Lire. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lirk has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Weary Suse oocoosoadccncncacs $1.00 Hore1omeoubSeriptroms. qireiecie mst te 1535 SinglesCopyarrria cet siasire teer rin 10 Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1917 by Joseph E. Bausman Vol. Il zling. A judge would have his own trou- bles in picking the winner in such a su- perb collection of aristocrats of the aquarium. The tropical fish section was not quite up to the standard, due largely to the dearth of importations, but was some- what redeemed by a choice display of young Pterophyllum scalare and a new arrival called the Scarlet Chanchito.* A common Chanchito, Cichlasoma (Heros) facetum, of extraordinary size—nearly a *This was labeled Cichlasoma erythrogaster, a tentative name under which it was distribut- ed by the importer who at the time thought it new to science. It was later identified as a variant of Thorichthys helleri (syn. Cichla- soma hellert.)—Editor. November 1917 No. 3 foot long—did not seem to catch the eye of the general public, but tropical fish fanciers thought it a wonder. Mr. J. Louis Troemner exhibited a beautifully colored chart, showing the different stages of progress in the devel- opment of the fancy goldfish breeds. The public found this both interesting and in- structive, if one may judge from the attention it received. The exhibition was given under the auspices of The Goldfish Fanciers’ So- ciety, The Goldfish Exhibitors and The Aquarium Society of Philadelphia. Those contributing to its success by showing their fishes were: Messrs. Smith, Ayling, Klippen, Eck, Barrett, Phillips (Brook- lyn), Leffman, Graff, Peters, Weida, Demuth, Wilt, Bausman, Visel (Brook- lyn), Allen, Hannig, G. Kempter, Haw- kins, H. Kempter, Bell, Christy, Schae- fer, Heilman, Troemner, Hinkle, Walton, Williams and Paullin. eee The regular October meeting of The Goldfish Fanciers’ Society of Phuiladel- phia was held in Saull’s Hall, 804 W. Girard avenue, on Wednesday evening, the 17th. The competition was for Telescopes more than one year old. Messrs. How- ard Galbraith, Charles Hinkle and Elmer C. Hazlett were appointed judges, mak- ing awards as follows: TRANSPARENT-SCALED “T'ELESCOPES.— Cup and blue ribbon, Joseph E. Baus- man; red, George E. Wilt; yellow, James H. McBride. OPAQUE-SCALED ‘TELESCOPES. — Cup, John Eck; blue ribbon, M. Marblestone ; red, Thomas Ayling; yellow, George E. Wilt. New MeEmpBeErsS: Dr. H. H. Cushing, Fred A. Smith and Frank McKeown. The next meeting will be held on No- vember 21st. Competition for Broadtail Japs, opaque-scaled and_ transparent- scaled( scaled and scaleless), over a year old. One cup and three ribbons to be awarded in each class. On “cup nights” an entrance fee of ten cents is charged for each fish—Frep RicHARDSON Statement of the Ownership, Management, | Circulation, Etc., Required by the Act of Congress of August 24, 1912, of Aquatic Life, published monthly at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for October 1st, 1917. State of Pennsylvania County of Philadelphia \ S3\° Before me, a notary public in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally ap- peared W. A. Poyser, who, having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is the editor of Aquatic Lire, and that the following is, to the best of his knowledge and belief, a true statement of the ownership, management (and if a daily paper, the circu- lation), etc., of the aforesaid publication for the date shown in the above caption, required by the Act of August 24, 1912, embodied in Section 443, Postal Laws and Regulations, to wit: That the names and addresses of the pub- lisher, editor, managing editor, and business managers are: Publisher—Joseph FE. Bausman, 542 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. Editor—W. A. Poyser, 207 South 37th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Managing Editor—None. Business Managers—None. That the owners are: (Give names and ad- dresses of individual owners, or, if a cor- poration, give its name and the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 per cent. or more of the total amount of stock. ) Owners—Joseph E. Bausman, 542 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.; W. A. Poyser, 207 South 37th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. That the known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 per cent. or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities are: None. W. A. POYSER, Editor. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of September, 1917. (Seal) A. D. DEwEEs. (My commission expires February 19, 1921.) —_~.>__ For although it be a more new and dif- ficult way, to find out the nature of things, by the things themselves ; then by reading of books, to take our knowledge upon trust from the opinions of philoso- phers; yet must it needs be confessed that the former is much more open and less fraudulent, especially in the secrets relating to natural philosophy.—William Harvey, ANATOMICAL EXERCITATIONS, 1653. CHAETODONS and other AQUARIUM FISHES GEO. W. PRICE, 2145 S. LEE STREET PHILADELPHIA Bell Phone, Dickinson 3181 W. Park Manor Aquarium A. Volmer Breeder and Dealer in Fine Goldfishes, Aquar- ium Plants, Red Snails and other varieties. Manufacturer of Park Manor Fish Food, aquaria, frames, cement and all supplies. No mail orders. 6828 Anthony Ave., Chicago, Ill. (Near 69 St., & S. Park Ave) I. X. L. Fish Food Box 15c, 2 Boxes 25c Red Snails by Mail W. E. WALP 1309 N. 55th Street Philadelphia, Pa. All aquaria fish thrive on RELPAW Imported Hygienic Natural Fish Food, 10c Box Ask Any First Class Dealer N. WAPLER, Importer 28 Warren St., N. Y., City LORQUINIA—The Naturalist’s Monthly of the Southwest Is published monthly by the Lorquin Natural History Club, and con- tains original observations of naturalists, particularly of the West Associate membership, including subscription, $1.50 per year. LoRQUIN NATURAL HIsTory CLup 1051 West 23rd Street, Los. Angeles, Cal. Special—Fine Breeders For Sale Japs & Telescopes Scaled & Scaleless GEORGE B. SMITH 2013 E. Cumberland Street, Philadelphia Correspondence Solicited \ Write for Proposition Give References | — ADDRESS ~ M.E. Corrugating Co. ff oye COVINGTON, KENTUCKY COOC D000 D000 C000 CS000 T5000: SEA HORSES and SEA ANEMONES : and other assorted specimens for 8 (| MARINE AQUARIUMS. Persistant } 8 change of water not necessary. Full 8 : : instructions given for care. R. DONKER 227 West 83rd Street g NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. [a CA OO ea RIaT HS EO) (RR a cere een | EVERYTHING IS FISH THAT COMES i TO THE NET OF A NATURALIST Don’t paddle in the water with one hand and be blind with both eyes. In other words “‘keep your eyes open’’ for all nature. Our Magazine Che Guide to ature Will Help You It is edited by EDWARD F. BIGELOW, who fishes in the heavens and earth, as well as the waters under the earth. Four months’ trial, 25c. One year, $1.00 THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION 8 ArcAdiA Sound Beach JODO DDO O0O 000 M000 000000000 Connecticut BLUE, BLACK and VARI-HUED CALICO JAPS and TELESCOPES Large assortment as to size and quality with a wide range of prices. Young from $3, $4, $5 per dozen. Breeders from $5 per pair. GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremont Place Mt. Vernon, N. Y. HUGO C. NELLES Dealer and Breeder of Tropical Fishes 30 Different Kinds on Hand at Present Prices Reasonable Call After 3.00 P.M. Out of Town Orders Given Prompt Attention 1305 3rd Avenue New York, N. Y. Finest Blue and Calico Broad- tail Telescopes in Philadelphia Correspondence Answered C. J. HANNIG, 1225 N. Randolph Street PHILADELPHIA Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 PuTNAM AVENUE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. THINK IT OVER The critical buyer of fish food as a rule is the breeder. He must look for results. That Yogi gives results is proven by the fact that the majority of the largest and most successful breeders are using Yogi Fish Food. Give it a trial. 10c a Box, by Mail 12c 60c a Pound, by Mail Add Postage for 2 Pounds A NATURAL FOOD CONTAINING THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS TO KEEP YOUR FISH IN GOOD HEALTH. y FEED TWICE DAILY. YOGI ———————————— FISH FOOD Manufactured only by ROBT. J. SCHAEFFER PRICE, 10. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia FOR SALE—Hundreds of breeding Guppies (Lebistes reticulatus). The most beautiful ones you ever saw. You choice, 25c. each. Large breeding Helleri, 75c. each. All kinds Snails and Tropical Fishes. Add 25c. for can. Y. VARJE, 1361 N. Clark St., Chicago, Ill. Telephone, Superior 4415. DRIED SHRIMP The General Utility Food for Fishes. Per pound, coarse, 75c.; fine ground, $1. St. George’s Natural Fish Food, $1.50 lb. Sample can, 15c. Add postage to your zone. CANADIAN BIRD STORE 2139 West Van Buren Street. Chicago, Ill. Che Mature Studp Review OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY The numbers for the coming school year will be filled with special articles from practical teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school gardening, elementary agriculture and nature-study. $1.00 per year. 15c, per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage, 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. Aquattc Lrfe VOL, II. 1916 - 1917 A limited number of copies are availab‘e in substantial cloth binding, with title page and comprehensive index. 166 pages and about the same number of illustrations, some in color Price, $2.25, postpaid. Aquatic Life 542 EAST GIRARD AVENUE. PHILADELPHIA. ; S00 G5 000 C000 C5000 C5000 C000 C55 000 GF 000 C5000: STURDY FISHES! —— oe LUXURIANT PLANTS! Prolong their lives and make your aquaria sanitary by using SMITH’S Plant Containers Write for details and prices WILLIAM S. SMITH 857 E. 19th St., Brooklyn, N. Y. O00 C000 CD 000 CS 000C—5000 COO M000 C000 T0000 CG S000 Smith’s Plant Containers fe 200 GS 006 GSS 300 GS 000 SSS 000 SS] 000 SSS] 000 GSS 000SSD000GS55600 SOMETHING RARE Young Japanese Goldfish $1 per Dozen Add 50c extra for shipping can COO 5000 C000 C———J000TD000C— 000 DIRECT FROM JAVA! SCATOPHAGUS ARGUS (Ikan Kaper) PERIOPTHALMUS KOELREUTERI (Ikan Blodok) THERAPON JARBUA (Ikan Rong Gerong) as J. HENRI WAGNER, 1909 N. Capitol Street | Washington, D. C. EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants Water Lilies 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. | Taxidermy Send for Catalog ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. | HAPLOCHILUS CELEBENSIS (Ikan Water) HAPLOCHILUS PANCHAX (WHITE) (Ikan Tjoeblang) HAPLOCHILUS PANCHAX (YELLOW) (Ikan Gatoel) N. B.—The first four species are ‘Millionaires’ fishes.”’ How About That Tropical Aquarium to Keep Your Fish Alive This Winter ? Send for free circular at once. WALTER BELL Breeder of road: tail Celescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS iy : Telephone St. Nicholas 8418. 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA ! lo. e elam=n] O00 M000 C=) 000 MS 000C— 5000 W. L. BRIND, 449 W. 206th St., New York C00 CH COo0c ee a ae ee COO0T 000 MD000000C——D 000 CD 000 000 D000 G——DOCDOCO MD C00 Prices Reasonable S000 C000 CS 000 CD 000 ir you i| BETTER CUTS AT | : BETTER PRICES: - PROMPT SERVICE GUARANTEED 8 Are Looking for Something Extra § Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes | Don’t Forget W. H. HEIMBACH 8 Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH 8 GOULD-WILHELM C INC. | Snails om * Plants ys ; Wau Hoe Guns cee tant TIMES ! ARTISTS = ENGRAVERS = PHOTOGRAPHERS ( 413 NortH TentH STREET i 44N.44 STREET PHILA. We ALLENTOWN, Pa. | SEND FOR SAMPLES #S°PRICES THEY WILL INTEREST YOU} 000 C000 ———D000c—— ie “AQUARIA FISH” a te Use Regenia Aquarium Salts A practical work on care and breeding of fish in the Aquarium, Greenhouse and out- To replace the natural salts in your aquar- ium as absorbed by the fishes and snails. Excellent for plants. Help the snails form shell. Benefits the fish. Box of Six Pow- ders, 25c. For sale at Pet Stock stores. door Ponds. Finely illustrated. Every one 7 interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price, $1. Four-Horned Snails (Ampullaria Gigas) de- posit a mass of large coral red eggs out of 8 i 8 (| se the water, the little snails drop into the | | Violet-Ray Fish Remedy | ; water as they hatch. These snails are in- valuable for destroying Hydra in the aqua- Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Rot, rium. | Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots Thoroughbred Collie Pups, beautifully | Oro) APVOVONCEN WISE, | TOS Ce GIRS LONIGIAS Safe and effective. REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. Station K. Philadelphia S000 MD 000T DC D000 C000 T0090: o- marked, AD F. L. TAPPAN Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. COO GS 000 COO GS O00 COOT C00 D000 TM D000 T5000 C00 C——D AD 000 D000 CS 000 CD 000000000 MH D000 C3000 MS 000 C008 CS C0001 The Pees: Aira e hn November 9, 1915 leee) 8 | | 8 Made in 10 For Sale : (| Different All Thru ll eee ae U.S. A. arger 51zes and ae Canada 8 | | | | 3 8 | Manuiactured by Jo JH AIT OoR BEC KR aGOn unc | 170 - 172 TWELFTH AVENUE, ASTORIA, L.1.,N.Y. COO D000 GD 000 D000 GDOOOCCCOC D900 D000 D000 C000 CS C080 oe Fine Broad-tail Telescopes THE TERMINAL PET SHOP BLACK & CALICO | PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND a | Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty Correspondence Solicited All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines PHILADELPHIA. FRANKLIN BARRETT EVERYTHING COMPLETE FOR THE AQUARIUM, POND AND LAKE & Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. SEND FOR PRICE LISTS LL GEORGE’S GOLDFISH SHOP Goldfish of All Varieties George’s Imperial Fish Food 10c Postpaid Common Goldfish and Cabomba Wholesale PLANTS AQUARIA ALL SUPPLIES | N. W. 6Oth and De Lancey Street, Philadelphia i : HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria Visitors Welcome Importations of New Varieties received regularly -- Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty 8 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Broadway. | 000 TEN VARIETIES OF BEAUTIFUL AQUARIUM PLANTS for $1.00 Postpaid must be seen to be appreciated 8 | J. Hlenrt WacGner, 1909 North Capitol | _ Mashingten, D. C. The Opec! Subscribe for “THE AQUATIC WORLD” Trial 6 Months 25c Yearly 50c Money Back if First Number Fails to Please AQUARIUM $2.00 Postpaid Send for Circular Are your Snails dying from decay- ing shells? in your Aquarium. 2 for 25 cents, postpaid. 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, INTE VCs Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder and Importer of TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES Be cTrelasesies Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods Fresh and Dried Daphnia l AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES O00 i S000C——S]o000 THE AQUATIC WORLD, Station 0., Baltimore, Md. WATER PUMP | is ‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Hang a block of lime 15 cents each | WALTER M. COPELAND | Otto Walter aa Now is the time to list the Aquarium Vac- uum Cleaner in your Fall Catalogues. We are receiving repeat orders wherever it is placed and frequent inquires from private parties asking who our representatives are. Samples by Parcel Post, 50c,75c, $1.00 Dealers Write for Discounts Mfg’d by Acton Electric Co., Inc. 1133 BROADWAY NEW YORK Patents Pending THE BEST BOOK ft AQUARIUM Suai82 SUBJECTS Aquarium Fishes’’,byWm.1.Innes, // former President of the Aquarium /| Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 illustrations. Tells all about the fancy varieties of the Goldfish and nearly 300 tropicals; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - (133 N. ‘2th St. - Phila., AQUARIUM M STOCK OCK CO 150 Chambers Street New York City Aquarium Specialists GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, SNAILS, ETC. Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Can 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Special Prices on Quantity Lots Cash With Order Catalogue Sent Upon Request Orders amounting $2 delivered postpald. Mail orders promptly attended to. cae! Pa. COO C000 T— 900 CS 9003000: OCO TM 000 CM (>—000c———) 7000 S700 c——— 700 oi HMichaelsen Bros GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS | | : 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia | | | : Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies : Wholesale and Retail EGE eae Bind tn OOOTM D000 T4000 TDC S000 TS] 000T S000 §’ HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish = Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask your dealer or send for it today. CCOT000TD000C S000 T0000 D000C D000 000000000 i J000 C000 TD000CDCO0TD000—D000CDCD060 C000 Les OCOT 000 T= 000 =D OOO TH O00 T3000 COODCOOCOO C000 T———JD000C— 000000! Nippon Goldfish Lo § : 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal Importers : and : Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH g Direct From BREEDERS IN JAPAN 8 Panama-Pacific International Exposition San Francisco, 1915 : 8 8 : 8 ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES & Awarded Gold and Silver Medals Price Lists Furnished to the Trade Only Boe che | OCO0CO 000 GS 000000 C000 000000 Breeders A large assortment of splendid Telescope and Jap goldfish at reasonable prices. = Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans, 45 Cents. Young Blues, Blacks and Calicoes $1.50 Doz. Young Veiltails or Broadtails $5.00 Doz. HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. WARNOCK STREET PHILADELPHIA (COO 000000 C000 Sa C000 000000 OCOOCC00 C000 CG ————J00000c COQ0CO C000 CS 000000 to i GREEN RIVER FISH FOOD 8 Due to the constant increase in 8 costs of ingredients, boxes and print- ing, it has become necessary to in- crease the price of these foods to 15 and 20 cents. When conditions again 8 ns agai ecome norma SG ©) rices wl 8 b 1 the old p 1 8 O00 TM D000000 000000: again prevail. HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. eat eee SEAN? asa Jacob C. Cassel es a 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. i i ae i <——]Sd00 000 CS) 7000 a ———]000c> 414 E. TREMONT AVENUE Aquarium Specialty Co. New York city Large and unusual collection of im- | Chaetedon and an endless variety of ported Japanese Fringetails, Telescopes | Tropical and cold water fishes, including and Lionheads, also finest breeds of do- | Medaka and Dojos from Japan. Un- mestic Broadtails in all colors at at- | equaled stock of fine Aquatic P-ants, tractive prices. | Snails and accessories. Taubles’ Copenhagen Fishfood A menu in itself, requires no change, | In bulk, $1.50 per pound. Samp‘e box, since it contains ten different ingredients 15 cents each. Made in three grades, For other foods and for price list of our Aquaria, we refer to our “ad” in past issues f “Aquatic Lite.” AQUARIUM SPECIALTY CO., 414 E. Tremont Avenue :: New York City JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. ——— Se ee ee al | | 8 8 | 8 3 | | of nourishing and healthful properties. | coarse, medium and fine. | | poe a 000 000 [fF you | | BETTER CUTS AT| Are Looking for Something Extra i BETTER PRICES 8 Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes Don’t Forget W. H. HEIMBACH PROMPT SERVICE GUARANTEED Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH GOULD-WILHELM C INC. Snails Plants FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! ARTISTS = ENGRAVERS * PHOTOGRAPHERS 413 NortH TENTH STREET 44N.4% STREET PHILA. ie ALLENTOWN, Pa. | SEND FOR SAMPLES PRICES THEY WILL INTEREST YOU}! iC 000 Ga 000 CSS 000 S000 SE 59500 GS Bs Sosoeoots ooo} q } q 4 y ° GO) oreo ovGootovg> oor orS rors v es a It is often desirable to record aquaria and their contents by photography. Aside from scientific value, photographs of fishes and aquatic plants are of inter- est to aquarians and nature students, and the work affords a pleasant pastime, not to mention possible profit. An enlarged print of a rare or fine fish makes a hand- some ornament for the conservatory long after the original has run its life, and is a permanent record of the prowess of the owner in fish culture. Lantern slides are not difficult to make, and a good series is a valuable addition to the para- phernalia of the nature club or individual Those who desire slides or Fishes lecturer. prints usually pay well for them. could easily be obtained from other fan- ciers in exchange for photographic Services. A plate camera with a focusing screen is indispensable for the work, the more expensive the better; but that does not mean that good work cannot be done with an instrument moderate in cost. The photographs used to illustrate this paper were taken with an Eastman Plate Camera, Series C, No. 4, with a Rapid Rectilinear lens, working up to U. S. 4. The shutter has speeds up to a hundredth of a second, but for these purposes I have used nothing over one-fiftieth. ‘This camera uses plates 4 by 5 inches. The bellows can be extended so that objects may be photographed three-fourths size without any extra attachment. ‘The out- fit, without the tripod, was bought sec- ond-hand for eight dollars, and ones similar to it are usually to be had for about that amount. Aquarium Photography CHARLES M. BREDER, JR. S880 00> 9 Ho Pv oc ococoacfoaBoocfooc boyy Seo eoveseooGo0ds Beectorcto0cts 800 0 9 Do Do 0 vo ocoocPoocPoocPoofy For taking general views of tank in- teriors—plants and rock work—there is nothing much to be said. ‘The side of the tank nearest the camera must be parallel with the photographic plate, and no light reflected from the side of the tank must shine directly into the lens. HUT FOR, TRLPOD SCREW. The Author’s Apparatus This light can usually be seen on the ground glass while focusing. If these precautions are not observed, the reflect- ed light will appear in the picture as white streaks. As long exposures are necessary, the tank being usually closely planted, the fishes should be removed; otherwise they will appear as blurs. ‘The sediment that is stirred up in catching the fishes must be allowed to settle before making the exposure. pension in the water appear in the photo- graph as specks. Particles in sus- The correct exposure must be worked out for each aquarium, as conditions vary so much that no gen- eral rule can be given. It should be borne in mind that water and glass are somewhat more opaque to actinic light 46 Aquatic Lite than air, and in consequence the expos- ure should be longer. For picturing aquatic plants an ordi- nary tank containing nothing other than the subject will often give excellent re- sults. But to show the structure of the plant in general, it 1s good practice to lay it upon a white sheet on the floor and photograph from above. This will give The Egyptian Mouthbreeder Haplochromis strigigena a sharp picture of the entire plant, which will serve as well as a drawing for pur- poses of identification. Views showing the exposed portions of floating plants are taken like an ordinary photograph, the camera being pointed slightly down- ward. The most difficult subjects are living fishes, particularly the smaller species. After considerable found that a necessary. Briefly, it consists of a very narrow tank, which keeps the fish in focus automatically, an adjustable back- ground, the camera, and a suitable sup- experimenting | special apparatus was port for all. The camera is equipped with a copying lens costing thirty cents, which enables one to take pictures life size and over. The exposed glass side of the aquarium is the same size as the photographic plate, so that when the camera is focused to take in this area it is working at full size. The background is a piece of heavy cardboard tacked to a strip of wood. It can be moved to any desired position. The apparatus is sup- ported on a long board, which rests on an ordinary tripod. The device is porta- ble, allowing one to follow the sun or carry it to another conservatory. Inasmuch as all cameras are not alike, the apparatus must be made to conform to the particular instrument used. Below is a detailed description of the apparatus made for the camera described: The base is a board three-fourths of an inch thick, two feet long and six inches wide. A hevagonal nut is firmly mor- tised in the centre. The screw in the head of the tripod fits into this nut and holds the board rigid. Near one end, the exact position depending upon the tripod socket in the camera, is bored a simple hole, through which is thrust a thumb- screw to engage the socket in the camera. The board is varnished to improve its appearance. The aquarium measures two by five by Salvinia species six inches over all. The frame is made of gauge 20 galvanized iron strips, one inch wide, and bent at right angles length- wise. Soft tinned rivets were used to put the strips together, but it could just With the outside measurements given, the exposed glass The leg of the angle that overhangs the top as well be soldered. on the sides is four by five inches. is cut down to about a quarter inch, so that it just protects the raw edge of the Aquatic Lite 47 glass. This makes the transfer of fish easier and minimizes the danger of in- jury. glass, free from all flaws, should be used for the sides if good results are to be ex- pected. Thin polished plate is best. The ends and bottom need not be so perfect. Any good aquarium cement may be used Very clear single-thick window to secure the glasses. The background is merely a piece of clean white cardboard, inches, supported by a block of wood, eight by two by one inch, to which it is It can be placed in any desired For light-col- six by eight tacked. position behind the tank. ored fishes dark cardboard may be used. A scene daubed roughly and placed out of focus will give the effect of depth and enhance the beauty of the resulting Colored and mottled boards may also be used. negative. the give the After the device has been camera must be adjusted to set, maximum degree of definition. This can be done by focusing with the aid of a hand magnifying glass on a pebble or other object in the centre of the tank. When the proper position is found two tacks should be placed in front of the The arrow in my sketch indicates the best di- tank as markers for future use. rection from which to have the light. This can always be had from 10 A. M. to 2 P. M., the apparatus being moved to secure it. The best photographs will be taken during the summer, as the sun is stronger and rides higher in the sky. Some photographers prefer to have the background close to the tank, so that the shadow of the fish is seen. I do not care for this, as it tends to spoil the effect. I prefer to have it far enough away that the shadow is diffused or so out of focus that it does not appear in the photograph. After all has been arranged and the speci- men 1s in the tank, patience alone can aid one. ‘To force a nervous fish into posi- tion is almost impossible ; waiting in quiet and snapping the shutter at the proper moment I find to be the swiftest method. Large goldfish and other species can be photographed in a similar way in a larger tank. One four by eight by ten inches could be focused down to half- size. This is more simple, as the chance for blurring by the motion of the fish is The American Mud Minnow Umbra pygmaea vreatly reduced, and the depth of focus increased considerably. A great many photographs have been taken this way because of its ease. Another form of tank has a movable partition to bring the subject into focus. For very small fishes this can be applied to the four by five tank. In aquatic photography it 1s better to use speed plates, even if they do cost more than the ordinary kind, as the superior result is worth the difference. I use “Seed Graflex”’ plates. —_—_@___ It is “safety first” to avoid the use of kitchen utensils in the management of aquaria, as they may contain traces of soap, soda and other substances that would prove injurious if introduced into the tank. Every aquarist should have an enameled pail and several pans for “aquarium use only.” 48 Aquatic Lite The Bitterling About friend Bitterling. this fish, as you know, is readily deter- mined during the breeding season, when the female protrudes her oviduct and the male changes to gorgeous colors. I have come to the conclusion that the sexes can be distinguished at all times. You will notice that some individuals have a cer- The sex of interesting species. The bitterling is not a new fish to American aquarians, though it is now extinct in our collections. Other than in sex discrimination, the species presents another suggestion for observa- tion. ‘The eggs are deposited by the fe- male in the syphon of a mussel. Here incubation takes place and the fry leave the foster mother ten to fifteen days after EVEN NNN VENI NEN NEN NEN NESE NNN ENN NNN NNN NEN Rhodeus amarus (Bitterling ) RRS ASG NS ASA SASS AS SE Photograph by Dr. E. Bade SS SS Ss BUNNIES NENG ENENEN NEN Se NEN NNN NENG NNN tain amount of red in the eye, whilst in others it is entirely absent. I believe, as a result of my personal observations, that it is the males which possess the “red eye.” I shall be glad to know if this is so, or 1f you will personally attempt to confirm my opinion.—John R. Shattock, in a letter to the editor. The activities of the submarines (de- spite Mr. Shattock’s efforts as a member of the British Royal Flying Corps) made it advisable to postpone a shipment of this the insertion of the eggs. It will be inter- esting to determine if the fish will accept an American mollusc, and if the mussel will concur in the interrelationship. If the bitterling has been bred here, using an American species, the fact has appar- ently not been published.—E ditor. meee When arranging the plants in an aquarium, leave the centre clear. The light will be better diffused and the fishes more readily observed. f oR Sad bh—, Here at last is a “tropical fish” that is different from those with which we are familiar. Aquarists will be apt to remark its resemblance to one of our American game fishes, the black bass, and there is a relationship. The genus Terapon is a division of the family of Ha:MULID&, one of the groups making up the vast assem- blage of bass-like fishes of the tropical seas. Terapon jarbua was first described by the Swedish naturalist, Petrus For- skal, in 1775, as Sciaena jarbua. For- skal’s specimens were collected in the Inecl Seas IUeiieies sin Si, (Chee, woe French zoologist, described his genus Terapon, to which he transferred our subject, so today we know the fish as Terapon jarbua (Forskal) Cuvier. The native Javanese call it the “Ikan Rong Gerong.” ‘This I obtained from a native through my Dutch collector, Captain Van Dyck, who acted as interpreter. If the fish is viewed from above, the black stripes appearing on the sides form con- centric rings, arranged one within the other in a “round and round” pattern. Does not Rong Gerong sound like “round and round?” The thought may be fanci- ful, but it would seem to indicate a pos- sibility of the natives adopting a name sounding like a description that might have been given the fish by a traveler or sailor speaking English! The native names of some other fish do not, how- ever, lend themselves so well to this the- ory. Ikan means water, and is always placed first. In color the Rong Gerong is silvery, with a beautiful metallic lustre, darker | —TERAPON JARBUA | | WALTER LANNOY BRIND, F. Z. S. : ee etl on the back, and shading to pearly white on the belly. The stripes and markings are black, though at times they appear faint, and again become a dark brown. The scales are very small, and number eighty-five along the lateral line. Six specimens reached me direct from Java last October, but the smallest ones, barely Terapon jarbua three-fourths of an inch long, did not long survive. At this writing the remain- ing four are in fine condition. ‘The larg- est measures 2% inches long, 34 inch deep and ™% inch thick at the shoulders, so it is a sturdy fish. They live quite peaceably together, and I have yet to notice any antagonism. In its native coun- tries the species frequents the sea, but is also found in brackish water like that in the Hudson River at Spuyten Duyvil, and in perfectly fresh water. The tank in which I showed several specimens at the recent exhibition of The Aquarium So- ciety, held in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, con- tained one-fifth brackish water from the Hudson and four-fifths fresh water. The Rong Gerong does not seem to be a difficult fish to please. Mine find a twenty-gallon aquarium ample. This is 50 Aquatic Lite lightly planted with lallisneria and Sag- ittaria. Some fragments of coral have been strewn over the sandy bottom, and a fine tuffstone grotto placed in the cen- tre. Scrupulous cleanliness is essential with this, as with all aquaria. I care- fully remove all excess food, sediment and feces with a syphon. An average temperature of 75 degrees, Fahrenheit, which is that at which we maintain most of our exotic fishes, seems to suit it very well. All the way from Java, a journey of nearly three months, they were fed on scraped beefsteak. They will eat medium- grain fish food, but prefer Enchytre to anything else, except perhaps Daphne. Evidently the matter of proper foods is not a difficult one with this fish. In regard to breeding habits, it is prob- able that a nest will be hollowed in the cand to form a nursery for the eggs and young. I intend to make provision for this when my fish incline to propagation, though I do not know whether or not I now have both sexes. In any event, my collector tells me that he can secure speci- mens six inches long, and that the species is abundant in the vicinity of his port in Java. The vessel will arrive in New York next May, and should bring me a goodly collection of this and other fishes. ——— ——— A Fisherman’s Last Thought From Maine comes a story of an old fisherman who was lying on his death- bed. After a few preliminary words, the worthy minister, who had been sent for, said that if the old gentleman had anything on his mind, it was hoped he would confide it to the pastoral ear, so that he might die in peace. “Well, sir,” said the old sportsman, “if ‘| had may life to live over again, I’d fish more with bait and less with flies.’”— Harper's Magazine. The New York Show W. M. PACKER The Eighth Annual Exhibition of The Aquarium Society was held at the Ameri- can Museum of Natural History, New York City, on October 12, 13 and 14. It was the most successful one in the history of the society. The attendance was un- usually large, and all found it most inter- esting. Many species of tropical fishes, goldfish, aquatic and semi-aquatic plants were shown 1n two hundred aquaria. Scatophagus argus Mr. William L,. Paullin, of Philadel- phia, entered ten young Pterophyllum scalare. Though less than a quarter of a dollar in size, they were perfectly de- veloped, with bodies and fins like mature specimens. Mr. Paullin was awarded a special prize. Mr. Walter L. Brind, in one of his tropical tanks, exhibited Scatophagus argus and Terapon jarbua, the latter spe- cies never having been previously shown in this country. The entry won a special prize. The five silver cups offered by the So- ciety were awarded as follows: Mr. A. A. Phillips, Brooklyn, cup for best display of goldfish, cup for best de- veloped young goldfish hatched this year. (Concluded on page 56.) a | > 2 | | The South African mouthbreeder, Tilapia natalensis, is a native of the Southern extremity of the Dark Conti- nent, near the thirtieth parallel. In con- sequence the species, which is strong and robust, will accommodate itself to a low- er temperature than will be liked by the more familiar Egyptian Mouthbreeder, Paratilapia — multicolor—Haplochromis strigigena, 1f you prefer the newer clas- sification. The general coloration of the male is dark blue, with some bright red on the lower part of the head, and on the dorsal and caudal fins. ‘The female is grayish and lacks distinctive markings and col- ors. In the male the dorsal fin is point- ed at the rear, that of the female being rounded and shorter. The dorsal bears the characteristic ‘Tilapia dark spot,” which may be noted in the accompany- ing illustration. To observe the breeding habits and for the rearing of the young, this species should be provided with a roomy aquar- ium, containing about three inches of clean sand; it is important that no soil be used. The temperature should aver- age 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Like the Egyptian Mouthbreeder, the male will make a nest, a mere hollow in the sand. Here, after proper coaxing, the female will deposit the eggs, and after fertilization, will take them into the brood-pouch in her mouth. At this point in the proceedings the male should be re- moved, or as soon after as possible, lest his now unwelcome attentions disturb the mother. The eggs will hatch in about fifteen days. One or two days after the youngsters leave the mother, | TILAPIA NATALENSIS C. J. HEEDE | and are swimming about, she should be removed. During incubation and while she 1s carrying the young in her mouth, the female takes no food, consequently she completes her duties physically en- ervated and needs coddling. It is well, therefore, to segregate her and feed well until she has recovered her usual strength and vigor, and not until then should she be restored to her mate. In The South African Mouthbreeder the meantime the young should be fed on very fine live or prepared foods, prefer- ably the former. Later, with the older ones, they may be given scraped lean raw beef, clean chopped earthworms, enchytraeid worms and similar mater- lals. They will also partake of algae and fine-leaved plants. A number of other species in the genus Tilapia are known to aquarists, though apparently but few have been bred. References will be found in aquar- ium literature to T. nilotica, West Asia, North and West Africa; 7. tholloni, Congo, West Africa; T. hendeloti, Niger West Africa; T. sp. incert., East Africa; IT. guineensis, West Africa; T. microcephala, West Africa; T. lepidura, Congo, West Africa. 52 Aquatic Lite Barbus Conchonius ERNEST LEITHOLF The genus Barbus contains a_ great number of species, more than two hun- dred, and ranges through’ Kurope, Asia and Africa. The members vary in size from the giant Barbus mosal of the mountains of India, which is said to reach a length of six feet and to have scales as large as the palm of the hand, to the comparatively tiny species of the aquarist. Eleven species seem to have received attention in the aquarium, viz., Barbus conchonius B. chola, B. conchomus, B. gelius, B. lateristriga, B. maculatus, B. phutunio, B. semifasciolatus, B. ticto, B. trispilus, B. vittatus and B. camptocanthus. The common barbel, Barbus conchon- ius, is a native of India, where it reaches a length of about six inches. bred in the aquarium rarely exceed three to three and a half inches, the greatest size being attained in large tanks. The species is quite tenacious of life in con- finement, is not hard to breed, and may be carried through the winter months with little difficulty. It will stand such a low temperature as 55 degrees, but it will be well to keep it warmer. Both sexes are alike in colors, The Examples back is a rich olive green; sides silvery ; a black spot with a golden edge at the base of the caudal. The fins of the fe- male are colorless, while those of the male are suffused with orange red, the dorsal having a black dash at the tip. During the breeding periods the male presents a wonderful change. ‘The col- ors become intense, and the body takes on a rosy or brilliant red hue, through which the bright scales gleam like silver. A picture is presented that is bound to thrill and fascinate the observer. To breed the barbel a large densely planted tank should be provided. Few eggs will escape the maws of the adults if abundant plants are not provided to conceal them from their sharp eyes. While active at all times they become more so when spawning 1s soon to occur. This takes the form of a merry chase, the one after the other, along the sides of the tank with an occasional dash into the interior. Suddenly the female will head for the roots of a water hyacinth and, while passing through them, sud- denly turn and release a number of eggs, which are promptly fertilized by the male who is eagerly following for the purpose. The orgasm is repeated frequently dur- ing the day. Spawning may be resum- ed after an interval of a few days if the fish are in good condition and well fed in the meantime. The eggs, small and clear, will hatch in about 36 hours in a temperature of FO ton 7s) desneess hae winy, anemtimyaaina transparent, and for that reason are rather difficult to discern. With the usual abundant supply of infusoria, and later Daphne and other foods, they will develop to maturity in months. I find this barbel a very interesting member of my fish family. It is quite curious and will carefully inspect any iOwve 1® Sis (Concluded on page 56.) & SS I OS FS 9 PS PL EO SS PO ELE AMBLYSTOMA TIGRINUM FRANK A. HASSENPLUG, M. D. ih | SO 8 Ss as Amblystoma tigrinum e Much has been written concerning this bartrachian, but many of the writers ap- pear to have had little experience with it, both as a captive and in the wild state. As it is found in nearly every portion of the United States, although not very common east of the Mississippi, we think the views of one who has had consider- able experience with it during the past twenty-five years may be of interest. The animal has a great many names, the most common being water dog, mud pup- py, devil fish and hijalote (Mexican). All are familiar in perhaps eight of the Western States. The aquarist knows the larval form as the Axolotl. The poor creature is feared almost universally and destroyed whenever en- countered, not only by thoughtless boys, but by fairly intelligent adults, nearly all of whom say that its bite is not only dangerous but usually fatal. In reality they never attempt to bite either from fear or viciousness, but under one con- dition they may be induced to take hold SE 6 6 a a eo a a a a a es Axolotl or Larval Form C of a finger. While feeding they are ex- tremely stupid, though not at all slug- gish, and while snapping to the right or left in search of food in their im- mediate vicinity they are as likely to grab the leg or tail of a companion, holding tenaciously for a few seconds, as they are to take the food. While in this state of excitement or hunger they will grasp one’s little finger and may be withdrawn from the water, remaining suspended in the air for half a minute. The muscles of the jaws are so weak and the teeth so small that they never punc- ture the skin or produce even slight pain. If the temperature of the water changes gradually it makes no great dif- ference to them what it may be. They may be taken in a shallow surface pond during July in water too warm for hu- man comfort, or in one of the icy lakes on Pike’s Peak, thirteen thousand feet above sea level, in October. Here the water is always cold, and the surface covered with ice seven months in a 54 Aquatic Lite year. Of course they really go to the sunny side of a lake in early morning if one portion is in the sun and the other shaded. In Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico the spawning season depends more upon the altitude than upon the month. Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado have a summer climate similar to that of Pennsylvania, and the spawn may be found as early as the middle of April. In the mining district of Cripple Creek, which is two miles above sea level, with cool or cold nights all sum- mer, the eggs are not laid until late July or early August. The spawn appears in bunches as large as that of the frogs, the individual eggs being larger, but the mass is more drawn out and may extend nearly three feet from end to end. Kggs hatched in one of our aquaria in April developed to adult specimens before Christmas, while those emerging in Au- gust may remain in the larval state all winter, whether in a warm room or in their natural haunts. ~ One writer declares that the change from the larval to adult form will not take place if the animals are kept in water with no opportunity to walk upon land, but there is little or no truth in this statement. Normally they change to the adult form during the first or second season; some never change and others are slow in making the metamorphosis. One in the larval or tadpole form lived in one of my receptacles for four years, and there was no way of telling its age when it came into my possession. Dur- ing the change from gill to lung breath- ers the gills shrink, the body which has been olive or blackish in color, com- mences to get spotted and blotched from the belly toward the back. The tail, which has been quite flat now becomes rounded. ‘The animals become restless, and instead of remaining in the water seek land, especially after a rain and when darkness affords a certain amount of security from enemies. Mortality during the metamorphosis is rather large. It is safe to say that in captivity fully one-fourth die while un- dergoing the change. If nothing hap- pens to interfere with their normal length of life it will, more than likely, reach ten years. One that has been in my possession for ten years and one month is as lively as any. Three others are past tour years, and a number are just a year old at this writing. The author has never seen a hijalote more than a foot in length, but some fairly reliable observers in Colorado have reported specimens measuring fif- teen inches. Those in my possession av- erage ten and one-half inches, and in every instance they had attained their maximum length and weight within a year, whether hatched in the spring or toward the approach of cold weather. This applies not only to those indigenous to Colorado, but also those from South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Northern Texas and New and Old Mexico. When inhabiting lakes and ponds the food is principally insect life that falls on the surface of the water, but they also devour worms, diseased minnows that are not able to elude them, dead minnows, and at times we have known them to practice cannibalism in the ab- sence of more suitable foods. In cap- tivity it grows rapidly 1f fed every other day. Raw meat, liver and kidney, cut in thin strips, seems to satisfy every want. lheneds all they eanmeat thineeon, four times a week, an individual hatched early in the season will reach a length of ten inches before Christmas. Some years in Colorado the water dog is not at all plentiful, while at other times it may be so numerous in certain sections as to be regarded as a pest. Ten Aquatic Lite 55 years ago they were so plentiful in one of the prairie towns that, at night just after a rain, women refused to walk to the railroad station, where they were to be found by the thousand under the big are lights. ‘They were attracted by the lights, or, what is more probable, the in- sects that fell to the ground from about them. Just across from the station was a marshy piece of ground, and this was probably their breeding haunt, as they disappeared never to return as soon as the place was drained. Personally we have never used the water dog as a table delicacy, but others report the flavor excellent. This species and one closely related were esteemed for their flavor in several towns of Old Mexico, not only by the peons, but by the cultured of direct Castillian descent. The name of water dog very likely came from the sound they emit as they expell the vitiated air at the surface, and take a fresh supply, but it takes one with good powers of imagination to construe the sound into the bark of a dog. Haplochilus Latipes C. ARTHUR ORR The Japanese Medaka, Haplochilus la- tipes, is probably the most inoffensive species in the genus, at least insofar as they are known to the aquarian. It is timid, but not shy, and lacks the vora- ciousness of some of its relatives. ‘Two distinct color forms, yellow and gray- ish-blue, are usually to be had. They readily interbreed, which probably ex- plains the so-called “checkered” va- rieties. No egg-laying fish is more easily bred, nor in smaller confines. The eggs are extruded from the oviduct and carried for some hours suspended from the anal region of the female in a cluster resemb- ling a bunch of tiny golden grapes. Later they are attached singly to the plants by a tiny filament. I have not witnessed this transfer, nor have I been able to ascertain when fertilization is effected. The eggs are comparatively large, soon become “eyed,” and will hatch in twelve to fourteen days. Breeding can be carried on in a battery of quart preserving jars, merely placing in each a few stems of Myriophyllum or Anacharis. Several jars will be needed for each pair of fish. When eggs are ob- served on the female, the transferance The Medaka F Courtesy Pacific Goldfish Co to the plants may be expected momen- tarily and, when accomplished, the fish should be placed in another jar. Drop a pinch of Taubles’ Infusoria Compound in the jar with the eggs, and when the young appear the infusorians will be present to furnish the food needed to carry them through the critical period. The tiniest Daphne should follow when the babies appear to be large enough to consume them, and if this be unobtain- able, use powdered dry shrimp and pre- pared foods. Imported wild specimens will reach a length of an inch and a half, but those bred in aquaria are usually much smaller. (Haplochilus, single or simple lip; latipes, broad or wide foot, having ref- erence to the anal fin). ———— In most aquaria a frequent removal of all sediment is wise. The sand will re- main “sweet” for a longer period. —»—>__. When transferring fishes from one aquarium to another be sure the tem- perature of both is alike. Aquatic Lite Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. WY Jy ROW SIBIRs ooootcocodopodceee8 Editor JOSEPH E. BAUSMAN........ Publisher 542 FE. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aguatic Lire. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lire has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Wenmhy SmlbsemiomOm soccsosassoenenons $1.00 Foreign Subscriptions ................ Single Copy Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1917 by Joseph E. Bausman Vol. Ill December, 1917 No. 4 (Concluded from page 52.) new object placed in the tank. It is per- fectly docile and may be kept with any of the smaller species of exotic fishes usually found in collections. The generic name Barbus is derived from the presence of barbels about the mouth, which are believed to be concern- ed with the sense of touch, hence the common name _ barbel; conchonius is from “kunchon,” a native Bengalese name. ‘The species was formerly called B. pyrrhopterus, meaning fiery-finned barbel. (Concluded from page 50.) Mr. Isaac Buchanan, Elizabeth, N. J., cup for the best display of exotic or trop- ical fishes. Mr. Charles Tricker, Arlington, N. J., cup for his splendid display of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. Mi C2 Shippell) New York City: cup for three beautiful balanced aquaria, which were of exceptional workmanship and new in design and shape. The special prizes this year were diplo- tas instead of the usual ribbons. The following aquarists secured one or more: Messrs. Carl Lazer, Clarence Ruch, Au- gust Obermiller, Hugo C. Nelles and Otto Gneiding. Bea SS With reference to my article on the poecilid hybrid, it is true that not all are alike in color and size. None, however, are reversions to the parental forms.— F. R. Webber. ee Tue RipcEwoop AQUARIUM SOCIETY, of Brooklyn, New York, was organized some months ago, with the following offi- cers: President, Rev. B. P. Hall; wice- president, Frank J. Beilston; secretary, R. M. Ulke; treasurer, William Kreck; sergeant-at-arms, Adolph Fisher. Monthly meetings are held in the Ger- man M. EF. Chapel, Woodward avenue and Grove street, Brooklyn. —— > Atethe wrecent Wentuckyarstakemsdarr held at Louisville, the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries had on exhibit 10 large aquaria, which were stocked with specimens of large-mouth black bass, small-mouth black bass, rock bass, crappie, sunfish, pike perch, yellow perch, white bass, yel- low bass, pike, brook trout, rainbow trout, goldfish, channel catfish, and rock sturgeon. Aquatic Lite The regular meeting of the Philadel- phia Goldfish Fanciers’ Society was held at 804 Girard avenue, on November 21st. Scaled and transparent-scaled Japs were in competition and received awards as follows: ScaLED: Cup, Joseph E. Bausman; blue ribbon, Mrs. E. Ahlers; red, Michael J. Moylan; yellow, Charles C. Hampel. TRANSPARENT-SCALED: Cup, J. Martin Wacker; blue, George E. Wilt; red, Dr. F. C. Leffman; yellow, Joseph E. Baus- man. Judges—James A. McDevitt, Thomas Ayling and Joseph E. Van Stavern. The next meeting will be held on De- cember 19th. Exhibition of Lionheads, Orandas, Celestials, Nymphs and Single- tail Telescopes. A cup and three ribbons will be awarded to Lionheads and Oran- das, three ribbons to Celestials and six ribbons to Nymphs and Single-tail Tele- scopes. This combines the classes for- merly shown at the December and Janu- ary meetings. The January meeting will be a “special,” announcement of which will be made later.—F RED RICHARDSON, Secretary. pe ON ae Another society in Philadelphia—total four! The West Philadelphia Goldfish Fanciers’ Association was launched at a preliminary meeting on November 6th. Permanent officers will be elected and other organization details perfected in the near future. Mr. George E. Wilt, 1519 North Sixty-second street, Phila- delphia, will be glad to furnish details. The membership will not be restricted to residents of West Philadelphia. ee He who knows what secrets and vir- tues are in the ground, the water, the plants, the heavens, and how to come at these enchantments, is the rich and royal man.—Emerson. Special—Fine Breeders For Sale Japs & Telescopes Scaled & Scaleless GEORGE B. SMITH 2013 E. Cumberland Street, Philadelphia Correspondence Solicited DRIED SHRIMP The General Utility Food for Fishes. Per pound, coarse, 75c.; fine ground, $1. St. George’s Natural Fish Food, $1.50 lb. Sample can, 15c. Add postage to your zone. CANADIAN BIRD STORE 2139 West Van Buren Street. Chicago, Ill. EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants Water Lilies 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Taxidermy Send for Catalog LORQUINIA—The Naturalist’s Monthly of the Southwest Is published monthly by the Lorquin Natural History Club, and con- tains original observations of naturalists, particularly of the West Associate membership, including subscription, $1.50 per year. Lorouin Natural History CLus 1051 West 23rd Street, Los. Angeles, Cal. AQUARIUM PLANTS 12 Varieties floating plants; 5 varieties blade grasses; 15 other varieties. Retail only. Large Collection for 15 Gallon Aquarium for $1.00 Postpaid Red Snails $1.00 per Dozen J. HENRI WAGNER, 1909 North Capitol Washington, D. C. A NATURAL FOOD CONTAINING THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS TO KEEP YOUR FISH IN GOOD HEALTH. FEED TWICE DAILY. YOGI ee FISH FOOD Manufactured only by ROBT. J. SCHAEFFER PRICE, 10¢. BOOSTING Boosting is fine if others do it for you. Those breeders who have used YOGI fish food for 3 years are still boosting YOGI. At all Dealers 10c. By mail 12c. To breeders by pound 60c, ad postage on 2 pounds. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Ave Philadelphia POO GARAGE Here is a chance » to make money \ “Write for Proposition Give References — ADDRESS — .E. Corrugating Co. de COVINGTON, KENTUCKY Manufacturers, Jobers, Retailers, Men, Women, etc. 4 Ross-Gould Lists” cover all classes. Direct Mail Advertiser’s Reference Book Just from the press. cyclopedia for the direct mail advertiser. entire field in its relation to your business. The following partial table of contents shows some of the reasons why you should send for acomplimentary copy of this valuable reference book: “The economical efficiency of Direct Mail Advertising.” Over 6000 ‘\< Different ' Kinds. A practical business en- Covers “How I found my livest prospects in five minutes.” **How to multiply your ability, experience and energy.” “ Art, lithographing, and color printing club plan.” “How Purchasing Departments use Mailing Lists.” “Dealer help suggestions.” “Helping your salesmen.” “From the Idea to the Mails.” on sales letters, booklets, folders, elc. Mailing Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 PutNAmM AVENUE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. «The comparative value of Ic and 2c postage.” ‘Map graphic charts: population, agriculture, live stock, etc.” “Testing new plans and policies.” «ce ° sos e ” “‘ Analytical advertising and sales promotion. “Picture gallery of reasons why.” The above is also a complete Mailing List eneyclopedia, showing number of firms engaged in over 6000 different lines of Business; also Lists of Individuals. Counts by States given on many classifications. Our Lists are guaranteed 99% correct. Send for your complimentary copy Ross-Gould: Creators and Producers of Direct Mail Advertising Sales analysis and advertising counsel Mfg., Jobbing and Retail Ross-Gould Bists St.Louis — PTTTTTITITITITITITTTTTTiTriTT iit DL dd hdl 2O60OSSOOHOOOSHOSESOSSSSOSSSOSSSOSOSHSS OOOH SESSOSD HUGO C. NELLES Dealer and Breeder of Tropical Fishes 30 Different Kinds on Hand at Prices Reasonable Call After 3.00 P.M. Out of Town Orders Given Prompt Attention 1305 3rd Avenue New York, N. Y. Present COOCOO COCO COO COO CD00 GOO S00000: EVERYTHING IS FISH THAT COMES TO THE NET OF A NATURALIST 8 Don’t paddle in the water with one hand and be blind ie both eyes. In other words ‘‘keep your eyes open’’ for all nature. Our Magazine he Guide to sature Will Help You It is edited by EDWARD F. BIGELOW, who fishes in the heavens and earth, as well as the waters under the earth. Four months’ trial, 25c. One year, $1.00 THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION ArcAdiA Sound Beach Connecticut OC ODO COO COO 000 GD OOOGOOOSO COC G00: Finest Blue and Calico Broad- tail Telescopes in Philadelphia Correspondence Answered loo. cle oc cle e clammle 0 cle 0 ele occ 0a) OOO000 900000 C— 000000 C. J. HANNIG, 1225 N. Randolph Street | PHILADELPHIA ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. WALTER BELL Breeder of road: tail Celescopes BLUES BLACKS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable A. Volmer Breeder and Dealer in Fine Goldfishes, Aquar- ium Plants, Red Snails and other varieties. Manufacturer of Park Manor Fish Food, aquaria, frames, cement and all supplies. mail orders. 6828 Anthony Ave., Chicago, Ill. (Near 69 St., & S. Park Ave) Park Manor Aquarium CALICOS | No | | 29 Claremont Place THANK GOODNESS | Brind Still in the Business! None of the Dealers could afford to buy me out, so at the urgent entreaty of many friends and customers, I will con- tinue to manufacture and sell “Best Yet” Tropical Tanks “Best Yet” Fish Food, &c. mya eeu S= TRATED CIRCULAR—and T still have the largest and choicest stock of Tropical 3c stamp brings Fish of my own breeding or importation to sell—as usual—cheaper than else- where obtainable. W. L. BRIND, 449 W. 206th St., New York Telephone St. Nicholas 8418. C0OCD500C> 300000 C000 M4000 D000 ————Soo00000Tj000c O00 CD000C— 600000 CJ 000 000 CNC D000 000 CS 00D C5000 000 7 OOO TM 000 CS 000C——J000C > 0005000 Pe pee Box 15c, 2 Boxes 25c Red Snails by Mail W. E. WALP 1309 N. 55th Street Philadelphia, Pa. BLUE, BLACK and VARI-HUED CALICO JAPS and TELESCOPES Large assortment as to size and quality with a wide range of prices. Young from $3, $4, $5 per dozen. Breeders from $5 per pair. GEORGE A. SCHENK Mt. Vernon, N. Y. Agquattc Ltle VOL. II. 1916 - 1917 A limited number of copies are availab‘e in substantial cloth binding, with title page and comprehensive index. 166 pages and about the same number of illustrations, some in color Price, $2.25, postpaid. Aquatic Life 542 EAST GIRARD AVENUE. PHILADELPHIA, Che Mature Studp Review OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY The numbers for the coming school year will be filled with special articles from practical teachers dealing with actual works, methods and for gardening, elementary agriculture and nature-study. suggestions school $1.00 per year. 15c. per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage, 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. Ean COO C=] 7ooc00 H——>7c°oc—> “AQUARIA FISH” A practical work on care and breeding of fish in the Aquarium, Greenhouse and out- 9 door Ponds. Finely illustrated. Every one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price. $1. Four-Horned Snails (Ampullaria Gigas) de- posit a mass of large coral red eggs out of the water, the little snails drop into the 9 water as they hatch. These snails are in- valuable for destroying Hydra in the aqua- rium. Thoroughbred marked. Collie Pups, beautifully F. L. TAPPAN oute 2, Hopkins, Minn. SE alas 300 C——D D000 D000 C000 MS 000 TD 000000 M000 C000 CS 000 CS 000 CI C0001 The Peerless Aquarium \ Pick ona eae Use Regenia Aquarium Salts To replace the natural salts in your aquar- ium as absorbed by the fishes and snails. Excellent for plants. Help the snails form shell. Benefits the fish. Box of Six Pow- ders, 25c. For sale at Pet Stock stores. Violet-Ray Fish Remedy Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Rot, Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots on Tropical fishes. Box of Six Powders, 25e. Safe and effective. REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. Station K. Philadelphia OOO T0000 TD 000 TDC 000 C000 T5000 OOO C000 TM D000T 000 8 Se Patented November 9, 1915 | | 3 M 10 Different 8 Stock Sizes Larger Sizes () to Order 8 3 Finishes 8 | 8 Manutactured by, J2 Jo i) ACE PE Re BE Gk Ce Or inc 170 - 172 TWELFTH AVENUE, ASTORIA, L.1.,N.Y. For Sale All Thru U.S. A. and Canada COOC———D000 000 C——D 000 CD 000 C000 C000 GS 000000 C————)000 | Ap Soe aetna OO SE are ee ie ee Fine Broad-tail Telescopes _THE TERMINAL PET SHOP BLACK & CALICO Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WILT, 1519 N. 62nd Street PHILADELPHIA FRANKLIN BARRETT EVERYTHING COMPLETE FOR THE AQUARIUM, POND AND LAKE & Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. SEND FOR PRICE LISTS PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York GEORGE'S GOLDFISH SHOP Goldfish of All Parieties George’s Imperial Fish Food 10c Postpaid Common Goldfish and Cabomba Wholesale PLANTS AQUARIA ALL SUPPLIES | N. W. 60th and De Lancey Street, Philadelphia | ee ae RABENAU, hall PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria | must be seen to be appreciated Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, (Pee cere 4 | Near Broadway. Hier ea aa 0 CHAETODONS and other AQUARIUM FISHES GEO. W. PRICE, 2145 S. LEE STREET PHILADELPHIA Bell Phone, Dickinson 3181 W. r : ithe. Object ! Subscribe for “THE AQUATIC WORLD” Trial 6 Months 25c Yearly 50c Money Back if First Number Fails to Please THE AQUATIC WORLD, Station 0., Baltimore, Md. | SEA HORSES and |g SEA HORSES and SEA ANEMONES l : : and other assorted specimens for ll MARINE AQUARIUMS. Persistant 8 change of water not necessary. Full (] instructions given for care. R. DONKER 227 West 83rd Street NEW YORK CITY. N.Y. 8 | : | Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 Keep your Aquarium clean and prolong the life of your gold fish. Our Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner will do the work as numerous un- solicited testimonials prove. Apply to any first class dealer. If he does not handle them Write for Sample by Parcel Post, 50c, 75c, $1.00 Acton Electric Co.,Inc. 1133 BROADWAY NEW YORK Patents Pending THE BEST. BOOK ft: AQUARIUM udiei58 SUBJECTS is ‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical 4, Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T.Innes, / former President of the Aquarium (| illustrations. Tells all about the &%))} fancy varieties of the Goldfish and nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner on dhe achiemect! expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder and Importer of : pT TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES 8 000 Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods Fresh and Dried Daphnia AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES © OOO Ges OOO GES SC 000 GS OCO! pal ee S00 3004300 = 300 — 300 O0OT 000000 CS 000C 5000000) LIVE DAPHNIA Supplied all year. $1.00 per portion including can GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, DIP NETS Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Special Prices on Quantity Lots | Cash With Order Catalogue Sent Upon Request AQUARIUM STOCK CO 150 Chambers Street :: New York City OOO CS 000T— 000: cm! | I00C— 900 C500 000 Too eee Peet HMchaelsen Bros GOLDFISH g BREEDERS FLORISTS : 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street | Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies (oe es and Retail HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa (| BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food (] 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the S000: most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask vour dealer or send for it today. 000 C000 C—000T 50003000 000C aC 000C>000c = 000 —=SC_ S000 TS] 000 T= 00 | loo ofe © ole 0 clams! Nippon Goldfish Co 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal Importers : and : Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH Direct From BREEDERS IN JAPAN OOO 000000! Awarded Gold and Silver Medals Panama-Pacific International Exposition San Francisco, 1915 ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES Price Lists Furnished to the Trade Only 8 8 : p : 8 8 OCOCCO: ee es | pe, aang eos S©00000: 8 Breeders § A large assortment of splendid Telescope and Jap goldfish at reasonable prices. Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans, 45 Cents. Young Blues, Blacks and Calicoes $150 Doz. Young Veikails or Broadtails $5.00 Doz. HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. WARNOCK STREET PHILADELPHIA (ness cue kee oS REEN RIVER FISH FOOD oon Gun ane 8 Due to the constant increase’ in costs of ingredients, boxes and print- ing, it has become necessary to in- crease the price of these foods to 15 and 20 cents. When conditions again become normal the old prices will again prevail. HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, DOOOCOO0OTDO00000000000' Philadelphia, Pa. Rise Lies eae pian PSNLAA ETT TDAH a in “a J acob Cc : CG assel rR 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. RE Ta | HT y i 000 C0900 G——F000 D000 GJ 000 5000 C———J 000 C——J 000 C5000 C—— Aquarium Specialty Co. sew Yors’crry) Large and unusual collection of im- Chaetedon and an endless variety of ported Japanese Fringetails, Telescopes Tropical and cold water fishes, including and Lionheads, also finest breeds of do- | Medaka and Dojos from Japan. Un- mestic Broadtails in all colors at at- | | tractive prices. Snails and accessories. Taubles’ Copenhagen Fishfood A menu in itself, requires no change, | In bulk, $1.50 per pound. Samp‘te box, since it contains ten different ingredients 15 cents each. Made in three grades, Pos) | . 5 coarse, medium and fine. of nourishing and healthful properties. For other foods and for price list of our Aquaria, of “Aquatic Life.” AQUARIUM SPECIALTY C0., 414 E. Tremont Avenue :: New York City JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. | equaled stock of fine Aquatic Plants, | : 2 | : : ! : | we refer to our “ad” in past issues | NES OR he OS tl OC a <—)c°cocS000c IF YOU | BETTER CUTS AT| Are Looking for Something Extra i BETTER PRICES z Fine in Broad -tail Telescopes Don’t Forget W. H. HEIMBACH “PROMPT SERVICE GUARANTEED Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH Snails Plants GOULD-WILHELM CO": FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! ARTISTS * ENGRAVERS = PHOTOGRAPHERS 413. NortH TENTH STREET - 44N.40 STREET PHILA. ALLENTOWN, Pa. |) SEND FOR SAMPLES#PRICES THEY WILL INTEREST YOU)| 000 C000 CS 000 cS 000C— S22 000 CSS ies & EE OS SS FSS 9 ET YET SS PSD 8 PSPS PE Os OP | Habits : I recently studied the life-histories of two species of allied fishes, and in the case of one was rewarded by making discoveries hitherto unknown to me. The Fighting Fish, to which I allude, is a native of Southeastern Asia, and the examples were procured for me at Pe- nang, in the Strait Settlements. The breeding habit of this fish, though re- markable, is not the only interesting fea- ture. It has long been known that the Siamese breed fighting fishes especially for combat, and are as infatuated with their sport as the Malays are with their cock-fights; they stake considerable sums of money on the issue, and some- times their own persons and families. The license to exhibit fish-fights is farm- ed, and brings considerable revenue to the King of Siam. When the fish is in a state of quiet, its dull colors present nothing remarkable; but if two be brought together, or if one sees its own image in a looking-glass, the little crea- ‘ure becomes suddenly excited; the rais- ed fins and the whole body shine with metallic colors of dazzling beauty, while the projected gill-membrane, waving like dlack frill round the throat, adds some thing of grotesqueness to the general appearance. In this state it makes re- peated darts at its real or reflected an- tagonist, but both, when taken out of each other’s instantly become quiet. The little fishes, which when fully adult, measure only one and_ three- juarters of an inch in length, reached me on April 5th, and I immediately placed a pair in an old-established sight, aquarium. | Notes on the Nesting of Two Labyrinth Fishes EDGAR R. WAITE, F. L. S. | Director, South Australian Museum ns es 6 a a Os 6 i 9s Os 9s 9 a The following day the male blew a num- ber of bubbles on the top of the water. Rising to the surface, a mouthful of air iwas taken and retained for two or three seconds, during which time it received 1 coating of mucous. The bubble thus formed was blown at the surface, and the operation repeated until a circular mass was produced, three inches in The Fighting Fish, Betta splendens From Drawing by A. R. McCulloch iameter. Another layer of bubbles was next blown, which had the effect of rais- ng the first out of the water. Seven or eight layers were formed in all, but as the later bubbles were blown only un- ler the central portion, a dome-shaped structure resulted. So viscid is the se- cretion enclosing the bubble that, though exposed to the air for ten or twelve days, it still fulfilled its function. On the third day the nest was com- pleted and breeding commenced. ‘Then one witnessed a remarkable display of color and action, comparable to the “showing” of the peacocks, turkeys, and other gallinaceous birds. The fins of the male fish are extended to the ut- most, the black gill membranes and the blood-red gills exhibited beneath. The 58 Aquatic Life body and fins become resplendent with iridescent colors and quiver with intense excitement. After the eggs are extruded the male takes up a position below his mate and secures them, to the number Nest of Betta splendens Photograph by the Author of six or so, in his mouth. He there gives them a coating of mucous and places them beneath the bubbles to which they adhere. ‘The scene is re-enacted until from one hundred and fifty to two hundred eggs are produced. The fe- male is not allowed in the vicinity of the Joating nest when laying is completed, and the male is untiring in the care of ‘he eggs, constantly moving their posi- lion and recoating them with mucous. On the third day the eggs hatched ; the young fishes remained beneath the bubbles for some time, but occasionally showed a tendency to sink. They were immediately taken in charge by the watchful father and replaced. Ina day or two the numbers disposed to leave the shelter of the nest increased to such an extent that the male could not pos- sibly secure them all, though he fre- quently had seven or eight in his mouth at once. He would search for them most diligently at the bottom of the aquarium, and securing them back to the cradle. however, eaten by the female, and all the remainder died when winter set in. I was much more successful with the Paradise fish. 1 bought these in the city, and understood they were obtain- ed in China. The life-history of this fish was previously known, but compar- ison brought out some additional facts. The eggs of this fish do not sink, and I was led to ascertain, if possible, what real object the male has in so zealously To this end, as soon some carry Many were, guarding the eggs. as a complement was produced, I remov- ed them, along with the nest of bub- bles, to another aquarium. They hatch- ed in the usual course, and in the ab- sence of enemies were soon able to look after themselves. With the view of ascertaining the function of the bubbles, I removed, from another nest, some of the newly deposited eggs, and carefully rejected all bubbles. As before, these (Paradise Fish) Macropodus viridi-auratus eges developed equally with those left under paternal care. It would seem, therefore; that the purpose of the nest and care of the parent is simply protec- tive. ‘The mass of spume hides the eggs or young from aerial or terrestrial ene- mies, while the attendance and vigilance Aquatic Lite oY) of the male secures them from attack of aquatic foes. The nest of the Fighting fish has a more important function, for without iemanGdithe Caje Ol theymales the egos would sink and perish. Into an aquarium containing a pair of Paradise fish and their family, a few days old, I introduced a spray of Blad- derwort. Next day nearly all the little A Bladderwort (Utricularia) in Flower An American Species Photographed by Chas. M. Breder, Jr. fishes had disappeared, and the missing ones were discovered in the bladders of the plant. Some were seized by the head and some by the tail, and a little patient watching was rewarded by seeing a young fish caught. One of the fry was caught by the extreme tip of the tail; it had been swimming close to one of the bladders and possibly touched the mouth when it was instantly trapped. At intervals its struggles were fran- tic; at the end of seven minutes the tail was entirely engulphed and continued to wriggle within the bladder, while the head and body were shaken without. The little fish lived for an hour and a half, but it was not until the following morning that the whole was taken into the bladder. Fighting Fish in Battle When two of these fish are placed in the same vessel they proceed to take each other’s measure, shoulder up to each other in school-boy fashion, and back, and push around the “ring,” the small fins vibrating rapidly all the time, colors glowing, and each little being quivering with excitement and wrath. This goes on for some minutes, until, as the spectators are growing impatient, one fish suddenly flips his head around, makes a dart, and a considerable dent in the tail of his adversary shows at once that he has got home. Hence- forth there is no hesitation until one Onathesothermeniess speccavin! | elmineote lar fish fights on which money depends, the battle is continued until one fish turns tail and is chased around the bot- tom by the other. But this is usually an affair of an hour, and frequently of three or four. The determination and pluck of the fighters are wonderful. The or- dinary wild fishes do not evince nearly so much as those that have been bred and reared for the purpose. The tail is the part which shows most damage, for it is very easily torn; but a good grip on a side fin is much more effective. When one pins the other by the nose a very exciting struggle takes place, the two ly- ing fastened together like professional wrestlers, and then shaking each other backward and forward with might and main. They often seem extremely exhausted, but still fight on bravely, and sometimes it is a matter of difficulty to part them. They display considerable agility in evading their opponent’s mouth, and also in suddenly twisting around and taking a piece out of his tail. In twenty min- utes or so these appendages, which look- ed so brave and bright as they went into the fray, are torn to ribbons. ‘The fishs’ 60 Aquatic Lite general appearance after the fight sug- gests that of a sailing ship emerging from a hot action, with her canvas hanging in streamers, her topmasts shot away, and her crew gasping for breath, but stu ready to fight again. The combatants sometimes succumb to a long contest, but generally they only make superficial damage, and are immediately ready to feed. After a match they are always rested for a week or longer, according to the extent of their injuries, and most of the rents and cuts are repaired by na- ture. Enthusiastic owners often wage six or seven pounds or more on their favorites, and many people earn a little money in this way by breeding fighting fish and then backing them against others—London Field. A New Parasite of the Buffalo Fish Dr. T. B. Magath, investigator at the Fisheries Biological Station at Fairport, Iowa, has discovered a new and evident- ly important form of trematode worm, which infests buffalo fishes in ponds. The life history of the parasite has been definitely worked out, and is briefly as follows: The adult trematode, living in the alimentary tract of the buffalo fish, ex- pels its eggs, which pass out into the water with the feces of the fish. From these eggs, which are “laid” during the late summer, there hatches in the fall a ciliated embryo (mericidium), which swims in the water until it finds a snail of the species Planorbis trivolvis. Into this snail it works its way and eventually encysts in its host’s liver. In the usual manner it grows and multiples there during winter and spring, and in summer emerges from the snail as a tail- ed and styleted cercaria. This larva can live for several hours in the water, but must find a May fly larva for its second intermediate host, into which it bores and encysts just beneath the cuticle. If the buffalofish eats the infected larva it obtains the young parasite, which very rapidly develops and assumes in late summer the adult form ready to expel its eggs. The association of the buf- falofish, the snail, and May fly larva seems to be essential for the perpetua- tion of the parasite. The probable im- portance of the form is suggested by the fact that a serious mortality occur- red among the fishes that were so in- fested. Dr. Magath also investigated the life history of the trematode parasite of the bluegill sunfish, which is found in the larval stage in that fish and in the adult stage in the kingfisher.—Fisheries’ Service Bulletin. Ss Me Ceo WY, ines, Ot JPallaceloma, who seems to own all the specimens of Scatophagus argus living in this country today, has made an interesting observa- tion. When four or five were placed in a tank well populated with Hydra, they were observed to devour a few, and soon after all had disappeared. ‘The supposi- tion is that the “Scats” ate them, so here at last is a fish with a kindly disposition that finds the pest to its liking. see Whether sand or gravel is best in an aquarium 1s a mooted question. Fan- ciers are about equally divided, and both factions have success. — > Possibly one reason some men fail to make money in the aquarium business 1s that they rely upon the fishes to do all the work. —— Science can cut through anything ex- cept mental concrete. t & A rather unique performance, partic- ularly for one to witness a thousand miles from the shore of the ocean, took place in my marine aquarium on October 5th. Myself and another member of the Chicago Aquarium Society were for- tunate in being present when about one hundred baby sea horses, Hippocampus hudsonius, left the parental pouch. The male, when he arrived, displayed an enormously distended abdomen, which protruded in every direction ex- cept toward the back. He was so mis- shapen that the vent and anal fin ere fully an inch above the position not -d in normal specimens. On the evening of October 5th the lower portion of ite protuberance, previously black, develop- ed a dark yellowish color. Contortions and twistings began, which gradually changed to regular backward and_ for- ward labor convulsions. These effur:s from time to time (between periods of rest), resulted in the expulsion of the babies. From one to four were expelled in a delivery, the opening being round and a quarter of an inch in diameter, giv- ing a fairly clear view of the cavity. The youngsters were curled when expelled, but immediately straightened out and sank to the bottom, where they lay on their sides, wriggling at times rather violently. The babies were equipped with a yolk-sac and were pinkish in color, otherwise they resembled the parents. In order to determine the proper en- vironment for rearing, some were placed in a shallow glass vessel with one inch of still water; others in deep still water. Another lot was placed in shallow water, provided with an aerator, and the aquar- a OS, 8 9S SP 6 9 PS Os Oa 8 7 8 Fs Pn a Ft $a i a S| | HIPPOCAMPUS ERWIN O. FREUND of HUDSONIUS | ad ium placed on an electric heating pad to ensure an even temperature. The re- maining babies were left with the par- ents. On the second day the parents ate those left with them, all being devoured in two hours. Those in the other vessels absorbed the yolk-sac in forty-eight hours. The fry in the shallow aerated Hippocampus hudsonius water died on the second day. Those in deep water on the third day. Those in the shallow still water on the fourth day. The male parent died on the fourth evening. Soon after the convulsions ceased the abdomen became covered by a gelatinous-like membrane, which turn- ed a yellowish-white and developed bub- bles. He entwined his tail about his favorite branch on the coral reef and remained there motionless until he died. A post mortem examination revealed several young and evidence of infection. Though I have been advised by Mr. 62 Aquatic Lite Richard Donker, an experienced aquar- ist, that no sea horses born in captivity have been reared, I refuse to accept the fact as an ultimatum against trying. Some day I may be successful. The scene will be re-enacted in due time in my aquarium. On October second a great number of eggs were observed floating about. These were transparent and colorless, with the exception of a yellowish red spot at the top. Within two days they had disappeared, and have evidently been deposited in the brood-pouch of one of the males, for he is now developing a similar protuber- ance. (The sea-horses are singular creatures which depart greatly from the popular idea of the conventional fish; their head and neck bear a striking resemblance to a horse’s; the fish move through the water in an erect position; and when resting they usually curl their prehen- sile tail about a bit of seaweed or blade of grass. Additional interest attaches to these fishes, because the male fish re- ceives the eggs in a pouch and carries them until they are hatched, and the young occupy the pouch until they are of considerable size, going out in search of food and returning for shelter. * * Many species, none of large size, exist in warmer waters of all parts of the world. * * Dr. R. E. Coker reports that a large male taken August 18,1902, had a pouch full of young and delivered them in the laboratory aquarium August 20th. The opening in the pouch is at its anterior end, and is slit-like when closed, but round when the young are about to be extruded. When liberating the young, the fish swam upright, and made a pecu- liar effort resembling peristalsis. The young emerged several at a time and were forced some distance from the par- ent. They swam in a cluster near the surface and on the side of the aquarium nearest the light—Fishes Carolina. In symbolic and heraldic art the “‘sea-horse” appears as a fabulous marine animal with fore parts like those of a horse joined to the tail of a fish. Nep- tune is depicted as using them to draw his chariot. In Biblical literature and early books generally, the term often re- fers uncertainly to the walrus or the hippopotamus. Hippocampus, the an- cient Greek name for the sfa-horse; hudsonius, Hudsonian, relating to the Hudson River.—Ep1ror. ————— of North Water has many properties that fit it for being the abode of organic life. Sec- ond only in importance to its power of carrying dissolved food materials 1s its transparency. It admits the light of the sun, and the primary source of energy for all organic life is the radiant energy of the sun. Green plants use this energy directly; animals get it indirectly with their food. Green plants constitute the producing class of organisms in water as on land. Just in proportion as the sun’s rays are excluded, the process of plant assimilation (Photosynthesis) 1s impeded. When we wish to prevent the growth of algae or other green plants in a reservoir or in a spring we cover it to exclude the light. Thus we shut off the power.—Life of Inland Waters. ———————— Keep in touch with the world, with all right activities, with fresh air and sun- shine, with good natured and contented human beings, and you will be a long time getting old. —~<.>—___—_ You may be interested in knowing that we recently received a request for a sample copy of Lorquimia from a man in Belfast, Ireland, who said he had seen our advertisement in Aquatic Life— Lorquin Natural History Club. f i | a S| ! This novel little fish was first im- ported by the writer during the spring of last year, six specimens reaching New York alive after the long trip from Java aboard a Dutch steamer. Known to science as Haplochilus celebensis, the native Javanese call it the water fish, be- cause it is so transparent. In general ap- pearance it suggests the familiar Me- daka, H. latipes, but it is more slender and differs in color. The body can be described as the color of greenish glass and so transparent, or rather translucent, that the bones of the vertebral column are clearly visible; eyes, silvery blue; tail and anal fins with orange edges. The dorsal and anal fins of the male are more pronounced and have fringed edges, whereas in the female they are shorter and even. Length, 114 inches. Temperature, within certain limits, seems immaterial to this fish. My ex- amples were caught in a jungle pool, in water knee deep, that recorded 104 de- grees, Fahrenheit. Yet I have kept and bred them for nearly a year at a tem- perature of about 72 degrees, and this in a small all-glass tank holding less than two and a half gallons of water. While the four survivors, a male and three females, have consistently spawn- ed, I have not many youngsters to show. This probably because they have been kept with specimens of H. panchaxr and Hf. chaperi, which have no doubt eaten many. The fish proceeds to reproduce its kind after the manner of the Medaka. The eggs leave the genital tract and are carmied in clusters of three to six at- tached exteriorly to the vent in the fe- THE WATER FISH | WALTER LANNOY BRIND, F. Z. S. ee ee ee 6 6 a a a Oa a a as es a Fa FH PE a Sa a S| oe 1 Oe | <2 male. As the female swims among the plants, which should be of the tiny-leav- ed sorts, such as Myriophyllum, Utricu- laria minor or Cabomba, the eggs are rubbed off and become attached to the plants singly by a hair-like filament. The eggs hatch in about ten days. As far as food is concerned, the water- fish is easily satisfied. One day, if for- tune smiles, they get Daphne; the next Haplochilus celebensis may bring enchytrae or white worms, or mashed potatoes with scrambled eggs and Graham crackers. All are taken with the same apparent gusto. In dis- position they are exceedingly docile, and I have yet to note the slightest sign of quarrelsomeness. The illustration is an enlargement of a clipping from a film of a motion pic- ture produced by the writer and entitled “The Freshwater Aquarium.” In the group appears a pair of Haplochilus chaperi, that the transparency of H. celebensis may be made more apparent by the contrast. 64 Aquatic Lite Circumventing Nature in Breeding Three Fishes ERNEST LEITHOLF Necessity is the mother of invention and, when it becomes necessary to meet unusual deviations from the normal in breeding fishes, is also the mother of discovery! Hence this article, which concerns unusual and original means used to propagate three popular species of exotic fishes by members of the Pittsburgh Aquarium Society. Mr. H. L. Dolde was repeatedly dis- appointed in his efforts to breed the Chanchito, Cichlasoma facetum. ‘The fish spawned a number of times, but in- variably devoured the eggs. Finally he decided to strive for success in a new way. When the next lot of eggs was discovered the stone to which they were attached was removed and placed in an- other aquarium containing old clear water and thriving plants. Here the temperature varied between 70 and 75 degrees. It soon became apparent that the eggs had not suffered and were de- veloping normally. After five or six days the heads of the fry began to break through the egg shells. With posterior ends still attached to the stone, the mass of fry began the swaying movement or agitation characteristic of this period in their development. The continuous movement gradually severed the attach- ment and soon all had tumbled helplessly on to the bottom of the tank. Then fol- lowed several days of floundering about the bottom with frantic efforts to swim, after which the “pseudo-orphans” gain- ed control of the situation and eagerly chased any particle that looked like food. From this time on their develop- nent was normal and nothing untoward resulted in the absence of parental care. We secured several from this brood, and they are now an inch and a half long. Later the parents reformed and spawn- ed repeatedly, displaying all the tender solicitude of the species for its eggs and young. The experiment of Mr. Adolph Stucky concerns surgery. He possessed a fine female specimen of Platypoecilus macu- latus rubra, which became ill and failed to respond to treatment. Finally, when the fish was so weak that respiration was scarcely perceptible, he decided to attempt to save the unborn young by performing a “Caesarian operation,” us- ing a keen razor for the purpose. The majority of the fry were dead, but eight were delivered alive, and seven were liv- ing and well when the writer saw them a month later. Mr. Stucky values these fish more than any others in his collec- tion, and they are probably the first members of the finny tribe that have started their career after the manner of the immortal Caesar ! While it is the custom to segregate the mouth-breeder, Haplochromis strigigena, my brother Oscar and I have not found it necessary. The species will breed in association with other fishes. When seg- regation is practiced, the male is removed from the female, after she has taken the We reverse this a female eggs into her mouth. When we observe carrying eggs in a family tank we re- process. move her to solitary confinement, there to incubate the eggs and care for the young undisturbed. The success of this method depends upon the rapidity of the transfer. If the female is harassed and frightened while attempting to cap- ture her, or if she is retained in the net more than an instant, she will unfailingly disgorge the eggs, which spells failure. All must be accomplished quickly with the new aquarium close at hand. OO ‘If we knew better we would all do better. & SS Oe as Oa a | | | The old saying, “An ounce of preven- tion is better than a pound of cure,” when referring to the home aquarium, might well be changed to “prevention is the only cure worth consideration,” for when the fundamental principles are un- derstood and followed, disease will be practically unknown. To make the aquarium a success, it must be treated as a kingdom in itself, and made independent of outside aid ex- cept for food and light. This means that it must contain both animal and vegetable life. The fishes, which usually form the animal life of the aquarium, require oxygen, and this must be present in abundance to maintain them in health and comfort. Their gills correspond to our lungs, and are made up of delicate tissue ramified by minute blood capil- laries. Through the thin walls of the capillaries the oxygen meets the blood, purifies it and is then returned to the water in the form of carbon dioxide, a compound that is deadly poison to ani- mal life. Here the plants take hold. The carbon is needed in tissue-building, so the compound is absorbed, the carbon re- tained and the oxygen returned to the water. This completes the cycle in which the oxygen can be said to be the carrier of carbon from the animal to the plant. When the fishes are ailing look to the plants. They form the keystone of the aquarium. Have them in abundance and, if the fishes have sufficient room to swim about, you cannot have too many. Those plants which best adapt themselves to life in the aquarium and are rapid in : CARE OF AQUARIA GEORGE A. SCHENK Ed OP 6 OS PS Oh Oa a at a a a a at ee 6 ws 6 a a Nt a 2 growth are the best “oxygenators.” Sa- gittaria, Anacharis and Vallisneria are the mainstays. Plants must have direct light to flourish, but under natural con- ditions aquatic species receive it from above, and that is reduced in coming through the water. In the aquarium they Sagittaria Photo by Charles M. Breder, Jr. are exposed to the light from all sides, and if it is too intense, or directly from the sun, their leaves become covered with algae, nutrition and respiration 1s retarded, and they gradually die. A sim- ilar decline will follow when the light is not sufficient to stimulate active growth. It follows that in choosing a location for an aquarium that the plants must be considered first. At or near a north or northeast window through which the light can fall direct from the sky to the 66 Aquatic Lite tank is the ideal place. An eastern ex- posure is nearly as good, while the south and west are least desirable unless the direct sunlight can be subdued in some manner. A tree with heavy foliage will accomplish this during the spring and summer months, but at other times means must be taken to cut down the Celestial Telescope Goldfish An unusual example. Normal individuals lack a dorsal fin light. A frame of light wood, covered with green cloth or crepe paper, will help if set in the lower sash of the win- dow or hung on the side of the tank nearest the window, the back glass of the aquarium may be painted with white lead mixed with turpentine, or the glass of the window may be replaced with ground or frosted panes, or painted with the lead and turpentine mixture. Ex- cept in very large tanks, direct sunlight not only stimulates algae, but overheats the water, causing a rise during the day and a corresponding drop during the en- suing night, which in itself is detri- mental. The best bottom is one composed of pebbles and gravel, with plenty of sand to fill the spaces between. Sand alone packs hard and does not give the roots of the plants a fair chance to spread. If pebbles and gravel are used without the sand, trouble may come, for particles of food, humus and excreta sift down among them and decay. A mixture of the three is ideal. Arrange the bottom so that a gentle slope is formed from the back and sides to the middle-front. ‘The sediment and unconsumed food will collect at the low- est point and can easily be removed with a dip-tube or syphoned out with a rub- ber hose. Do. this frequently—don’t wait until it works its way into the sand to decay and pollute the water. Cleanliness is the prime consideration. Don’t depend upon snails, tadpoles or other so-called scavengers. Their work has been greatly over-rated. Snails are interesting creatures, and should be in the tank in abundance, for they do help, but don’t depend upon them to do your work. Tadpoles are a first-class nuisance and merely serve to keep the bottom in agitation. Algae may be removed from the glass in a number of ways. ‘There are several styles of scrapers on the market for this purpose. One can easily be made by fastening a safety razor blade to a handle of wood or wire. Considering the small cost, and the long life of the article, it will be economy to buy one! A clean bristle hand brush that has not been used with soap or grease, such as may be purchased for a dime, will readily re- move the growth. Some aquarists con- sider all bristle brushes taboo, having found that in some the bristles in the process of manufacture have been treat- ed with certain chemicals, which when introduced in the aquarium have caused deaths among the fishes. In the absence of all other means a clean piece of mus- lin or linen, such as an old handkerchief, rolled in a ball and held in the hand will take off all but the hardest growth. Mention may be made of several Aquatic Lite 67 other accessories. A pair of long wood- en forceps is useful for removing dead leaves and _ snails, neither of which should be allowed to rot in the tank, or for rearranging the plants and stones. Cork or glass food rings confine the foods and prevent the particles from spreading indiscriminately over the sur- face of the water. For snipping off leaves a pair of scissors, with round ends, can be fitted with extension handles of wood. co00c>o000 C—— | | Breeder and Importer of 8 | Keep your Aquarium clean and prolong the life of your gold fish. Our Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner will do the work as numerous un- solicited testimonials prove. Apply to any first class dealer. If he does not handle them Write for Sample by Parcel] Post, 50c, 75c, $1.00 Acton Electric Co., Inc. 1133 BROADWAY NEW YORK Patents Pending ON & ALLIED THE AQUARIUM SUBJECTS is ‘‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.1T.Innes, 7 former President of the Aquarium (i Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 Le illustrations. Tells all about the S$): fancy varieties of the Goldfish and nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. Finest Blue and Calico Broad- tail Telescopes in Philadelphia Correspondence Answered C. J. HANNIG, 1225 N. Randolph Street PHILADELPHIA Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 PUTNAM AVENUE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. | wu Alichaclsen £ sr GOLDFISH | BREEDERS : : | FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies lee e] Wholesale and Retail pee SSS PS free sree HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask your dealer or send for it today. DOOT S000 CS000 TS 000 CS 000C S000 0003000 CDC S000 Sa 000c—: O00 C000 TDC S000 CT D000 C5000 ian RABENAU, Aquarist 7 PERMANENT DISPLAY OF | Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated | Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 8 1168 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Broadway. i erat SOLE Ree C———d00 C000 S000 LIVE DAPHNIA 3 $1.00 per portion including can PLANTS, DIP NETS “iil Supplied all year. GOLDFISH, FOODS, Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Special Prices on Quantity Lots Cash With Order Catalogue Sent Upon Request AQUARIUM STOCK CO 150 Chambers Street New York ne! OCO C000 CHS 000 CS 000M S000 S000 CCOT 000 C000 000 C5000: 8 Visitors Welcome l | 8 OCOOCO 000 MS 000000 CS 000000000: Breeders 8 Largest Assortment of Splendid Blues, Blacks and Calico Telescopes and Japs at Reasonable Prices. Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans 50c HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. O00 TM 5 C———S 000000000: OOCOCOOCOOCO0O CT DO00C00 000000: Large Sample Box 10c | : 8 roe Che Mature Studp Review | Pee ace ee OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY The numbers for the coming school year will be filled with special artic’es from practica’ teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school gardening, elementary agriculture and nature-study. $1.00 per year. 15c. per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage, 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. GE , ss eae A i a, SRE ARICA ie sagen 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments cH Hi Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Pia ) A A Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food nian fil and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. esse Jacob C. Cassel ran wre. oS | Aquarium Specialty Co. stw Yorecirm *Y** When some of our most successful Collectors, Aquarists and Breeders were called to the Colors we were not slow in taking over their entire stocks of fishes, plants, aquaria, etc. We are thus in a position to offer a larger col- lection and RARER SPECIES OF TROPICAL FISHES AND GOLDFISHES than we have been able to show during the past three years. Naturally, the demand for the unusual fishes will exceed the supply, and for this reason only the earlier purchasers will secure the most desirable specimens. We also urge the goldfish fanciers and breeders to speed up their demands. COO 2906900 C000 —==>900 = AS TO OUR PRICES: Some time ago we were offered a motley collection of Tropical fishes hardly worth half the amount asked. Of course, we refused to buy. WHAT WE DID BUY we have bought at the right prices, and WE CAN AND WILL SELL at prices as reasonable as possible. AQUARIUM SPECIALTY C0., 414 E. Tremont Avenue :: New York City JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. Se en er ae | ple re Mae nme i a S08) BETTER CUTS AT) Are Looking for Something Extra fe BETTER PRICES c : Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes Don’t Forget W. H. HEIMBACH PROMPT SERVICE GUARANTEED 8 Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH GOULD-WILHELM C INC | Snails Plants FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! ARTISTS = ENGRAVERS = PHOTOGRAPHERS 413 Norta TentH STREET 44N.41 STREET PHILA. ! ALLENTOWN, Pa. ] SEND FOR SAMPLES#2PRICES THEY WILL INTEREST YOU}! _ > © © © EE! DD ©] em] r as ——s rs The variegated or sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus, is an abundant species along our Atlantic coast, ranging from Massachusetts to the Rio Grande. Stragglers may be found in salt water, but it seems essentially a fish of brackish situations, though it ascends the rivers in fresh water. This adaptability makes acclimatization in the fresh water aqua- rium a comparatively simple proceedure. The dominating color in both sexes 1s olive, mottled on a silvery background in a suggestion of upright bars, those of the male being of a darker shade. The back of the male, between the head and the dorsai, carries a patch of shining pale blue. The pectoral fins are orange; ven- trals, edged with light yellow; anal dusky at base, orange border; dorsal dusky, front margin orange and rear black; caudal or tail fin with a dark bar at tip and another at base. The female is pale olive; whitish or yellowish below. The dorsal carries a black spot or ocellus at the rear toward the top; caudal red- dish with a black basal bar; other fins The female with pale. is smaller than the male, which may reach a length of three inches. Our pair proceeded to spawn in an aquarium holding less than two gallons. The eggs were discovered scattered about the tank, adhering to the plants, indi- cating that they were expelled and fer- tilized one at a time. The fry appeared six to ten days later. I found them ex- ceedingly difficult to raise. Though the tank contained but six inches of water, they struggled day after day to reach the surface, until finally I reduced the depth SS a SS PS OS Pa SS PS 9 SS Oa SOS PSPS 9 Ss PPS (The Variegated Minnow | | ERNEST LEITHOLE | 8 Ps Pd as 9 os 9 to an inch, and added a pinch of salt. They were the most helpless lot of fry that have come to my notice. The four that survived out of the original thirty did not swim freely until they were a month old. The lack of vigor may have been due to changed environment, the The Variegated Minnow Youngster above, mature male below species normally spawning in brackish or salt water. After the fifth or sixth week the four babies developed a ravenous ap- petite, and devoured great quantities of mosquito larvee and other foods. Growth was rapid, and when they were an inch long I placed them in my large commu- nity tank. The next morning they were dead! It is probable that this was due to the change of water. (The variegated minnow has been suc- cessfully bred in salt water aquaria. Hildebrand, in a recent paper, observes that the eggs are produced at intervals of 70 Aquatic Lite varying length. Ten days to a month may pass, or eggs may be deposited daily for a considerable period. The digestive tract is long and convo- luted, equal to about two and one-third times the length of the fish, which indi- cates that it is vegetarian in nature, plants forming its principal food. This should be considered in breeding, and an old tank well grown with alge should be pro- vided. It is not, however, averse to ani- mal foods. It is quite ferocious and will kill and devour fishes larger than itself, Like wolves, a number observed to even its own kin. of individuals have been make a concerted attack upon one com- mon victim. From this it follows that it is scarcely a desirable fish for a “happy family” tank. Such species as Fundulus heteroclitus and F. majalis, themselves ageressive, are unable to withstand its attacks.—Editor. ) Dr. Shufeldt Returns to the Regular Army At his own request, Dr. R. W. Shu- feldt has been returned to the active list of the Medical Corps of the Regular Army, and has been detailed to the Army Medical Museum, in Washington. This is quite in line with his tastes and desires, but may necessarily cause a curtailment in certain other research work. It is interesting to note that a sum of money has recently been made available for a resumption of the publications by the office of the Surgeon General of the Army. This new series has been founded for the purpose of opening an avenue for the publication of such contributions on human and comparative anatomy, both normal and pathological, as medical offi- cers of the army may contribute, and which come up to the standard required by the Advisory Board, approved of by the Surgeon General and the Secretary of War. In this new series of Bulletins, the first to appear will be by Dr. Shu- feldt, and is entitled “A Comparative Study of Certain Cranial Sutures in the Primates.” Dr. Shufeldt is at present writing a history of ichthyology for AguarTic Lire. The first part, which concerns the work of Aristotle, has been received, and will be published in an early number.— Editor. ———= The Water Spider The water-spiders are ordinary-look- ing members of their class, and can live quite well on land, but are at home in the water. Their bodies are covered with fine, close hairs, amongst which the air is entangled when they descend beneath the water. appearance ; spider. The Water-spider constructs its nest beneath the water 1n an interesting man- ner. = Awe Che air gives them a silvery hence the name _ Silver- First descending, it spins a close When finished, it rises to the surface and pro- trudes the hinder part of its body, thus obtaining an air bubble, which it holds by web amongst the water-plants. means of its hind legs, and climbs down a thread spun for the purpose to the web, under which it releases the bubble which is retained by the web. ‘This is repeated many times until the web is dome-shaped The nest is iow used as a refuge, winter quarters or by the accumulation of air. to contain the eggs, though a special one may be built for the latter purpose. Water-spiders feed on small land and water animals, and occasionally on each other. Been cea Love your neighbor and share your daphne with him; yet don’t pull down your fence. bof EFS OS 8 OO a Os Ps Ps 9 as Salt Water Aquaria at Home IDA M. MELLEN, Secretary, The New York Aquarium 6 a a a a a ss SP Os Oe OP | a | | | | | | a | a a a & The peculiar beauty and charm of ani- mal and plant life in the sea arouses in our minds a natural craving to enjoy it close at hand. This is a comparatively easy feat for residents of the coast, who may collect plants and animals for them- selves and procure plenty of sea water; but for the inland aquarist it is a matter requiring more delicate care and closer concentration. Salt water can be shipped inland from the coast with the animals and _ plants. Formulas for the preparation of artificial sea water have been devised, but we do not know of any one who has succeeded with them. That salts in water are not subject to great evaporation, is illustrated by the eternal salinity of the seas, whose evap- YOUNG TAUTOG OR BLACKFISH A hardy and interesting fish for the marine aquarium Fe OOS Os PS PE 9 SPS 9 6 9 5s | | | | | | | | | | | 2 oration is replenished by water from the rivers that constantly flow into them; and though they acquire some additional salt from the rivers, their loss of that sub- stance is so small that the new salt acquired really adds to their salinity. It is therefore quite practicable to replace loss through evaporation in the salt water aquarium with fresh water from the fau- cet once a week; and a watering can is very good for the purpose. It is 75 years since the first salt water balanced aquarium was established in England, and many experimenters have been at work in the field since that time ; “Read at a meeting of The Chicago Aquarium Society. Published by permis- sion of The New York Zoological Society, with courtesy of use of illustrations. 72 Aquatic Lite but for the effecting of a perfect balance of marine animals and plants it is still difficult to advanace any unfailing recipe. As with fresh-water forms, the animals depend largely upon the oxygen thrown me 8 6 OS 6 a OS | as | QP moms bs mo ee 6 8 6 a ah a 1 Fs a a a as 9a a 9 off by the plants, while the plants take up the carbonic acid gas exhaled by the ant- mals; and, as with fresh water, the iquaria whose capacities are measured vy the gallon are more satisfactory than those holding only quarts. There is small danger from an excess of plants, but too much animal life is certain to prove fatal. All-glass aquaria are the best for salt water, and are the only kind used at the New York Aquarium for small marine balanced aquaria. Le PS Os Oa 8 Os OR Sd a 6 Oa 6 Pt Ot 9 et OR En a A SELF-SUSTAINING SALT WATER AQUARIUM ot OS | ee et Marine collections of the “happy fam- ily” order are successfully maintained at the New York Aquarium in eight-gallon jars, with two kinds of plants, and as many as eleven forms of animal life. The plants are the red alga Soleria chordalis, sometimes attaching itself to rocks, and Aquatic Lite 73 again living free at the bottom, and the green sea-lettuce (Ulva _ latissima) buoyed with bits of cork to cover two- thirds of the surface and allowed to hang down ten inches from the top on the side of the jar nearest the light. The animals ANS S Northern white coral (colonies rang- ing in size from 2 to 6 inches in diame- ter). Brown anemones (3 or 4). White anemones (3 or 4). Tunicates (Molgula) (3 or 4). Killifishes, 2 inches long (2 or 3). Variegated minnows, 2 inches long (2 OF 8). Prawns, 1% inches long (2 or 3). Young eels, 3 or 4 inches long (1 or 25) ud snails (Nassa obsoleta) (1 to 12). Owesier (i). Little-neck clam (J’enus mercenaria) (it). Warning has been given the beginner by some aquarists to limit his animals one to the gallon of water. It can be seen from the list just given that a gallon will accommodate more than one animal— even more than four—but in experiments with marine aquaria too much modera- tion cannot be urged at the start. Sea-lettuce is absolutely essential for the balanced aquarium. Other plants may be used with it, as the red alga called “Flame weed” (Grinella americana) ; end dead, sun-dried hydroids such as Sertularia argentea and S. pinnata, make good ornamental effects. Other animals which can be success- fully confined in balanced aquaria are small mussels—say a quarter of an inch in length, rock barnacles, annelids (espe- cially the tube dwellers), and very small crabs. Large crabs tear the plants and catch the fishes, but small specimens of the mud and spider crabs one-half inch or so in diameter, are interesting (crabs being truly comical animals) and desir- able, for they pick up scraps from the bottom; and the small hermit crabs are especially good scavengers. It is well to place an inch or two of fine pebbles, white sand, or bird gravel on the bottom of the jar, and a few stones must be added for the attachment of anemones, and for the crabs to hide under. Care must be taken to wash the sand thoroughly. Bird gravel is very dirty, and will ruin the aquarium if put in before cleansing. Hermit crabs should be provided with empty shells of a suitable size, so that when they outgrow the home they are living in and go house hunting for a large one, the new dwelling will be at hand. They are pugnacious, and two will fight hard for the possession of a desired shell. Little-neck clams and oysters, whose siphons are always busy, are valuable as clarifiers. Snails which consume vegetation are to be guarded against. The periwinkles do not thrive so well in standing water, but no balanced aquarium is complete with- out a few mud snails (Nassa obsoleta). These do not harm the vegetation appre- ciably, preferring animal food, and _ be- sides being excellent scavengers, are al- ways interesting to watch, with their long inquisitive siphons traveling on before like an elephant’s trunk, and specimens are often seen carrying around a little roof garden of minute green plants, an occasional snail being so thickly covered with the fine marine alga known as Enteromorpha that it might be mistaken at first glance for a sea mouse. ‘The mud snail, found all the way from Massachu- setts to Florida, is the commonest of smali Atlantic Coast mollusks. Young specimens of starfishes may be 74 Aquatic Lite kept. They live on mollusks, however, however, and a supply of the mud snails is necessary for them. With a starfish it would not be possible to keep alive an oyster, clam, or any other mollusk in the jar, and at best the starfishes are not long-lived in captivity. Probably the most attractive of all small fishes is the sea horse; and the gen- eral desire to own one is so great that horses, tells us that he feeds them on Daphnia—the common water flea of the ponds—by taking the sea horses out of the salt water and the daphnia out of the fresh water, and putting them all into brackish water one-third salt and two- thirds fresh. Within an hour the sea horses are replaced in salt water, and this process he repeats each day. Fresh- water shrimps may be used in the same RUNNERS NEN ENE NNN NEN NING SE NENNVNENE NNN SERS RSS SEA-LETTUCE (ULVA) AND RED SEAWEED AS RGSS RUNNIN NUNES NNN NNN people even inquire if they could not keep one in the same jar with their goldfishes! The little creature is difficult to provide for except with running sea water and salt water Gammarus—the minute shrimp that infests the sea-lettuce. Some have succeeded in maintaining sea horses for a number of months in balanced aquaria by feeding them with fresh chop- sed prawn on-the end of a stick, which the little fish soon grows tame enough to take. A New York dealer in aquaria and aquarium supplies, who sells sea way. During a shortage of Gammarus last winter we succeeded in enticing some of the sea horses to eat the fresh-water worm Tubifex, which will live for half an hour in salt water. Other fishes, also crabs and prawns, annoy the sea horse, but it 1s possible to keep anemones, barnacles, oysters and clams in the same jar with them. The salt water aquarium strong light, but should have very little direct sunlight—none in the summer, and requires not over an hour or two a day in winter. Aquatic Lite 75 The most useful cover is one made of glass, of the same diameter as the jar, with bits of cork glued to its edges at several places in such wise as to allow it, when set on the jar, to rest on the corks a quarter of an inch above the top of the aquarium. The cover prevents the escape of crabs, snails, etc., retards evaporation, and keeps out dust. At the New York Aquarium animals in all balanced aquaria are fed three times a week with macerated clam, care being taken to drop small pieces on the end of a stick or with long wooden for- ceps, upon the tentacles of the corals and anemones, which may then be seen to carry the food to their mouths. All food not eaten within a few hours is carefully siphoned off with a glass tube. For the inland aquarium dried shrimp, dessicated codfish after the salt has been soaked out of it, fresh-water mussels, or fresh fish, finely chopped, would serve. Fresh fish, however, is oily, and even an expert aquarist must take unusual care in using it. A bit of wood stuck on the end of a stick, and covered with felt or cheese cloth, is useful to clean the inside of the glass. In the matter of impurities in the water, an ounce of prevention is worth many a pound of cure, particularly in the inland marine aquarium. Watchfulness for dying plants and dead animals, and their speedy removal, is highly requisite. For this a long wooden forceps is a con- venient tool. Some aquarists advocate a bit of charcoal placed under the rocks as a clarifier. During a succession of gray days, the water may be erated by lifting out a dipper full at a time, and letting it fall back from a height of several inches. When the sand appears dirty, it is well to siphon off the bottom with a rubber tube until about four inches of the water have been drawn. his can be used again by = filtering through four or five thicknesses of cheesecloth, or letting it seep through a sponge placed in the bottom hole of a watering can. ‘The same method may be employed if the water appears a trifle cloudy. What is only difficult may appear to the novice impossible. He must not be discouraged if his first efforts fail, how- ever, but remember that “Patience and perseverance overcome all obstacles,” and, as a wise woman once remarked, the only difference between the difficult and the impossible is that the impossible takes a little longer time. The Medaka I notice in your December number a reference to the Japanese fish, Medaka. I am interested in knowing that the little fish lays eggs and is not viviparous like some of its American relatives. It does not belong to the genus Haplochilus, however, but is type of a distinct group which I have called Oryzias, because it swarms in the ditches of the Japanese rice fields (Oryza=rice in (Caress)... Its right name is Oryzias latipes—Davip STARR JORDAN. ——+——___ The best advertising is what other peo- ple say about you, not what you say about yourself. What they say depends upon the sort of service you have given them. The strength of Aquatic Life lies in this accumulated balance of good-will in the “Bank of Reputation.” ‘This bal- ance has grown to such an extent that the name “Aquatic Life” is the hallmark of accurate and interesting information on matters pertaining to the aquarium— and every aquarian and scientist recog- nizes it as such. ee Rete There is a difference between imitating a man an] counterfeiting him. This rather unfamiliar member of the LABYRINTHICI is a native of Southeast- ern Asia, and has been collected in Ran- goon, Burma, Siam and Malacca. Speci- mens bred in the aquarium rarely exceed a length of two and one-half inches ; wild individuals may measure an additional inch. I have two pairs at the present time and al! are husky, plump, lively crea- tures with abundant vitality. The coloring of the Thick-lipped Gourami is somewhat between that of the Striped Gourami (7. fasciatus) and the Dwarf Gourami (7. lalius). The back is olive-brown, while diagonal blue-green stripes cover the pinkish-red ground of the sides, merging into the silvery abdo- men. On the cheeks of the male, as in the other species mentioned, appears a blue-green patch, which is hardly if ever present on the female. The iris of the eye is red. Both sexes have a sharply- defined orange-red to the anal fin. At times the vertical bars of blue green give place to a broken horizontal lateral stripe, just as the Fighting Fish will show ordinarily a double dark lateral stripe, which at times completely van- ishes, particularly when the brilliant col- The male generally ors are assumed while mating. Thick-lipped Gourami 1s brighter in color than the female, and has the characteristic pointed dorsal fin. Like other members of the genus it is quite shy, so care should be used not to frighten it by sudden movements or other isturbances. A shallow aquarium and healthy plants in old standing water is essential to its well-being. For breeding purposes a heated tank is advisable, as it | Trichogaster Labiosus | WALTER LANNOY BRIND, E. Z. S. es ome of es a SS Oa & is necessary to maintain a uniform high temperature for at least three months. One “cold snap” will frequently extermi- nate an entire brood, and all labor and prospects will be lost. Under favorable conditions a pair will spawn four or five times during the summer, but too fre- quent broods are inadvisable. are placed by the male in the usual nest The eggs Trichogaster labiosus Thick-lipped Gourami of bubbles. Here with abundant oxygen, in a uniform temperature of 75 degrees or more, the eggs will hatch in about three days. The fry hang tail down among the bubbles, and are zealously nursed by male. In about three days the young wil! outgrow control and_ scatter from the nest. It is now wise to remove the parent. The limit of his patience, and love, has been reached, and in his ex- asperation he will proceed to devour them. ‘The female should have been re- moved as soon as the eggs were observed in the nest. Inasmuch as fragments of floating plants will be built into the nest, it 1s not always easy to discern the eggs, but when the female is observed in a parental Aquatic Lite a7 remote corner of the tank, from which the male dares her to leave under penalty of being roughly “pecked,” it is safe to assume that oviposition has taken place. This rule is also applicable to the Dwarf Gourami, which uses a great quantity of broken vegetation over and among the Trichogaster fasciatus Striped Gourami bubbles forming a nest. Under no cir- cumstances should the youngsters be re- moved from the tank until they show solid bodies and are at least half an inch long. As with all fishes, some of the youngsters will grow much more rapidly chan others. To prevent these precocious ones from monopolizing the food, and ‘ndeed from eating their smaller brothers and sisters, abundant plant life, such as Myriophyllum and Anacharis should be introduced. An unfailing supply of infu- soria must be present, and herein lies the value of using an old-established tank in which to breed. Then should follow screened Daphne, the tiniest one possible. While the species exhibits a preference for Daphne and other living foods, and is not averse to green alge, it will also take good prepared foods. —<+—___ It 1s good luck tc any man to be on the good side of the man that knows fish—IzaAak WALTON. The regular meeting of the Philadel- phia Goldfish Fanciers’ Society was held in Saull’s Hall, 802 Girard avenue, on January 16th. The competition was unique in the an- nals of the goldfish fancy. Only speci- mens that had been awarded a blue rib- bon in previous competitions were eligi- ble. The prize, a silver cup, was awarded to George E. Wilt for a scaleless broad- tail Telescope. Judges—George B. Smith, Thomas Ayling and Francis X. Garcia. The nickel-plated aquarium, complete with plants and fishes, offered by the Society, was presented to Mr. John Eck. Mr. Eck donated the fishes to the So- ciety, to be sold at auction, and the sale materially helped to swell the receipts of the evening. The February meeting will be held on the 20th. Exhibition of ribbon-tail Tele- The Dwarf Gourami Trichogaster lalius scopes and Japs, scaled and_scaleless. Three ribbons will be awarded in each class —F RED RICHARDSON, Secretary. —<.»——___ A good start generally means a bril- liant finish. ——_—_—~<__—__ Justice is the science of obtaining human balances. £ Every aquarist should be able to diag- nose and treat the common ills of gold- fish. This does not mean needless exper- imenting and doping, but the ability to recognize symptoms and take steps to check the disorders before a serious con- dition has resulted. Under the most favorable circum- stances an aquarium is ‘“‘close quarters,” and unless a diseased fish is promptly removed, others may become affected. IlIness becomes apparent in a number of ways. The dorsal fin may droop and the fish show an inclination to rest on the bottom, the fins become bloodshot, and there is little evident desire for food. These are warning signs to the experi- enced. Such symptoms are not necessarily dangerous, but they are certain indica- tions that the fish is not in proper condi- tion, and if allowed to persist will result in serious disease and death. If but one fish in an aquarium is so affected, it is quite probable that it is due to over-eat- ing or constipation ; if a number are ill it is certain that general conditions are wrong in one or more essential particu- lars, and an effort should be made to find and remove the cause. Carefully con- sider the foods used, the purity of the water, the oxygen supply (plants and condition of the bottom of tank), possible over-crowding and atmospheric condi- tions in so far as they influence changes in the temperature of the water. Every aquarist should have at least one receptacle to serve as an isolation and observation tank or hospital. All-glass aquaria and enameled dishpans are excel- Ailments of Goldfish | | GEORGE A. SCHENK mc me 8 A I sO sy lent, as they can be thoroughly sterilized after having been used for the treatment of parasitic or contagious cases. If pos- sible, it is well to have a planted aqua- rium to serve for convalescents in the interval between treatment in the hos- pital tank and their restoration to the Broadtail Telescope Goldfish* usual quarters. In this rest tank, which is often unoccupied, microscopic animal life (infusoria, etc.) develops in large quantities and, together with baby snails, which can be ailowed to breed there. affords an excellent tonic for the conva- lescents. For the treatment of constipation a minor and sometimes frequent condition, dissolve a tablespoonful or more of epsom salt in a gallon of water, taking care not to make it too strong. Place the fish in this bath for several hours if *This splendid specimen, bred and shown by George E. Wilt, was awarded the silver cup at the last competition of The Phila- delphia Goldfish Fanciers’ Society. Only “blue ribbon winners” were eligible. Photo by H. W. Schmid. Aquatic Lite 79 necessarly. Then a rest of a day or two in a mild solution of epsom salt, with a little sea salt added, or a few days in the convalescent will usually restore health and activity. In a large measure consti- pation can be prevented by feeding live foods at intervals. Little trouble should be experienced when Daphne is available. Fin congestion is the result of poor circulation of the blood through the fins, and may be caused by chilling, over-feed- ing, Over-crowding, impure water, rough handling, intestinal disturbances and sud- den changes in temperature. Some cases are chronic, yield to treatment and then return. In severe cases the tails, fins and even the lighter portions of the body, become fiery red; in a mild form the tails and fins will be bloodshot. For treatment add 10 to 20 drops of aromatic spirits of ammonia to each gallon of water in the hospital tank. The fish may remain in this solution for from 5 to 20 minutes, but should be watched contin- ually, and removed before they show signs of serious distress. Transfer to a mild solution of permanganate of potas sium, repeat the ammonia bath to~simu- late the circulation of the blood, and then return to the permanganate. The pa- tient may remain in the permanganate so- lution for several days, longer if deemed necessary, but a new solution should be made every twenty-four hours. When the congestion has entirely disappeared, a few days in the convalescent tank, or in green water, is desirable. Tail rot is a serious and contagious dis- ease following aggravated and neglected fin congestion. In the early stages it may be recognized by a grayish, curled and ragged appearance of the ends of the tails. Don’t wait for the advanced stage This disease develops very rapidly and must be given immediate attention. Some aquarians advocate cutting away the ‘af- fected parts with a pair of sharp scis- sors, or by laying the fins on a smooth board and trimming with a keen knife or razor. This has never appealed to me when only the tail is affected, for it is practically impossible to do it without spoiling the appearance of the fish for all time. When one or both of the pectoral fins are diseased, it may be necessary. owing to the difficulty of treating with the poisonous solution without getting it in the gills. I treated my first case of tail rot with nitric acid. I was instructed to carefully apply a little diluted nitric acid, with a cotton swab, to the edge of the tail. I used what seemed to be due care, but the acid consumed the greater part of the tail! Since then I have treat- ed a number of cases successfully by dip- ping the tails in a saucer containing a mild solution of bichloride of mercury, washing this off very carefully, and then placing the fish in a large pan of water to remove further traces. ‘Then follows a mild permanganate bath. Repeat the bichloride treatment the next day, and for a third time if necessary. Between treatments, and for several days after- ward, keep the fish in the mild perman- ganate solution. A week to ten days in the convalescent tank should follow. If desired, one-half strength peroxide of nydrogen, or a mild solution of carbolic acid, may be used instead of the bichlo- vide of mercury. Fungus is a parasitic plant of a low order that gains a foothold on a fish where the protecting mucus has been rubbed away by injudicious handling or other causes. The spores of the plant are always more or less present in the water, but a healthy fish has the power to resist them. If taken in the early stages, it is easily cured, but if neglected it will spread to the gills, when death will ensue. Fungus will be clearly observed as white 80 Aquatic Lite or black spots, at times life a tuft of cot- ton, or the major portion of the body may seem to be covered with a slime. Kerosene oil, half-strength peroxide of hydrogen or a strong salt solution, ap- plied with a cotton swab, will generally overcome the disease with one or two treatments. If a bad spot has been eaten away by the fungus, it is well to dry the Oe ee RES AS ASRS ASS place and coat it with Turlington’s bal- sam. ‘This material is insoluble in water, and acts as a protective covering while the wound is healing. It is well to re- member this, because it can be used to cover bruises and wounds resulting from rough handling or accidents. Dropsy manifests itself by a greatly distended and bloated appearance of the ody. I recall ore case, a large Lion- head, so severe that the scales were en- urely raised and stood out at an «angle AN EXHIBIT BY FRANKLIN BARRETT AT A RECENT PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW SUN NUNN NENENUE NNN NE NEUEN NE NEN NEN NNN NEN NENENN below upward. ‘The thrust must not be from the body. During the breeding sea- son a fish suffering from this disease, especially in the earlier stages, is apt to be mistaken for a roe-bound female. The condition is caused by the presence of serum under the skin. Relief may be given by tapping and allowing the fluid to ooze out. This is done by carefully running a needle under the skin from SSS RS ASS deep. If thought is used, and the in- cisions made to either side in front of the anus, no harm will result. This may give relief for quite some time, or the serum may quickly form again, but it is the only means of prolonging the life of the fish. The formation of the serum is resultant from an internal disorder. No permanent cure is known. Bladder trouble is a condition affecting the swim-bladder, which prevents the Aquatic Lite 81 contraction and expansion of the organ to make the fish of the same specific gravity or weight as the water. Com- plete recovery is rare, so unless the fish is highly prized, it is well to put it out of its misery at once. In some cases the specimen will be unable to rise from the bottom, which indicates a shrinkage of the organ; in others it may move with great effort, swim on its side or find it impossible to do other than float at the surface, the organ being abnormally in- flated. Examples that are killed should be dissected and the condition of the bladder noted. Treat as for constipation, using a strong solution of epsom salt. Sometimes what seems to be bladder trouble is only a severe case of constipa- tion. If it does not yield, little can be done, but comparative relief may be given in moderately warm, shallow water. One of the bugbears of every breeder is a roe-bound female, and a season sel- dom passes without the loss of a choice specimen from this cause. Troemner, in a previous number of Aguatic LIFE, cites such an incident. He opened the fish and removed and weighed the eggs, finding them to be almost equal in weight to the body. Usually one hesitates to resort to stripping, lest a valuable fish be injured, hoping that nature will force the expulsion of the eggs. Until recently I had the same fear. Last spring a fe- male that I highly prized became roe- bound. Several times I tried stripping. proceeding gently but without success. Finally, acting on the theory that I would ‘ose her one way or the other, I used real force, so much so that the oviduct pro- truded. Then she was placed in an aquarium with a couple of males, who began to drive her immediately. One went under her tail and was plainly ob- served to bite at the protruding oviduct. Then the eggs came, clouds of them, and it was a very successful spawning. Since that time I have similarly treated others, always with success, as no harm resulted. I have even stripped males without in- jury to secure milt for experiments in artificial fertilization. The roes are just in front and to either side of the anus, hence a steady, even pressure should be exerted with the ball of the thumb toward it. Parasites are frequently introduced into aquaria on new plants and fishes. They are most annoying to the fishes, who will be seen endeavoring to remove them by rubbing against plants and stones. They will usually succeed in this, and the parasites will be carried away if the fishes are kept in running water. If this is not possible, isolate the sufferers in a well-planted tank containing broad- leaf Sagittaria. Every day draw off water from the bottom, removing all sediment and excrement, replacing with water of the same temperature. When the fish has been cured, let the tank stand unoccupied for a couple of weeks to kill the parasites by starvation. In handling fish out of water, which is necessary in some treatments, the gills should be covered with a soft, wet cloth, for 1f the gills are kept moist the fish will experience no serious discomfort. ————— At the annual meeting of the Aquatic Association of Maryland, held in Janu- ary, the following officers were elected ta serve during the ensuing year: President, Ernest A. Gill; Vice-President, W. H. Casselll;) Seeretarny,, PB. (©. Chambliss; Treasurer, Louis Hens. It was decided that the Association would hold its first public exhibition dur- ing March. J. Shelton Hill was appoint- ed chairman of a temporary exhibition 82 Aquatic Lite committee. The arrangements are fast taking shape. In connection with the show a campaign for members will be conducted.—P. C. Cuame.iss, Secretary. Uc The last meeting of The Aquarium So- ciety, New York City, held January 25th, at the American Museum of Natural History, was one of great activity. The important feature was the election of officers and appointment of committees for the year. Result: President, Richard Dorn; Vice-Presi- dent, H. Kissell; Secretary, C. B. Ruch; Treasurer, John P. Lowel; Librarian, Charles E.. Jenne. German-speaking Branch: President, Dr. E. Bade; Secretary, Hugo C. Nelles: Treasurer, B. Berkitz. General Press Committee, Hugo C. Nelles, Hans Forbriger and Carl Lazer. The time and place for the annual din- ner of the Society was discussed, it being decided to hold it at Pabst Harlem, West 12sth street, New York City, on April 2oth, 1918.—Huco C. NELLEs. —__>—_—_ The regular monthly meeting of the West Philadelphia Goldfish Fanciers’ Association was held in the hall of the organization, 5909 Market street, on January 4th. Though still in its infancy, it numbers among its members many prominent fanciers of the city, and in consequence the first. competitive exhibi- tion, held in conjunction with this meet- ing, was eminently successful. The judges, Messrs. Thomas Ayling and Jos- eph E. Bausman, made the following awards: ProresstonaL. Black Broadtail Tele- scopes, blue ribbon, H. Kraus; red rib- bon, M. J. Moylan. S‘caleless Broadtail Telescopes, blue ribbon, H. Ek. De Muth; red ribbon, Walter Bell; yellow ribbon, M. J. Moylan. Novice Crass. Black Broadtail Tele- scope, blue ribbon to G. C. Vowinkel. Scaleless Broadtail Telescope, blue rib- bon to Robert Corriston. Our president, George EF. Wilt, exhib- ited five splendid Broadtails that had won blue ribbons in other shows. ‘They were not entered in the competition of the meeting. The Association meets on the first Fri- day of the month in its hall at 5g09 Mar- ket street. Everybody welcome. Take the Market Street Elevated to Sixtieth Street Station —C. C. VowINnKkEL, Sec- retary. san i The inventor of a new device for keeping fishes out of irrigation ditches gave a demonstration at the Washing- ton office of the Bureau in November, employing for the purpose a working model. The essential feature of the de- vice is the passage of a series of alter- nating electric currents through the wa- ter between successive pairs of electrodes placed on the opposite banks of the ditch. The voltage of these currents increases from the head of the ditch outward, so that a fish swimming into the canal would be subjected to a current of progressively greater potential and discomfort as it proceeds. The exhibition, which was witnessed by members of the Bureau’s staff and by representatives of the Recla- mation Service, demonstrated that fish would flee from the electrified areas al- ways in the direction of decreasing po- tential, and that they would not pass from a neutral zone into a strongly elec- trified one.—Fisheries Service Bulletin. —— —— She—*"I wonder why my little goldfish never grows?” He—‘The intelligent little creature knows there would be no room for him in such a little globe. You should read AQuATIC LIFE.” Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. W. Al BOwGiniae eeee DGhor OSHPENE BAWSNUAN ) 66000 Pablo her 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aguatic Lirr. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lire has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Wearrhy Subseriypmom -osaccacvccsobodsc. $1.00 Koneien Subseriptionsian ean ace e. 1.35 Single Co pierce ieee ceo noes oes See 10 Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1918 by Joseph E. Bausman Vol. I February 1918 No. 6 As a whale is a mammal, it is not a fish, and its flesh, which the Bureau of Fisheries is advising us to eat—if we can get it—is meat. The New Bedford and Nantucket sailors engaged in the whale industry always called themselves “whalemen,” and were never called “fish- by “off-islanders,” as the Nantucketers contemptuously term all unfortunate outsiders. Some years ago, when a tariff law made fish oil free, William W. Crapo, of New Bedford, pro- tested that a whale was not a fish, and his contention was officially recognized by the United States Government, and whale oil was excluded from the classifi- cation—Edward B. Hughes in THE WRITER. ermen” excepting C000 5000 —D 000 c00 SPAWN From Prize Winning Stock Japanese Fringetails, 50c. per doz.; $2.00 es per 100. Veiltail Telescopes, $1.00 per doz.; $5.00 per 100. Hooded Orandas, $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. syne Shubunkins, 50c. per doz.; $2.00 per 00. Liberty Bond Fish, $1.00 per doz.; $5.00 per 100. Japanese Lion Heads, $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. Japanese Meteor Fish, $2.00 ber =6doz.; $10.00 per 100. : : ste Blue Veiltail Telescopes, $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. All Eggs guaranteed fertile. Send your orders at once with money en- closed. 5 We have the finest and sturdiest stock in the country. _ Winners of 35 Silver Medals and COCO TS 00000C CM 00C C00 ——Do00C —— Silver Cups, Gold Medal, hundreds of Ribbons. FRANKLIN BARRETT l Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. C——=5 000 5000 ——> coo > 000 —<—_——>o000 C———o000000c 000000 —S 000 — DO YOU WANT INFUSORIA to start your fry. GIC will give you ive food any time winter or summer. Circular free. When ordering Magic order some Yogi. MAGIC, 25c box by mail 28c. YOGI FISH FOOD, 10c box, by mail 12c, I Ib 60c add postage A COMBINATION OF INGREDIENTS WHICH WILL PRODUCE A VARIETY. OF HARMLESS, NON SHELL. INFUSORIA. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Avenue _Phila., Pa 1818 FRANKFORD AVE. PHILA... PA. ey ee a HUGO C. NELLES Is Ready for Your Spring Orders. mean healthy fishes; you'll find with me. My immense stock of tropical fishes enables me to sell : very reasonable. Thirty-five species to se- (] lect from. conditions both Healthy Come and be convinced. Call after 3 P. M. weekdays; any time on Sun- day. Manufacturer of ‘‘Faultless Fishfood’’ for gold and tropical fishes. 20e. per box.; $2.50 per Ib. C00 CM) 70°c°0c >. 000c—— 000 ) 1305 Third Avenue. New York City, N. Y. S000 CS 000000 ——D000c—D00c Aquattc Ltfe 1916 - 1917 VOL. II. A limited number of copies are available in substantial cloth binding, with title page and comprehensive’ index. 166 pages and about the same number of illustrations, some in color Price, $2.25, postpaid. Aquatic Life 542 EAST GIRARD AVENUE. PHILADELPHIA. ft ae re ne 66 99 AQUARIA FISH A practical work on care and breeding of fish in the aquarium, greenhouse and out- door ponds. Finely illustrated. Every one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price, $1.00. Tappan’s Natural Fish Food. Three boxes, postpaid, 25c. Guinea Pigs and Thoroughbred Collie Pups, beautifully marked. Write for prices. F. L. TAPPAN Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. CCOC——D>000000 C7000 C= 5000 C000 C——S]o77roc COO CS 7000 CSC S000 che jQature Studp Review OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY The numbers for. the coming school year will be filled with special articles from practical teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school gardening, elementary agriculture and nature-study. 15c. per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage, 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. $1.00 per year. coo 000 CSc} o00 000 CS CS 000 CD] ooo eset hae Gate ane I. X. L. Fish Food Box 15c, 2 Boxes 25c Red Snails by Mail W. E. WALP 1309 N. 55th Street Philadephia, Pa. SEA HORSES AND SEA ANEMONES and other assorted specimens for MARINE AQUARIUMS. Persistent change of water not necessary. Full instructions given for care. R. DONKER :;: 227 West 83rd Street NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants Water Lilies 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Taxidermy Send for Catalog THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York Fine Broad-tail Telescopes BLACK and CALICO Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WILT, 1519 N. 62nd Street PHILADELPHIA GOIWD Fis rl BUY FROM THE BREEDER Twenty-six Acres of Ponds Write for Wholesale Price List of Goldfish and Supplies BERT J. PUTNAM, 490 Washington St., BUFFALO, N. Y. AQUARIUM PLANTS 12 Varieties floating plants; 5 varieties blade grasses; 15 other varieties. Retail only. Large Collection for 15 Gallon Aquarium for $1.00 Postpaid Red Snatls $7.00 per Dozen J. HENRI WAGNER, 1909 North Capitol Washington, D. C. COCO D000C—D000C Dac [ Use Regenia Aquarium Salts T To replace the natural salts in your aquar- (] ium as absorbed by the fishes and snails. Excellent for plants. Help the snails form Shell. Benefits the fish. Box of Six Pow- ders, 25c. For sale at Pet Stock stores. Violet-Ray Fish Remedy Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Rot, Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots on Tropical fishes. Box of Six Powders, 25ce. Safe and effective. REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. Philadelphia ) Station K. O00 C000 CD 000 CD 000 D000 000: CCOC D000 TD000C— 000! O0OC000C—000C— 000 DRIED SHRIMP (The Utility Fishfood) Per lb., coarse 75c. Ground fine, $1.00. St. George’s Natural Fish Food, $1.00 per lb. Sample can, 15c. Aquarium Cement, 50c Ib. Add postage to your zone. CANADIAN BIRD STORE 2139 West Van Buren Street. Chicago, Ill. fie 1 Reece I have a nice assortment of beautifully eol- ored young calico goldfish at 50c. and 5c. each. Breeders from $2.50 each This is a good time to book your orders for spawn and fry to be shipped during March and April, as obtained and weather condi- tions permit. Price lists on request [So000C@D000CD000CD000 GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremont Place OCO C000 TM SD000 CD 000C5000 Mt. Vernon, N. Y. OOO M000 C000 CJ 000 CS 000C—S 000: mr eerman i EVERYTHING IS FISH THAT COMES TO THE NET OF A NATURALIST Don’t paddle in the water with one hand and be blind with both eyes. In other words, ‘keep your eyes open’’ for all nature. Our Magazine Che Guide to lature Will Help You It is edited by EDWARD F. BIGELOW, who fishes in the heavens and earth, as well as the waters under the earth. Four months’ trial, 25c. One year, $1.00... THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION ArcAdiA OSCOCOO DOO 000 TD GO0CCNC00000 COOCCOCCOC0O0C— 000000000000 Sound Beach Connecticut lee elec cle eele cele c ol ammmmmmlole clo 0 elo 2 ole cele 0.0) Bell Phone Broadtails & Tropicals GEO. W. PRICE, PHILADELPHIA 2VAS oe IEEE) STREET WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tatl Celescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. 3 Months Trial 10c THE AQUATIC WORLD 685 Pet Stock World Bldg., Baltimore, Md. | OOO GS 00039000000 Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder ana Importer of al 3 TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES 7 Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods Fresh and Dried Daphnia AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES >| OOO G00 GG 000 000 ae el pom Keep your Aquarium clean and prolong the life of your gold fish. Our Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner will do the work as numerous un- solicited testimonials prove. Apply to any first class dealer. If he does not handle them Write for Sample by Parcel Post, 50c, 75c, $1.00 Acton Electric Co.,Inc. 1133 BROADWAY NEW YORK Patents Pending THE BEST BOOK fi: AQUARIUM S.8i82 SUBJECTS is ‘‘ Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T.Innes, former President of the Aquarium (| Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 7 '@'\' illustrations. Tells all about the G wn fancy varieties of the Goldfish and ~“ nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. Finest Blue and Calico Broad- tail Telescopes in Philadelphia Correspondence Answered C. J. HANNIG, 1225 N. Randolph Street PHILADELPHIA Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 PuTNAM AVENUE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. (Ee eae — FM#ichaelsen Bros GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies Wholesale and Retail HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands a as the best food on the market. keeps the fish in good color by Pe moting a healthy, robust growth. will not sour ot cloud the water. Uric dealer or send for it today. a ee ee sy steer onsen frie ef Coo C———— 000 HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist g PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated 8 Visitors Welcome | Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty 8 Importations of New Varieties received regularly 8 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Broadway. (OS COOCOOCCO CS 000000 C——J 000000000: Breeders Largest Assortment of Splendid Blues, Blacks and Calico Telescopes and Japs at Reasonable Prices. Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans 50c HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 000000 C000 TSC 000000000 O00 C7000 CT S>000c—' LIVE DAPHNIA g Supplied all year. $1.00 per portion including can GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, DIP NETS ) 5 Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c : Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Special Prices on Quantity Lots. (| 8 Cash With Order. 8 8 Catalogue Sent Upon Request. AQUARIUM STOCK CO New York mer OCOT 000 C4000 i 150 Chambers Street Par ers. | 5 Goldfish Co ! 8 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, ha Importers : and : Dealers : JAPANESE GOLDFISH : Drrect From BREEDERS IN JAPAN Awarded Gold and Silver Medals, Panama- Pacific International Exposition, San Fran- cisco, 1915. 8 ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND oo | Prices Lists Furnished Trade Only. IOOQD00000 S00T 000000000000 IOOO000: = Jacob C. Cassel TT LE | 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments ii ; Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. A NGA Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food a rua and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. Th a, a a Aquarium Specialty Co. stWv Your'cirs” “PSY When some of our most successful Collectors, Aquarists and Breeders were called to the Colors we were not slow in taking over their entire stocks of fishes, plants, aquaria, etc. We are thus in a position to offer a larger col- lection and RARER SPECIES OF TROPICAL FISHES AND GOLDFISHES than we have been able to show during the past three years. Naturally, the demand for the unusual fishes will exceed the supply, and for this reason only the earlier purchasers will secure the most desirable specimens. We also urge the goldfish fanciers and breeders to speed up their demands. AS TO OUR PRICES: Some time ago we were offered a motley collection of Tropical fishes hardly worth half the amount asked. Of course, we refused to buy. WHAT WE DID BUY we have bought at the right prices, and WE CAN AND WILL SELL at prices as reasonable as possible. AQUARIUM SPECIALTY CO., 414 E. Tremont Avenue :: New York City JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. (eee ere eer a pe oe er ee ee $=) 000000 D000 SSS 000 D000 CS} 000K S000 C000 CS 000cS000c———— IF YOU Use Regenia Aquarium Salts |e To zrevlace the natural salts in your aquar- Are Looking for Something Extra Teac on SIAN Ee HIP! tne caallenoun Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes Dowt Forget W. H. HEIMBACH shell. Benefits the fish. Box of Six Pow- ders, 25c. For sale at Pet Stock stores. Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH Snails Plants Violet-Ray Fish Remedy Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Rot, Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES ! 25ce. Safe and effective. 413 NortH TENTH STREET REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. ALLENTOWN, Pa. ae! Club New Jersey ] ae I 000 C000 900C 500 COO T— 000000 000T S000: (SSeS 000 GS OOO CS on Tropical fishes. Box of Six Powders, i<>000G 000 G = 000 = 600G> C00 > 000 000 S000 D000 D000: a : 8 Johnny Darter pb —o—, es a 6 ee es Os 0 es a S| A fish is a cold-blooded vertebrate ani- mal, which is fitted for aquatic life, breathing the air dissolved in the water, by means of structures called gills. It differs from the Amphibia by spending its whole life in the water and in never having its limbs provided with fingers or toes. At the bottom of the series are tuni- cates, lancelets and other primitive or degenerate forms, which hardly look like fishes. ‘The lowest which would adorn an aquarium is the lamprey, long, slim and eel-like, with a row of gill holes along the side, and with no paired fins or limbs, and no jaws, its big round mouth a sucking disc, provided with rasp-like teeth. I never knew any one to put a lamprey into an aquarium, but they would be very interesting. You can find them in the spring in most of the north- ern States, running up the brooks ‘to | | | | | | | | | | | | | | as 8 SO Oh 8 a 0 Os Od PO 9s OP ! CLASSIFYING FISHES DAVID STARR JORDAN Leland Stanford Junior University a 5 9 Ps Ot PS 09 nt Pa 1 a Os Ow eco SH om oe 1 0 wa Boleosoma nigrum a he eh eh eo 6 St roa, spawn, fastening their lips to a stone and staying fastened till they wear out, a pic- turesque feature of the river-floor to which Thoreau once called attention. It is also a grim lesson of the reward of de- votion. Bigger fishes are divided into the class of sharks and the class of true fishes. Sharks do not thrive in a private aqua- rium. There isa little black sharklet that lives in deep bays in Japan, so far down that it is always in darkness. Its name is Etmopterus lucifer, and it is only a foot long. It has on each side of the belly a luminous patch, by which it sees its way. Dr. Schmidt, the Russian naturalist, put one in the aquarium, and then at night made a drawing of it by its own light. Of the true fishes, there are twenty or thirty large groups called orders. Each order contains from one to a hundred families. Each family is made up of 84 Aquatic Lite genera, and each genus may contain from one to five hundred kinds of species. The scientific name of a fish is the genus, as a noun, followed by the species as an adjective. Thus the salmon of the Atlan- tic is a species of the genus Salmo, and its name is Salmo salar, the jumping salmon. The Rainbow trout of Califor- nia is also a Salmo and its name is Salmo irideus. Sometimes scientific men ignor- Petromyzon marinus Sea Lamprey antly or carelessly name a fish which has If we allowed this So in already been named. there would be endless confusion. science we always take the oldest name, unless it has been used before for some- thing else. Thus the Black Bass was named by different men, Micropterus, Calliurus, Aplites, Huro and Grystes. I like the name Grystes best, but it 1s wrong. Micropterus, “little fin,” is the oldest, and must be used, though it has not much appropriateness. Often we find it necessary to divide an old genus, as we might divide a county. This happens when we discover some new and important kind of distinction. Thus when we found large differences in the skull of the Eastern Brook Trout as compared with the black-spotted Trout and Salmon of Europe and of our West- ern mountains, we set off the Brook Trout and its relatives from Salmo as a new genus, Salvelinus. ‘The species be- comes Salvelinus fontinalis instead of Salmo fontinalis. Such divisions arising from better knowledge, and changes aris- ing from using an older name, are com- mon in science. ‘They are confusing at first to the beginner, but to the scientific worker it is just as important to have the right name as it is to an aquarian to have clean water. In the brooks of the world are multi- tudes of handsome and interesting little fishes all worth studying, and every one has a scientific name of two parts, and meaning in Latin or Greek something worth remembering. My first aquarium studies were on the “Johnny Darters,” which swarm in the brooks of the Middle West, the most in- teresting to me, of all fishes, because of their color and forms and the many spe- cies. ‘There are just a hundred kinds known now, and probably thirty more are yet to be found. They are not the hardi- est of fishes, for they cannot stand foul But they are the daintiest of Some day water. fishes and the most inspiring. I may tell you more about them. | Their genera are Etheostoma, Boleosoma, Hadropterus, Poecilichthys and many others, and they live in the bottom of the little creek just back of your house, un- Lampetra wilderi Brook Lamprey less you live to the westward of the Missouri and the Rio Grande. There are none in the Rocky Mountain region, and none in the Sierras. (In mentioning the Lamprey, in his book, The Home Aquarium, Eugene Smith notes that “in the aquarium they do fairly well, if given mud or sand to hide in, but they will be rarely seen. I put two young ones into a one-gallon tank, and did not see them again until more than a year afterwards, when, re- Aquatic Lite 85 moving the mud, both were found, one considerably larger than when put in. I have not the least idea upon what they subsisted during all this time. Possibly they fed on the refuse matter in the mud. They lived for some time afterward. The adults are known to eat holes into the bodies of fishes, upon which they fasten themselves to suck out their juices, in this way doing great damage in streams and lakes. Lampreys, too, are nest builders; rearing small mounds of stones and pebbles in the streams.”’— Ed.) The Steinhart Aquarium A great public aquarium for San Fran- cisco has been provided for in the will of Ignatz Steinhart, who died at his home in that city on May 15. ‘The sum of $250,0co is bequeathed to the California Academy of Sciences, to be used for the erection of the aquarium building. By the express terms of the will the aqua- rium is to be in Golden Gate Park, adjacent to or adjoining the Museum of the California Academy of Sciences. It is to be called the “Steinhart Aquarium,” and is to be under the management, su- perintendence, and operation of the Cali- fornia Academy of Sciences. The ex- pense of maintenance will be met by the city of San Francisco, provision for which was made in a charter amendment voted by the electorate recently. As the entire quarter of a million dol- lars will be put into the building, it is evident that San Francisco will have one of the greatest aquariums in the world. Mr. Steinhart was very desirous that, if he established an aquarium, it should be under non-political control. Until re- cently he had not been able to discover any entirely satisfactory method ‘by which this end could be accomplished, and he had practically abandoned the project, when he heard through Dr. Bar- ton Warren Evermann, director of the Museum of the California Academy, of the transfer of the management of the New York Aquarium from the New York Board of Park Commissioners to the New York Zoological Society, and the splendid success of that aquarium under the efficient directorship of Dr. Charles H. Townsend. Mr. Steinhart’s interest at once revived. It was sug- gested that the California Academy ot Sciences would probably be willing to accept the management of the aquarium he desired to establish, should he wish it to do so, and the suggestion met Mr. Steinhart’s approval. Mr. Steinhart was one of the most philanthropic citizens of San Francisco, and his name will ever be held in grateful remembrance by the visitors to the great aquarium which his breadth of vision and liberality will have made possible-—The American Museunt Journal. —~<+»—>—___ The Mosquito Fish JOHN C. MURPHY The tiny top minnow, Heterandria formosa, is one of the smallest of fishes —the smallest of the North American species, not even excepting the pigmy sunfishes. While aquarians class it as a “tropical,” it is really a temperate fish, ranging from North Carolina to Florida in ponds and ditches. This indicates it as a desirable fish for those unable to supply the degree of heat demanded by those from warmer climes. It will get along nicely during the winter under ordinary home conditions, even though the room be uncomfortably cold. This Heterandria, or Mosquito-fish, as it is sometimes called, is not remarkable for its beauty. The general color is brownish or greenish yellow, a dark band 86 Aquatic Lite running from the mouth to a darker spot at the base of the tail, the band being crossed by a few vertical streaks. The dorsal and anal fins each bear a conspicu- ous dark spot. The intensity varies, in- dividuals at times being quite pale. The anal of the male is modified into an intro- mittant organ, like most live-bearing fishes. A full-grown female will meas- ure an inch, the male being somewhat smaller. The species being so tiny, the number of babies in a litter will be small. It should be handled like other live-bearing Heterandria formosa kinds, the female, when a delivery seems close at hand, being placed in a closely- planted tank. his fish is pre-eminently suited to the smallest aquaria, and will breed and be very happy ina globe. Feed it Daphne, young white worms and pre- pared foods. All will be taken if the par- ticles be small—the principal require- ment. (Heterandria, different male; formosa, comely. ) BS NURSES On Telescope Goldfish FRANK B. HANNA Breeders of telescope-eyed goldfish are prone to comment on the apparent lack oi development of the eyes of the modern show fish. It seems to have been over- looked that this seeming retrograde has been coincidental with the advance of the broad-tail type. Years ago we had more “big-eyed” specimens, but comparatively few broad-tails. These fish were what we now put into the “old-style telescope” class in competitions, long of body and with relatively short tails and fins, a com- bination fitting them for a long battle with the vicissitudes of life. They were strong, lived long and kept “in condi- tion,” even breeding when ten years old, because they were not cumbered with enormous fins, to sap energy and vitality. Disregarding the occasional precocious example, the protruding eye does not at- tain full development until the fish is four or five years old, the growth paralleling that of the hood of the Lionhead, which takes six years. The present-day Ameri- can transparent-scaled (scaleless) tele- scope goldfish has reached the maximum fin development, and is on the decline before it is three years old—there are few exceptions. From an exhibition view- point a fish three to four years old is, in nine cases out of ten, a sorry mess—no pep, fins ragged and streaked, while the eyes are not yet at the maximum. ‘The long and short of the matter is not really that the eyes are being “lost,” but that the life of the breed, the time necessary for the development of the eyes, has been shortened incidental to concentrat- ing attention in breeding to the develop- ment of fins. i Two men were discussing as to what Noah did to pass away the time on board the Ark. “I guess he did a good deal of fishing,’ suggested the ardent angler. But some one is always ready with a wet blanket. “He couldn’t do much fish- ing with only two worms,” was the re- tort—Ladies’ Home Journal. ——— The erosion of the shells of snails is often due to acidification of the water bt — oe ee mw =m. Few of the many cichlids are more popular or better known than Hemuchro- mis bimaculatus. It comes to us from Africa, where it has a rather wide dis- tribution, ranging from Egypt westward and south to the Congo. In habits it does not differ from the familiar South American Chanchito, but propagation is apt to be fraught with more difficulties. But when success comes, and the aqua- rium is peopled with a school of this gor- geously colored fish, one is quite apt to pertinently remark that “the game is worth the candle.” The baby Hemichromis, six to eight weeks old, is striped, displaying two dark brown horizontal lines on a_ lighter ground of the same color. This changes into a dull bluish green on the back and sides, which merges into the dull yellow of the belly. The two spots indicated by its specific name, bimaculatus, now ap- pear, one at its lateral centre, the other at the base of the caudal fin. However, the name bimaculatus is rather a mis- nomer, a third equally pronounced spot appears on the gill-cover, so the fish is really three-spotted, rather than two- spotted, as the name implies. Small, glis- tening spots are scattered over the upper half of the body and on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. When about half grown the back and sides become reddish brown and _ the throat first shows the brilliant red. With maturity, and particularly during mating and breeding activities, the color splendor The body becomes of both sexes is amazing. from the abdomen upward EOS Oa Es Fa Sd Od Ps 9 nt a Cy | Hemichromis Bimaculatus | ERNEST LEITHOLF % bright scarlet, blending into a rich olive on the back. Glistening emerald dots in broken lines bespangle the body and ver- tical fins, the latter edged with red. It is a rather difficult task at times to persuade this fish to mate. The male is gifted with a quarrelsome disposition and a total lack of geniality, though some- Hemichromis bimaculatus times it is the female that stands in the way of mutual understanding and team work. It is this lack of cohesion that makes breeding difficult. When the fam- ily scrap tends to become serious, it is well to separate the couple by placing a glass partition in the aquarium, feeding both well, and trying in this way to make them become more kindly disposed to- wards one another. We have had males that positively refused to mate, which would have killed every female placed with them. A method often successful is to rear a number of fishes together, selecting apparently congenial pairs when old enough to distinguish the sexes. If the quarrels of courtship pass and 88 Aquatic Lite love becomes paramount, the eggs will be deposited on a stone, to which they will adhere. During incubation one par- ent or the other stands guard, fanning constantly with the fins to create a cir- culation of the water and prevent any possible accumulation of sediment. In- fertile eggs, or those that give evidence of a lack of normal development, are weeded out; sometimes all will be thus destroyed. We have had a well disposed pair, after successfully rearing several broods, devour the next one. Perhaps the babies were weaklings. During the first three or four days the fry are unable to swim, so the parents fashion hollows in the sand, to which the babies are moved. Here they are guard- ed, that no harm befall them, one parent alternating with the other. When they are able to swim freely the male should be removed, though the female may re- main with them from one to four weeks. The latter is not, however, necessary to their development, so she, too, may be placed elsewhere. This species seems very susceptible to Ichthyopthirius, the infusorian parasite. An entire brood may succumb to its rav- ages in a short time. It is well to be on the lookout, and check it the moment it is noticed. In breeding, provision must be made for infusoria, with Daphne to follow. Older fish will take prepared foods, but as the species in carnivorous, live mate- rial should dominate its bill-of-fare. ___ When a man sneers at success as being a matter of luck, you can generally set him down as a failure. Aquatic Lite 95 Breeding the Bitterling Last year I imported a number of Bit- terlings from Asia. During October they showed signs of spawning. I at once placed some mussels in the tank, and three days later the fish deposited their eggs in them. Unfortunately the mus- sels died before the eggs hatched, but this brief experience at least demonstrates that the species will accept an American molluse.—R. Borden. Se A reader of Aguatic LiFs asks for the number of species of fishes. An ac- curate answer is impossible because new species among all classes of animals are continually being recognized and de- scribed. A general estimate, in round figures, places the number of known ani- mals as given in the appended list. It affords an interesting comparison of the relative abundance of the groups. WMirarmiirallis saseak hs en ere 8 aoc 7,000 SiG Sure wei pcbarunen cic meena a 20,000 ING pine Sie aren. Neyer epee, oes og 5,500 XavrarClMianSks an ote ee et 1,800 HSISM eS tere ch. ec SN Nees 12,000 IVFOISKSs net ios im aletensts 60,000 NMS CCES errata Sido east Mayer oon iat 400,000 JENICANG aVGHKG EET MS eaalhr Oe Seca eaenE a Oa elie 5,000 Srustaceansiney aries 8,000 MIMIC ALE Sieh = Ie he eects ee 300 Asana WWOINS Gooocobe soos 4,000 IRSCKUDE SES 20 aes tene cones eae eee 350 eho dernnisi: see eee ae 3,000 Moreen WOMinS. 9 fo ecb bocca oc 1,600 NiolltiscordCalearerae riences 1,700 IDEN VO MONS, ais eale, cee eo Uae: 4,500 Coclenterata wee whe ee 4,300 JE ONPG Renin AM an, ae ae een 2,500 NT OLOZO Abe sass rte wal crt Ue catia 10,0CO When a man knows his own imperfec- tions he is just about as perfect as it is possible for a man to be. The Essex Society At the regular meeting of the Essex County Aquarium Society, February 15th, an informal talk on breeding the goldfish was given by Dr. Bachmann, Rev. Coltarti and Mr. Hedden. Mr. H. A. Van Cott, acting as interlocutor, kept the conversation in well defined channels, which contributed much to make the dis- cussion a success. Many ideas were ex- changed and every one added to their store of knowledge. (ry —_ = FROM surPLy| COLO WATER, | || Among the new ideas, Mr. Hedden suggested the use of frayed sisal rope, properly sterilized, to catch the spawn, instead of the usual plants or willow roots. A simple and efficient device for raising the temperature of water, when a continuous flow from the city mains to the aquaria is desired, has also been evolved by Mr. Hedden, and is illustrated herewith. ‘The container is a small gar- bage can, partitioned to cause the water to flow over the heated bottom, this and other details are indicated in the sketch. The cost of operation is said to be low. On March 15th, Mr. Van Cott will give an interesting lecture on the lower organisms. All are welcome, and a good attendance is expected. The following officers have been elect- ed for the year: President, Max G. Ham- 96 Aquatic Lite Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. WG AW IPODS IB IR Goomos omen BNR ah Editor JOSE RH Wes BAU SM AN. 25) Publisher 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aguatic Lire. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lire has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Weary SubDseriOwlOn oooccccvencccnse0s $1.00 Honrelen SubseripelOnmsmerrrectcr ticki 1.3 Single Copy 10 Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1918 by Joseph E. Bausman Vol. IIT MarchiLolse OlnnnNow7 merschlag; Vice-president, Rev. B. J. Coltantis Siecnerany,) (Ee ly lartshornt: Treasurer, Dr. William Bachman— CuHarLes M. BrepeEr, JR. ie Japs, Japs, and still more Japs, scaled and scaleless, held forth their beauties at the February meeting of the West Phila- delphia Goldfish Association. Harry P. Peters and George E,. Wilt, judges, made awards as follows: Novice Cyiass: Blue ribbon to a scale- less blue calico, entered by Dr. Thomas W. Clarke. PROFESSIONAL CLASS (scaleless fish) : Blue and red ribbons, Charles Hinkel; yellow, Gus Armbruster. PROFESSIONAL Crass (scaled fish) : Blue ribbon, M. Moylan; red, Gus Arm- bruster ; yellow, Robert Corriston.—C. C. VOWINKEL, Secretary. ee At the January meeting of The Ken- sington Goldfish Society cut-out or rib- bon-tail goldfish were shown in competi- tion, awards being made as follows: SCALED Japs: Blue ribbon, A. Miller; red, Joseph Tyler; white, J. M. Wacker. SCALELESS JAPS: Blue ribbon, LL. W. Rehbein; red, Joseph Tyler ; white, L. W. Rehbein. ScaLED TELEscopEs: Blue ribbon, H. Somerset ; red, Gus. Armbruster; white, Gus. Armbruster. SCALELESS TELEScopES: Blue ribbon, L. W. Rehbein; red, H. Somerset; white, William Berry. The Society meets on the fourth Wed- nesday of each month in Tyler’s Hall, 2824 Kensington avenue. Everybody welcome.—CHartes Harris, Secretary. —— Tappan has another fine litter of collie puppies. Later they will cost more, so Males, why not write about them now? S1c; females, $5. es Mother—* Johnny, you said you'd beer to Sunday school. Now I want to know how it happens that your hands smell of fish ?” Johnny—*T carried home the Sunday school paper, an’ the outside page is all about Jonah and the whale.” ——— Having produced a shallow brain, Na- ture usually tries to even things up by supplementing it with a fluent tongue. vatrist What will you pull out of it this year? Warm weather will soon be here, and the fishes will busy themselves with many offspring—more than you will need. If you would have the fishes help you bear the burden of the high cost of living, or, in other words, if you are not averse to an increased income this year, send for a copy of this interesting little brochure.— A. Wise, Aquarist. A postal to the pub- lisher will be sufficient. Do it now! Se Messrs. L. Cura & Sons, Bath Court, Warner street, London, E. C., England, are in the market for 50 extra large bull frogs, 200 to 500 assorted fancy goldfish and 200 four-horned snails (Ampullaria gigas). American aquarians able to fill all or part of the order, and in a position to arrange for transportation, should write at once, giving prices and other details.—A dvert. ee He that won’t be counseled can’t be helped. oe ee Mr an S. A. SCRIMSHAW Aquarist and Breeder of Tropical Fishes A full line of fancy fishes, aquaria plants, foods, and supplies always on hand. Visitors always welcome We are in the market for fishes and supplies What have you to sell? Telephone, Superior 4415 1431 No. Clark Street, Chicago Illinois ee Gb ID at Jc BUY FROM THE BREEDER Twenty-six Acres of Ponds Write for Wholesale Price List of Goldfish and Supplies RERT J. PUTNAM, 490 Washington St., BUFFALO, N. Y. HENRY KISSEL, JR. Fancier & Breeder of Tropical Fishes (Not a dealer). I have good healthy stock at reasonable prices. Call or ’phone, Cliffside 461. 241 Walker Street, Cliffside, N. J. C00 C————SDo000c > ooe CS 000: COO C————Do000 C4000 C———S000 HUGO C. NELLES For Tropical Fishes. He Will Please You Thirty-five species—live bearing, spawning and month breeding—on hand. Price reasonable. Call after 3 P. M., through the week, any time on Sundays. 1305 Third Avenue (76th Street Station, 3rd Avenue L) New York City Frederic Kuhl Breeder and Dealer in All Kinds of TROPICAL FISHES Prices reasonable. Phone, Bay Ridge 104. 205 71st Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Those breeders having young fish 6 weeks old give the credit to MAGIC, they being raised on MAGIC (Infu- sonia) send for circular. Price 25c ox, by mail 28c. YOGI Fish Food 10c at all dealers and druggists or by Pound 14 boxes 60c. add postage. ‘A COMBINATION OF INGREDIENTS WHICH WILL PRODUCE A VARIETY. OF HARMLESS. © NON SHELL INFUSORIA. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Avenue _— Phila., Pa 1818 FRANKFORD AVE. PHILA., PA. Bell Phone Broadtails & Tropicals GEO. W. PRICE, 2145 S. Ler STREET PHILADELPHIA c—> 7000 — 000000 C——]o00c—> “AQUARIA FISH” A practical work on care and breeding of fish in the aquarium, greenhouse and out- “4 door ponds. Finely illustrated. Every one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price. $1.00. Tappan’s Natural Fish Food. Three boxes, postpaid, 25c. Guinea Pigs and Thoroughbred Collie Pups. beautifully marked. Write for prices. F. L. TAPPAN Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. COO C————7:°:0 C—T7°"7°"oc> —000 C000 C———]oooc— COO C———D000000C————S000C———' OCOOCOOCOO OOO 000 MS 000000000 000000 Goldfish Blue, Black & WVari-Hued Calicos PRICE LISTS ON BREEDERS, SPAWN AND YOUNG SENT ON REQUEST - azay GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremount Place, Mount Vernon New York COC COO C00 C0O0C—D000000000 i= | 000 CD DON D000 GS 000 C000 CT 000000 CT D000 CS 000 C000 C000 CN C5000 The Peerless Aquarium = Patented November 9, 1915 Made in 10 , Different Stock Sizes | Larger Sizes 8 | | 8 8 l 8 For Sale All Thru U. S. A. and Canada to Order 3 Finishes : ao bya al eel NETERBECK ©O. Mime C00 C——— C00 00C C———D 000C—D000 —D000C— D006 C=] 000000 =] S00 170 - 172 TWELFTH AVENUE, ASTORIA, L.I., N.Y. Run RN enna get! I. X. L. Fish Food Box 15c, 2 Boxes 25c Red Snails by) Mail WG 185 WU 1200) Neg Sta otneet, Philadelphia, Pa. AQUARIUM PLANTS | 12 varieties floating plants, 5 varieties blade grasses, 15 other varieties. Retail only. _ Large Collection for 15 Gallon Aquarium for $1.00 Postpaid Red Snails, $1.00 per Dozen. J. HENRI WAGNER, 1909 North Capitol Washington, D. C. EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants Water Lilies 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Taxidermy Send for Catalog DRIED SHRIMP (The Utility Fishfood) Per lb., coarse 75c. Ground fine, $1.00. | St. George’s Natural Fish Food, $1.00 per Ib. Sample can, 15c. Aquarium Cement, 50c 1b. Add postage to your zone. CANADIAN BIRD STORE | 2189 West Van Buren Street. Chicago, Ill. T coe IQature Studp Review w | OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY The numbers for the coming school year will be filled with special articles from practical teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school gardening, elementary agriculture and nature-study. $1.00 per year. 15c. per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage, 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. —}o00 H——=S70:0 S700 > —|}o00o 7:00 ———Sc70oc ee OKO eee CORN ee OOO SEA HORSES AND SEA ANEMONES and other assorted specimens for MARINE AQUARIUMS. Persistent change of water not necessary. Full instructions given for care, R. DONKER :: 227 West 83rd Street NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. COO 5000 CS c00 S000 SPAWN From Prize Winning Stock per doz.; $2.00 at Japanese Fringetails, 50c. per 100. Veiltail Telescopes, $1.00 per doz.; $5.00 per 100. Hooded Orandas, $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. ee Shubunkins, 50e. per doz.; $2.00 per 0. Liberty Bond Fish, $1.00 per doz.; $5.00 per 100. ( Japanese -Lion Heads, $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. Japanese Meteor $10.00 per 100. Fish, $2.00 per doz.; Blue Veiltail Telescopes, $10.00 per 100. All Eggs guaranteed fertile. Send your orders at once with money en- closed. We have the finest and sturdiest stock in the country. $2.00 per doz.; 7000000000000 7000 Cc Winners of 35 Silver Cups, Gold Medal, | Silver Medals and hundreds of Ribbons. FRANKLIN BARRETT Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. 000 M5000 CH —]V7000 000 THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tail Celescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. 000 C———) 000 CS SC 000C———J000: Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder and Importer of | «| 8 : V1 TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES | | Telescopes Caicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods Fresh and Dried Daphnia AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND duced! ogo we en ie ae Fine Broad-tail Telescopes BLACK and CALICO Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WILT, 1519 N. 62nd Street PHILADELPHIA THE BEST oo Mt AQUARIUM su8h288 is ‘‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T.Innes, // former President of the Aquarium (| Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 ae illustrations. Tells all about the “fs Wi fancy varieties of the Goldfish and Nh nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. | Finest Blue and Calico . Broad- tail Telescopes in Philadelphia Correspondence Answered Cc. J. HANNIG, 1225 N. Randolph Street PHILADELPHIA Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 PuTNAM AVENUE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. O00: (OO =; FM#ichaelsen Bros GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes 8 | 8 | 8 58th and Walnut Streets | | All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies Wholesale and Retail nee 4 O00! . HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It (| will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask your dealer or send for it today. OOOT 000 TM S000 TDC O00 CS 000 T5000 ie RMAN RABENAU, Aquarist PERMANENT DISPLAY OF 8 Aquatic Life & Terraria 8 must be seen to be appreciated (| Visitors Welcome 8 Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 8 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Broadway. 300 3900C 000 C700 C000 GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, DIP NETS Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c 8 Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Mail Orders Promptly Attended to OrDERS AMOUNTING $2 DELIVERED POSTPAID Special Prices on Quantity Lots. Cash With Order. Catalogue Sent Upon Request. AQUARIUM STOCK CO 150 Chambers Street New York City i000 C000 CS) 000 T5000 TM S000: OOO C000 C000 CM S000T 4000 _ MT Breeders : Largest Assortment of Splendid Blues, | ae Blacks and Calico Telescopes and Japs at Reasonable Prices. Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans 50c HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa. OOO 000 C000 CSCS 000000000 OOO C00 C000 CS 00o0 COQODO0COO TM DOOOSSOS0000C M000 00c 000 I Nigpon Goldfish Co 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal Importers : and : Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH Direct From BREEDERS IN JAPAN Awarded Gold and Silver Medals, Panama- Pacific International Exposition, San Fran- cisco, 1915. ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES Price Lists Furnished Trade Only. Sys OCOD DOO CSCO COO TS O00000000000 Le IPOD OOO OC0O TD OOO 000000000 TM S000 000000 aa Jacob Cz Cassel He ; 8 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa — Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments : ma Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. — i HH ii i " ) 4 |! Tl [SA Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food | sr -and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. Aquarium Specialty Co. Sth Souk’ ry WE OFFER FOR THE GOLDFISH BREEDING SEASON A collection of fine Broad-tail Calicos, Japs and T aecconee Orandas and Jap Fringetails. Weare prepared to send Spawn, Myriophyllum and Water Hyacinths by mail. 5 Our Stock of Foreign and Domestic Wild Fishes is More Complete and Larger Than Ever Aquaria, Plants, Snails, Glassware and Nets in profusion. Natural, Universal and Copenhagen fish foods, dried Shrimp, live Daphnia, Enchytrae, Tubifex and meal-worms. AQUARIUM SPECIALTY CO., 414 E. Tremont Avenue :: New York City Largest Manufacturers of Aquaria, Vivaria, Terraria and Fountains JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. Do eee 000: IF vO io 4 - Use Regenia Aquarium Salts | To replace the natural salts in your aquar- ium as absorbed by the fishes and snails. Are Looking for Something Extra YJ) ixcettent fos vlan oe the snails form Ss ts th . Box of Six Pow- Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes : were: 25e. For sale at Pet ‘Stock arOreseen Dowt Forget W. H. HEIMBACH Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH \ Snails Plants c i FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! aoe Safe and enective, 6 413 NortH TENTH STREET =is8 REGENIA CHEMICAL co. ‘ i ee ! ALLENTOWN, PA. Valley Club New Jersey 9000000 CS s00——Scscoc— O00 C000 CT SCS 000 CT D000 G—000' Violet-Ray Fish Remedy Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Rot, Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots IJ OOO T0090 COO C000 OOOT000T—000000c—' em moms a 6 a a a a a a a | 88 meme ps ri Tr ee ee Ly ee mm mmm RS Oe Oe ed FR i SS OS EO If you place a quart of ale before two men, and each man drinks half, the re- sult, as far as the individual is concerned, is much the same as though each man were supplied with a separate pint. From this we might not unnaturally argue that, as concerns the well-being of the indi- vidual, an equal result would be obtained by keeping two fishes in a quart of water as by keeping one fish ina pint. Though theoretically the argument would appear to be sound, in practice it is proved to be otherwise. For their normal development all liv- ing beings require a certain minimum amount of space and, as we are now deal- ing with aquatic animals, we may say that all need their optimum of water. By keeping the tadpole of a frog in a | (The Optimum of Water EDGAR R. WAITE, F. L. S. Director, South Australian Museum The “Liberty Bond Fish,” Franklin Barrett’s Famous Red, White and Blue Carp From the original water color by the owner 6 es Fs OP ss 8 6 ss Os hs Os Bg 9s Oh ES <= es a limited quantity of water I have been able to so retard its development that it has remained as a larva for over a year, and similar result is within the experi- ence of others also. Though food may be plentifully sup- plied, a fish kept in less than a certain volume of water will never reach its nor- mal development, while successive gen- erations, reared under similar conditions, will be permanently dwarfed. “Minia- ture goldfish” are produced in this man- ner. If one gallon of water be the minimum volume required for a certain fish, it does not follow that two such fishes would require two gallons of water; such quan- tity might satisfactorily support three or four fishes; the reason is obscure, but the fact remains. 98 Aquatic Lite On the Care of the Aquarium: An Exception ERNEST LEITHOLF While I enjoyed the article on the “Care of Aquaria,” by George A. Schenk (January number), | consider the weekly addition of one and one-quarter tea- spoonfuls of salt to each ten gallons of water excessive. Salt should be held in reserve and only used when really needed in treating a sick fish or when parasites are present in a tank. Fishes become accustomed to it when continually pres- ent, and fail to respond to its influence when diseased. Experience has con- vinced me that the excessive use of salt “on general principles” is detrimental to fishes, plants and snails. A few grains of salt dropped on a red snail will kill it, while plants will succumb when sprinkled with the saline solution. In a heated aquarium holding ten gal- lons there will be a weekly loss of one to two quarts of water through evapora- tion, which further increases the salinity. This, however, is slight. But when we add one and one-quarter teaspoonfuls weekly, and only replace half of the water with fresh, it can readily be under- stood that the salinity of the water is growing denser by weekly steps, and it is not impossible for it to eventually be transformed from a fresh water aqua- rium to one of brackish or salt water. Leaving the salt question aside, the weekly removal of one-third to one-half of the water in a balanced aquarium, and its replacement with new, raw water is a mistake and may work more harm than good. Such recommendations fail to take into consideration that water sup- plied towns for domestic purposes is of many kinds and degrees of purity and impurity, chemical and otherwise. Few cities are favored with uniformity—if any! Not a few aquarians have at times suffered serious losses resulting from water changes. This is manifestly the cause of the death of apparently healthy fish when taken from the establishment of one aquarian to another. When the aquarium is doing nicely, the wise plan is to let well enough alone. All that is necessary is the removal of the accumulated sediment by means of a dip-tube or siphon or rubber hose, which can be accomplished with little loss of water, only sufficient new water being added to bring the water back to its former level. ee SS Keen competition ruled the March show of the West Philadelphia Goldfish Fanciers’ Association, held on the Ist, at 5909 Market street. Some remarkably fine telescopes less than a year old were entered. The judges, Joseph E. Bausman and William J. Christy, made decisions as follows: Novicr Ciass: Blue ribbon on a Black Broadtail to E. Weinrich; blue ribbon for a Calico Broadtail to B. Fogel. PROFESSIONAL Crass: Black Broad- tails—blue and yellow ribbons, J. A. Krause; red, M. Moylan. Transparent- scaled Broadtails—blue, Charles Hinkel: red, H. FE. Demuth; yellow, G. Arm- bruster.—C. C. VOWINKEL, Secretary. ——— > Broadtail Telescopes, more than one year old, engaged the attention of the Kensington Goldfish Society at the Feb- ruary meeting. Ribbons were won by following : ScaLED: Blue ribbon, Gus Armbrus- ter; red, W. J. Christy; wiite, Charles Harris. TRANSPARENT-SCALED: Blue ribbon, H. Kempner; red, M. Moylan; white, H. Kempner. The Society holds its meeting and ex- hibitions in Tyler’s Hall, 2824 Kensing- ton avenue, Philadelphia, on the fourth Wednesday of the month. An invitation to attend is extended to all aquarists.— CHARLES Harrts, Secretary. | : This handsome member of the Cich- lidze family is a native of Northern South America, ranging from British Guiana to the Amazon region of Brazil. It occurs in rivers and still water, and is particularly partial to flooded tracts of tropical forests, such as the Amazon River affords when it inundates hun- dreds of square miles of the low-lying forests that skirt its shores. The native esteems it as one of the best of food fishes, growing, as it does, in the wild state, to a length of eight inches. The general color is olive green to dark greenish brown on the back, shading to bluish gray or light rosy red on the sides, with a violet suffusion near the throat. There is a dusky spot under the eye, and another surrounded by a ring of white spots at the top of the caudal. The scales are large, and lighter in the centre. The anal, ventral and dorsal fins taper toward the rear, which is more evident in the male than in the female. The tail or caudal fin is round, with a light olive ground color, with darker mottling, this coloration extending to the dorsal and anal, while the pectorals are large and clear. Sexual differences are not very evi- dent, as in most members of the family. In general the female is pale, more rounded in body, and the fins are not so prolonged as in the male. Large specimens are inclined to fight, so the sexes should be kept separate until ready to breed, and when placed together they should be watched carefully, and again separated if one is inclined to be too violent. When they do spawn, as ES 8 8 OS OSS 9 SS PPS Be OS OE SS 9 OE | ACARA TETRAMERUS ! | WALTER LANNOY BRIND, F. Z. S. ! SOs Se many as 1200 eggs will be deposited on the side of the aquarium, on a flower pot or a conveniently placed large stone. About four days later the young hatch, and are then placed by the parents, who carry them in their mouth, in holes pre- viously excavated in the sand. After a few days, the yolk-sac having been ab- sorbed, the fry are able to eat, rising from the bottom in a school around the Acara tetramerus parents, seeking infusorians. Although the old fish are prone to devour the young at slight provocation, they must be left with them for quite a while, as they pre- pare food for the young by chewing it into small particles. Unlike other cich- lids, this species does not disturb the plants, a feature that commends it to the aquarian who is partial to large fishes. Large insects are favored foods of the adults—mealworms, mosquito larve, ete. —while small rain worms will be rel- ished, too. Ina pinch it will eat scraped raw meat. The fry will do well on Daphne after the infusoria stage has been passed and until large enough to take the foods given the adults. 100 Aquatic Lite Regarding temperature, 75 degrees, Fahrenheit, suits this fish best, with a fluctuation of 5 degrees higher or lower as the limits of safety. The generic Acara is based on a name given this group of fishes by the natives of Brazil; tetramerus means divided into four parts, doubtless given because, to the describer, the dark markings seemed to divide the fish into parts. Propagating Daphne W. E. SCHAUMBERG The ordinary or “garden variety” of goldfish fancier is often at his wits’ end for Daphne for his young fish. Why not, ‘therefore breed it in the back yard? Methods that have been described in the past are beyond the reach of the average ‘ndividual because they involve too much space. Last year I solved the problem in so far as space is concerned, and man- aged to propagate sufhcient Daphne to supply the needs of 700 goldfish. I secured a cistern measuring six feet in diameter and two feet deep. On the bottom I spread three inches of garden soil. Then I prepared a galvanized wash tub in the following manner: A layer each of manure, wheat bran, ground oatmeal (about 10 quarts), then a few pieces of old meat and some gar- bage from the kitchen and a final layer of manure. The tub so prepared was placed in the cistern and covered with a piece of one-fourth inch mesh wire net- ting. This was weighted to hold the con- tents down and prevent interference when collecting the Daphne. The cistern was then filled with water, and a portion of Daphne placed therein to start the good work. Within a week the cistern was literally alive with them! When from constant netting they showed signs of diminishing, I boiled some oatmeal and corn meal to a paste, mixing it with about ten gallons of water before putting in the tank. In a few days the “Daph” were as numerous as before. I also found that cottonseed meal sprinkled on the water was appar- ently eaten by the Daphne. furnished a continuous supply of Daphne for my young fish throughout the summer, and saved me many a weary trip when the sun was hot. I kept it covered with mosquito netting, which excluded obnoxious insects and made it safe to transfer the Daphne direct to the rearing tanks without fear of introducing enemies among the fishes. This method is well worth a trial by the city man with a small yard. The cistern en The Bureau recently furnished small lots of eggs of the chinook and hump- back salmons for display at the aquarium maintained by Rothschild & Co., Chicago, Ill. This aquarium is visited daily by thousands of people. On the troughs containing the eggs memoranda were placed, showing the estimated pack of these species for the present season and information as to the value of canned salmon as food as compared with meats. On November 26 a miscellaneous assort- ment of over 8co fishes native to the Mississippi River was turned over in good condition to the Rothschild aqua- rium, the collection having been made in connection with the rescue operations conducted from the Bureau’s Homer (Minn.) station.—Fisheries Service Bul- letin. —<+>—_ A man may be self-possessed and still not have any taxes to pay. evebi Sse When the fish gets your bait and you don’t get the fish you are entitled to @ re-bait. uc ST OTS TS | :—-—_ es i 6 OS a SO 8 Pn a 6 OE RE FR EE OE OE (oe | REARING GOLDFISH | GEORGE A. SCHENK : : | : : : PR FS ER SEN ES est The Author’s First Out-door Tank fo mrss emer moms a a a a i aS a a a ee a a 1 ee In arranging for the equipment for raising goldfish, must ge given to the aims and purposes of the culturist. If one is breeding strictly for pleasure, and not from a commercial standpoint, he will naturally seek the beautiful, while one engaged in rearing for profit will be more concerned with practical and efficient means, re- gardless of appearances. Neither need entirely depart from either beauty or efficiency, but the latter is paramount to the professional, while to the amateur the fish in themselves represent but a portion of the pleasure. There are many opportunities for re- sourcefulness and individuality in plan- ning and arranging quarters in which to rear goldfish. Even a single tub can-be made an object of beauty, and so fixed prime consideration a as to form a miniature aquatic garden, or it may be made an integral part of a small formal garden. It may be sunken wholly or partially into the ground and the earth banked in a terrace around it, covering this with sod or flowering and foliage plants. One may partially con- ceal it with ornamental grasses and hardy bamboos. If means and space permit, the charm of a concrete lily pool will well reward the effort, though pools of large size are not suitable for the development of the fancy breeds of goldfish. Water lilies are of easy culture, but are gross feeders, and require extremely rich soil. In the small pond or large concrete pool it is best that each be placed in a box two to three feet square and one foot deep. Use the best soil obtainable, and mix one- 102 Aquatic Lite fourth thoroughly rotted cow manure or one quart of bone meal to each bushel of soil. If the manure is not thoroughly rotted it will ferment and foul the water. It is safer to use the bone meal. Cover the soil with an inch of sand to prevent discoloration of the water. For smaller receptacles choose varieties adapted to tub culture, and plant in large lily pots or suitable boxes. Use but one plant in each pot, and give as much soil as pos- sible. The charm of the water lily, to- gether with the fact that it provides necessary shade during the hot midsum- common use range from eighteen inches to three feet wide by from three to eight feet long, with an inside depth of twelve to fifteen inches. Preference is given to small sizes when the same volume of water can be obtained by using a larger number. Small tanks are less liable to leak, are easier to handle, permit closer sorting of the fish by size, with the re- sultant reduction of competition for food, permit checking of disease before it spreads. In making wooden tanks the sides are rabbeted to a depth of three-eighths of mer, makes it the peer of outdoor plants for every aquarist. Catalogs and full cultural directions may be obtained from specialists. Henry A. Dreer, of Philadel- phia, and William Tricker, Arlington, N. J., are leaders in this line, and will gladly send their catalogs to those seriously in- terested. For rearing fine goldfish the successful breeder uses tubs or wooden tanks. These are placed out-of-doors in locations pro- tected from the hot sun, or shade is af- forded by water lilies or other means. Provision is made for running water. Wooden tanks of cypress, one and one- quarter or one and one-half inches thick, are best. The size may be varied to meet individual requirements, but those in an inch to receive the bottom and end boards, and the end boards are rabbeted to the same depth to receive the bottom. The groove or rabbet should be one and one-half inches from the outer edge of the board. If it is necessary to use more than one board in making the bottom, they should be tongued and grooved, or slip-tongued and grooved, the latter mak- Give all joints a coat of thin white lead, following it with another coat twenty-four hours later. In assembling slip the bottom into the grooves in the end boards, and then put the sides in place. Small tanks may be joined together with lag screws, using screws three by three- eighths for one and one-quarter inch ing a superior joint. galvanized Aquatic Lite 103 boards, and three and one-half by one- half for one and on-half inch boards. A metal washer of the proper size should be used to prevent the head of the screw drawing into the wood. To prevent splitting, a hole should be bored for each screw, using a bit one size smaller. Don’t set a screw to its limit at once. Insert all in the holes and tighten each one in turn a little at a time, which will draw the tank together with an even, continuous pres- sure. Lag screws have great pulling and holding power, and for tanks up to 100 gallons are sufficient in themselves. For larger sizes the sides should be drawn together by one-quarter or three-eighths iron rods, threaded at both ends to take nuts and washers. These are shown in the accompanying sketch. Inasmuch as a trickle of water runs constantly into the tank, some sort of overflow must be provided. A good out- let can be made from three-quarter inch iron pipe and fittings as shown by figure A. This is inserted through the end board and held by nuts and washers. By raising or lowering the pipe any water level can be maintained in the tank. To prevent the fish from entering the pipe, the end at the bottom is covered by the arrangement shown at D, which merely consists of two triangular pieces of wood and a scrap of brass wire-cloth, held in place by a couple of thin brads. Figure C is a “constant level syphon,” which is automatic in action; figure B requires no explanation. In large rearing tanks it is well to pro- vide partitions of wood or ground glass, which can be removed at will. These permit sorting while the fish are small, and do not require much space. Wooden tanks should be well seasoned before being placed in use, giving several changes of water over a period of a week or more, the longer and more often the better. Concrete pools require a much longer time for the neutralization of chemicals fatal to aquatic organisms. When the weather has settled, and all danger of the water dropping below 60 degrees has passed, it is safe to place fish six weeks old outdoors, giving them a small drip of water. The water should not fall directly into the tank, but upon a piece of glass below the faucet, which breaks its force and tempers it. While in the fry stage and feeding on infusoria, still water is conceded to be best, but when the fish are large enough to take Daphne, the slight trickle is decidedly beneficial in promoting growth. An average goldfish six weeks old will have a body half an inch long, fins have started to develop, and its shape and color will be evident. At this period the breeder should discard all those with spiked dorsals, single tails and other mal- formations, setting aside the best of the remainder for particular attention. At the age of three months the youngsters will be lusty, healthy individuals, with well- rounded bodies, good fins and telescope eyes, and with the colors pronounced. Young goldfish require a large amount of food, and they must have it to grow. Live foods, first infusoria and then Daphne and Cyclops, should be in the water at all times. They cannot con- sume a large amount at any one time, but, practically speaking, they are always eat- ing. Daphne consume oxygen, and un- less it is abundant they quickly die and pollute the water, so it is advisable to re- plenish the Daphne several times daily, rather than put in a day’s supply at one time. In addition to live foods, don’t overlook the benefits of oatmeal, men- tioned in the previous article. When large enough the fish may also have chopped earthworms, raw chopped fish, 104 Aquatic Lite clams, mosquito larvee, and an occasional feeding of prepared dry foods. Some culturists succeed in developing their fish more rapidly than others in the same length of time. This is in direct proportion to feeding, temperature of water while in the fry stage, volume of water per fish, inherited predisposition to promising brother who receives only ordinary attention. ee Ten or more species of Danio are known to science. Four of them, D. rerio, analipunctatus, albolineatus and malabaricus, have been bred by American aquarians. sg yarn norm enn SESS SERS Dein Rai Gs Seis GRA SORES OE ROSS A size from parent stock, and last, but by no means least, the thought and intelli- gent attention they have received. Grant- ing this, the importance can be realized of making short work of all undesirables, and concentrating full effort and atten- ‘ion on the few picked specimens. Per- mit me to emphasize this point by saying that a fish with only fair possibilities can, by exceptional care and feeding, be de- veloped into a better adult than his more A Few of Wilt’s Baby Goldfish. Photo by H. W. Schmid SENN NUNN NE NEN NNN NNN NNN NN NSN AVENE Ao ESS SSS SSS Your delightful Aguatic LirE will be a great acquisition to our library, and will be of great interest and value to members interested in aquaria, as well as to the scientist —H. E. Fincku, Honorary Li- brarian, Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. HS eel Tea A good college text-book of zoology should be in the library of every pro- gressive aquarian. b a a a a a a 9 a ee ees Our Interesting Friend the Snail REV. FREDERICK R. WEBBER Chicago Aquarium Society OR OR a of fi es Oe LTS YE Pd 9D 9 SS 6 9 SO PS Oy Every observer of nature has at some time or other waded into pond or stream and captured a supply of snails. At the time he may not have been vitally inter- ested in them. But then the day came when said observer's home was filled with aquaria. There were aquaria in every window, aquaria on the library table, aquaria in the kitchen, fish in the dishpan and fish in the laundry tubs. At this stage in his career, the fish fan has paused during his expedition for fleas and corethra larve, to gather a few snails and experiment with them in his tanks. He has found some of them to be just as good as a 15-cent department-store snail, while others from his catch have worked with the proverbial perseverence worthy of a better cause, eating his imported plants. At about this stage in the game the aquarium fiend has dug up his old school zoology in order to read up on the snail family. The old text probably revealed the astonishing fact that his snails, like an- cient Gaul and modern gall, are divided into three parts, the right-handed Lym- naea, the left-handed Physa, and the flat Planorbis, which was alleged to be nei- their right nor left, but coiled like a watch spring. It is true that, like the long-suffering monkey wrench, snails may be either right-handed or left-handed. This may be observed by comparing the shell, point downward, with a common wood- screw, which is right-handed at present writing. But not all Lymnaea are left- handed, although the majority of left- handed Lymnaea, like children with the Little Eva disposition, are found only among the departed. Several species of these have been imported from Hawaii, and have even been reported to have been found in America. We have also heard of right-handed Physa. And if one examine Planorbis closely, he will discover that, although flat and wound Ampullaria gigas like a watch spring, yet his aperture, or opening at the large end of the shell, in- clines to the one side. Therefore even the infallible school zoology textbook is at times slightly fallible. Roughly speaking, we may recognize Lymneeids by the elongated shell, pointed spire, usually with sharp tip, the ovate aperture, which sometimes is long and narrow, and the usual absence of the operculum, or trap-door, covering the open end of the shell. They come in assorted sizes. We have the small Galba dali, which is less than three-sixteenths of an inch in length, to the Lymnaea stagnalis, which is two and three-eighths inches long. A glance at Figure 7 (page 106) will 106 Aquatic Lite Right-handed Left-handed Lea rit Saiz) con JER show the various parts of the shell of an operculate snail. Snails, like men, have mouth, eyes, gullet, stomach, intestines, heart, one or more kidneys, sometimes a iung, one or more sexual organs, a foot, a muscular system, a nervous system and a sense of touch. ‘Their senses, in some cases, are not acute. For instance, a ARN « w\ \ \ . Lig dea Planorbis Aperture / Parietal wall Pleurocera Operculum elevarum Four-tlorned Snail (Ampullaria gigas) snail is not keen sighted. At least, like the fish, he is near-sighted. On the other hand, his sense of touch is good. The writer has found that the slightest touch will cause the four-horned snail to drop instantly to the bottom, and close his operculum. The sense of smell must also be good, for every aquarian knows the Aquatic Lite 107 quickness of the snail to discover a dead fish. ‘he sense of hearing is probably not acute. In the case of the land-snail, the eye is at the end of a tapering, tubu- lar organ, resembling the finger of a glove. This eye can be pulled in, much as in pulling off a glove, the tip might stick to the finger. As a rule, the pond snail has no oper- culum, or trap-door. They are com- monly plant and alge eaters. They will eat vegetable matter, either living or dead, and will eat flesh from necessity or from A practical joker recently cleaned a sardine from a can, and placed it in the writer’s “big tank.” In a very short time the sardine was alive with snails. They surrounded it until there was no room for the late comers. But we observed that they did not fight for places in the circle. Late comers waited patiently until there was an open- ing. choice. There was no sign of eagerness, or of the larger ones displacing the smaller. The snail’s tongue is described as file- like in structure. It is flat and ribbon- like. Across it run a series of bilaterally symmetrical teeth, arranged in patterns. These patterns vary as widely in differ- ent snails as colors and shapes vary in tropical fishes. Each class, order, genus, species, and even sometimes different species in the same genus, differ in this respect. These varying tongue-patterns are valuable to scientists in classifying specimens, where exact work is desired. Some snails are lung-breathers, while breathe by The lung- breather comes to the surface for his air. He rises suddenly to the surface, extends a tube-like organ above the surface film with an audible sound, and collects a sup- ply of air, to be taken to the bottom and consumed at leisure. Operculates live on the bottom and breathe by gills. Those without an operculum are commonly air- others gills. breathers. Water is not always necessary for the snail. Land snails do not require it for their habitat. River and pond _ snails, when dry weather comes, and the pond or stream dries up, bury themselves from two to four inches in the bottom. Some have even been found 18 inches in the mud. Every now and again some aspirant for membership in the already crowded Ananias Club will record the fact that river and pond snails have been known to live for years in a tin box, or glued to a cardboard mount. But no conchologist would preserve a snail without first re- moving the body. River and pond snails will live for several days packed in wet moss. ‘They have even lived in such a condition for two months, according to some authorities. One scientist mentions 45 days out of water as a remarkable in- cident. Some of the Lymnaeidae family have been known to live for some time without rising to the surface for air. And yet if one were to seal a snail in a bottle filled with water, he would soon die. It is interesting to collect shells of dead snails from the bottom of one’s aquaria, and clean them by gently brushing with a weak solution of oxalic acid and a toothbrush, being careful not to remove what epidermis remains. Or if one wishes to collect live snails, they may be quickly killed by plunging them in hot water. It’s cruel, yet scientific. Upon examining the snail’s shell one will observe more or less vertical, parallel striations on the shell, and rings on the operculum. ‘These are growth rings. The snail adds growth rings after the fashion of a tree. Every now and then we will notice a dark line, or even a section of the shell, showing a different color. Some writers have held the opinion that this difference in sculp- 108 Aquatic Lite ture is due to varying food supply. How- ever, the best authorities think it due to a change in environment. Most of our readers hold with the latter authorities. he difference in water—acidity, salinity or alkalinity—or the difference in the character of the river bed, pond bed, or aquarium bottom, is probably the true explanation of these differing sections of the shell. The periostracum, or epidermis, is a thin, skin-like substance, covering the shell. [The color of the shell is in this OD & os Acella Galba Galba Galba haldemani caperata parva allt Bulimnea all nea 5 the g asoma agnalis Six Members of the Family Lymnaedae epidermis. When it is removed the shell becomes chalky. In a clean aquarium, a shell will be bright, clear yellowish or brownish. When taken from a pond with a muddy bottom, with abundant decay- ing vegetation, it is almost black. In nature, shells range from dark brown to almost waxy white. One much eroded at the spire indicates acidity locally present in the water. When a snail crawls, he leaves a trail of mucus behind him. A large four- horned snail, having escaped from a tank for some reason undiscovered, was traced across the room by a trail of shiny mucus. Some snails can crawl, shell downward, on the surface film of the water. The Paper Shell can sometimes be observed doing this. Other snails spin threads and suspend themselves from a plant, or even Still others can suddenly rise to the top, or sink to the bottom like a rock, simply by adjusting their specific gravity. Some snails lay eggs: others are live- from the surface film. bearing. Some are males, some females, while others are normally hermaphro- dites, that is, possessing both male and female functions. One writer records the fact that he observed a snail exercis- ing the male function with a female, and the female function with a male at the same time. Still another recorded of two snails mutually exercis- ing the reproductive function. Even self- fertilization is said to be found among them. instance 1s Generally speaking, snails provided with an operculum are not harmful to plants in an aquarium. The four-horned snail, Ampullaria gigas, is an exception. A member of the Chicago Aquarium So- ciety recently, at our advice, dropped two of them into a hydra-infested tank. We forgot to tell him to remove them The result was that in a few days every plant in the (small) tank was destroyed completely. One of the members of the Chicago Aquarium Society positively declares that they will eat baled hay! when the hydra were gone. The writer once experimented with the minute wide-mouthed pond snail. They multiplied in the tank like the proverbial “chinch-bug” of Kansas. We could not get rid of them. The snails were very small, and it required patience to remove them. But every day we made it a part of the program to remove twelve snails. Before we had finished we had a layer a quarter of an inch deep, covering the bot- tom of a six-inch tobacco jar! of this snail. Beware He eats the green tissue out of the plants, leaving only an un- sightly yellow skeleton. And he’s almost impossible to eliminate, unless one re- move all the water, burn the plants, scour the tank and begin anew. For the aquarium, the beginner will find the Striped Potomac, Vivipara con- tectoides; the Jap, Vivip, malleatus,; the Aquatic Lite 109 Red Planorbis, Planorbis corneus rubra, the Paper Shell, Lymnea auriculana; and the commoner river operculates of value in his tanks. Snails in a small tank soon deteriorate in size. ‘This is prob- ably not so much due to inbreeding as to the concentration of certain salts in the water, as the water evaporates and fresh is added. ‘The same is more or less true with fishes. Ergo: siphon a little water —always from the bottom—occasionally, and add a little lime (plaster of paris) for shell structure. And now a word or two on ecology. Snails are distributed in communities. In a city we have the Gold Coast commu- nity, the German district, Swedish dis- trict, Irish section, ghetto, Italian colony and Polish community. With snails like- wise. An illustration shows a cross-sec- tion of a stream at a bend. On the out- side of the bend is a steep bank, deep water, current and large stones on the bottom. It is clinging to these stones that the long river snail, Pleurocera elevatum may be found. In midstream, with shal- lower water, less current, smaller stones and some gravel, we find the live-bearing Campeloma integrum. On the inside of the bend, with shallow water, little cur- rent, bottom of fine sand and gravel, we find the small bivalve Sphaerium stami- neum. The longitudinal section of a river is interesting. At and near the mouth we normally find a pond condition and ani- mals of the pond community. Here we find sluggish water, sedimentary bottom, vegetation of the emerging and floating type, and decaying vegetation on the bot- tom. The snails and fishes here are of the still-water or sluggish water type. Lymnaea stagnalis, with black shell, is found here, and other eaters of decaying vegetation. As we go upstream we find more cur- rent, fewer emerging plants, more of a rocky bottom, and a different type of snail. ‘Then comes a condition still far- ther upstream, of more current, rocky or sandy bottom, vegetation only along the banks, etc. Farther on we find a shallow- water condition, more current, protrud- ing rocks, and riffles here and there. The fishes and snails here are yet different. At the head of the stream is a spring- breok condition, with all the animal life that goes with it. It is said that if the upstream snails be brought downstream, and the downstream snails brought up- stream, that they will gradually return to their original habitat. Local obstructions, such as dams or deep pools, may cause a local pond condition. On the other hand, a hard layer of rock may cause a rapids condition well toward the river’s mouth. The snails here are of the respective kinds found in pools and in rapids. Long River Vivioarous Small bivalve Snai nat i : Pleuracera elevutim Campeloma integrum “Sphaerium slaminaeum 44 suit Ht = — sees aH EEE i Te : St tasgaseseettttaseateceaitie ii us HH ie cia LOC Ne m HTH itiidtattaeaeaaseatents HEE Ve rita | HiuItTHlIT iii Cross Section of a Sluggish Stream at a Curve, Showing Distribution of Snails (By the Author, after Shelford) Young ponds, with bare bottom, and no plants but possibly chara, contain very Older ponds, of the sub- merged vegetation association, with bul- rushes on the border, and other aquatics coming in, become the homes of a few varieties of snails. These snails are of the gill-breathing type, contain no oper- culum, and may be relied upon to eat plants. In mature ponds, say of the few snails. 110 Aquatic Lite Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. WEA, TRON SIBIRs oooncooodocueedcane Editor JOSEPH E. BAUSMAN........ Publisher 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for AQuaTIc lire. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lirk has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Yearly Subscription .........-.+-+-++-- $1.00 Foreign Subscriptions ........--+--+-++-- 11,83 Single Copy 10 Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1918 by Joseph E. Bausman Riictioticicichiedi=iemeieleel?olieiesolmm= serene ene Vol. Ill April 1918 No. 8 emerging vegetation type, with reeds, bulrushes, cat-tails, floating spirodela polyrhiza, Lemna minor, etc., and an abundance of rotting vegetation on the bottom, are the homes of Lymnaea stag- nalis, Lymnaca reflexa, and some species of Planorbis and Physa. Observation on the part of the snail- seeker will be rewarded by much inter- esting information. A closer study of friend snail is well worth the effort. The regular meeting of the Philadel- phia Goldfish Fanciers’ Society was held at 802 Girard avenue, March 2oth: Transparent-scaled and scaled Tele- scopes, bred in 1917, competed for the Board of Directors Cup and the usual ribbons. judges, EE. Demuth, je Ae McDevitt and F. S. Leffman, made awards as follows: TRANSPARENT-SCALED TELESCOPES: Cup, blue and red ribbons to George E. Wilt; yellow ribbon, Charles Hinkle. SCALED TELESCOPES: Blue and yellow ribbons to George B. Smith; red ribbon, Charles J. Hannig. Elected to membership: Herman Kempter, Samuel MacFeeters, Robert B. Cathcart and Francis J. Rowe. The competition at the next meeting, April 17th, will be for Japs, scaled and transparent-scaled, under one year. The C. J. Hannig Cup and six ribbons will be awarded. Officers for the ensuing year will be elected. At the February meeting the Ribbon- tail Japs and Telescopes were judged by George E. Wilt, John Eck and Thomas Ayling. Result: SCALED TELESCOPES: Blue and yellow ribbons, Gustav Armbruster; red, Charles C. Hampel. ‘TRANSPARENT-SCALED TELESCOPES: Blue, Dr. L. W. Rehbein; red, H. E. De- muth; yellow, William J. Christy. SCALED) JARS: Blue, Dry a ©) Wert man; red and yellow, John Krause. TRANSPARENT-SCALED JAPS: Blue and 7a, IDres Ie We IXclalxenns syaliowy, C. Ce Hampel. At this meeting Mr. William Lynn, Jr., Philadelphia, was elected to member- ship.—FreD RicHarpson, Secretary. —>_____ Carnivorous fishes are usually charac- terized by a short intestine, while that of the omnivorous and vegetarian species is long. In the familiar Swordtail, Xiphophorus helleri, the intestinal tract is about twice the length of the body. COO T0000 CS 000000 CS 000 TS]000: S. A. SCRIMSHAW od Aquarist and Breeder of Tropical Fishes A full line of fancy fishes, aquaria 8 plants, foods, and supplies always (] on hand. Visitors always welcome 8 We are in the market for fishes and supplies What have you to sell? Telephone, Superior 4415 1431 No. Clark Street, Chicago Illinois CoO C000 CM S000 CS) 000 eee ee SURPLUS STOCK OF TROPICAL FISHES Haplochilus chaperi, H. fasciolatus, H. ru- brostigma. Red and Blue Rivulus. Danio rerio. Osphromenus. Trichogaster fas- ciatus. Paradise Fish. Hankow Paradise Fish (Opercularis). Mouth-breeders, live- bearing fishes and various other kinds. W.I. WILLICH, 108 13th Street., Hoboken, N. J. No Mail Orders Bell Phone Broadtails & Tropicals CERO] Wr BRICE, 2145 5) LEE STREET PHILADELPHIA HENRY KISSEL, JR. Fancier & Breeder of Tropical Fishes (Not a dealer). I have good healthy stock at reasonable prices. Call or ’phone, Cliffside 461. 241 Walker Street, Cliffside, N. J. Fine Broad-tail Telescopes BILANCIX auncl CALICO) Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WILT, 1519 N. 62d Street, PHILADELPHIA DON’T MISS IT!! Over thirty-five species of tropical fishes. Am forced to sell surplus on account of moving. At home all day Sunday; Saturday aiter 2 P. M., other days after 6 P. M. CARL LAZER 647 West 184th St.. New York City, N. Y. BRONX PET SHOP 3030 Third Ave., New York, (Near 156th St.) Cropicals and Goldtishes Plants. Fish Foods A few breeders for sale. Aquariums. Special Announcement NOW ON THE PRESSES Brind’s Completed Work DOMESTICATED FISH Contains all the Tropical fishes ac- tually known to the aquarist; all Gold- fish types; all the plants suited to the aquarium. All Illustrated in Half-tone Photographs The “bugs’—the live foods and the enemies of aquarium fishes are illus- trated; diseases are described with the most successful cures, including many new ones. The subject is handled authoritatively, but in plain understandable English. The beginner needs it and the expert will find it invaluable for reference. The book is not a mere tabulated cross-reference list of species. No pos- sibility of disappointment. The price of the complete book in five parts is $2.60, postpaid. Recent matter, Part 5, will be sent for $1.10, unless already paid for in advance. W. L. BRIND 449 W. 206th Street, New York City The prediction is we will have a hot summer which means a scarcity of Daphnia. _ Heat has no effect on raising Infusoria. With a box of Magic and a pound of cel you need not worry. Magic y mail 28c Yogi Fish Food Wc ie at all dealers and druggists. Yogi Fish Food by pound 60c add postage. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Avenue Phila., Pa + A COMBINATION OF INGREDIENTS WHICH WILL PRODUCE A VARITY-“OF HARMLESS. NOM SHELL JNFUSORIA, 1818 FRANKFORD AVE. °PHILA., PA. More Evidence You may discontinue my advertise- ment. It has done the work and cleaned me out of twenty-five thousand common goldfish which I had in stock. copy for advertisement for two-inch space to continue until further notice.— Bert J. Putnam, Importer of Fishes, Birds, Snakes and Wild Animals, Buf- falo, New York. I enclose When you communicate with an adver- tiser, please say you saw “it” in AQUATIC LIFE. ———— There’s never so good a time to fish as when the fish are biting. — 00 CD coo code CG] 0o “AQUARIA FISH” A practical work on care and breeding of fish in the aquarium, greenhouse and out- door ponds. Finely illustrated. Every one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price. $1.00. =f Tappan’s Natural Fish Food. Three boxes, postpaid, 25c. Guinea Pigs and Thoroughbred Collie Pups. beautifully marked. Write for prices. F. L. TAPPAN Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. COO CD} 000000C——>o00c———' 1 COOOCSCOCOOOC0OCCO CS] 000 000000000000 Goldfish Blue, Black & Vari-Hued Calicos PRICE LISTS ON BREEDERS, SPAWN AND YOUNG SENT ON REQUEST “4 GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremount Place, Mount Vernon New York loo cle cle c cle 0 cleo co amma oie o]e. 0 oe 0 ole 0 ole 0 0! ION COO COOCCO C000 000000: [the Peerless Anua dune Jeo e Peerless Aquarium Patented November 9, 1915 | 8 Made in 10 ( Different Stock Sizes : Larger Sizes to Order 3 Finishes Nicruaccurcae be 10 AT ERB CK Gi@s For Sale All Thru U. S. A. | Line 170 - 172 FWELFTH AVENUE, ASTORIA, L.1., N.Y: ea TWELFTH AVENUE, ASTORIA, LAL.S'Y. | SPAWN From Telescope and Jap Broad-tails $2.00 per 100 Eggs I. X. L. Fish Food 15c Box 2 Boxes 25c W. E. WALP, 1309 N. 55th Street. Phila., Pa. AQUARIUM PLANTS 12 varieties floating plants, 5 varieties blade grasses, 15 other varieties. Retail only. Large Collection for 15 Gallon Aquarium for $1.00 Postpaid Red Snails, $1.00 per Dozen. J. HENRI WAGNER, 1909 North Capitol Washington, D. C. EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants | Water Lilies 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Taxidermy Send for Catalog DRIED SHRIMP (The Utility Fishfood) Per lb., coarse 75c. Ground fine, $1.00. St. George’s Natural Fish Food, $1.00 per Ib. Sample can, 15c. Aquarium Cement, 50c Ib. Add postage to your zone. CANADIAN BIRD STORE 2139 West Van Buren Street. Chicago, Ill. ree | en ature Studp Review OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY . SOCIETY : The numbers for the coming school year will be filled with special artictes from practical] teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school gardening, elementary agriculture and nature-study. $1.00 per year. 15c, per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage. 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. 000 700 HS 000 CM THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND -Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tail Celescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be ra‘sed indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. HUGO C. NELLES For Tropical Fishes. He Will Please You Thirty-five species—live bearing, spawning and mouth breeding—on hand. Price reasonable. Call after 3 P. M., through the week, any time on Sundays. 1305 Third Avenue (76th Street Station, 3rd Avenue L) New York City Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N. Y Near Central Avenue L Station | Breeder and Importer of 8 TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES. Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods _ Fresh and Dried Daphnia AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES i (900 CSS 090 CG S990' coo over ono INS 000 CH S000 CS 090 CT S]600 SPAWN From Prize Winning Stock Japanese Fringetails,~50c. per doz.; $2.00 per 100. ) Veiltail Telescopes, $1.00 per doz.; $5.00 per 100 Hooded Orandas, $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. rane Shubunkins, 50c. per doz.; $2.00 per Liberty Bond Wish, $1.00 per doz.; $5.00 per 100. és Japanese Lion Heads, $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. Japanese Meteor $10.00 per 100. Blue YVeiltail Telescopes, $10.00 per 100 All Eggs guaranteed fertile. Send your orders at once with money en- elcsed. We have the finest and sturdiest: stock in the country. Winners of 35 Silver Cups, Gold Medal, Silver Medals and hundreds of Ribbons. FRANKLIN BARRETT Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. Fish, $2.00 per doz.; $2.00 per doz.; (= 000 S000 == 000500055 THE BEST BOOK ft: AQUARIUM S888 is ‘‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T.Innes, /f/ former President of the Aquarium / Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 7 ft illustrations. Tells all about the re NA fancy varieties of the Goldfish and ce nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila. , Pa. Charles E. Visel. Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 Putnam AVENUE, BrooKLyNn, N- Y. QOOCSOS0O O00 C—O GE ]OOOOSOGSOOE ARE YOUR GOLDFISH DYING Or Are You Having Bad Luck With Them—If So Try “BUG FOOD” Used by Scientific Breeders the world over. season over 100,000 boxes. Two Sizes 10 & 15c By, Mail 13c & 18c ASK YOUR DEALER FOR ITT Wholesale Goldfish, Foods & Supplies BERT J. PUTNAM, 490 Washington St. Buffalo, N. Y. OOOO OSO G> 000 GS] OGOGH]OOOOSOOSO Aquarists ‘and Output last COOCOO GOOG 000 T4000000000 OOOOCO CSCO O00 O00 000000: & 2000 Cc FMlichaelsen Bros GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia ~ Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies Wholesale and Retail HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER _ Rare and Fancy Fish Plants of every variety, Snails anil Aquarium Supplies a all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF _ Green River Fish Food 15c Box PrEED River Baby Fish Food > 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the ; most essential things necessary to | . keep fish in good health. After the © test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It | will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask — ) your dealer or send for it today. ae ee HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. ! Near Broadway. ! p S00C S500 T3000! GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, DIP NETS Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can l5c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Mail Orders Promptly Attended to OrpeERS AMOUNTING $2 DELIVERED POSTPAID Special Prices on Quantity Lots. Cash With Order. Catalogue Sent Upon Request. AQUARIUM STOCK CO 150 Chambers Street :: New York City 000 S000 T]000 CoOc— S00 c 000000 Breeders Largest Assortment of Splendid Blues, Blacks and Calico Telescopes and fee at Reasonable Prices. Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans 50c eo HARRY P. PETERS, 1210 North Warnock Street, ! Philadelphia, Pa. Nippon Goldfish Co | 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal _ fe Importers : and : Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH _ Direct From BrEEDERS IN JAPAN Awarded Gold and Silver Medals, Panama- Pacific International Exposition, San Fran- cisco, 1915. ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES 8 — ! Prico Lists Furnished Trade Only. ==sq Jacob C.C assel | 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa ‘Duara of Heese - AQUARIUMS Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish ~ Fish Globes Fish Food and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. 590065000 C——— 600 C000 f Aguatiiar Specialty Co. A ON WE OFFER FOR THE GOLDFISH BREEDING SEASON A collection of fine Broad-tail Calicos, ene and Telescopes, Orandas and Jap Fringetails. We are prepared to send Spawn, Myriophyllum and Water Hyacinths by mail. | - Our Stock of Foreign and Domestic Wild Fishes is More - Complete and Larger Than Ever : Aquaria, Plants, Snails, Glassware and Nets in profusion. | Natural, Universal and Copenhagen fish foods, dried Shrimp, live Daphnia, Enchytrae, Tubifex and meal-worms. > 200000e-> 000000 AQUARIUM SPECIALTY CO., 414 E. Tremont. Avenue :: New York City Largest Manufacturers of Aquaria, Vivaria, Terraria and Fountains JOSEPH TAUBLES, Manager. Co ee ee I F YO U ; aoe Use Regenia Aquarium Salts S To replace the natural salts in your aquar- - Are Looking for Something Extra mecallent for pianie wale ore Gao an ee Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes dere; 250, For sale at Pet Stock stores B Don't Forget W. Hw HEIMBACH : ; Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH hy gine lens ety Rot, \ Snails Plants Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots 8 FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! || - oS Sits und: etbeatlye OR Ee 413 NortH TENTH STREET REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. ALLENTOWN, Pa. Valley Club | New Jersey ! St a SP i SP 8 i es Pa a a a a | THE YELLOW PERCH & That branch of the biological sciences which is devoted to the study of fishes, has long been known as Ichthyology, the term being derived from two Greek words meaning, when combined, a trea- tise on fishes. As in the case of any other group of animals, in studying them we not only turn our attention to the consid- eration of their external forms, their color, and the structure of their topo- graphical parts, but, in addition thereto, the study of the geographical distribution of fishes; their anatomy as a whole; their habits and ecology, and, finally, as much as can be discovered through re- search of fossil fishes and their distribu- tion in space and time—that 1s, pal- aeoichthyology. Fishes are now divided into a number of classes, which, when taken on the whole, include all the back-boned or ver- tebrate types of animals almost entirely aquatic in habits, which breathe by means of gills or branchiae, the air thus obtained 8 Pd OP OT Os AP he | History of Ichthyology. Part 1 | MAJOR R. W. SHUFELDT, Medical Corps, U. S. A. oF ome as | | Sn 0 SS FSS (ee PHOTOGRAPH BY THE AUTHOR AE ORT OS OS 0 SS Os 6 8 RS 0 Es PR Os FS RR 5 Instead of terrestrial animals, fishes have the structures known as fins being dissolved in the water. limbs as seen in to which are added, in many species, me- dian or unpaired ones of like structure. The heart is two-chambered (atrium and ventricle) ; while, as a group, fishes are as a rule oviparous, the exceptional few being viviparous. Their skin may be smooth and scaleless, or covered, as in most cases, with beautiful scales, varying greatly in form, size, and coloration. Sometimes these scales are so large as to form veritable plates or bucklers, and in many instances are variously modified for special purposes. A consideration of all these departments of ichthyology covers an immense field for research, an extremely small part of which is at pres- ent known. In tracing the relationships of fishes, we find that they almost imperceptibly pass into the Batrachia above them in the scale, while below they tend to merge LZ Aquatic Lite into the invertebrata. In considering the anatomy or mor- phology of fishes, it is well to select a typical bony, or, as an_ ichthyologist would say, a typical teleostean form, from the center of some average group. For this purpose the common perch has long been the favorite form employed to meet this demand, not only in_ this country, but in other parts of the world. As will be seen in my photograph of the common yellow perch of our waters, re- produced as a cut to the present article, this species, in the matter of form and fins, very perfectly strikes the average teleostean fish; this also applies to its skeleton and to other parts of its an- atomy. Particularly is the perch’s skele- ton the standard for ichthyan osteology in text books and popular works on fishes throughout the literature of the subject. Apart from the special students of fishes, who have gone over some of the literature referring to them, there are few who appreciate how very old the study really is. The fact that it com- menced far, far back in history, about the time when men began to interest themselves in other departments of na- tural history, goes without the saying. Perhaps of all the zoological writers, Aristotle stands among the very earliest, and he flourished nearly 2300 years ago. Think of a writer on fishes twenty-three hundred years ago, that possesses a very general and more or less accurate knowl- edge of the anatomy and distribution of such forms! Not only was Aristotle fa- miliar with some 115 fishes found in the Agean Sea, but he had described them specifically, and studied their morphol- ogy. Unfortunately he possessed very hazy ideas in regard to specific defini- tions; and he accepted, on the whole, the names of many of those fishes that had been bestowed upon them by the fisher- men of that region. As a consequence, it is now difficult to determine the species to which he referred in his works. Then, too, he frequently applied different spe- cific names to the same fish at various stages of its growth, and when one comes to think that Aristotle used only the ver- nacular names in nearly all instances, it 1s plain to be seen how slender the chances are that we shall ever ascertain to which species he refers in any particular in- stance. On the other hand, this ancient ichthy- ologist was remarkably accurate in such matters as referred to the habits of the fish he described; their different modes of propagation; migrations, economic values, and so on. When we come to consult this writer’s works on fishes, we soon discover that he recognized the fact that such cetaceans as the whales and their allies were mammalalian forms and not fishes at all; that the former pos- sessed lungs and mamme, while true fishes had flns and branchiae. He knew that Muraena lacked fins, and that eels had but two of them. He knew further that the cartilaginous fishes, such as the sharks and dog fishes, possessed no oper- culum, but that nearly all true teleo- stean fishes had those bones on the side of the head to re-enforce the gill-slits and protect the branchiae. Aristotle also pointed out that all fishes were hairless and featherless; that most of them were scaled, while others had only a smooth, or in some instances, a rough skin. He described the tongue of ordinary fishes correctly, and_ stated further that fishes never had eyelids. He knew that they used their entire body when swimming, and that ordinary fish- es, or indeed any fish, ever had ears or structures that might be called nostrils. Fishes possess red arterial blood, and enjoy the senses of hearing, smelling and tasting. While they lack a urinary Aquatic Lite 113 bladder and kidneys, they nevertheless possess a liver, a gall-bladder, anda heart. As Aristotle stated, “they vary much in the structure of their intestines; for, whilst the mullet has a fleshy stomach like a bird, others have no stomachic di- latation. Pyloric caeca are close to the stomach, and vary in number. There are even some, like the majority of cartilagi- nous fishes, which have none whatever. Two bodies are situated along the spine, which have the function of testicles ; they open towards the vent, and are much en- larged in the spawning season. ‘The scales become harder with age. Not be- ing provided with lungs, fishes have no voice, but several can emit grunting sounds. They sleep like other animals. In most cases the females exceed the males in size; and in the rays and sharks the male is distinguished by an append- age on each side of the vent.” Thus we see that Aristotle was a very remarkable man, and far and away ahead of his time in his mastery of ichthyolo- gical lore. As a discover in zoology he had no equal, and those who followed immediately in his footsteps were noth- ing more than mere imitators or com- mentators. Even his disciples and con- temporaries fell in the same category ; they were quite content to fall in the class of mere copiers, and if they made changes at all, it was merely to convert the Aristotelian truths into vague fairy- tales and fabulous accounts. This be- ing the case, zoology soon ran into an era of meagre production along such lines, with a consequent lack of interest in such subjects on the part of every one. Thus things stood until the dawn of the middle of the Sixteenth Century, when Salviani, Belon and Rondelet ap- peared in the field. Each of these writ- ers contributed to ichthyological science a volume of the greatest importance. These several works appeared almost simultaneously. ‘Taken as one contribu- tion, they accomplished at least one great end; for they fixed for all time what a species meant in zoological science. In my next part the works of these three great ichthyological writers will be briefly touched upon. 2s ON Eleotris marmorata C. J. HEEDE The Far East has given many odd fishes to the aquarian, and not the least is the Marbled Eleotris, E. marmoratus. This peculiar species is found in the fresh and brackish waters of India, Su- matra and Borneo. The body is grayish brown with a faint rose tint, overlaid with heavy brown or black markings, which also pre- dominate on the caudal or tail fin: other fins with dark markings. The head is broad and the mouth capacious. Alert protruding eyes and well developed pec- torals bespeak short, quick dashes for food. It reaches a length of three inches and is one of the smaller species of the genus. This Eleotris is decidedly nocturnal in habits, spending the day hidden amongst the plants with which the aquarium should be well stocked. At night it sal- lies forth in quest of food and play. It is carnivorous and prefers Daphne and chopped earthworms—enchytraeids would be excellent. The water in the aquarium should be maintained at an average temperature of 75 degrees, Fahrenheit. The species has apparently not been bred under observation. 114 Aquatic Lite The Copper-stripe Dace WILLIAM T. INNES Notropis chrosomus was discovered by Jordan in 1876, and is a desirable inhab- itant of the cold water aquarium. It was found in Georgia, and is common in clear brooks and outlets of springs throughout the drainage of the Alabama Basin. A closely related species, Notro- pis metallicus, is so similar that it 1s dif- Notropis chrosomus Drawing by Henry W. Fowler ficult for the amateur ichthyologist to distinguish one from the other. When the identification of any fish is in doubt, it is much the best plan to submit speci- mens to a competent ichthyologist. Er- roneous identifications are veritable weeds to the scientific worker, who is thus put to great unnecessary labor in running down false trails. The following description is taken trom the words of Jordan. ‘The origi- nal or type specimen is in the collection of The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. Notropis chrosmus Head 4; depth Ag? ID) (se uN 10s Seales, As soa leyeerrell line to caudal base, and two more on later ; 7 scales above lateral line; 4 scales below lateral line; 22 scales before do- rsal; snout, 3 1-3 in head; eye, 3% ; max- illary, 27%; interorbital, 24-5. Body elongate, well compressed, rather slend- er. Head moderate, compressed. Snout convex, slightly abrupt in front, length 4-5 of its width. Eye rounded, mouth inclined, rather large; lower jaw slightly protruding and upper protractile; max- illary reaches eye; interorbital rather evenly convex. Scales rather small and well exposed. Lateral line complete, de- curved. Insertion of dorsal midway between eye-centre and caudal base. Anal inserted about opposite last third of dorsal base. Caudal well forked. Pec- toral reaches 34 to ventral; latter insert- ed well before dorsal and reaches vent. Color hyaline—green with bluish tints. Belly silvery. Head above and vertebral line golden; light narrow scarlet streak from opercle above to caudal base, and below this a silvery line. Row of black dots along lateral line, forming into small distinct caudal spot. Scarlet bar across anal, caudal base and dorsal. Spring males with muzzle and top of head tuber- culate, and finer tubercles before dorsal. Length 2% inches. The writer kept six specimens for sev- eral months in water of moderate tem- perature. Their active habits and gentle nature, combined with attractive color- ing of the fins and the copper and dark stripes along the sides, make them a de- lightful aquarium fish. ihe tact ofetheim conned nonstlie South led aquarists at first to treat them as a tropical fish. Under these condi- tions they died rapidly. Since it has be- come known that they inhabit cool, spring-fed brooks, we now keep them in moderate to cool aquaria, where they do well, particularly with aeration. ee To better handle their constantly in- creasing business, the Aquarium Stock Company, breeders and dealers in fishes and other supphes for the aquarian, have removed to larger quarters at 273 Green- wich street, New York City. have written that a preparation to Several readers Schaeffer's “Magic,” promote cultures of infusorians, is quite true to its name. Qe mm are ms a 6 a a a a I ome moms moms JAPANESE BROADTAIL ORANDA a | Ps OS S| Propagating goldfish by “stripping” or artificial expression, that is, forcibly pressing the eggs and milt from the par- ent fishes, has been practiced successfully for several years by Japanese goldfish breeders. More than 80 per centum of the eggs are fertile. Usually it is only the rare and high-priced fishes that are handled in this manner. The parent fish should be selected among those from three to five years old, and should be well formed and perfectly healthy. These should be kept separately, | A Japanese Method of | Breeding the Goldfish EIICHIRO NAKASHIMA a 69s OS aS | a 2 9 66 Os 9 ss as ea a Os | cee | | | | | | : | | OWNED BY FRANKLIN BARRETT 8 9 5 8 9 Sd Os Of, and from the end of autumn fed good, nourishing food, such as ground shrimp mixed with boiled corn meal, or worms, Cle: The breeding season depends upon the climate, weather, water, temperature and other conditions. When the séason has so far advanced that the water tem- perature is uniformly more than 60 de- grees, Fahrenheit, spawning commences. Whether or not the fish are ripe can be ascertained by a slight pressure on the abdomen, or by the actions of the male 116 Aquatic Lite when the sexes are placed together. If a Spawning is soon to occur he will be swimming by her side, pressing her ab- domen with his head and otherwise try- ing to drive her among the plants. The wash pan or wood box in which the operation is to take place should measure three feet square and five inches deep, and contain two inches of clear water of the same temperature as that from which the parent fish will be taken. In this is placed the nest to catch the Black Telescope Goldfish eggs. The preferred nests are of Myrio- phyllum, water hyacinth, bark of the Jap- anese palm tree or the roots of the wil- low. Nests of the water plants, the two first named, should be placed for several days in clean water to eliminate snails, insect larvae and other enemies of the eggs and fry, and further cleaned by a weak solution of permanganate of pot- ash. The last named materials should be boiled in water and washed clean. For artificial fertilization they are to be pre- ferred to the living plants, as they can be used a number of times and are al- ways clean and free from detrimental or- ganisms. Now take up the fish, the male in the right hand, and the female in the left, turning their heads in an inward direc- tion as they approach each other. Then shaking faintly and giving just a slight pressure on their abdomens with the thumb and forefinger, scatter the eggs and spermatozoa all over the nest, that both may be well distributed to assist in fertilization. In another method a very small quan- tity of water is used ; just enough to keep the nest afloat in the receptacle. The eggs are pressed gently from the female and scattered over the nest, the sperm be- ing similarly expressed from the male and the water then carefully stirred with a bird feather. Half an hour later add plenty of water of the same temperature. This method is rather troublesome, so the first is to be preferred. If the weather is made unfavorable by great humidity, it is better to defer the operation, as there is greater possibility of the eggs being attacked by fungus, Saprolegnia. The receptacle containing the nest and eggs should be covered with glass and placed in a sunny situation, where it should be protected against sudden changes of temperature. Fertilized eggs are transparent and white or yellowish, whereas the infertile eggs soon become cpaque, milky-white and are attacked by the white fungus, Saprolegnia. These should be removed lest the fungus spread to the fertilized eggs. The period from the first division of the egg cell to the appearance of the black spots (the eyes), is the most 1m- portant as a slight touch is injurious. The period for incubation varies princi- pally with the temperature, being usually as follows: Water temperature Incubation 60°—70° F. 8 to 10 days 70°—8o° F. CetOm Gays 80°—9g0° F. BAD 8 Gass Eggs that take more than Io days or less than three days to hatch, usually give fry that are not so strong as those which hatch on the 7th day. Aquatic Lite 7 When the tiny fry appears it has an abdominal yolk-sac attached which fur- nishes the needed nourishment for the first week. When this has been absorb- ed the nest should be removed, as the fry is now free-swimming. Every morning during the second week the yolk of a hard boiled egg should be fed by filtering it through cheesecloth. At times this may putrefy in the water, so Daphma and Cyclops should be introduc- is an inclination to weakness, but the second consists of great numbers of eggs, about 40 per centum of the whole, with high fertility and strong fry. Spawns continue at intervals until weather con- ditions become unfavorable, but the numbers of eggs become less and the fry not so strong as those produced earlier in the season. (Mr. Nakashima is a graduate of the Imperial Fisheries Institute, Tokyo, The Outdoor Pools and Conservatories of the Nippon Goldfish Co. ed as scavengers, besides they are the best foods for the fry large enough to eat them. These natural foods, includ- ing Cypris and mosquito larvae, should follow the hard boiled yolk of the chick- ens’ eggs. When a month old the fry have well developed bodies and fins. The good specimens should be selected, the water changed, and each ten fish allowed a gal- lon of water. It is believed that a mature fish may produce about 110,000 eggs. Generally the first spawn is not large, and there Japan. He has had practical experience with K. Akiyama, whose goldfish breed- ing plant, in Tokyo, is the largest in the world, and is at present managing the plant of the Nippon Goldfish Co. Through Mr. Nakashima arrangements have been made to have photographs taken in Tokyo that will prove interest- ing to American goldfish Breeders.— Editor). Oa Se If you would be continuously happy you must know when to be blind, when to be deaf, and when to be dumb. 118 Aquatic Lite On the Use of Oxygen in Aquarium Aeration ERNEST LEITHOLF Desiring to install a syste mof aeration, Mr. Adolph Dormeier, of Pittsburgh, suggested compressed oxygen as a pos- sible solution of the problem. While familiar with the use of this gas in cases of drowning and asphyxiation, and its employment in shipping live fishes in sealed cans, its suitability for our pur- pose seemed problematical, nevertheless, it was subsequently installed in our con- servatory. tank to the aquaria was constructed of one-eighth inch iron gas pipe, with a T fitting at each aquarium. In the outlet of each T was placed a “crank case drain cock,” and from the cock to the releaser or distributor in the aquarium, a length of rubber hose. We are using two kinds of releasers. One is a cross-section of basswood in- serted in the end of the hose in the aquarium, the other was made by Mr. Dormeier from a piece of hard carbon, such as is used in arc lights and dry bat- teries. Taking a piece 2 inches long and 34-inch in diameter, a hole was drilled Cichlasoma steindachneri The outfit is exceedingly simple, con- sisting of a tank or cylinder of oxygen, a pressure regulator, a pipe line to the aquaria and some fittings. The regulator we employed is the style used in welding. One gauge indicates the pressure and amount of oxygen in the cylinder, while the other serves to reduce the pressure to the “working point,” at which it is desired to use it. This apparatus is expensive. A low pressure regulator, which can be adjust- ed to deliver the oxygen at the proper pressure for use, will serve the purpose just as well and costs but a third as much. The discharge line from the oxygen Original Painting by W. L. Brind lengthwise, not quite to the other end. A short section of brass tubing was ce- mented in the hole to which to attach the rubber hose. To assemble and operate the outfit, the pressure regulator is first attached to the cylinder of oxygen and connec- tion then made to the discharge line run- ning to the aquaria. Making certain that the regulator indicates zero, open wide the main valve of .the cylinder. Then turn the adjusting screw of the regulator until sufficient oxygen is pass- ed to aerate the aquaria. Tanks or cylinders of compressed oxygen can be secured from the Linde (Concluded on Page 120) $F moe es ome, When Dr: Seth Eugene Meek was studying the fishes of Mexico he noted certain characteristics in several species of Cichlasoma that seemed to set them apart. For these he proposed his genus Thorichthys,* designating T. ellioti, a new species, as the type. Thorichthys differs from Cichlasoma in having a “deep body, much compressed; mouth rather small; caudal fin lunate, its outer rays produced into a filament; pectoral fin long and pointed, about as long or longer than the head; subopercle with a black blotch, otherwise as in Cichla- Soman @Viiceke soca cit) ale sadas woe I. eller, ead V5 alhows eice very variable, though they represent quite a distinct type of cichlids. Typical examples of 7. helleri are light olive in color, with six rather indistinct dark cross-bars; side of head with small blue spots; a black spot on subopercle or lower margin of gill cover. Thorichthys helleri meeki subsp. nov. In May, 1917, a French sailor arrived in New York with 265 specimens which he had captured in the shallow reaches Olya ver = near Prooreso, Yucatan These were soon distributed among aquarians and the fish became popularly known as the scarlet chanchito. The fish presents such a marked departure in color from the type that the writer proposes for it subspecific rank. Meek in his color description of the species, makes no mention of the presence of red. In our specimens a brilliant scarlet suf- fusion and striping extends from the throat and lower gill covers back and *The Fresh-water Fishes of Mexico North of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Meek. Zool. Ser., Vol. 5, Field Columbian Museum, 1904. a rr ) A New Subspecies of Thorichthys Helleri WALTER LANNOY BRIND, F. Z. S. | Rs OS Oh a a a a Ff OL Ts 7 SSS PTs Oy beyond the extremities of the pectoral fins, otherwise the coloration is much as in the type. It is more than likely that the fish is a local color variety, but the fact that so many specimens were col- lected, indicates that it is well establish- ed and is not to be regarded as an indi- vidual variation. The type specimen has been deposited in the United States Na- tional Museum, where it is recorded as Accession 61490. For the aquarium the scarlet chanchito Thorichthys helleri meeki makes an attractive specimen. While its breeding habits have not yet been ob- served, it does not appear to be a dif- ficult fish to maintain. It reaches a length of six inches, a goodly size as “aquarium fishes” go, so it follows that a roomy, shallow tank should be pro- vided if one would have it flourish. As it comes from Yueatan, well within the Tropic of Cancer, it is a truly tropical species and should be treated as such, care being exercised not to permit the water temperature to drop below 7o de- grees. While it will take dry prepared foods, preference should be given to ten- der worms and similar materials. That the differences in the proportions and shapes of the fins of Cichlasoma and Thorichthys may be more apparent, in 120 Aquatic Lite addition to the illustration of 7. h. meeki, one is presented of C. steidachneri. The generic name Thorichthys is from two words meaning “to leap” and “fish ;” hence “leaping fish” in allusion to the playfulness of the species. Society News At the meeting of the Essex County Aquarium Society, held March 15th, Mr. William Tricker gave a talk on water lilies, their history, culture and hybridi- zation. Particular attention was given to the species suited to small ponds and tubs. An interesting lecture on micro-organ- isms was given by Mr. H. A. Van Cott at the April meeting. He dwelt mainly on the trematode parasites that make life miserable for aquarium fishes. In view of war time conditions the spring exhibit will be omitted, but a pub- lic exhibition will be given during the fall—Publicity Committee. AE See The annual dinner of The Aquarium Society was held at Pabst Harlem, New York City, on April 2oth, with Profes- sor John Treadwell Nichols as toast- master. Mr. William Beebe, Director of the Tropical Research Station of the New York Zoological Society in British Guiana, gave a talk about his work, il- lustrated with lantern slides. Mr. Rich- ard Dorn, president of the Society, gave an outline of the objects and work of the organization. The Dinner Committee was composed of Messrs. Hugo C. Nelles, Hans For- briger and C. B. Rush. The April meeting of the Philadelphia Goldfish Fanciers Society was held on the 17th, at 804 Girard avenue. Compe- tition for Japs, scaled and __ scaleless. Judges, J. E. Van Stavern, F. €. Leff- man and G. B. Smith. Awards. The Charles J. Hannig Cup to H. J. Mackrell; blue and red ribbons, George FE. Wilt; yellow, Dr. L. W. Reh- bein. Sealed Japs: Blue and yellow ribbons, Dr. L. W. Rehbein; red, Charles Hinkle. New members: George Jackson. Election of officers resulted as follows: President, Harry P. Peters; vice-presi- dent, Thomas Ayling; secretary and treasurer, Fred Richardson. Board of Directors, George B. Smith, George E. Wilt, Dr. F. C. Leffman, Francis Garcia and Dr. L, W. Rehbein. The competition at the May meeting will be open to all breeds of goldfish. The prizes will be donated by the mem- bers and will be awarded to the best fish in each class—FrED RICHARDSON, Sec- retary. Walter Waeltz and —~—__ (Concluded from Page 118) Air Products Co., which has service sta- tions in all the- large cities. The size costing $2.co furnished sufficient oxygen for eight aquaria for ten weeks, making the cost two and one-half cents per aquarium per week. A larger cylinder, costing $4.00, contains two and one-half times the quantity of oxygen and is therefore more economical. We have convinced ourselves beyond all doubt of the practicability and ef- ficiency of the scheme, not to mention the advantages of the low cost of opera- tion. Its effect was particularly notice- able in the case of two aquaria stocked with Cichlasoma facetum and Tetra- gonopterus rutilus. All efforts towards cleanliness, notwithstanding, these were always murky, with a scum on the sur- face of the water. A few days of oxy- gen transformed them into healthy, crystal-clear tanks. Air consists of approximately four parts of hydrogen to one part oxygen. It follows that when using pure oxygen instead of air, but one-fifth the quan- tity should be used, the releasers being made smaller accordingly. | | | | | | | | | | | i ———. —_ -——. — =. — ees One of the most fascinating phases of nature-study is that of photographing wild fishes. So many conditions enter into the making of a successful picture that a photograph of a wild fish, showing it in motion, with natural surroundings, calls for painstaking care and prepara- tion. The apparatus I have found to be necessary consists of a glass tank, 36 inches long, 17 inches high and 7 inches wide, though I sometimes use a smaller one. I have notches, a little wider than 2 (ANS Ol MAGS WS Wanel<, Eble MALO wove frame work at the ends, so that a piece of glass may be slipped into them, thus dividing the tank into halves or fourths, thereby bringing the fish close to that side of the tank which faces the camera. Almost any kind of focusing camera aS Oi Os 6 A SS PE Os a a) Sh Ss Fh PE SE nt a Oh Pn Photographing Wild Fishes BLENN R. BALES, M. D. 6 ON Oe a 6 a a a a a ARE YOU GOING TO PUT THEM ON POST CARDS AND SELL THEM? as nS ee ee Ff fe Ss 9 a Ss Ra ER 0 6 EP FS with a speed up to a hundredth of a sec- ond, may be used, but I prefer a Graflex with a Zeiss-Tessar F 4.5 lens, and ex- pose from 1-100 up to 1-265 of a second, the light governing the speed used. While I have had very good results from this lens, I believe a Graflex equipped with a Convertible Protar VII would be even better. Other accessories should consist of a tripod, folding table on which to place the tank, a bucket or two, small net for removing fish from the tank, a rubber tube to siphon out the water, and a rub- ber window scraper with which to keey the glass sides and partition free frou bubbles and drops of water. Contrary to the rule of “first catch your rabbit,” it is necessary to procure material for the bottom of the tank and 22 Aquatic Lite for the background of the picture, before catching the fish. The bottom material should be such as is found in the habi- tat of the species that is to be photo- graphed ; fishes that habitually live where the bottom is rocky should not be photo- graphed with sand, pebbles or shells on the bottom of the tank. Next the ma- The Bluefish, Pirate of the Seas Pomatomus saltatrix terial for the background should be care- fallygmcollecteda litaathemn tisha. thon fresh water, plants growing in fresh water should be used, but if the subject is marine, select seaweeds, sponges, coral, starfish, sea urchins and other salt water forms. ‘The same background should not be used for two different fishes, but should be changed or at least rearranged for each subject. I have often found it advantageous to collect the materials the previous day. In most cases the partition glass can be inserted in such a manner as to divide the tank into two equal parts. The background can then be arranged in the half farthest from the camera, and any thrashing about by the fish will not dis- turb it. Next catch your fish—this is no cer- tain thing! When taking pictures at the seashore I have resorted to three methods of pro- curing specimens; by going out with the fishermen to the pounds where fishes are caught for the market, by being present when they were using seines, and by the slower and less sure hook and line. It is necessary in these cases to have a live box or “fish car,” as they are sometimes called, or a ventilating minnow bucket to keep the fishes alive until they are photographed. Assuming that the fishes have been caught and the tank arranged, the im- portant phase now is to get a picture that will repay the trouble. The light should be carefully considered. As it takes more light to illuminate glass and water than thin air, exposures should not be attemptedmbetorestOm Ne Ve wormea kien P. M., and between these hours only when the sun is at its best. Pictures taken earlier or later in the day are apt to show shadows or annoying reflections from the glass sides of the tank. Fre- quently the photographer will secure a fine reflected view of the camera as well as a picture of the fish. It has been my practice to use no back ground outside of the tank, but when this is the case, there should be nothing but the sky. One should be careful to see that no person or object is behind the tank. A great measure of patience is neces- sary to get the right results, for very fre- quently, when the fish is brought from the dark depths of the live box, it im- mediately drops to the bottom of the tank and will not move, or it may thrash about, spattering the water over the sides and getting into all manner of unnatural positions. 000) I | ee Mature Study Revie ae _ OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY be filled with special articles from practical” teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school gardening, elementary agriculture and nature-study. $1.00 per year. 15e, per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage, 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. —- ( ITHACA, N. ¥Y. | | S000 000 THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND _ . Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty -All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines : _ HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tail Celescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. No Mail Orders Bell Phone Broadtails & = GEO. W. PRICE, 2145 S. Ler SrrEEt PHILADELPHIA ic [ Otto Walter 8 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N. ri | Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder and Importer of TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan- tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods * Fresh and Dried Daphnia ous q AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES See, SOCIETY The numbers for the coming school year will i , 1s ‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical — 000 Cc SPAWN From Prize W inning Stock | Japanese Fringetails, 50c. per doz.; $2.00 per 100. Veiltail Telescopes, per 100. Hooded Orandas,. per 100 aoe ‘Shubunkins, 50e. per doz.; $1.00 per doz.; $5.00 $2.00 per doz.; $10.00 $2.00 per Liberty Bond Fish, per 100 Japanese Lion $10.00 per 100 Japanese Meteor Fish, $10.00 per 100 Blue Veiltail Telescopes, $10.00 per 100 All Eggs guaranteed fertile. Send your orders at once with money en- closed. We have the finest and sturdiest stock in the country. Winners of 35 Silver Cups, Gold Medal, Silver Medals and hundreds of Ribbons. FRANKLIN BARRETT Wyoming Avenue, & C Street, Phila., Pa. $1,00 per doz.; $5.00 Heads, $2.00 per doz.; $2.00 per doz.; $2.00 per doze; 0002000 C000 000 me AQUARIUM suasecrs Aquarium Fishes’’,byWm.T.Innes, 4/7 former President of the Aquarium A ih | Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 ae illustrations. Tells all about the 4) wii fancy varieties of the Goldfish and é nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, éetc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. | A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 PutTNAM AVENUE, BROOKLYN, N.Y: OCCCOOS0O C000 GS OCOD] 9000 00000C aoe YOUR GOLDFISH DYING Or Are You Having Bad Luck With Them—If So Try “BUG FOOD” Used by Scientific Breeders the world over. season over 100,000 boxes. Two Sizes 10 & 15c By Mail 13c & 18c ASK YOUR DEALER FOR IT Wholesale Goldfish, Foods & Supplies BERT J. PUTNAM, 490 Washington St. Buffalo, N. Y. OGOO0C 000 000 C000 TS 000000000 Aquarists’ and Output last MOOCOO0GO M000 C—000000000 OOOOCO0CD CS O00 MS 000000 000: Le be GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South.52nd Street © Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies : Wholesale and Retail: | HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria -must be seen to be appreciated Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Broadway, 000 9000 S000 c— pee CE GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, DIP cae | Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Mail Orders Promptly Attended to OrpDERS AMOUNTING $2 DELIVERED POSTPAID Special Prices on Quantity Lots. _ Cash With Order. Catalogue Sent Upon Request. 8 AQUARIUM STOCK xref 273 Greenwich Street New York Ci —s05 0 Michaelsen Bros BREEDER’ AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish i Plants of every variety, Snails ‘and — Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. / MANUFACTURER OF a - Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food - -20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one: 4 the most essential things necessary to vt - keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out | as the best food on the market. It— keeps the fish in good color by pro- — moting a healthy, robust growth. It will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask { } your dealer or send for it ean OCOOCOOCOC———— O00 GOO G—=—===S 900800000 YOUNG Broad-tails Fringetails 9 Nymph Telescopes and Japs. All Colors $1.00 per Dozen Up. BREEDERS— Largest Assortment of Blues, Blacks and Calico Telescopes and Japs at Reasonable Prices. : ‘Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans 50¢ HARRY P. PETERS, eee North Warnock Street, Pia ee Ee Ge ec ]OOOADOOOS— 000000900009 —3000006 C00c> Nippon Goldfish Co 1 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal — Importers: and : Dealers < JAPANESE GOLDFISH ES. Direct From BREEDERS IN Japan 3 Awarded Gold and Silver Medals, Panama-~ Pacific International Exposition, aa Fran- cisco, 1915. ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND. SUPPLIES. Price Lists Furnished Trade Gnly. fe PS ies spser oe a - Jacob C. Cassel — 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa e 2 Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. FRESH WATER BIOLOGY By HENRY B. WARD and GEORGE C. WHIPPLE WITH THE COLLABORATION OF 25 DISTINGUISHED SPECIALISTS All interested in aquatic biology will find here answers to their queries on methods of study, conditions of existence, types of life, and inter-relations of the organisms that inhabit our fresh-water bodies, together with data on their life histories, habits and range. This work is the first complete and accurate record ne North Amer- ican aquatic life, especially the micro-organisms; among both plants and animals excluding the vertebrates, higher plants and bacteria, every form is described that has been reported from a fresh-water body on this continent. A comprehensive general discussion of each group precedes the description of individual forms, which are arranged under a key to permit of rapid and accurate determination of the genera and species. Nearly every form is illustrated, and its diagnostic features are pointed out. Biological data on its habits, frequence and distribution are also eiven. : Fresh-Water Biology is a big book of 1111 pages, with 1547 illus- trations. Price, $6.00, plus postage on four pounds. AQUATIC LIFE, 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, 1 Pa. i —>006 C= 500g 000 008 ec IF YO U : ~ Use Regenia Aquarium Salts if « To replace the natural salts in your aquar- 8 ium as absorbed by the fishes and snails. ~ Are Looking for Something Extra es ae apna Hee the eas form Fine in Broad-tail Telescopes ders, 25e. For sale at Pet Stock stores. : Dow t Forget W. H. HEIMBACH Y - : J E Violet-Ray Fish Remedy Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Rot, Snails Plants Congestion in fancy fishes: also white spots ~ on Tropical fishes. Box of Six Powders, i FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! | 413 NortH TENTH STREET ALLENTOWN, PA. 25c. Safe and effective. REGENIA CHEMICAL CO. Clementon New Jersey {] — & It was formerly considered quite an accomplishment to breed the Pearl Danio, Danio albolineatus, and many were the arguments as to the exact angle at which the sun’s rays must strike the aquarium to satisfy the requirements of the fish. Be this as it may, the fish does require sunshine and plenty of it. My most successful spawning took place in a large, heated aquarium, 39 by 16 by 16 inches, that stood in a _ southwest window, through which the sun literally blazed all day. Such a large aquarium is not necessary. Otto Klemmer succeeded in securing spawn in a cylindrical all-glass tank about 14 inches in dameter. This was placed in a south window. The bot- tom was covered with marbles, with a spray of Myriophyllum added for “ap- pearance sake.” The eggs, being heavy and non-adhesive, dropped among the marbles and beyond reach of the adults. A temperature of about 80 degrees should be maintained just prior to a spawning, and kept up for the eggs and Mature fish do well at an average of 75 degrees, and even 70, for this is a “hardy exotic,” but low tem- peratures retard spawning. fry some time after. The fry require plenty of microscopic animal life for about a week, and can then be coaxed to take dry prepared food, which must be as fine as possible. When they have grown a trifle they should be given the tiniest Daphne passed through a screen that none may be too large for them to swallow. From this time on, with abundant live food, they can almost be seen to grow. It is safe to say that no fish is so pop- | WALTER LANNOY BRIND, F. Z. S. | os os a a ss Os Os ss is Ps 6 9 Pt es ular as Danio albolineatus, not even its relative, D. rerio. It is beautiful, hardy and a good “happy family” fish. The general color, as the light strikes it, is a beautiful metallic turquoise blue; at another angle the blue turns to peacock green. When in breeding condition the male is flushed with salmon pink. From a point on the lateral line, just ahead of the dorsal, a pink stripe, bordered below Danio albolineatus with bluish violet, runs back and through the tail fin. In specimens preserved in alcohol the pink line becomes white. And as the species was probably originally de- scribed from preserved material, the origin of the specific name albolineatus, meaning white lined, is evident. The males are usually more slender than the females and pinker. The anal fin of the male is longer and broader, with a deep rosy red horizontal stripe paralleled by dark green and canary yel- low, though all these colors are more or less evanescent. Both are alike in size, reaching a length of two inches. Some years ago I received from Fu- rope a fish that the Germans then called “der neue Danio aus Singapore’ (the 126 Aquatic Lite new Danio from Singapore). But when specimens were submitted to the great British Museum to receive a scientific name and the stamp of respectability, as used to be the custom with German aquarists before the war, it was pro- nounced a mere local variety of D. albo- lineatus. The “new Danio from Singa- pore” differed mainly in the imagination and seemed to me to be somewhat less brilliant than the type, a native of India. ———— > ——— Mosquito Larvae for Fry H. E. FINCKH, Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales We are all aware that to successfully rear young fish much depends upon the food, and that it should be living food. Much has been said about propagating Daphnia, the favorite food, and, al- though I have tried almost every way suggested, I am only fairly successful in breeding quantities in tubs. I now feed principally on mosquito larve (Culex), finding this very desirable, easy to secure, and easy to handle. I once put a float or raft of eggs of Culex into a small jar to ascertain when they would hatch and, the following morning, was quite surprised at the quan- tity of minute larve (wrigglers) that had hatched in the interval. I emptied them into a tank containing quite small Xipho- phorus, and although | had just added a feed of Daphnia, the young fish ate the wrigglers in preference, until all which I could note had disappeared. This gave me the idea of using wrigglers for quite small fish. ‘To secure quantities of larve, I proceeded in this manner: First I established a tub, containing fifteen gallons of water, which I made stagnant with horse and pigeon manure, having both handy. When, after a week, it had cleared, I added a handful of Lemna (Duckweed), to afford the mos- quitoes a place upon which to rest while laying their eggs in the water. On the morning following I counted forty-seven egg-floats or rafts. These I spooned into two small glass jars containing two inches of water. Later, the weather be- coming warmer, I averaged quite a hun- dred such floats daily. When the eggs hatch I merely pour the contents of the jar into an aquarium. Now a float is said to contain from 200 to 300 eggs and, if we say 100 eggs to be conservative, and I collect 100 floats daily, it means that my fish eat 10,000 a day. It is far preferable to breed the pest in the manner outlined than to permit the eggs to hatch in the tub, collecting the wrigglers in a net, as it is inevitable that some will manage to complete the meta- morphosis and escape to plague you and your neighbors. Then again, if you re- quire them larger, place eggs in a large jar and feed for a few days or until the desired size is reached. I certainly find my fishes doing well on larve, and the method is less trouble- some than collecting and sieving Daphnia, not to mention the lessened likelihood of introducing organisms that may be detri- mental to the fish. I have reared young fishes quite suc- cessfully on artificial foods, but living food is better, not only because it is what nature provides, but because it must be sought by the fishes, and the exercise which is thereby taken cannot but be beneficial. (The elongate eggs of the mosquito are laid vertically, side by side, in raft- like masses, which vary from 1g to 4 inch in diameter, though capillary attraction may draw several together, thus making a seemingly larger individual float. Light in color at first, they become darker and soot-like as in- cubation proceeds. The larve emerge in five or six days.—Editor.) | | | | | | | | | | CS) 0 es SS ORS nS Oa OS OS a 6 On a 6 On a 6 kh es Fe a eee Among the writers of ancient times on fishes lowed after Aristotle—no name is better and especially those who fol- known, perhaps, than that of P. Belon, who flourished over 1900 years after him. Belon was at the height of his fame at about the time his De aquatilibus libri duo appeared in Paris, which was during the year 1553. Prior to the appearance of this celebrated ichthyological work, he had published several other less for- mal ones, they being based upon the specimens he had collected from 1547 to 1550 along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and in the rivers of the countries bordering upon it. Some one hundred and ten fishes are described and figured by Belon, to which he gives the common as well as the sci- entific names; and he further paid, in his work, considerable attention to both | History of Ichthyology. Part 2 MAJOR R. W. SHUFELDT, Medical Corps, U. S. A. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | MONOCANTHUS HISPIDUS | | | | | | | | | | (The THE FILE-FISH fom me mm mmo 6 es Ps Pc as 9s FF a a Ps external and internal structure. He knew the principal bones of the piscine skeleton, though he rarely defined them. Indeed, many of his fishes were classified according to size, while he came much nearer the truth when he referred them to two groups—those having blood and those that did not; and then subse- quently employed, taxonomically, such characters as he was familiar with, or had personally for the first time de- scribed. Sometimes he would supplement the description of a fish with an account of its special habitat, thus fully estab- lishing his reputation for adopting the methods of the naturalist— whether of ancient or of modern times. Following Belon, next in order of dis- tinction was H. Salviani (1514-72), a Roman writer on the fishes of Italy (1554-57), the work entitled scientific being 128 Aquatic Lite Aquatilium animatum historia. It was published in Rome, and at once came to be an authority on the subject of which it treated. Little regard, however, is evi- denced for the value of specific charac- ters in any of the figures on the 76 plates of the work, in which 92 forms of fish are described. In fact, the work of this able writer was more or less popular in style; and while it very materially ad- vanced the science of ichthyology, in a way it, or rather its author, did not resort to technical description—a feature so conspicuous in the case of Belon who preceded him, or as did the better in- formed writers on the subject who were his contemporaries. Rondelet, for ex- ample (1507-57), was a far more scien- tific man than Salviani, for he not only graduated as a doctor of medicine in Paris, but he passed subsequently through a thorough course in anatomy under competent instructors. Still, as in the case of all his predecessors in ich- thyology, Rondelet failed to grasp the true principles of taxonomy; indeed, throughout his two great works he em- ployed the terms “genus’” and “species” synonomously. In 1554 appeared his Libri de piscibus marinis, and during the following year his more formal produc- tion, Universae aquatilium Iustoriae pars altera, both being published at Lyons. Here we find some 197 marine and 47 fresh water species described, all, with but few exceptions, being from European waters—in fact, a large percentage was from the Mediterranean Sea. Rondelet’s productions were an im- provement upon those of Belon’s in sev- eral respects, but more particularly in the matter of the accuracy of his pictorial work. It was distinctly his aim to pre- sent as attractively as possible all that was known about every form he under- took to describe. As a consequence his work, as a whole, taken in connection with that of Belon’s, became the stand- ard ichthyological treatises of the day; indeed, for upwards of a century they continued to hold such a place in scien- tific literature. During this long period in history, however, no little attention was paid, from time to time, to the study of fishes. These investigations were even carried to New World forms, and especially those of the American tropics. Among the principal contributions to the science were Marcgrave and Piso; Malpighi de- voted himself to the nervous system, and Swammerdam to the digestive system. Finally the respiratory apparatus in fishes was more or less systematically studied by Duverney. By this time the skeleton in many forms was more or less known, so that the bones in the more unusual types could all be named and their relations and articulations understood. So true was this that even as odd a form, osteologi- cally, as a file-fish (Monocanthus his- pidus), shown.in the accompanying cut, was, in all probability, fully compre- hended by ichthyologists. The specimen here shown was prepared by the writer many years ago at the New York Aqua- rium; it was taken in Bermudan waters, and was for a long time on exhibition in one of the tanks of that famous institu- tion. Ichthyology received an enormous im- vetus from about 1648 to 1730, during which era such astute naturalists as Ray, Willughby and Artedi came into the field. The science received rich additions from their several pens; and for the first time in zoological literature the true meaning of a “species” was fully defined. Then, too, the natural affinities of animals was better understood, their affinities being (Continued on page 137.) a od : a OS Ss a a et : } | } ! : } | ) ! } 8 Os OS as The properly arranged aquarium con- taining beautiful fishes and plants is really an object of art equally interesting to rich and poor, man and woman. All may and do enjoy it. Of all the aquatic animals the goldfish lends itself best to the conditions of the aquarium. The popular breed in Japan is the Marukc, which means “the round-shoul- dered little fish.” In fact it is the “ex- clusive” goldfish, no other so appealing to the fancier, who considers that it has many lovable characteristics. Rich in harmonious color, with a rather small, compact and symmetrical body, it is tame, intelligent and serene in its movements. The commercial value of the Maruko is SOS OS 6 PS i 8 8 8 a a The Japanese Ranchu Or Maruko K. ITO, Japanese Artist and Ichthyologist TRANSLATION BY MASA CHIBA RANCHU OR MARUKO (LIONHEAD) os Op as OWNED BY FRANKLIN BARRETT Ra a SES 9S SN Fh 1S ER ES ER SDH RH i Ee SS TN ET OTs 5s POs OL, consequently high, and at times a few thousand yen (yen, gold, about 99 cents; silver yen, 75 cents) will be paid for a rare specimen. In most large cities of Japan there is a goldfish society, or rather a ranchu or maruko society, composed largely of peo- ple of influence and wealth. Though ex- clusive in character, any person inter- ested in the goldfish and its culture may be admitted to membership. The organ- izations do not concern themselves with profits, and are purely interested in the Maruko as a priceless object of nature and art. The public exhibition, an an- nual occasion, is an important event to the enthusiastic members. Only quali- 130 Aquatic Lite fied second-year fish are displayed for study and judgment. These are classi- fied according to the standard score card, awards made, and the owners of the win- ning fish warmly congratulated. The fish shown are not offered for sale. I may here be permitted to briefly de- scribe how the Maruko is reared in its native land. The usual spawning season is during the last of June and the begin- thread-like earthworm—and mijinko or Daphne. The size of a meal to be fed should not be larger than the head of a given fish. At night the box is covered to avoid a possible change of the tem- perature of the water. When the young are about a hundred days old, the time of coloring, a strict examination is made, and all but possibly three or four are dis- carded for various reasons. Forms of the Maruko from a Sketch by the Malformed back; small caudal fin. 3. Lion-headed. 4. Angular-headed. 5. strong caudal fin. 7. Trypod tail. ures 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are top views. ’ ning of July, so the process is carried on pleasantly in the open air. Fifty or more carefully selected fry, preferably from the first or second brood, are placed in a seasoned rearing box, about six feet square and one deep, containing seven or eight inches of water. This is placed im or above ground in a garden where there is much sunshine and a free circu- lation of air. The food consists of the yolk of a boiled egg, Itamimiyu—a 8. Cherry flower tail. Hooded. Smooth-headed. 2. 6. High shoulder ; 10. Lobster tail. Fig- Author.—1. 9. Quarter tail. The ideal Maruko seldom becomes a realization. It is not unusual, in a lot of ten thousand or more young, not to find a single acceptable specimen. Preference is given to examples with a smooth, ten- der caudal fin, which is pendant when moving forward, fine bow-shaped hood, quiet color and even stay of the body when not in movement. The opinion is generally held that the (Concluded on page 138.) =. r a A few years ago the writer wanted a “real” aquarium. After calling at all the local pet shops, being shown globes and “two by twice’ tanks, when he wanted one four feet long, and getting information that there used to be a man here, there or elsewhere who used to build them, though they thought he was dead, etc., this particular individual was about disgusted. Finally he met a friend who had a friend who had made several tanks. This friend of a friend was in- deed the fellow needed, and the informa- tion he gave enabled the said Bugg to build a very successful tank, and one that is different in construction and appear- ance. Since then twelve others have been built, ranging from three to six feet long, with ia Gada case, IWne jailer called for a tank with no frame at the bottom, the glass setting into a groove in the base, which might be of marble, slate Frames for the SUCCESS or reinforced cement. larger tanks, four feet or morve in length, are made from cne-inch angle iron, while for the smaller sizes 34-inch was used, the thickness of both sizes being 4% inch. After deciding upon the size of the tank one proposes to build, the first step is to lay out and cut the necessary parts of the angle-iron frame. Assuming that it is to measure 35 by 15 inches, cut a mitre, 45 degrees, on the end of the strip of iron, which will then appear as at Fig- ure 1. Next measure from point A not from the end of the iron—fifteen inches, and mark on the iron on the in- side. Then with a steel square mark a V, on the underside of what will be the top of the frame, the sides of this V will, of course. be at an angle of go degrees to OO 6 es a Pa at 0S a1 9 Ee Fw rmoo—mof | BUILDING THE AQUARIUM ! A. PISCATOR BUGG | Os Oe 9 Ps oe}, each other and 45 degrees with the outer edge of the strip. Cut out this V with a hack saw (Fig. tb). Set the corner of the steel square into this V and you will probably find that it is not true. Straighten the edges until the square fits loosely at the open end of the V, but make sure that it fits tight into the point of the cut. It will improve the finished corner if the point of the angle is cut slightly into the side (Figure 1d). Figure 1. How’the Angle Iron is Cut to Form the Top Frame. Now measure 35 inches from mark D for the side of the frame. Cut another V at this point. Then measure 15 inches, cutting another V. and a side. This gives two ends Measure 35 inches for the other side, and at this point cut another mitre as at the other end, only reversed. Now we have a length of angle iron with mutred ends and three V’s or notches. Put the iron in a strong vise, clamping it about 1-32 of an inch to the left side of mark D as the illustration appears to the reader, bending the iron at this notch until the two sides of the V meet. Drive the two sides together with a heavy ham- mer while bending with the hand, mak- ing the corner as square as possible. If you have cut the notch properly you will find that the sides close together, form- ing a perfect right angle. If the V has not been cut wide enough, the corner of the frame will not be square, which is necessary; 1f cut too wide it can be cor- rected in welding. Cut it wide rather SZ Aquatic Lite than narrow. Proceed as before and bend at each of the two remaining notches; you will then have a perfect oblong top frame. Now cut four pieces of the angle iron, each fifteen inches long, with square ends, for the corner uprights (see Figure 2a). Then buy four carriage bolts, 3 by 214 inches, threaded well up to the head. Take the frame and have it welded to- oe ZA | fA Figure 2. Slate or Marble Base, Frame ready to Drop Into Place. with gether, the corner uprights butt-welded to the top frame, and the bolts welded to the lower ends of the uprights on the inside, as in Figure 2b. Caution the welder to be sure to have the top frame square and the corner uprights square with the frame. In welding the bolts he should avoid making a hump or spread- ing more iron over the frame than is ab- solutely necessary. A little surplus iron can easily be filed off. If the frame is not welded true it will be almost impos- sible to straighten it; hence the need of care in the process. Surplus iron at the corners can be ground off on an emery wheel or filed smooth. The frame is now complete and in one piece. This welding costs about two dollars. Next paint the frame with red lead and boiled linsed oil, adding a little gold size for drier. Red lead is the only thing I have found that will not peel off in time. The finishing coat of paint of the desired color can be applied later. Now comes the base. This can be made of marble, slate or cement. ‘To use mar- ble or slate proceed as follows: Take the frame to a reliable man and have him lay out a base as shown in Figure 2, with corner as in Figure 3. The base should be 1% to 1% inches thick; the groove to receive the glass %4 inch wide and ™% inch deep, leaving the base extend 11% inches beyond on all sides. At the corners of the groove cut a -inch offset to receive the angle iron uprights, and have holes drilled for the bolts. To allow the nuts to be screwed flush, the holes should be countersunk on the bottom or under side of the base. It is necessary to make the frame first, so that in case of slight variations the base may be made accordingly. This insures a true plane for the glass. The holes at the corners should be drilled to bring the outside of the corner uprights tight against the marble thus bringing the inner faces of the corner irons flush with the outside edge of the groove. To assemble, place the bolts on the uprights in the holes at the corners, being careful to get each in its proper place. If the frame is not true, and the base has been made to meet the variation, the glass will not have the right plane if the ends of the frame are reversed. Lift each corner and press cement into the offset and bolt hole. firmly until the nuts catch the threads on the bolts, then set the nuts tight and cut the bolts off flush with the bottem of the base. Painting the groove with gold size before setting the frame will help the cement to stick. Press the frame down When the frame is rigidly in place, the glass may be set. None other than plate glass should be used. One can get salv- age glass very cheap; it is just as good as new for the purpose if care is taken to select pieces free from scratches. Use Aquatic Lite 133 a non-hardening cement mixed to the consistency of stiff putty. Set the side glasses first, making sure they fit before It will be neces- sary to chip a little off the lower corners of the glasses in order to clear the bolts welded to the corner irons—watch this carefully, as the glass must clear the ob- struction. Now lift out the glass and fill the groove in the base about half full of cement, and with a putty knife lay a little on the inside edge of the corner uprights from tcp to bottom. None will be needed on the top frame. spreading the cement. Place the lower edge of glass into the groove and press down hard. This will imbed it securely and squeeze the cement up on either side. If necessary a light stick may be used as a lever against the top frame. Force downward until it will go under the top frame, then press against the cement on the corner uprights and the glass is set. Set the other long side in like manner. Now measure, cut and set the end Details, Flat and Cross Sec- Figure 3. tion, of Corner of Slate, Marble and Cement Base. These fit between the long sides and should set snug. the water when the tank is filled will press out the sides and give room for their expansion. When all the glass is set, tamp the cement thoroughly into the base grooves on the inside. Don’t bother about the outside now. I have found that a leaf of an old automobile spring, with end glasses. The pressure of ground square, is best for this purpose, but you can use a piece of wood with thin end—blunt, not chisel-edged. As an added precaution against leakage, roll cement into long pieces, a little thicker than a lead pencil, and press firmly from top to bottom in each corner where the sides and ends meet. The aquarium is now ready for water. Let it fill slowly. It will be noticed that the pressure of the water against the glasses forces them tighter to the frame, the cement being forced up from the groove in the base and from the iron uprights. The cement in the groove on the inside has receded. Let the aquarium stand filled for an hour, then with a putty knife cut away the surplus cement from the outside even with the base, this coming away in a long string. Empty the aquarium and lay this string of ce- ment in the depression in the groove on the inside of the glass. It will just about fill it. TTamp down thoroughly, so that the groove is full and the cement flush with the surface of the base inside, and then smooth with a putty knife. Should cement have been squeezed over the glasses from beneath the upright corners iron, trim it off even and smooth. Fill the aquarium and go to bed! If an aquarium with a cement base is desired, a form in which to mould it is needed. In constructing it the bottom must receive first consideration. It must be smooth and rigid, as it must not sag with the weight of the cement. A simple plan is to use two pieces of dressed pine, 2 by 4 inches, and 4 feet long. Lay them flat and parallel, about 18 inches apart, and nail across them 7 by 6-inch tongued and grooved flooring, which has been cut into lengths of 28 inches. This makes a strong, smooth base 28 by 48 inches. Select two straight pieces, 2 by 2 inches by 4 feet for the sides, and two 134 Aquatic Lite ir NG = er are or ee Ey d ‘De WUE oe V77/ TA Yy WHE MELEE ee BULLETPR ee AE dias Ua a a a a en) B i a ee ee | DQ fOT. ae : Be in x res ~ Ho x & TES hs ee \ eecrfoed % 3. l ce il SPC 1a LTT Tal OB O° | eS 18 ed B @ GC Bee Ji © Ge QUARTER ROUND ee iS) XL XA Co @ 8 O ee ae heron Gia Ficure 4. Above, Cross Section of Mould or Form for Cement Base at X—X, with Frame Stayed with Wire. pieces 2 by 2 by 18 inches for the ends. On the base or bottom of the form under construction lay out, with a pencil, a rectangle 38 inches long and 18 inches wide, being very careful to measure accu- rately and make a true rectangle. Then, with 3-inch screws, fasten the side pieces to the base, keeping them outside the rectangle but precise on the pencil line. Use three screws to each side. Next fit the two end pieces between the sides— outside the rectangle, the pencil lines—and fasten each with two screws. You now have box 18 by 38 inches, inside measure- ments. ‘The form is complete unless you wish to break but precisely on a shallow a % or 34-inch quarter- Below, Ground Plan of Mould, with Reinforcing in Position. round moulding around the top inner edge of the ends and side pieces. This gives a certain finish to the base similar to a bevel edge. Reinforcing the cement base, which is necessary, 1s accomplished as follows: DAS A joes Or irom Cie Sueel sol, © feet long, and bend it into a rectangle of such a size that it will drop locsely into the form. Then cut a piece of wire cloth (made of No. 14 wire, mesh 1 inch) and fasten with wire onto the iron rod frame, which it should just cover. Cut eight pieces of the iron rod, 18 inches long, and lay across the wire cloth at intervals of four inches. Across these lay, length- wise of frame, three pieces 35% inches Aquatic Lite ISS) long. Where the rods intersect wire them securely to the wire cloth to hold all securely together. Not every inter- section need be fastened, but just enough to keep the rods in place when the cement is poured. The wire cloth is probably extra reinforcement, not absolutely neces- sary, but it makes a good foundation for the rods. When the reinforcing is complete, lay it in the mould and see that it is flat. Then set the angle iron frame of the aquarium into the mould, putting large nails or bolts through holes in each corner up- right to hold or tie the frame into the cement, as indicated at A in Figure 4. If you used %-inch quarter-round moulding, the corner upright irons ot the frame will each be one inch from side or end of form. Now stay each corner of the aquarium frame with wire run- ning from the top to the outside of the mould—drive nail or screw-eye into out- side of mould (Fig. 4B), fasten wire to it and pull very tight. It must be tight to prevent any movement of the frame when the cement is poured. Now pre- pare four strips of wood, ™% inch wide and % inch thick, of the proper length to fit between the corner uprights of the frame. These form the groove in the cement base, and are shown in place in Figure 5. Notice that the end pieces fit within the long or side strips; these strips are inserted after the cement is poured Use a standard cement that you know is fresh and perfectly good. Mix clean, sharp sand 2 part, cement I part, and make a rather thin mixture. Two water pails of sand and one of cement will be ample. Mix thoroughly and pour into the mould, tamping it well. Work it thoroughly into the corners and edges by puddling around the edge with a small stick of wood. Spend a little extra time on this, as it will pay in the end to have clean, sharp edges and corners. The mould should be filled level with the top and the surplus scraped off with a stick long enough to reach from one side of the mould to the other. When the cement has been smoothed, insert the 4 by %4- inch strips previously prepared. Press them down level with the surface of the cement and close against and within the uprights of the aquarium frame as shown in Figure 5. These strips are later re- moved, forming a groove for the glass, Y inch wide and % inch deep. Use care not to insert them so as to make a groove Y% inch deep. The strips should be ab- solutely straight and not warped or bowed. ‘Trowel and smooth the surface of the cement. See that no surplus cement is left on top of the groove strips, and that they are pressed tightly against Do not disturb the job for three days, except to clean off any cement that may have run over the top of the groove strips, which is im- the corner uprights. Figure 5. Top View of Cement Base, showing the Strips (S) Imbedded in the Cement, within the Angle Iron Corner Up- rights, to Form Grooves for the Glass. portant. Any surplus extending over these strips will, when they are removed, crack back and make ragged edges. When it is certain that the cement has thoroughly set, take out the groove strips, exercising every precaution. If soft wood has been used they can readly be re- moved by first cutting a deep V-shaped 136 Aquatte Lite groove lengthwise. There is a tool used in wood carving that will do this quickly. After the first strip is out, the others come more easily, leaving clean, sharp, straight grooves. After the grooves have been painted with gold size, proceed to set the glass as directed with the marble or slate base. Leave the cement base in the mould until after the glass has been set. Figure 4 gives a complete plan of the form or mould, with the reinforcing in place and also the aquarium frame. take about two pounds. Should there be any objections to a cement base for the aquarium, it can be overcome by superimposing a glass bot- tom, setting with aquarium cement around the edge where it meets the glass sides. If the aquarium is to measure 48 inches long, or more, it will be safest to provide for a tie iron across the top frame at the middle to prevent a possible spreading. For this drill a hole 4% inch TYPES OF JAPANESE GOLDFISH—Original Paintings by K. Ito Maruko or Lionhead Oranda or Hooded Fringetail Aquaria with top frame alone are easier to construct than those with both top and bottom. I like the appearance better and the frame is stronger and more rigid than when bolted or riveted, especially in the larger sizes. No cement is visible between the glass and the base, especially when marble or slate is used, ard the glass has an absolutely even surface against which to rest. I have used Cassel’s cement for these aquaria and have never had a leak. It is non- hardening. A tank 15 by 35 inches will Fringetail or Ryukin Shukin in diameter and through the supper side of the top frame in the centre and close to the inner edge. ‘Tap it to take a brass machine screw. For the tie iron get a strip 4 by % inch and as long as the aquarium frame is wide. Drill and tap it to correspond with the holes in the frame of the aquarium and screw tight. This piece can be welded in place when the frame is made, but it is better to make the fit after the glass has been set. The strips of wood that are inserted in the cement to form the grooves for the Aquatic Lite 137 glass may be painted with hot parafin, which makes them more easily removed and less liable to stick to the cement. The cement base which I have de- scribed is very cheap, costing about $1.25. The wooden mould or form can be used over and over again. eres (Continued from page 128.) derived from a growing knowledge of their characters and morphology, as was evidenced in the writers of the times. Of all the researchers in this field, in the period referred to, no single writer, or even a number of writers, could in any way rival the excellent work of Artedi. He was the great Nestor—in fact, father of the science of fishes. Zoologically and biologically speaking, he greatly fur- thered the true ends of ichthyology in all of its several departments, and especially along the lines of taxonomy, morphology, and what was meant exactly by the terms genus, species and subspecies. Great as were the achievements of Peter Artedi, he was much beholden to the careful work of some of his prede- cessors, especially to that of Ray and Willughby. Artedi also derived much benefit from the fact that he had studied with Linneus at Upsala. Unfortunately, his life was a very short one; at the age of twenty-nine he was drowned in a canal at Amsterdam (1734), 1n which city he was engaged upon some ichthyo- logical work for a wealthy Hollander by the name of Seba. In the next part, the Linnzean era in the history of the science of fishes will be taken up, and brief mention will be made of the writers on ichthyology of those times. —>___ Electric lights, placed just above the water of the ponds at a Kansas fish hatchery, help to reduce the food bills of the institution. Thousands of bugs are attracted by the glare, and no small pro- portion of these drop into the water be- neath American Angler. — These waters are the home of the giant black sea bass and swordfish that weigh from a hundred to over four hundred pounds, all taken with rod and reel. At the city pier these fish are hung on racks and photographed. A tourist seeing the huge fish for the first time looked a black sea bass of three hundred and _ fifty pounds over from fin to fin. Then, back- ing off he remarked: “The man who caught that fish is a liar.”—Catalina Islander. ————EE Several varieties of fish living near the surface of the sea carry light, among them being the “lantern fish” of the Malay Archipelago and another recently discovered in Jamaican waters. All these have a large, luminous organ just below the eye, emitting a greenish-white light, which flickers at regular intervals. Some deep-sea fish have the light attached to a long movable tip, while others, in addi- tion to the chief light organ, are marked with patterns of smaller luminous spots of varied hues. Some of these are prob- ably real lanterns, others decoys in the pursuit of prey, some protective, while some perhaps only distinguish male from female or one variety of fish from an- other. All these lights are absolutely heatless, something science has not yet produced.—Popular Science Monthly. ee Investigations on the subject of proto- zoan parasites at the Bureau’s biological station at Fairport, lowa, during the past two summers have been productive of interesting results, promising to be of practical service to fish culture. H. S. Davis found that myxosporidia are quite 138 Aquatic Lite Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. Wi, J\G IPOMSIBIRo oooneGocecg00cK0000 Editor JOSEPH E. BAUSMAN........ Publisher 542 EK. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aquatic LIFE. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lire has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Yearly Subscription ............-...-- $1.00 Foreign Subscriptions ................ 5 Single Copy 10 Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1918 by Joseph E. Bausman lelleiletionelfolleiielelelelleiele/jolelelielevelieue semen No. 10 Vol. Ill June 1918 common on fish from the Mississippi River, and evidence seems to prove that they are to a degree seasonal in occur- rence. Under certain conditions they may cause serious injury to the host, but in the case of buffalo fish, and possibly of other species, it is believed that danger from infection in ponds might be les- sened by a proper rotation of the fish as the young seem to become infected from the adults placed in the same pond to spawn. A hitherto undescribed species of Coccidia is believed to have caused the death of young carp after transference from one of the ponds to hatchery troughs, as an exceptionally heavy infec- tion of the intestines with these parasites was associated with a serious degree of mortality. Although infection of the pond fish with the ciliate parasites Ich- thyophthirius, Chilodon, and Cyclo- chaeta was quite common, a much heavier infection after transference of the fish from the ponds to the tank house, prob- ably induced by change of environment, would seem to indicate that these para- sites have been largely responsible for the previous heavy mortality of the fish in the tanks.—Fisheries Service Bulletin. cflbnel See, (Concluded from page 130. ) Maruko is extremely delicate, but as a matter of fact, if carefully fed and kept in water at an even temperature, it is just as vigorous as other varieties more interesting. Under proper condi- tions it will live and enjoy life in the and aquarium for ten years or more. I have not seen a really fine example of the Maruko in the United States. (Mr. Ito is a well-known Japanese artist, and is at present in the United States, executing a number of commis- sions for American institutions. He is now working on a series of water colors depicting the various breeds of Japanese goldfishes. Portions of four paintings The originals can be purchased at a moderate figure. Mr. Ito may be addressed in care of Aguatic Lirr.—Editor. ) ———

—___—_ are shown elsewhere in this issue. Plenty of Daphne during the warm months, but none when the thermometer registers zero. Be provident. Start a box of enchytraeid worms now. Next winter you will have an abundance. ASE ae Even the biggest fish began life on a small scale. Live Lists of FISH BUYERS & DEALERS Just What the Breeder Needs to Afford Him 1. Customers to purchase his surplus young fishes. 2. Dealers and breeders who can supply his wants in new species, plants, ete. 100 Live names and addresses........... $ 2.50 250 ‘ $s EGA ge RESCUE ALN Sens aa hest's 4.50 500‘ oy “ ola Veep Some bio mO.H 8.00 1000 ‘“ A Hf SO OS Ob Boob O 12.50 2000 <“ ss 8 “ Gacosecoooe AUUIY) 3000 ‘‘ zs is oe Sere 00: Sent postpaid on receipt of price. As I am no longer engaged in breeding exotic fishes, these lists can be relied upon as accurate. W. L. Brind 449 W. 206 Street, New York HENRY KISSEL, JR. Fancier & Breeder of Tropical Fishes | (Not a dealer). | I have good healthy stock at reasonable prices. Call or ’phone, Cliffside 461. 241 Walker Street, Cliffside, N. J. Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 PUTNAM AVENUE, BROOKLyN, N. Y. _ Aquatic Microscopy for Beginners or Common Objects from the Ponds and Ditches By, DRe APE RE DACs SMOKIES A splendid, not too technical, handbook of the lower organisms for the inquiring aquarist who dislikes to be nonplused by scientific verbiage. 324 pages, with 198 il- lustrations. $2.25, plus postage on 2 pounds. Aquatic Lite 542 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Leitbolf Brotbers BREEDERS OF TROPICAL FISHES A Large Assortment of Many Species in Stock at All Times 281 Southern Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. SURPLUS STOCK OF TROPICIAL FISHES Haplochilus chaperi, H. fasciolatus, H. ru- brostigma. Red and Blue Rivulus. Danio rerio. Osphromenus. Trichogaster fas- ciatus. Paradise Fish. Hankow Paradise Fish (Opercularis). Mouth-breeders, live- bearing fishes and various other kinds. W.I. WILLICH, 108 13th Street., Hoboken, N. J. SPAWN AND YOUNG | From Broad-tail Calico Telescope Gold fishes Tropical fishes, Red Snails, Aquariums, Plants, Live Daphne, General Supplies. Nat- ural Fish Food, 10 cts. a box. WILLIAM REISER 107 Nassau Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Early breeders in Philadelphia had no aphnia to raise Bek fry, but they raised their fish with MAGIC and to raise them to hardy breeders they feed them Yogi. Magic 25c box, by mail 28c. YOGI 10c a box, by mail 12c at all Dealers & Druggists. YOGI by lb. 75c, 15 boxes to lb, add postage A COMBINATION OF INGREDIENTS WHICH’ WILL PRODUCE A VARIETY. OF HARMLESS. NOW SHELL INFUSORIA. MAGIC ORIGINATED AND MANUFACTURED BY ROBERT J. SCHAEFFER, 1818 FRANKFORD AVE. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Avenue _ Phila., Pa EVERYTHING IS FISH THAT COMES TO THE NET OF A NATURALIST Don’t paddle in the water with one hand and be blind with both eyes. In other words, ‘‘keep your eyes open’’ for all nature. Our Magazine Che Guide to ature Will Help You Jt is edited by EDWARD F. BIGELOW, fishes in the heavens and earth, the waters under the earth. 25¢c. One year, THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION ArcAdiA who as well as Four months’ trial, $1.00. Sound Beach Connecticut Here is a chance to make money . Write for Proposition Give References — ADDRESS — M.E. Corrugating Co. p COVINGTON, KENTUCKY f MACK’S : Superior Fish Food This is indeed the best Fish Food ever put on the market. It contains the proper amount of powderized shrimp and is so prepared that it does not pollute the water like ordinary shrimp, ( which makes it so dangerous to feed pure shrimp. Mack’s superior Fish Food is the result of years of experience, and Fish Fanciers will at once realize its merits. Superior Fish Food is put up in three sizes: No. 1. In powder form: For all young fry of live bearing or spawning fish. 8 No. 2. Fine: For all small fish such as Gup- pies, Danio Rerio, etc.; also young Goldfish. No. 3. Coarse: For all large tropical fish and Goldfish. For raising Goldfish this is superior to any 8 Food. | PRICE, 15c. PER BOX COO C————}) coo 000CMS]000 Manufactured Only By THE PEPTOAST COMPANY 65 Grand St., New York Ss US ese we) SE DON’T MISS IT!! Over thirty-five species of tropical fishes. Am forced to sell surplus on account of moving. At home all day Sunday; Saturday after 2 P. M., other days after 6 P. M. CARL LAZER 647 West 184th St., New York City, N. Y. EDWARD S. SCHMID Emporium of Pets All Kinds of Goldfishes and Aquatic Plants Water Lilies 712 Twelfth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Taxidermy Send for Catalog OOO COO 000000000 C000 000 C00 000C00' Goldfish Blue, Black & Vari-Hued Calicos PRICE LISTS OF BREEDERS, SPAWN AND YOUNG SENT ON REQUEST “4 Please note that I am at home only on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. You are welcome then, but for your convenience I suggest that you telephone first. I have telephone connec- tions in both Mt. Vernon and New York City. [eo ecle 0 ole 0 ole 0 olammmlo 0 ole cele ocle.oe) QOOCOOD00 C00 G—GOOG00G00 000 GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremont Place, Mt. Vernon, N. Y. L OOD COO C00 000000 CS 000000 000000: DRIED SHRIMP (The Utility Fishfood) Per lb., coarse 75c. Ground fine, $1.00. St. George’s Natural Fish Food, $1.00 per Ib. Sample can, 15c. Aquarium Cement, 50c Ib. Add postage to your zone. CANADIAN BIRD STORE 2139 West Van Buren Street. Chicago, II. Fine Broad-tail Telescopes IBILANCIX aimal CANILNMCO Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WE 1519 Neo2ds Streets PHILADELPHIA AQUARIUM PLANTS 12 varieties floating plants, 5 varieties blade grasses, 15 other varieties. Retail only. Large Collection for 15 Gallon Aquarium for $1.00 Postpaid Red Snails, $1.00 per Dozen. J. HENRI WAGNER, 1909 North Capitol Washington, D. C. SPAWN From Telescope and Jap Broad-tails $2.00 per 100 Eggs I. X. L. Fish Food 15c Box 2 Boxes 25c W. E. WALP, 1309 N. 55th Street. Phila., Pa. “AQUARIA FISH” . A practical work on care and breeding of 8 fish in the aquarium, greenhouse and out- door ponds. Finely illustrated. Every one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price. $1.00. Tappan’s Natural Fish Food. Three boxes, postpaid. 25c. Guinea Pigs and Thoroughbred Collie Pups. beautifully marked. Write for prices. 8 F. L. TAPPAN | Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. —— S000 H—o7°~°~r1c) ae C00 C————]S00c00 G————]000 CG ' fo nee cana SUMMER SPECIALS 8 Paradise Fish ........... Pair $1.00 Doz. $4.00 Gambusia Holbrooki 15 es 3.50 onan SOTA Sossaéeeus ue -75 oY 3.50 Japanese Snails (small)..Each 215 +e 1.25 Japanese Snails (large)... “* 25 i 2.50 Japanese Water Newts... ‘“‘ .25 «ec 2..50 Am.Chameleons(100, $3.50) ‘* 10 os aD Chameleon Tree Toads... ‘‘ .25 Si 2.50 Sagittaria (100, $5.00)... as .75 Ten kinds of aquarium plants, $1.00, postpaid. Turtles, Alligators, etc. Largest dealers in South. CRESCENT FISH FARM 1624 Mandeville Street, New Orleans, La. ! cco C900 C000 C——' ——) 500000 C000 C——So00: OOO C000 CJ 000000 CS 0005000 [esas [0,9 e[cxmrnucmen [0 0 o/ amuvcarese |0 0 e00t ==> —=>000 The Mature Study Review OFFICIAL JOURNAL AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY rs The numbers for the coming school year will be filled with special articles from practical teachers dealing with actual works, methods and suggestions for school gardening; elementary agriculture and nature-study. $1.00 per year. 15c. per copy. Add for Canadian Postage 10 cents. Foreign Postage, 20 cents. With Aquatic Life, one year, $1.50. ITHACA, N. Y. Coo C———>7:°0c——— 000 -THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tail Celescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to. breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE : 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. No Mail Orders Bell Phone Broadtails & Tropicals ao. W. PRICE, 2145 S. LEE Srreer PHILADELPHIA Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street !: Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder and Importer of — TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Pans: All Kinds of Fish Foods g Fresh and Dried Daphnia s . i AQUARIA, “UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES i OOO COO 900000 TS 000000600: Pa of Youngs Veiltail Telescopes from the Finest | | Stock in America. $2.50 per Dozen $15.00 per Hundred In Mixed Colors, Blues, Calicos, Etc. Franklin Barrett Wyoming Avenue & C. Street, Phila., Pa . Blacks 0c Extra for Shipping Can Cash With Order THE BEST BOOK i AQUARIUM Sua is ‘‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T. Innes, former President of the Aquarium | Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 illustrations. Tells all about the $ fancy varieties of the Goldfish and nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. HUGO C. NELLES For Tropical Fishes. He Will Please You Thirty-five species—live bearing, spawning and mouth-breeding—on hand. Prices reasonable. At home all day Sunday. By appointment, week days after 3 P. M. 1305 Third Avenue (76th Street. Station, 3rd Avenue L) New York City O00: - YOUR GOLDFISH DYING Or Are You Having Bad Luck With Them—If So Try “BUG FOOD” Used by Sctentife Aquarists and Breeders the world over. Output last season over 100,000 boxes. Two Sizes 10 & 15c By Maill3c & 18c ASK VOUR DEALER FOR TT Wholesale Goldfish, Foods & Supplies BERT J. PUTNAM, 490 Washington St. _ Buffalo, N. Y. i #lichaelsen Hros GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies Wholesale and Retail HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 1163 My rtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. y. Near Broadway. (—— OOO OOO a 2000C—2 0003000 GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, DIP NETS Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food .- - Sample Can l5c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Mail Orders Promptly Attended to Agents for “ART AQUARIUMS” Special Prices on Quantity Lots. : Cash: With Order. Catalogue’ Sent Upon ‘Request. AQUARIUM STOCK CO i 273 Greenwich Street :: New York City HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food Ng 20c Box A GOOD FISH. FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask your dealer or send for it today. : YOUNG Broad-tails Fringetails ade ~ Nymph Telescopes and Japs. All Colors $1.00 per Dozen Up. BREEDERS—Largest Assortment of — Blues, Blacks and Calico Telescopes and Japs at Reasonable Prices. -Fine Assortment of Lionheads Shipping Cans 50c HARRY P. PETERS, : 1210 North Warnock Street, Phils, Pa Nippon Goldfish Co 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal Importers : and : Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH ~— Direct From BREEDERS IN JAPAN — Awarded Gold and Silver Medals, Panama- Pacific: International Sie pe San Fran- cisco, 1915, ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES Price Lists Furnished Trade Only. — eititats aa J Soa. Cc C asset a ty | 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, . Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Chtiay Ete. a bt i : | P | iy i a Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food LT i ue ee : Send for Catalog. FRESH WATER BIOLOGY ~ By HENRY B. WARD and GEORGE C. WHIPPLE ~ WITH THE COLLABORATION OF 25 DISTINGUISHED SPECIALISTS : All interested in aquatic biology will find here answers to their queries on methods of study, conditions of existence, types of life, and inter-relations of the organisms that inhabit our fresh-water bodies, together with data on their life histories, habits and range. : This work is. the first complete and accurate record of “Northi Amer- 3 ican aquatic life, especially the micro-organisms; among both plants and animals excluding the vertebrates, “higher plants and bacteria, every form is described that has been reported from a fresh- water body on this continent. A comprehensive general discussion of each group precedes the description of individual forms, which are arranged under a key to permit of rapid and accurate determination of the genera and species. Nearly every form is illustrated, and its diagnostic features are pointed out. Biological data on its habits, frequence and distribution are also given. Fresh-Water Biology is a big book of 1111 pages, with 1544 illus- trations. Price, $6.00, plus postage on four pounds. AQUATIC LIFE, 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. a8 000 G9 000 C9000 69006 C3000 C000 080: ee + <——)c000 CH ——000c ee eS ee IF YOU Use Regenia Aquarium Salts To replace the natural salts in your aquar- Are Looking for Something Extra teuleat ir waite: help ie Se Fine in Broad -tail Telescopes Dowt Forget W. H. HEIMBACH shell. Benefits the fish. Box of Six Pow- ders, 25e. Wor sale at Pet Stock stores. Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH \ Snails Plants Violet-Ray Fish Remedy — Relieves Constipation, Fungus, Tail Rot, Congestion in fancy fishes; also white spots FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES! on Tropical fishes. Box of Six obsess 413 NortH TENTH STREET ALLENTOWN, PA. C00c => 000C === 000e> 25e. Safe and effective. REGENIA- CHEMICAL CO. - Clementon’ SAS pa _ New eee evoc 000 3—005==3000e=3000 oS | OF) cos es a 8 6 i os Oa a 6 a a a a ae aS a a 8 a 6 a 8 a a Ss Fat Aquarium Biochemistry EDGAR R. WAITE, F.L. S. President, South Australian Aquarium Society A Pile of Goldfish Ashore and (right) others Gasping at the Surface of the Water Photographs by the Author Rs OS ss FE PO ee oe ooh, t Most people know that water is com- posed of two gases, hydrogen and oxy- gen, in the proportion of two to one. They also know that fishes breathe in oxygen to regenerate their blood, and they imagine, perhaps not unnaturally, that the fishes obtain it from the combi- nation. ‘This they cannot do, for as soon as the correct proportion of the two gases is disturbed, water no longer exists. We must, in the first place, appreciate the difference between the chemical ex- pressions “mixture” and “combination.” Atmospheric air is formed of a mixture of two gases, nitrogen and oxygen, and we can vary the normal proportion (of about 79 to 21), within certain limits, without destroying the use of the mixture for respiratory purposes. Water, on the other hand, is produced, not by a mix- ture, but by a chemical combination of two gases in certain definite proportions, as already mentioned, which cannot be upset in the ordinary course of events; if the proportions are changed, say by means of electricity, resulting in the ab- straction of a certain amount of oxygen, then twice that quantity of hydrogen is also set free, and a corresponding meas- ure of water, as such, is destroyed. It will be evident, therefore, that fishes can- not breathe the oxygen which is a con- stituent of the water in which they live. Water has the property of absorbing and retaining a certain amount of free oxygen, this amount varying under dif- ferent conditions, especially of tempera- ture, the warmer the water the less it can hold. Fishes cannot, therefore, live in water that has been recently boiled, be- cause most of the breathable oxygen has been driven off. This boiled water, while cooling, will gradually reabsorb atmos- pheric oxygen, and the greater area of water exposed the more rapidly will ab- sorption take place. Hence the process 140 © Aquatic Lite is accelerated if the water be agitated, or if air be passed into it, a proceeding known as aeration. If the water is not artificially aerated the upper layer only can act as an actual absorber, whence the oxygen is diffused throughout. Under conditions of oxygen starvation (due to heating, or too many animal breathers), the surface layer re- mains richest in oxygen, and the fishes crowd to the top, not to breathe atmos- pheric air, as many imagine, but to ex- tract the dissolved oxygen, where it 1s most abundant. In the goldfish-globe days, and unhap- pily they are not wholly a thing of the past, the assembling of the gasping fish at the surface was taken as an indication that the water “wanted changing,” but the often fair and tender-hearted fancier did not realize that until this change was effected, the little fishes were undergoing torture comparable to that inflicted on the poor wretches of the historic “black-hole of Calcutta.” Nowadays we make good the with- drawal of oxygen from the water by the introduction of aquatic plants, and the use of the term “balanced aquaria” often leads people to suppose that an actual and delicate balance, between the amount of plant and animal life, must be main- tained for the successful conduct of an aquarium. Not so, the secret of success is plenty of plants, if they give off more oxygen than the water can absorb it simply passes into the air, and as more oxygen is required in warmer weather to coun- terbalance the feebler absorptive power of the water, the plants automatically de- velop increased energy and so supply it. The accompanying photographs illus- trate a similar condition, but on a pro- digious scale. A large area of submerged land was being reclaimed, and the fishes, mostly gold carp, formerly spread over acres, were, by pumping out the water, confined to a deep drain. As the water was still further reduced it provided in- sufficient oxygen for the tens of thou- sands of carp, a few of which were pho- tographed, all gasping at the surface. This drain was over a mile in length, and the fishes were gathered from the pump- intake pool at the rate of five tons daily for a whole week.—Abstracted from the writer's inaugural address to the SoutTu AUSTRALIAN AQUARIUM SOCIETY. On Memorial Day a number of mem- bers of The Aquarium Society, New York City, held an outing along the Morris Canal, Little Falls, New Jersey, under the leadership of Mr. Richard Dorn. Many specimens of fishes, turtles and plants were secured. No regular meetings of the Society will be held during July and August.—Hugo C. Nelles. ATR AB The Aquarium Stock Company has ac- cepted the agency for “Art Aquaria,” and are now displaying these unique tanks in their New York salesrooms. One of the several styles, a hexagonal form, with a superimposed fern recep- table, is quite an improvement over the usual six-sided tank. From another type the corner cones may be removed without disturbing the tank when it becomes necessary to have them replated. Art aquaria are furnished in nickel, enamel and aluminum, and will appeal to those who want small tanks that are out of the ordinary. ——— An ingenious Spaniard says that rivers and the inhabitants of the water element were made for wise men to contemplate, and fools to pass by without considera- tion.—Walton. Op rec PA OP PR ee SO FS FSD Germ rms es Commonly known in the vernacular as the mouth-breeder, Haplochromis strigi- gew has long been a favorite because of its beautiful coloration and intensely in- teresting breeding habits. Their scaly sides display a riot of color, scintilating in the light, as they move about—usually with some definite object in view. It is well-nigh impossible to describe the colors, as they lay in no well defined pat- tern, each scale seeming to have a com- plete complement in itself. For this rea- son they have often been justly described aS appearing to be set with precious stones. In addition to these prismatic colors there is a dull band running later- ally from a highly-colored spot on the opercule back to the caudal peduncle, where it blends into the colors of the tail. The pectorals and ventrals are practically without color, but the dorsal and anal fins are as brilliantly hued as the body proper. The sexes vary only slightly in color and size, the female being somewhat duller and lacking the vermillion tip on the anal, which is usually present on the male. This sexual mark is well shown in the accompanying illustration. After a female has bred the lower jaw remains rather distended. The mouth-breeder is truly a tropical fish, inhabiting the streams of Egypt and the Congo, so should not be subjected to a temperature less than 65 degrees. They do very well at 72 degrees, while for breeding purposes it is well to raise it a few degrees. It is not necessary to keep it as high as 80 degrees, but good results will be secured around that point. The breeding habits are no less strik- (The Mouth - Breeder | | CHARLES M. BREDER, Jr. POR PR SOR OE OR I PTD OT OR DR YI VSI TT OL, ing than the colors. In nature the fish prepares a nest by removing all the debris from a circular patch on the bottom, in this somewhat following the custom of our common sunfish, Eupomotis gib- bosus, but is smaller as befits a fish that is seldom more than two inches long. In the aquarium this nest is often omitted, the tendency being seemingly correlated Haplochromis strigigena with the size of the receptable. The smaller the tank the greater the possibil- ity of it being passed by. A certain pair when they spawned in a tank 18 by 12 by 12 inches, made no attempt at nest- building, but when placed in a tub 24 inches in diameter, a nest a foot in diam- eter was hollowed in the centre and cleared of all foreign matter. The con- ditions were likely more natural in the larger body of water, with the added advantage that they were not disturbed by the sight of people moving about, as in the case of a glass tank. After the eggs have been laid and fer- tilized the female gathers them into her mouth, there to carry them during incu- bation, and the resulting fry until they have reached the free-swimming stage. During this period the female abstains from all food. As many as twenty days 142 Aquatic Lite may be consumed in the process, but with the examples under my observation, the average seemed to be ten to twelve. I believe that, within reasonable limits, the higher the temperature the shorter this period. Of course, this is an advantage, as it shortens the fast of the female. Her abstinence from food while carrying the eggs and fry is a serious tax on her strength, and may affect future spawns, so any method of shortening the process is well worth while from that viewpoint. After the female has taken charge of the eggs the male should be removed. His further presence will only serve to annoy her. The number of young in a litter will sometimes be as many as fifty, but usually it is much less. It is best not to breed a female more than twice during a year, but a male may be bred successively to several females. After all the care given the fry by the mother, after they are liberated to shift for themselves, she will be found as can- nibalistic as the more vicious species of She should therefore soon as the young are It is really a pitiful sight to see a school following their mother after release, unconscious of her aquarium fishes. be removed as swimming free. dangerous tendency, disappear one by one down her ample throat. The fry, after separation from the mother, should be treated like other spe- cies. Feed them liberally on infusoria until they are large enough to take small daphne and other foods. If prepared foods are used rather rich ones should be selected. The pair that made such a large nest and spawned in the tub took a notion to After much evident fighting and fin-mauling, I found the female in a sad state, and the male in possession of the eggs! He change the order of procedure. assumed and successfully consummated the role of mother. At this writing | have a dozen little fellows that never wriggled about in the maternal mouth; they are none the wiser and none the worse for the reversal. They seem just as sturdy as the previous litter. The par- ents were young and rather small, which accounts for the number, there being about fifteen in the litter originally. There must have been “considerable discussion” over the custody of the eggs, judging by the appearance of both aduits. A branchiostegal ray of the female in some manner was ripped from its an- chorage and protruded from under the gill cover. This I thought would finish her, but she lived to kill the male that did the damage. The editor suggests that very liberal feeding helps to prevent “scraps,” and the actions of my young fish tend to con- firm this opinion. As an experiment I tried feeding double portions, and now find that I have no trouble in the fight direction, but the tank must be watched to see that no neglected food sours in the water. However, I believe that a great deal depends upon the temperament of the individual, and accounts for the wide difference in opinion regarding the dis- position of the species. A particularly large female owned by the editor would carry the eggs several days and then eject them, eating them several hours later. It is not unusual for a female to swallow the eggs, but to reject them first is pecu- liar. She should have been muzzled! These few notes give a slight idea of the great variations and peculiarities that may be found in the habits of individuals of a species. They suggest the greater pleasure of the study of the behavior and »cology of our aquarium inmates. Breed, therefore, 10t numbers. merely for increased BREEDING THE CHANCHITO | DWIGHT WINTER LS 2a! SSE eee ree : | | : : : ! : : THE CHANCHITO se 8 Oa a as eo a The Chanchito, Cichlasoma facetum (syn. Heros), is found in the ponds and slow streams which are tributary to the La Plata River, South America. In shape it is rather compact, resembling very much our local basses and sunfishes. In color it is glossy green to yellow, vary- ing in different individuals, with broad black vertical bars, the color extending onto the dorsal and anal; caudal and dorsal fins dark; eyes greenish yellow, becoming reddish brown during the breeding season. During the periods of sexual excitement the colors become more pronounced and beautiful. Wild specimens may reach a length of nine inches or more, but those reared in con- finement seldom exceed five inches. It is not always possible to distinguish | OP ta) OL the sexes, in fact, more often impossible, as the colors and shapes of the fins are alike in both. However, in full-grown males, the ventral is slightly longer and reaches to the beginning of the anal fin. It is asserted by one writer that the ab- dominal line of the female is more rounded, but this is very hard to detect, except in very old fish. With the ap- proach of the breeding season the female becomes much larger and thicker, and is then quite easy to distinguish from the male. Owing to its hardiness—it can stand a great deal of knocking about—the chan- chito has always been a great favorite with aquarists. I have kept them in water as low as 40 deg. F., but this is not to be commended. A temperature be- 144 Aquatic Lite tween 60 and 7o deg. suits them better. During breeding activities the tempera- ture must be not less than 70 deg., pref- erably higher. Breeding pairs should be provided with a fairly large tank, with plenty of sand in which to excavate the nests. Plants are not necessary, as they will persist- ently uproot them. The South American natives call the fish the shoat, which means pig, probably because they root about continually. ‘The aquarium should contain two or three large stones or a flower pot laid on its side, on which they will deposit the eggs. I have found a flower pot useful because it affords a shelter for the female should the male become aggressive. It is sometimes difficult to mate a pair, as the male will not always accept the female provided by the owner. I have found that the best way to prevent dis- sension is to divide the aquarium with a piece of glass, placing the male in one compartment and the female in the other. Thus they may see and become accus- tomed to one another. After a few days I remove the partition and leave them to- gether for a short time. If they scrap the partition is replaced, the procedure being repeated until they become amiable. Having mated, they will proceed to dig large holes in the sand all over the aquarium, which is an indication that they are ready to spawn. For the deposition of the eggs, they usually select one of the larger stones or the flower pot, and carefully clean it. In the absence of either I have known them to place the eggs on the side of the tank. The surface having been carefully cleaned, the female deposits the eggs upon it, dropping them in a circle. Then fertilization is effected by the male. Both adults guard the eggs in turn, hovering above and fanning with their fins to keep a constant circulation of water about them. In four or five days the parents move the eggs to a nest previously pre- pared; a mere hollow in the sand. When the fry emerge from the eggs they are unable to swim, but manage to wriggle around in the nest, presumably searching for food. The brood is moved several times to new nests, being carried in the mouths of the parents. This move- ment is probably due to the exhaustion of the food, infusorians, in the region about the nest. After several days the young swim freely, and follow the par- ents ina shoal. At this stage the adults become very aggressive, and will attack anything they think may harm the young. Both parents are active in the care of the babies and return them to the nest every night. Some aquarists advocate removing the male when the young are two or three days old, but I find that if well fed, both parents will take care of the brood until they are seven or eight weeks old. The young mature rapidly, and will breed when about nine months old. Food should consist largely of animal matter, such as raw beef, rain worms and meal worms. If these are not available, they will eat the dry prepared foods used for other tropical fishes—Read at a meeting of the Pittsburgh Aquarium Society. ——— How long do “tropical” fishes survive in our aquaria? It would be interesting to compile a list of species with the maxi- mum length of life in confinement. In- stances have been reported of Danio rerio and Tetragonopteris rubropictus living five years. Readers are requested to communicate their records to the editor. ——+»——__ The wise aquarist preserves AQUATIC Lire for future reference. Do you? a0 “The darter of darters is the fantail (Etheostoma flabellare). Hardiest, wiri- est, wariest of them all, it is one which is most expert in catching other creatures, and the one which most surely evades your clutch. You can catch a weasel asleep when you put your finger on one of these. It is a slim, narrow, black, pirate-rigged little fish, with a long, pointed head, and a projecting, prow-like lower jaw. It carries no flag, but is col- ored like the rocks among which it lives. It is dark brown in hue, with a dusky spot on each scale, so that the whole body seems covered with lengthwise stripes, and these are further relieved by cross bands of the same color. Its fins, espe- cially the broad, fan-shaped caudal, are likewise much checkered with spots of black. The spines of the dorsal are very low, and each of these in the male ends in a little fleshy pad of rusty-red color, the fish’s only attempt at ornamentation. The fan-tailed darter chooses the coldest and swiftest waters, and in these, as befits his form, he leads an active preda- tory life. He is the terror of water snails and caddis worms, and the larve of mosquitoes. In the aquarium this darter is one of the most interesting of fishes, for, though plainly colored, it is very handsome, and in its movements is the most graceful of all the darters. Its mouth opens wider than that of any of the others, and it is fuller of bristling teeth. Its large yellow-rimmed black eyes are ever on the watch. The least of a “fish” and the most of a darter, the fan-tailed is worthily left as a type of the genus Etheostoma, in which it was first place by its discoverer, Rafinesque.” | OI) Fie al Si ss OE Fe THE FAN-TAILED DARTER | FRANK BAMFORD HANNA TL Fs Ps Ps es Ft a Oly Thus have Jordan and Copeland writ- ten of the fish that deserves to be more popular among aquarists, and particularly those who find pleasure in the study of our native species. The “darter of dart- ers” has quite a wide distributions, and ranges from Quebec and New England down the Atlantic coast to South Caro- lina, westward by way of the Great Etheostoma flabellare Lakes and the Ohio basin to Missouri and northeastern Iowa, and southward to northern Alabama. It is practically with- in reach of most aquarists residing in the eastern half of the United States, the Gulf States excepted. Look for it in cool, rocky brooks; occasionally found in rivers and lakes, it shows a preference for small streams. You will catch it most readily in a small minnow seine, though occasionally, if you are lucky, in a dip net. The col- lecting can must not be overcrowded, and should be kept as cool as possible. For a home, in your home, it asks a fair- sized aquarium, the water but a few inches deep; some aquarists say not more than four inches, but six will not be detri- mental. Artificial aeration will be desir- able, but if not possible, then half of the tank should be rather thickly planted with Sagittaria subulata, the small species, leaving the rest of the bottom space clear. The bed of the aquarium should be of clean, sharp sand, with a few rocks in the open area. If the tank is cool at 146 Aquatic Rite all times, and the food requirements met, then success may be expected. The fantail practically demands a diet of live food, for on such it depends in its haunts. During the summer months give it mosquito larve—it will exhibit unexpected dexterity in catching them— vary with small pond snails, which may be had in abundance, and with caddis worms and daphne, or with the many small larvee from a neighboring creek or pond. Winter will bring to an end the supply of some of these foods, but it will be possible to get daphne and Corethra larva, even though ice must be broken to reach them; a supply of snails may be kept in other tanks. Though we have not tried them it will probably relish “enchy- tre” worms. High temperature will be the main summer difficulty, and lack of living food that of winter, but both can be overcome. The fan-tail will eat the dry foods, but they should be used spar- ingly, and only in a “pinch,” in which case care must be exercised to remove unconsumed particles before the develop- ment of fungi, and to otherwise keep the bottom clean by the frequent use of the dip-tube. Changing a portion of the water occasionally will be advantageous. Hydra: The Pest HARRY COLQUHOUN The pest of pests, in the opinion of the aquarist, is the freshwater polyp. Re- gardless of care it may be introduced into the aquarium containing one’s most valued fry, and woe betide them! The Hydra is a relative of small marine jelly- fishes, the Portuguese Man-of-war and some corals, and like them is abundantly provided with nettling organs with which to overcome its prey. Even the young of live-bearing fishes will succumb to the third attack; fry of egg-laying fishes end their career with one. Hydra is tubular in form, and attached at one end to some object; at the free end is a hole, the mouth, which is surrounded by a number of tentacles, usually six or eight. A large specimen will have a body three-quarters of an inch long, with ten- tacles of equal length. From the tenta- cles are discharged the minute stinging threads, which paralyze and cause the death of any minute animal coming in contact with them. The body and tenta- cles are capable of great contraction, and when prey has been captured, the animal Hydra Attached to Duckweed Drawn by Frank J. Myers appears as a small lump, with a coronet of very short tentacles. In the aquarium the Hydra reproduces freely (alas! too freely) by budding, a small excrescence appearing on the side of a mature individual, which gradually develops into a perfect organism. ‘This young Hydra may remain attached until nearly as large as the parent, and may even in its turn produce buds, but all will eventually become detached. The other method of reproduction is by eggs, which protrude as small globules from the lower portion of the animal. After fertiliziation these develop direct into new Hydra. Many methods have been suggested to eliminate Hydra from an infested aqua- rium. The most satisfactory is to remove all the fishes and snails, and syphon out the water, then refilling to the top with new water at a temperature of 104 deg. This effectually kills the pest. Replace this with water of average temperature before returning the fishes. of The purple-striped gudgeons in my aquarium, on which the following notes are based, are about five inches long. They have become the parents of be- tween one thousand and two thousand children during the breeding season of 1913-1914. ‘They first bred in 1912, and were then three years old. There was but one spawning in that year, and as a result of it, I have sixteen yearlings from one and one-half to two inches in length. These have all the color markings of the adult fish, though the males are some- what lighter in color than the females. In October, 1913, the coloration of a pair of my gudgeons became intensified, which indicated approaching fertility. Accordingly, they were placed in an aquarium which had been prepared for them during the previous autumn, and judiciously fed, but otherwise undis- turbed. The tank was of glass, with perpendicular sides, and measured thir- teen by fourteen inches on the surface of the water, which was thirteen inches deep. To make conditions as natural as possible it was well supplied with water- weeds and pond-snails, and the anchorage for the plants was composed of shell-grit, sand and humus, no clayey matter being introduced . Early in the breeding season (15th No- vember) the female deposited her first batch of eggs on the glass side of the aquarium, and others again on the 18th and 27th of December. In the following month, January, 1914, she spawned on the 7th, 17th and 30th, and now in March she has her tenth lot of eggs. October the male has been tending the Since lasr 6 a eh a SO ewes Breeding Habits of Krefftius adspersus, the Purple-striped Gudgeon l ALBERT GALE Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales fe RITES a IS 0h 0 8 OE ES Oh OR a SE OE SE ad eos Ose, various batches of eggs for ninety days. The following observations are based on one spawning only, that of February 17th. The details were obtained twice each day, at 9 A. M. and 9 P. M., with occasional intermediate visits. ‘The even- ing visits were most instructive, being made by the light of two or three candles placed on the side of the aquarium Oppo- site that on which the eggs were depos- ited, which clearly illuminated them, as well as the movements of the parent fishes. On the 15th and 16th, the male made preparations for the deposition of the ova by removing confervoid growths and all foreign matter from the selected site. These he carefuly cleared away with his mouth. Meanwhile the female lurked in the weeds on the far side of the aqua- rium. At g A. M. on the 16th she vis- ited and inspected the site. Approving of it, she placed herself in a horizontal position by it, her abdomen lying at an angle of about 45 degrees, so that the genital papilla had free play to eject the ova on to the glass. Her position also gave me a clear view of her every move- ment. When his mate had settled her- self, the male drew near, and took up a position about one inch above her. His head pointed in the opposite direction to hers, and his abdomen lay at right angles to the prepared site; his genital papilla was immediately above that of the female. On the morning of the 17th, the first ovum was emitted, and immediately afterwards, two others followed. ‘These were conjoined by a fine hair-like film, 148 Aquatte Lite and were closely followed by a string of eight. She continued to eject strings of eggs until a circular patch of about two by two inches was covered. All the chains of eggs were placed horizontally, no one crossing another, and there were about twenty eggs to the lineal inch. Each egg had a genatinous base by means of which it adhered to the glass. As the ova were being deposited, the male hov- ered over the female, it being evident from the movements of his genital papilla that the spermatic fluid was being ejected, and fertilization taking place. The spawning being completed, the male at once placed himself perpendicu- larly above the ova, frequently changing his position, his head being sometimes up, at others down. He remained over the eggs for nine days, the period of in- cubation, and I suppose he obtained his food at night, as he was never feeding at the time of my visits. In thirty-six hours the gelatinous base of each egg had become elongated into a peduncle, the eggs themselves being also larger, and provided with a globule of air on the yolks. On the third day he commenced to fan them continually by oscillating his pectoral and caudal fins. These actions kept the ova in a constant swirl, and were continued until the fry emerged and took shelter in the weeds. On the morning of the 20th I noticed the first signs of eyes, and at 9 P. M. they were distinctly visible. On the 25th, at g A. M., the fry were emerging from the eggs, nine days after their deposition. For a while they hung, head downwards, from the empty egg-capsules, by means of their tails, which were bent like the curve of a fish-hook. The motions of respiration and a tremulous movement of the pectoral fins were the first indications of life when they came into the world. At 8 P. M. the following day they had all dispersed among the weeds, where they were further guarded by the male for another twenty-four hours. The tem- perature of the water at this time was about 80 degrees. There were no sterile eggs in the first few nests, the first one being observed in the fourth. The eighth nest contained thirteen, and the number continued to increase as the season advanced.—Ke- printed by permission from THE Aus- TRALIAN ZOOLOGIST ———>_—__ With the caption, “Mysterious Fish with Strange Arabic Inscriptions,” a recent magazine article presents a photo- graph of Holacanthus nicobartensis (var. Semicirculatus), caught at Zanzibar, where it created quite a sensation. The markings of the caudal fin form two dis- tinct inscriptions in Arabic, reading on one side, ‘““The Work of God,’ and on the other, “God Alone.” The fish was bought in the market, and when the strange markings were noticed, it was taken to an Arabic scholar. It was af- terwards shown to the Sultan, who also recognized the wording. The lettering is plain, and the discov- ery caused wonderment among the local Mohammedans. They declare it portends something about to happen, possibly the end of the war. Fabulous prices were offered for the fish by the superstitious, but it finally came to rest, in formalin, in the Government laboratory. It was later placed on public exhibition. ———+___ What fishes may be associated in a “happy family” or community aquarium? The experiences of aquarists differ. Let me have a list of the species composing your “family,” mentioning the size of the tank. This is a point on which many readers ask help.—Editor. | | | | |< wees Passing from such influence as the progress of ichthyology received at the hands of such men as J. Ray and F. Wil- lughby, from 1628 to 1672, we pass to a brief account of the achievements of a man who far outclassed either of them; although what he did for the sci- ence of fishes in his time was due to the accomplishments of the two writers just mentioned. Reference is made to the labors of Peter Artedi. Now, Artedi was born in Sweden in 1705, and at the age of 29 he was acci- dentally drowned in one of the canals of Amsterdam, in 1734. In his brief life- span he not only studied under Linnzus at Upsala, but he seized upon the pub- lished material left by Ray and Wil- lughby, whose writings he thoroughly appreciated, and applied them to his own various lines of research in ichthyology. Owing to his sudden and early taking off, all this was left in manuscript; but, for- tunately, there was a friend at hand to take care of this for him. This was Count Clifford, a wealthy Englishman, and the proof was edited by a no less dis- tinguished naturalist than Linneus him- self, who was, as stated above, a friend of Artedi during the latter’s brief career. So important were the works of Artedi, and so comprehensive for the time they were written, that many biog- raphers refer to him as the father of ichthyology ; and it would seem that he well deserves that distinction. As gathered together, his works com- prise five distinct treatises. First among these we find an exhaustive ichthyological biography as well as bibliography up to | History of Ichthyology. Part 3 | | | FES TS FR ES ee Sh Fh i, SA FR Sh FR ERE FR Sh FO FR SN ER SS ER SS SS (The | MAJOR R. W. SHUFELDT, Medical Corps, U. S. A. eas! Ot P| his time (Bibliotheca Ichthyologica). This is followed by a wonderful and sys- tematic treatise on the anatomy of fishes and its application to taxonomy (Philo- sophia Ichthyologica). his Genera Piscium, Then he gave us in which no fewer Portrait of Carl Linne, somewhat past middle age than forty-five piscine genera are cre- ated, all of which seems to have held up to the present time—so accurate were the diagnostic differences defined. In his Species Piscium we meet with most ex- cellent descriptions of seventy-two spe- cies of fish, which are quite as scientific- ally dealt with as his Genera; and, lastly, this remarkable authority compiled a great work on ichthyological synonomy (Synonymica Piscuwm), wherein we meet with a systematic arrangement of the works of all previous writers on 150 Aquatte Rite fishes up to his own day. Few writers in biology have accom- plished such an array of completed pro- ductions in so brief a period of time; even Linnzeus, the best-known naturalist the world has ever seen, never succeeded in overshadowing Ardeti, in so far as the science of fishes is concerned. How- ever, Linnzus did accomplish one great task in this field; for, taking the correctly described species of fish by Artedi, he not only added other species to the list, but he applied correct binomial names to them. Moreover, Linneus, in the twelfth edition of his System, gives us a classifi- cation of fishes which is a very thorough one, considering the time it appeared. This part of the wonderful achievements of Linnzus is too extensive to reproduce in a short article like the present one. Almost immediately after the works of Artedi and Linnzus appeared—in- deed, inspired by them—this branch of zoological science took on a truly marvel- ous forward movement, which was manifested in the rapid appearance of many works on fishes from many pens of writers of very different nationalities. Omitting the feeble efforts of Klein and Gronow, both of whom were contempo- raneous authors with Linnzus, we may name such writers as Thunberg; Brum- nich (Mediterranean fishes); Kalm (American types) ; O. Fabricius (Green- land); Osbeck (Fishes of Japan and China); Forskal (Red Sea forms); Hasselquist (Palestine and Egyptian spe- cies), with a great many others, such as Duhamel, Pennant, Muller, Parra, Cornide, Neidinger, and others of less eminence. Next followed the great im- press made on ichthyology by the writ- ings and complications of such distin- guished writers as M. E. Bloch (1723- 1799), and Lacepede (1756-1826) ; while the morphological side of the science re- ceived the attention of numerous pens of authors skilled in comparative anat- omy, wherein fishes were not neglected, For example, Hunter worked on the nerves ; Camper and Haller took up other organs, but also paid some attention to piscine neurology. Munro produced a mass of excellent work on the general anatomy of fish, contrasting it with that of our own species. Electrical fish were studied by Allamand, Walsh, Reaumur, Bancroft and others. Even as early at 1764, Fleditsch both understood and practiced the artificial rearing of salmon and trout; and just previous to this time a great number of brochures appeared on what was being discussed under the gen- eral title of the mystery of the common eel. Another enormous impulse was given the study of fishes when Baron Cuvier entered the field (1769-1832) ; this was at a time almost immediately after the writings of Lacepede and Bloch ap- peared. It will be remembered that G. Cuvier was the author of the great work, the Regne Animal, and his interest in ichthyology hinged upon his employing it in that famous treatise. A. Valenci- ennes was a pupil of Cuvier’s, and in the year 1820 the former commenced his well-known work on the Hirtoire Natur- alle des Poissons, the first volume of which was published eight years there- after. Following Cuvier’s death, Valen- ciennes continued the work, producing volume after volume, until the twenty- second one was out in 1848, which takes into consideration the salmon group of fishes or the Salmonidae. Notwithstand- ing its extent, this series of volumes is by no means complete. This does not mean, however, that the student of ich- thyology can well dispense with it, for such is not the case. In a brief article like the present one ? See Ce ve £7 Ol. y Mt Be cS) Ud ui ‘ ih at BR oc i H Risstines te Byes it 7 Batre tre pent ay tH i fini ati yeilidete i [AULT ELLE TF ay TE GG i Ct et TEER WaT rit apsNS Tare 1 marietta iayh a7 rH r ate il ‘ tT A i His } BiN® Ti Hild i ih Hi? He i i ; sa aie ial eller : tay Heit ’ tildes AReERYABO TAT ETAEE i MEL ELAT HY iF ; TAs Hp AH a Led ri th iT Ht a fi a Life EL i Moe i “ har: Hi HH) seqad fate , u ne stn pers Ate : sft a PH RRTa R cn cal hi ae fi i i ate Hn Hl Ubs a ridelesasadactes RP LTS EU Te PE eee Tree ern es i 1 Geeta ey Hf ny if f a” - cc red 2 tl: rb / +? a Pa i uP POV lip 3 fa 5 BCL Fee. 1S e) ) ti ie at } #3 Le : elle cw .é Be rd Jy Cl 4 eere. A 152 Aquatic Zile it is quite out of the question to present the various classifications proposed by any of the above named ichthyologists, as that would occupy too much space. The readers of this short biographical history would gain nothing by it, for all of those classifications are, to a greater or less degree, now much modified by writers of modern times. The era between the years 1760 and 1860 was filled in by many writers in this field, the majority being, however, pre-Cuvierian ones. For example, we find the works of Patrick Russel, F. Hamilton, E. Donovan, A. Risso, and finally, in 1815, a work on the fishes of New York by S. L. Mitchell. Although only seventy years elapsed between the days of Linnzus and Cuvier, the advances made in the science of ich- thyology were simply enormous. These were principally along the lines of the knowledge—the accurate knowledge—of the significance of taxonomic groups, based upon distribution in time and upon morphological characters; upon the anatomy and physiology of fishes, and upon many of the extinct forms. In concluding this part, it may be said, in truth, that, notwithstanding the bril- liancy of the light shed on scientific ich- thyology by Artedi, who preceded Lin- neus, and the glorious contributions to the subject by Bloch, Lacepede and Cuvier, who followed him, it must be ad- mitted that the impetus given the study of fishes by the Systema of Linnzeus must ever be regarded as the great cen- tral light of the middle period of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This being the case, we may well devote the illustrations of this part to the illus- trious Swede, who accomplished so much that redounds to the credit of bio- logical science. For the two portraits I here present of Linnzeus to the readers of Aguatic Lire I am indebted to the gen- erosity of (Col ©. ©) McCulloch, jr5or the Medical Corps of the Army, who is librarian of the Army Medical Museum of the Surgeon General’s Office, and to Mr. Cary R. Sage, assistant librarian of that institution, who selected them for their present use. In this library there is a wonderful gallery of portraits, and these two of Carl Linne were selected from it, copies being made for me by Mr. Roy Reeve, the official photographer of the Museum. In Fig. 1 we have a portrait of Linne, somewhat past middle life, while in Fig. 2 he is considerably younger, or, as indicated in the legend, about 41 years of age. Historically, these portraits are of great value, and have not appeared anywhere in literature or bio- graphical sketches for a great many years; they cannot fail of being appreci- ated by students of ichthyology in any part of the world where they may be seen. BIS SLE as The aquarian should at all times use the scientific names of fishes in pref- erence to a manufactured or common name; then there will be no mistaking the particular fish about which he may be talking. Babe is iep A little fish from Africa, recently made known to science, bears the tongue- twisting name of Microstomatichthyo- borus bashforddeam. Written in “long hand” the name is just about twice as long as the fish. Boe Most exotic fish fanciers endeavor to breed a greater number of species than their equipment can handle. The usual result is under-sized fish, due to crowd- ing. sara The waters are nature’s storehouse, in which she locks up her wonders.— Walton. Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. WY, Blo IPOWSIBIRNooo cau occccesoda done Editor JOSEP 12, YVANUSINUAIN . coc6co0 Publisher 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 38, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aquatic Lirr. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aouatic Lire has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Weary SMDSGnMHOM sscogoboccccoxp0ude $1.00 Foreign Subscriptions ................ 1.35 Siinelews Copycat simran cree care 10 Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents Should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1918 by Joseph E. Bausman Vol. Ill July, 1918 No. 11 The Satin-fin or Shiner, Notropis an- alostanus, and the Red-fin, Notropis cor- nutus, are two common and widely dis- tributed minnows. Spring or breeding males are quite attractively colored. Found in brooks and creeks east of the Rockies. MAGIC seems to be the best Infusoria cu tire on he ate pore breed- ers claim they saved their fry and now feed MAGIC solution to increase their supply of Daphnia. YOGI Fish Food at all Dealers & Druggists 10c; by mail 12c. YOGI by lb. 75c, add postage. MAGIC 25c, by mail 28c A COMBINATION OF INGREDIENTS WHICH WILL PRODUCE A VARIETY. OF HARMLESS. NON SHELL INFUSORIA, MAGIC ORIGINATED AND MANUFACTURED BY ROBERT J. SCHAEFFER 1818 FRANKFORD AVE. PHILA., PA. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Avenue _ Phila., Pa YOU CAN JUDGE an aquarist by his library. The pro- gressive aims to secure all the avail- able literature of the subject. His slogan is “read, mark and learn.” The elementary books are stepping stones te the more technical works. Ad- vanced treatises assume that the stu- dent is grounded in the subject; the elementary takes nothing for granted. Both are necessary; one an introduc- tion to the other, and to success and pleasure. For your library we suggest the following: Keystone Volumes AQUATIC LIFE. The recognized standard in periodical aquarium lit- erature. A volume averages 165 pages, and as many or more illustrations— a picture whenever it is needed. Each year brings forth papers on the funda- mentals of aquarium management and the breeding of goldfish, two ever pop- ular phases. Month after month ap- pear articles on the tropical fishes; he who reads may breed them; nowhere else in this detailed information avail- able. A volume is in itself a “com- plete aquarium book.” Volume I has long since been out of print and now commands a premium; Volume II (few copies remain), $2.25, postpaid; Volume III (ready in September), $2.25, postpaid. AQUATIC MICROSCOPY. By Dr. Alfred C. Stokes. This book, whether or not you possess a microscope, will immeasurably add to your knowledge of the minute organisms that play such an important part in the econ- omy of the early life of your fishes. If you have a ’scope it will tell you how to use it to the best advantage. It should be studied by every aquar- ist—it forms the stepping stone to Ward and Whipple’s “Fresh Water Biology.” 324 pages, with 198 illus- trations. $2.25, plus postage on two pounds. THE HOME AQUARIUM. By Eu- gene Smith. A splendid book by a man who was a scientist as well as an aquarist, which bespeaks the accur- acy of the work. The construction, principles and management of the aquarium, the proper plants, hardy fishes and other animals, methods of collecting specimens and other details are well covered. Particular attention is given to desirable wild fishes. 213 pages, with 137 illustrations. $1.50, plus postage on two pounds. AQUATIC LIFE 542 East Girard Avenue Philadelphia ; MACK’S SUPERIOR FISH FOOD This is indeed the best food ever produced for tropical fishes as well as for goldfish. It has no equal. Com- pare it with any food, and if it is not all we claim it to be, don’t buy any We will refund your money if more. you wish. No. 1. In powder form: For all young fry of live bearing or spawning fish, No. 2. Fine: For all small fish such as Guppies, Danio Rerio, etc.; also young Goldfish. No. 3. Coarse: For all large tropi- cal fish and Goldfish. Price 15c per box; add 3c postage. For sale at Mack’s Bird Store, 2193 Broadway, New York City, and at H. Rabenau, 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brook- lyn. Your dealer can get it for you; if not, notify us. We also manufac- ture the only real turtle food at 15 cents a box. Manufactured Only By The Peptoast Company 65 GRAND ST., NEW YORK cL ml Cee EE a! C00 C3500 000 CS 000 C5000 C5000 5000 H——0099000 H—S]Scaco C00 CD} 000000 CS} 000 CH S000C 5000 CS 000C SJ 000000 C———Jo000 DON’T MISS IT!! Over thirty-five species of tropical fishes. Am forced to sell surplus on account of moving. At home all day Sunday; Saturday after 2 P. M., other days after 6 P. M. CARL LAZER 647 West 184th St., New York City, N. Y. Goldfish Blue, Black & Vari-Hued Calicos PRICE LISTS OF BREEDERS, SPAWN AND YOUNG SENT ON REQUEST Please note that I am at home only on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. You are welcome then, but for your convenience I suggest that you telephone first. I have telephone connec- tions in both Mt. Vernon and New York City. GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremont Place, Mt. Vernon, N. Y. COOCOCOOO0 000M G00 000000000 OOD O00 OOO COO MS000000000000: ee DRIED SHRIMP (The Utility Fishfood) Per lb., coarse 75c. Ground fine, $1.00. St. George’s Natural Fish Food, $1.00 per Ib. Sample can, 15c. Aquarium Cement, 50c 1b. Add postage to your zone. CANADIAN BIRD STORE 2139 West Van Buren Street. Chicago, Ill. Fine Broad-tail Telescopes BILANCIX exacl CALICO Correspondence Solicited GEORGE WILT, 1519 N. 62d Street, PHILADELPHIA HENRY KISSEL, JR. Fancier & Breeder of Tropical Fishes (Not a dealer). I have good healthy stock at reasonable prices. Call or ’phone, Cliffside 461. 241 Walker Street, Cliffside, N. J. Leitbol€ Brothers BREEDERS OF TROPICAL FISHES A Large Assortment of Many Species in Stock at All Times 281 Southern Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. ooo “AQUARIA FISH” A practical work on care and breeding of fish in the aquarium, greenhouse and out- door ponds. Finely illustrated. Every one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price, $1.00. 8 Tappan’s Natural Fish Food. Three boxes, | postpaid, 25c. Guinea Pigs and Thoroughbred Collie Pups, beautifully marked. Write for prices. F. L. TAPPAN Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. [ie Se cen! 000 C000 C——>coo HUGO C. NELLES FOR YOUR TROPICAL FISHES He has the best of Stock of all varieties to be had at present. Plants, Snails, Etc. Manufacturer of the “Faultless Fish Food” 1305 Third Avenue (76th Street Station, 3rd Avenue L) New York City No Store ———]o000000 C———] 00 C000 SUMMER SPECIALS 8 Paradisemhishieaaceeieinns Pair $1.00 Doz. $4.00 8 Gambusia Holbrooki .... ‘ 75 oo 3250! Pigmy Sunfish .......... se -75 se 3.50 Japanese Snails (small)..Each 15 se 1525) 8 Japanese Snails (large)... ‘‘ 25 2.50 8 Japanese Water Newts... ‘“ .25 2.50 ( Am.Chameleons (100, $3.50) 10 ‘ 5 8 Chameleon Tree Toads... ‘ .25 OG Gi) Sagittaria (100, $5.00)... ss -75 Ten kinds of aquarium plants, $1.00, postpaid. 8 Turtles, Alligators, ete. Largest dealers in South. 8 CRESCENT FISH FARM 1624 Mandeville Street, New Orleans, La. } = 000 CD00 000 CS 000 S]000: ‘EVERYTHING IS FISH THAT COMES TO THE NET OF A NATURALIST Don’t paddle in the water with one hand and be blind with both eyes. In other _words, “keep your eyes open’’ for all nature, Our Magazine be @uide to srature Will Help You Jt is edited by EDWARD F. BIGELOW, who fishes in the heavens and earth, as well as the waters under _the earth. Four months’ trial. 25¢e.- One year, $1.00. THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION ArcAdiA Connecticut | | 000 [oc cfm, THE TERMINAL PET SHOP : PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York | WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tail Celescopes BLUES BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. 0606 00000055 i S000 —S000C—S 0000355 Sound Beach ; ‘No Mail Orders Bell Phone Broadtails & Tropicals GEO. Wo PRICK; 2145S. Lee STREET PHILADELPHIA — oS Walter ; Brooklyn, N LS @ Near Central Avenue L Station _ Breeder and Importer Cs 8 86 Suydam Stréet 3 3 TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES 8 Telescopes — Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic pea All Kinds of Fish Foods Fresh and Dried Daphnia AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES Sr Se 000000 Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T.Innes, former President of the Aquarium | nearly 300 tropicals; how to breed Se ee Thousands of Young va | Telescopes from the Finest | 8 Stock in America. : | $2.50 per Dozen | 3 $ 15. 00 per Hundred In Mixed Eniits: 8 Calicos, Blues, Ete. Franklin Barrett B lacks Wyoming Avenue & C€. Street, Phila., Pa | 50c Eoin Ge Shape for. Shipping Can Cash With Order EE THE BEST BOOK me AQUARIUM susiecrs is ‘‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 _, illustrations. Tells all about the r¢ ; fancy varieties of the Goldfish and ‘xe them, etc., etc. For the beginner oi the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlarged edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. OOO OCO0COG—D 000 TD 000000000! . Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 Putnam AvENUE, BRooKLyn, N. Y. le cele 0 ele eo efanm| COoCOT D000 000 00s ARE YOUR GOLDFISH DYING g Or Are You Having Bad Luck With Them—If So Try “BUG FOOD” Used by. Scientific Breeders the world over. season over 100,000 boxes. Two Sizes 10 & 15c By Mail 13c & 18c ASK YOUR DEALER FOR IT Wholesale Goldfish, Foods & Supplies BERT J.. PUTNAM, 490 Washington St. J Aquarists and 8 Output last : t 8 : Buffalo,-N. Y. O00 000600 S000 C960 G—]600000000: Roc 600c— 000908 e000 600c— 000 HARRY P. PETERS | 1210 N. Warnock Street, Patadeleis, Pe BREEDER AND IMPORTER ae Rare and Fancy Fish - aie : PMicharlsen Gros GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Plants of every variety, Snails aaa o Aquarium Seine eke of all kinds at. all ES times. MANUFACTURER OF. Green River Fish Food --15¢ Box Green River Baby Fish rood oe. -20c Box 2 ee See A coop FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to f) _ keep fish in good health. After the 9 test of years Green River stands out as the best food on the market. It UY keeps the fish in good color by pro- 8 moting a healthy, robust growth. It |}. will not sour or cloud the water. Ask 2 your dealer or send for it today. — Philadelphia | Aquarium Fishes All Kinds of Aquatic Plants Aquaria & Supplies Wholesale and Retail _ 3y) wnt ‘ a i a ree s cpihee Ce pee Bie oe Peet Te hee by EHiine kr? ee HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist ‘YOUNG Hrosd-talls, Fringetaila and ¥ 3 5 Nymph Telescopes and Japs. ane Ges Colors, $1.00 per Dozen Up. BREEDERS—Largest Assortment of | ' Blues, Blacks and Calico Telescopes and Japs at Reasonable Prices. ; Shipping Cans, 50c, 5 Fine Assortment of Lionheads’ || Rist aay PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly (1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. Near Broadway. HARRY P. PETERS, = 8 1210 North Warnock St., Phila.,. Pa. een DOC OOO COO 000 000000000000 000000 0G0K 00 Nippon Goldfish Co e - 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal 8 Importers : and : Dealers 8 JAPANESE GOLDFISH re Direct From BreeDers IN JAPAN §° Awarded Gold and Silver Medals, Panama- 8 Pacific International Exposition, San Fran- cisco, 1915. ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES § ee Price Lists Furnished Trade Only. . Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Mail Orders Promptly Attended to Agents for “ART AQUARIUMS” Special Prices on Quantity Lots. GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, cru pe a NETS ; Cash With Order, Catalogue Sent Upon Request, AQUARIUM STOCK CO 273 Greenwich Street :: New York City Jacob C. Cassel 915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa Manufacturer of AQUARIUMS Aquarium Ornaments Floral Terra Cotta, Etc. Goldfish Fish Globes Fish Food and all aquarium requisites. Send for Catalog. FRESH WATER BIOLOGY By HENRY B. WARD and GEORGE C. WHIPPLE WITH THE COLLABORATION OF 25 DISTINGUISHED SPECIALISTS All interested in aquatic biology will find here answers to their queries on methods of study, conditions of existence, types of life, and inter-relations of the organisms that inhabit our fresh-water bodies, together with data on their life histories, habits and range. This work is the first complete and accurate record of North Amer- ican aquatic life, especially the micro-organisms; among both plants and animals excluding the vertebrates, higher plants and bacteria, every form is described that has been reported from a fresh-water body on this continent. A comprehensive general discussion of each group precedes the. description of individual forms, which are arranged under a key to permit of rapid and accurate determination of the genera and species. Nearly every form is illustrated, and its diagnostic features are pointed out. Biological data on its habits, frequence and distribution are also iven. Fresh-Water Biology is a big book of 1111 pages, with 1547 illus- trations. Price, $6.00, plus postage on four pounds. | AQUATIC LIFE, 542 -E. Girard ‘Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. ic———>7°0 c06 IF YOU p Are Looking for Something Extra Fine in Broad -tail Telescopes Dont Forget W. H. HEIMBACH Breeder and Importer of FINE FISH Snails Plants FISH FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES !. 413 North TENTH STREET ALLENTOWN, Pa. Here is a chance to make money Write for Proposition Give References ; s : . ee EN TES PY BL OP ee ee oe See een ee Re eee ee ee ee we) ere pee Fe gee gee : . SR ae IAN TAA Se CO SRST Oe eG LIE EA) Soe See EM NI Ae anit ee =>: Te a En See ee Ee | | | | | | | | | [te aS aS a a a a Sa ! The breeding activities of few tropical fishes, if any, are more interesting than those of Acara bimaculata, of South America. More shy but not as pugna- cious as Hemichromis and other rela- tives, their breeding in the aquarium is not difficult. The sexes are similar in coloration, but it is very changeable, quite con- trasty transformations being effected. The ground color may be either olive or a greenish blue. A black lateral band has its origin at the gill cover, being fol- lowed by a number of spots of the same shade, the last located at the base of the caudal. Under oblique light the head, back, base of dorsal, and anal fin have a brassy sheen. Upright bars are visible at times, extending from the ridge of the back to the abdomen, which, like the lateral markings, may partially or com- pletely disappear. The dorsal points and the base of the anal are blue, edged with black; ventrals black streaked with blue. In breeding examples the abdomen and sides may be black with a bluish sheen, the back becoming a rich olive crossed by bars of a darker shade. The ventral points of the male, when folded, extend to the sixth ray of the anal, while in the female only the fourth is reached. In a pair I had under ob- servation the dorsal and anal fins of the male, which he usually carried slightly folded, appeared somewhat larger and drawn into points, whereas in the female they were rounded and habitually carried erect. This pair we placed, for breeding pur- poses, in a large tank of filtered and ; ACARA BIMACULATA | ERNEST LEITHOLE 6 at Fa st MM Ft ea a erated water, which averaged 81 de- grees Fahrenheit. This aquarium is heated by gas, the burner being placed in the lower end of a length of two-inch iron pipe, which is fastened to the bottom of the tank and extends above the water line. To prevent rust the pipe was coated with Portland cement, giving it the ap- Acara bimaculata pearance of an upright submerged log. On the 29th of March, much to our concern, the pair were discovered fan- ning a nest of eggs which they had placed on the heating pipe. When, but two days later, they were observed picking them from this rather warm situation, we con- cluded they were indulging in a feast of boiled eggs! Noticing the adults alter- nately disappearing in a group of Sagit- taria, | then perceived what resembled, in miniature, a swarming colony of bees. The eggs of a moment before were now a cluster of living, wriggling fry sus- pended from a leaf of Sagittaria. The force of expelling a mouthful of the young into the cluster by one of the par- ents would cause the other to violently vibrate their caudals to enable them to maintain their positions. During the next five days they were transferred seven times, always being 154 Aquatic Lite assembled as described. ‘There were ap- proximately 250 young, and it required less than ten minutes to move them to a new location 18 inches away. On one occasion, having moved half of the fam- ily from the centre of the tank to a leaf close to the side nearest the observer, they, as we approached, apparently de- cided that the new location was unsafe, for immediately the youngsters were car- ried back to the old place. In five days, seemingly without nour- ishment other than that furnished by the yolk-sac, the fry had doubled in size. On the sixth day they had begun to swarm about, keeping the parents busy as bees to prevent them from scattering. Stragglers would be picked up in the mouth of a parent and expelled back into the school. That night they were again assembled in a cluster. This putting to rest, as it were, was followed for two weeks. After this the youngsters disre- garded parental restrictions and moved about at will, still, however, zealously guarded against harm. How strong the parental instinct may be was well illustrated by a pair in the possession of Mr. Dwight Winter, of Pittsburgh, Pa. These mated and reared a family in a large community tank, yet they successfully guarded their offspring against all attacks. When my young were three weeks old I removed the parents. The babies are quite robust, resembling in this particu- lar, as well as in appearance, the young of the Chanchito. The care and feeding is identical, and was covered by Mr. Winter in his paper in the July number. (Mr. Winter writes that his tank holds about 180 gallons, and contained at the time mentioned 4 Fundulus chrysotus, 3 Gambusia holbrooki, 8 Lebistes reticu- latus, 2 Phalloptychus januarius, 30 Mol- lemsia latipinna, 8 Platypoecilus macu- latus, 20 Xiphophorus helleri, 20 Poe- ccilia sp, incert., the breeding pair of Acara and one odd male. On June 13th, the young Acara measured from three- fourths to an inch long, and were still in the original tank, where Mr. Winter intends to keep them until they are much larger —Editor. ) se sa In the death of Rudolph Gallattovitz, on July 23d, the Aquarium Society, New York, lost an active and popular mem- ber. ‘The remains were interred in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Long Island. Mr. Gallattovitz’s son, Raymond, who recently received an honorable discharge from the U. S. Army, has become a mem- ber. While he was stationed at San Antonio, Texas, he made a goodly col- lection of snakes, turtles, horned toads and other lizards—Huco C. NELLEs, Chairman Press Committee. —— At the annual meeting of the Milwau- kee Aquarium Society, the following offi- cers were elected: President, Liborius Vice-president, Alfred H. Schroeder ; Treasurer, George J. C. Stef- fen; Recording Secretary, W. R. White; Corresponding Secretary, Arthur Simon; Custodian, Edwin F. Kieckhefer; Libra- rian, Jacob Merget; Directors, Max Jaehnert and Dr. R. G. Washburn. The members of the Chicago Society Aquatic Life recently visited Milwaukee. and apparently found much to interest them in our _ collections—ARTHUR SIMON, Corresponding Secretary. Semmann: —— First autumn meeting of the Philadel- phia Goldfish Fanciers’ Society, Saull’s Hall, 804 Girard avenue, September 18th. General “get together” and annual auc- tion of fishes. Bring a few good ones and a little “spare change.” Public in- vited. a 3d a a ah a at FO at a es a es ad Os | f : On Transporting Living Daphnia ! mes eee er em es ee 0 es Oe oe za For several years a few fish breeders have been carrying their Daphne home on cloth stretchers or trays, instead of in pails of water. This method has such important advantages that its use should become more general. As all aquarists are not familiar with the scheme, a de- scription follows, together with a state- ment of the results of a series of experi- ments made to test its efficiency. Collectors of Daphne and mosquito larve have occasionally noted, when the net is kept moist over night, that the “insects” clinging to it will be alive the following morning. It has also been long known to the writer and others that quite a large mass of Daphne can be car- ried home in the net if it 1s not allowed to dry. These facts have brought about the development of the cloth tray or stretcher on which to carry any kind of pend food. The tray on which the food has been placed is carried in a tight re- ceptacle which will prevent evaporation. Upon arrival home the food is washed from the tray into water. Any arrange- ment embodying these principles will answer. The outfit I am using fills every re- Ihe carrier 1s a) tin’ bread box measuring 12 inches long, 9 inches deep and 8 inches wide. This holds nine trays, the frames of which are wood, 34-inch square. These are about a half- inch shorter in width and length than the corresponding inside measurements of quirement. the carrier, which permits easy removal. Fine muslin forms the bottom of the tray. The edges of the fabric are turned over neatly and fastened to the outside of the frame with small copper tacks. WILLIAM T. INNES | 2d Tacks of copper allow easy removal when new muslin is needed. In order to economize in weight I used soft white pine for the frames, giving them a coat of shellac to make them moisture proof. The box is enamaled white, because white absorbs considerably less heat than dark colors while standing in the sun. When collecting, set a tray in the water rim up, placing the food in it as gathered. A tray will carry a layer 1-16 inch deep after the water has been drained. If not to be carried for more than an hour or two they may be piled % inch deep. Let me say here that a quarter inch of “bugs” in a tray of this size is a big lot of food. It is about as much as can be carried in a large can of water for an hour without ice. In lifting the tray from the water proceed slowly, after spreading the con- tents as evenly as possible. ‘The muslin should not belly downwards and allow the Daphne to work in under the frame, which it will do if too hastily withdrawn from the water. To empty a tray invert it over a pan or tub. Ifa hose is handy, run the water first around the edge and then over the centre. This prevents washing the con- tents between the frame and muslin. In spite of care some will lodge there, but are easily removed by pressing the fabric slightly backward and pouring water on the edge. This removal is important. There have been complaints that the cloth soon rots and needs renewing. ‘This, I think, is caused by the particles allowed to remain and decompose, or because the trays are not thoroughly dried after use. They should be stood apart in the air and not returned to the box while any 156 Aquattc Lite moisture remains. I have used my trays for some time, and they seem as good as new. As each tray is emptied into water the water in turn should be passed through Brussels netting or brass wire cloth of the proper mesh to pass the Daphne and retain a great deal of the rubbish and detrimental insect larve that are usually taken. Such sieves are, of course, a part of the equipment of every well regulated breeding establishment. In my experiments to ascertain how long Daphne could live under the condi- tions mentioned, I employed a single tray, placing a moist one above and below it. ‘The carrier was placed in the cellar with a temperature of approximately 65 de- grees. The Daphne was in a layer about 1-16 inch deep. At five different inter- vals the tray was dipped, end down, into a pan of water, each time washing off a new section, but without disturbing or moistening the balance. Portions were thus removed at three, seven, seventeen, twenty-seven and forty-one hours. At twenty-three hours practically all were alive, save such as were probably injured in collecting or dead or moribund when placed in the tray. At forty-one hours about three-quarters were dead, and no doubt all would soon have perished. The fact that Daphne (and mosquito larve) can be kept in good condition for any reasonable length of time by this method, without ice, should make its use almost universal, especially when one considers the saving in weight. hand, with my outfit, I am certain that I can carry twice the quantity of Daphne as a man with two fifty-pound lard cans who must travel an hour to reach home, and mine will be in better condition. In one es A woman’s idea of a square deal is one in which she comes out ahead. Our President’s Car Oh, boy! Have you seen it—our Presi- dent’s car? Latest thing in Daph traps, got ’em all beat by far. No, it’s not a one-lunger, though the fact seems untrue till microscopical examination shows up a wee two. The boat has four wheels, and three touch the ground, with rubber- band tires to make them look round. The self-starter’s a pippin—nothing new, to be frank—for any fish fan can work it with eight turns of the crank. Fred says it’s a humdinger, and we agree with him in that. For daph hunt- ing it’s great, if you don’t care when you get back. Folks call it Haley’s comet, but for speed far be it from such; it’s the flaming tail left behind when she’s kickin’ up the dust. Five miles from a gallon and ten minutes to the mile, really the dear ole sloop would make an iron man smile. ’*Tis not a tin Lizzie, a flivver or a can, for the thing was created before H. Ford wasaman. At night while Fred snoozes, and all nature seems dead, the ole buss is safely anchored right under his bed. P. §.—With apologies to the Chicago Aquarium Society, and the Orsinger buss, which is none other than the origi- nal working model of the prehistoric Simple-X lemonzine.—Bro. Bill. PRET LUN vee They’re trying to christen Molhenisia latipinna the “flag-fin.”” Seems to me that the Philadelphia calico broadtail goldfish has ’em all beaten for flag-fins any way you look at it, not to mention that it sports the colors of liberty, red, white and blue !—Mose. abel ae It is surprising from how far AQUATIC Lire brings business. We recently had a visit from a reader in Central America, who mentioned that he saw our adver- tisement in A. L.—Crescent Fish Farm. Pom ee er mm mmm ro 6 eo a a a at a eS .. ef | | | | | | | | | | | a 6 8 a a a 9 Se (The Southern Soft - Shelled Turtle : RICHARD DECKERT, New York Zoological Garden Ps os mas FF OS i SO as OF SS Ss PS Os PS SE SO 6 Se a YOUNG SPECIMENS OF TRIONYX FEROX ss Os sos Turtles and tortoises known to every one by their hard, horny armor, but there are a few species that do not pos- sess this protective structure. The com- monest American species is the Southern Soft-shelled Turtle. The carapace, or shell, of this creature constitutes a soft, more or less cartilagi- neous or leathery covering in which the outlines of the vertebre and ribs can be seen in thin examples, but which is per- fectly smooth in well-fed ones. This covering bends easily at the edges. The outline is oval in the adult and almost circular in very young specimens. The head and neck can be withdrawn com- pletely, as with most of the hard-shelled species. The head is small, with a soft, pointed are a a 8a am Fe snout, and thick, fleshy lips, which con- ceal hard, sharp jaws. At the very tip of the trunk-like snout are the small nos- trils, which can be closed when the turtle is under water. The feet are large, mar- gined with broad, membranous flaps, the toes webbed beyond the tips, each foot having but three claws. The carapace is slightly convex, with a row of bony plates imbedded along the centre. The plastron or under side is flat, and also has several bony plates, which in old specimens are covered with large callosities. On account of the flat structure the species is called the “Flapjack Turtle” in some parts of the South. Young examples are prettily marked with black spots and rings disposed more or less symmetrically over the upper shell 158 Aquatic Rite on a pale gray or fawn ground color; there is also a narrow dark margin around the edge. Adults are uniformly yellowish gray or brown. A yellow band on each side of the neck and head ex- tends through the eye and unites with the opposite one in front of the eyes. The tail is thick and medium in length, and can be drawn sidewise under the shell. Like all fresh-water turtles, they are carnivorous, and large examples do not belie their scientific name, Trionyx— three-clawed; ferox—ferocious. In Florida they are called snapping turtles, the real “snapper” being known as the “alligator cooter.” They are often found in shallow situations near the shores of the ponds and rivers, buried in the mud or sand, with just the head pro- truding. Upon the slightest disturbance they dart into deeper water, throwing up clouds of mud or sand with their broadly- webbed feet. ‘They are remarkably rapid swimmers, and are no doubt aided in their progress through the water by their comparatively flat and thin form. Small examples in an aquarium will lie for hours buried in the fine sand at the bottom, only rising to the surface occasionally, and then merely protruding the tip of the snout. Of the many speci- mens observed by the writer, not one has become as tame and confiding as most of our other fresh-water turtles. The slightest jar or a sudden movement on the part of the observer will send them scurrying to the farthest corner of the aquarium, where they burrow rapidly into the sand. As this turtle reaches a length of shell of nearly two feet, and a weight of more than thirty pounds, only very young specimens are suitable for aquarium inmates. The food in captivity should consist of earthworms, and raw beef and fresh fish cut in narrow strips. If kept in a large tank, with about three inches of fine sand, and provided with a large log on which they can climb and rest, they will endure captivity for years. —_—__—_ We are learning to appreciate the direct and indirect value of small things in fish culture, as well as in other mat- ters. The investigations of aquatic plants, which Dr. Emmeline Moore, pro- fessor of botany at Vassar College, and at times investigator for this Bureau, has been conducting for several years, are revealing a greater forage value of water plants than had previously been realized. An illuminating illustration of the indi- rect value of certain plants was presented in the course of her investigations at the Fairport laboratory last summer. It was observed that in June and July a certain species of insect larva (a chironomid, Orthocladius nivoriundus) feed almost exclusively upon a species of filamentous alga (Mougeotia genuflexa), and that at the same time this insect larva formed an important food of the large-mouth black bass. ‘Thus, during these months, the small alga, which might have been thought to serve no useful purpose, was contributing in a material way to the sup- port of the black bass.—Fisheries Service Bulletin. we Sues A correspondent, writing of a visit to another town, says: “We were shown some beautiful high-brids (sic )—Barbus conchonius hatched from common gold- fish eggs.’ Verily, there is no end to the hybrid stuff. A couple of years ago an article was submitted, based on one from a current German magazine, which. asserted the production of a cross be- tween an oOviparous and a viviparous fish. ‘The translator had failed to grasp that the original article was evidently a satire. RED-BELLIED NEWT } | } } } ! | } On August 31st, 1904, I exhibited be- fore the Society living examples of the Asiatic Red-bellied Newt (Molge pyr- rhogastra Boie) and, though I kept them, in Sydney, until my removal in April last year, they showed no signs of breed- ing. At the breeding season last year the Newts were exhibited at the New Zea- land International Exhibition, but they were not then suitably housed for breed- ing purposes. This season, however, they were re- turned to the tank in which I kept them in Sydney, and, with the exception of the exigencies of climate, they are under precisely similar conditions. The first eggs were laid on October roth, and hatched on December 12th; subsequent eggs also required about sixty Director, South Australian Museum PHOTOGRAPH BY MAJOR R. W. SHUFELDT aS OS Ps Fr eh 6 a a Ss FS ow ee ee | Breeding Habits of | the Asiatic Red-bellied Newt | EDGAR Ras W/AUKES ban leas i SN PR SRM Ss Fe i : : : : : : : : a days for incubation, the temperature of the water ranging from 55 to 65 degrees F. The tank is well suplied with plants, including //allisneria, Anacharis and Myriophyllum, but in every instance the first-named was selected. The procedure does not appear to differ from that of the Crested Newt of Britain (Molge cris- tata Laur), as detailed by Rusconi and Bell, for though I formerly kept both adults and tadpoles of this species, I never actually bred it. The Red-bellied Newt, as watched in my vivarium, usually employs a terminal floating portion of a leaf of Vallisneria and folds it upon itself, the leaf being often cracked in the process. The leaf is glued in this position, and the single egg, placed within the fold, is similarly secured. More rarely an egg is placed 160 Aquattc Lite between two leaves where they cross each other, the two being glued together. Oc- casionally a detached portion of a leaf is used, and fixed against the wall of the tank, always, however, at the surface of the water. If removed from the plant an egg sinks, but the primary object of the attachment appears to be protection, for I have intentionally detached some eggs and they have developed equally well on the bottom. The larve have grown rapidly since they were hatched, ten days ago, but 1f their subsequent development is as slow as that of Molge cristata, as recorded by Higginbottom, it will be fully three years before they are mature, even if I am suc- cessful in rearing them.—F rom the Pro- ceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. (The Red-bellied Newt, which Ameri- can students prefer to place in the genus Diemyctylus, is often obtainable in the pet shops, selling for about twenty-five cents. It is quite a beautiful species, easily maintained in the aquarium, as it does not leave the water. Small tadpoles and worms are favored foods. Major Shufeldt’s photograph illustrates the variations in the distribution of the bril- liant orange-vermillion markings of the under side; above it is blackish-brown to black.—Editor.) a Nandus Marmoratus WALTER L. BRIND, F. Z. S. A glance at the illustration will give a good general idea of the appearance of Nandus marmoratus. quite handsome. ‘The ground color is greenish brown, with brassy reflections, vertically marbled with three broad, patchy bands of dark brown, while a fourth crosses the caudal, though this may be present in the form of a blotch; In coloration it is narrow bands radiate from the eye, which is golden-green with narrow golden iris. Bands of dots cross the soft portions of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The mouth is capacious, as befits a bass, and is a sure indication that the possessor 1s a voracious fish, seizing its prey—small fishes—suddenly, and gulping them down like pills. inches. The sexes are hard to distinguish, ex- cept during breeding season, when the female becomes distended and deeper in the abdomen. At other times, to the prac- The maximum length is seven Nandus marmoratus ticed eye, the females are more “curves,” while the males are more angles. In general habits the fish is not active, at least in so far as continuous motion implies activity. It spends much of the time concealed among the plants, from which, pickerel-like, it rushes forth to seize a passing minnow. It is a good pet for the aquarist who can supply unlim- ited Daphne and worms, though in a pinch it will eat raw beefsteak if cut into narrow strips and temptingly dangled be- fore it to simulate a luscious worm. Nandus has not been bred in confine- ment, though eggs have been deposited, but not fertilized. This species is found in the fresh and brackish waters of India and Burma, where it is common in ponds and ditches and inundated fields. It is exceedingly tenacious of life if the proper tempera- ture 1s maintained—not less than about 75 degrees. eS | Cuvier, in his writings, passed, to some extent, into the domain of fossil fishes, or paleoichthyology; he demonstrated the fact that the extinct Palaeoniscus was related to the existing gars and stur- geons, especially, in the first instance, to Lepidosteus. It remained for Louis Agassiz, however, to demonstrate to the world the value of the study of fossil form of fishes, and his work upon them —‘‘Recherches sur les Poissons Fossiles” —is still the grandest monument ever erected to that department of the science of fishes (1807-1873). It was published as an elephant folio, with an atlas, at Neuchatel, between the years 1833 and 1843. Agassiz established the now well de- fined group of ganoids (Ganoidei) prin- cipally through his exhaustive studies of the scales of many species of fishes. This distinguished ichthyologist was totally unable te accept the law of organic evolution ; as a consequence, his name in science must ever remain an example of that type of naturalist who accepted the Biblical account of the origin of living form on this planet: by special creation, at the command of a creator. Therefore his elaborate classification of fishes, based upon the form of their scales, was a failure and of no value to science. Agassiz was followed by a broader ichthyologist, Johannes Muller (18o1- 1858), who pointed out, in his classical work, “Ueber den Bau und die Grenzen der Ganoiden” (1846), the structural dif- ferences of those fishes. ‘This writer’s researches markedly advanced the science here, being considered in not a few im- at Ft Fa F (The | History of Ichthyology. Part 4 | MAJOR R. W. SHUFELDT, Medical Corps, U.S. A. ea portant particulars, additional light being thrown on the subject through the de- scription of the remarkable form, Cero- todus, by A. C. Gunther, of the British Museum (Phil. Trans., 1871, I1), and by Professor Huxley, establishing the correct place in the system for Lepido- siren. In 1880, Doctor Gunther also published his well-known work, “Introduction to the Study of Fishes,’ a copy of which he presented to the present writer, as well as a copy of the famous monograph on Ceratodus, with other papers on fishes. A number of years previous to this many important works on fishes had ap- peared, not only from the pens of writers in France, but in England as well, chief among the latter being those by Richard- son, by Jenyns, and by Gunther (Chal- lenger Reports “Fishes”). Indeed, as each year came and passed, the literature on this subject was ever on the increase, and a great many treatises and mono- graphs were added to it. Both Yarnell and Couch described the fishes of Great Britain, while Heckel, Kner and Siebold described those of Germany. In 1866 Blanchard brought out his work on the fishes of France, while Steindachner worked up the fresh-water forms of Por- tugal and Spain, these being supple- mented by B. de Bocage and Capello. Schlegel, in 1850, paid considerable attention to the fishes of Japan (Fauna Japonica, 1850), while many writers worked up those of the East Indies, esve- cially Ruppell, Playfair, Gunther, Day and P. Blecker, the last being a most 162 Aquatte Lite voluminous writer and author of the famous Atlas Ichthyogique des Indes (1862). ‘This superb production, with its wealth of colored plates, was inter- rupted in 1878 through the death of its eminent author. The fishes of Central and Eastern Africa received, in different works, the attention of Gunther, Petterick and W. Peters, while those of New Zealand were Spencer Fullerton Baird described by Hutton, Hector and others im S74, SOG auiwsie UmSwe aS, Or ma 1875, C. Lutkin gave his attention to the ichthyology of Greenland, and ten years previously A. J. Malmgren had devoted himself to the fishes of Spitzbergen. As for the fishes of Cuba, my old friend and correspondent, Filipe Poey, of Havana, described a large number of them in his Memorias sobre la Historia natural de la Isle de Cuba, commenced in 1851, and his Repertorio Fisico-natural de la Isla de Cuba (1865), both of which works he presented to my private library. South American fishes were touched upon by Agassiz, Gunther, Castelnau and others, while the ichthyology of Mexico and Central America received the atten- tion of such writers as Vaillant, Bocourt, Gunther and Steindachner, the two last- named principally to the fishes of Central and South America. In our own country, we have had many distinguished and eminent contrib- utors to the science of ichthyology, among the earliest of whom was J. Rich- ardson. In Part III of his well-known Fauna Boreali-Americana (1836) he de- scribed not a few species of the fishes of British America. In Part IV of his “Zoology of New York,” De Kay, in 1842, described many of the fishes of that section of the coun- try, and it was fully thirty years after that before other works of any import- ance began to appear. Chief among these latter was the five-volume Report of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, which was published between the years 1873 and 1879. These reports long remained standard, and later on began to be supplemented by ichthyologi- cal papers, which were contributed to various journals and similar publications by writers on fish of those times. Fortu- nately for science, the Reports of our Government were frequently devoted to accounts of and fresh-water fishes of the United States, and these began to appear more often as time went on. During these years, and earlier, the list of writers in Europe on the morph- ology of fishes was, indeed, a long one, and it would be quite out of the question to name even a part of them in this arti- cle. However, I may mention those with whom I was in direct correspondence ; for example, W. Kitchen Parker and his two sons, W. Newton Parker and T. Jeffrey Parker, of Dunedin, New Zea- land; Mr. Thomas Henry Huxley, Carl Gegenbaur, Hasse, C. Vogt, A. Gunther, marine Aquatic Lite 163 and not a few others equally prominent in such fields. In the United States, too, we had many writers on both technical and popular ichthyology, nearly all of whom have now passed away. Earlier in his life, Jordan, associated with not a few co- authors, contributed many works on de- scriptive and systematic ichthyology, as Barton W. Evermann, Gilbert and others. George Brown Goode Carl H. Eigenmann worked up the fishes of tropical America, and Dr. Hugh M. Smith has given us many contributions to economical ichthyology, with papers on the fisheries of this country generally. W. ©. Aspnes, Wadleiom Int, Beam, aac especially Theo. H. Gill, published long series of papers dealing with the taxo- nomy of fishes, describing many new species, genera, and families. Doctor Gill’s work on the classification of this branch of the Vertebrata, when reviewed and collected into one volume, will have a profound influence on the science. Few possessed the far-reaching knowledge of fishes that he did, and it will be a lasting regret that he did not, during his long life, give us some general work on the subject. Edward D. Cope, during his most re- markable career in the fields of American zoology and paleontology, touched very extensively on the science of ichthyology. He was one of America’s greatest natur- alists, and whatever he turned his atten- tion to along such lines was sure of a marked advancement. Prominent among the earlier writers was the well-known ichthyologist Girard, who was co-author with Professor Baird in some of his writings. In fact, speak- ing of the last-named ichthyologist, few, indeed, in American zoology did more towards furthering the interests of the science and economics of the fishes of this country than Spencer Fullerton Baird. Especially was this the case when he held the position of United States Commissioner of Fish and Fish- eries, and, later, the secretaryship of the Smithsonian Institution. It was through his most generous encouragement that the present writer was enabled to publish his “Osteology of Amia calva,’ with some twenty other papers and memoirs on North American fishes. In those long-ago days, Doctor .>. Brown Goode was Assistant Secretary of the Smith- sonian Instituticn; he was a most tireless contributor to the study of the various groups of fishes of this country, as well as the deep-sea forms. Although but a few months past forty-five years of age at the time of his death (Feb. 13, 1851— Sept. 6, 1896), he had already published many minor papers on ichthyology, as well as such formal works as “Catalogue of the Fishes of the United States” 870) ea imericantesishes:ay (G@usSo)p “The Fisheries and Fishery Industries Or wore Usenmecl Staies (issn), aimal 164 Aquatte Lite “Oceanic Ichthyology” (1894). Associ- ated with him, in the latter work, was Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, to whom refer- ence was made above. In my private collection of the por- traits of naturalists, I find unpublished photographs of both Professor Baird and Doctor Goode, personally presented to me. ‘These were copied for me at the photographic gallery of the Army Med1- cal Museum and Library, and reproduc- tions of them illustrate the present pa- pers. Many naturalists now living will delight in possessing these portraits ; and, as a matter of fact, few American zoolo- gists of the last decade were more uni- versally loved and esteemed than these Fortu- nately, their researches were carried on in an age when all the departments of American biology were at the acme of their development, and naturalists of the very highest order were producing works of the greatest possible importance. But now the world is in the throes of a mighty and most destructive war, and zoological science has, as a consequence, suffered enormously—in some ways irre- trievably. two most eminent scientists. One can well imagine what intense pain either of these men would have experienced, had they lived to see the felling of the magnificent and long- revered beeches, oaks and other grand trees close to the National Museum on the Mall—all of which was accomplished in a few hours as one of the military necessities of this war, to say not a word of the trees sacrificed in the park north of the Bureau of Fisheries, a department with which both Baird and Goode were so thoroughly identified. Indeed, Pro- fessor Baird was our first Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries (1871), and was, it may be said, the Nestor of that important industry. Krefftius adspersus Under present shipping conditions it may seem a far cry to talk of fishes of Australia, but the seemingly impossible has been accomplished. A few speci- mens of the Purple-striped Gudgeon have been safely transported to the United States. Incidental thereto we have re- ceived a splendid photograph of the fish, taken by Mr. H. E. Finckh, of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, which is reproduced in this issue. ‘This is apparently the first published photo- graph. Mr. Finckh observes that the fish is a most considerate inhabitant of the aqua- rium. In his tanks the eggs were always placed on the front or room-side of the tank, making a close study of their de- velopment very easy. In a nest contain- ing some two hundred eggs, all the fry were coiled round in the same direction, head down, and were thus on the eighth day atg A. M. and at noon. At 4 P. M. all, with a single exception, had turned head up. The next day the eggs hatched. The fish gets its common name from the four purple stripes on the gill-covers. The body is marked with blue and brown, becoming more pronounced during breed- ing. The yellowish fins are plentifully bespeckled with the body colors. If this gudgeon proves well-behaved and _ suit- able for the community tank, its future in America is assured, especially as it breeds readily and does not require a high winter temperature. — +>. Carbon dioxide is the most important gas in freshwater. In small quantities it is essential rather than detrimental to aquatic animals. In large quantities it is rapidly fatal, acting as a narcotic. It is particularly injurious in the absence of oxygen, which absence is usually associ- Aquatic Lite 165 ated with it. Abundant oxygen decreases its toxity, because blood has a greater affinity for oxygen than for carbon di- oxide, and the latter is crowded out of combination. On account of the fact that it is usually accompanied by lack of oxy- gen, putrescible muck bottom, etc., its presence in quantities greater than 6 to 7 cc. per liter, if accompanied by a bottom entirely of such muck would indicate that found that fishes do not live well in alka- line water, but become sluggish and in- active. Neutrality is likewise toxic to some fresh-water fishes. They require a certain amount of acid. The optimum acidity for different species differs. ‘The optimum for the bluegill (Lepomis pal- lidus Mit.) is 1 to 3 cc. of carbon dioxide per liter and for crappies (Pomo-xis an- nularis Raf.) 4 to 6 cc. per liter. Wells NEN NNN SENNA NNN NNN Krefitius adspersus SSIS SASS SE Purple-striped Gudgeon ) & . a 4 ae ae Photograph by H. E. Finckh REINS AS AS SE SSS SSS ENN NEN NEN NNN ENS NUNN ENN NANENENNEN NEN the water was unsuitable for trout, basses, sunfishes and crappies. One of the most important character- istics of a water is its acidity or alka- linity. Protoplasm must maintain essen- tial neutrality or it will die. It possesses a very effective physico-chemical mech- anism based upon the presence in excess of very weak acids (carbonic and phos- phoric) and alkalies in the form of car- bonates and phosphates. Since proto- plasm must remain nearly neutral, the acidity or alkalinity of the surrounding medium cannot be great. Thus Wells showed by using various other acids that the hydrogen ions are the important fac- tor. tain concentration of hydrogen ion. Neu- trality 1s avoided by fishes. In the ab- sence of acidity they select alkaline in preference to neutral water. Fishes and various crustaceans will live in distilled water if it is slightly acid, while it is rapidly fatal if alkaline. The toxity of much ordinary distilled water is due to colloidal copper or other metal from cool- ers, in suspension in it—FrEsSH WATER BroLocy. In other words fishes require a cer- 166 Aquatic Lite The great majority of small specimens of aquatic animal life can only be seen microscopically, but there are a few suf- ficiently large to be seen with the naked eye. ‘These are the rotifers and the nematoid worms. They all have soft bodies, and therefore come under the common designation of “aquatic worms,” and are of special interest to those who study nature that is under the water. It is these animalcule that sustain the upkeep, the health conditions, and the procreative powers of the larger denizens of aquarium life. The economic value of these tiny ani- mals is of such vital importance that they should be studied more closely than even the other inhabitants of our tanks. Noth- ing that will aid the laws of nature should be passed over slightingly. Na- ture, who so tenderly looks after all her children, from the great “leviathan” to the smallest microscopic mite, must have all the conditions her requirements need, otherwise the result is always more or less a failure. Remember that all organ- isms wholly depend on other organisms for nutrition wherewith to support their physical existence. Rotifers are generally called wheel animalcule. In the first description given of them a rotifer was said to be “an ant- mal like a large maggot, on the tail of which appeared forceps like that of an earwig.” ‘The next description of it was “an animal with two wheels thick set with teeth, resembling the wheels of a watch.” These two descriptions taken together will help us to recognize them. The common rotifers are one-fiftieth of an inch long; still they are the giants of the race. Of other members of the fam- ily, it takes 100 of them to the inch. They increase very rapidly. The female produces fifty young every thirteen days. The males live only three or four days, but the longevity of the females is from twelve to fourteen days. Increasing so rapidly, they can afford to die off quick- ly. When once a few of them are put in an aquarium no further trouble need be taken. They breed in the mud, and unless an aquarium be overstocked with fish the supply of them is well maintained for the rearing of young fish in their first stage of growth. They will be constantly seen rotating in the water, and it is amus- ing to note the baby fish chasing and feeding on them. In appearance nematoid worms are very similar to the common earthworm. They fix themselves in the debris, live in colonies, and when once they make for themselves a home in the bottom of an aquarium they become extremely active. They have an oscillatory motion, and grow to about one and one-half inches in length; fully a third of their length is used as anchorage. They are various shades of red. Their appearance is by no means repulsive. Their chief advantage in an aquarium is that they are splendid food for young carnivorous fish, and indeed for any fish. When the plant anchorage is constantly disturbed their increase is checked ; there- fore leave well alone, and don’t disturb the plants—ALBERT GALE. All turtles are possessed of powerful jaws, and many of the sea-turtles are able to crush the clam and other hard- shell substance. But the loggerhead tor- toise is champion of the turtles when it One of these crea- tures has been known to crush a steel gun-barrel which a sportsman had thrust comes to hard biting. into its mouth, while another of these tortoises has been known to split the handle of an oar, three inches in diame- ter and made of hardwood. Aquatic Life An international monthly magazine devoted to the study, care and breeding of native, exotic, gold and domesticated fishes, other animals and plants in the home aquarium and terrarium. NV ee Am @INESIEIRG. ir occ cise Bate eerie « Editor JOSIE 15, BAWISINCAIN , osc5600 Publisher 542 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. Entered as second-class matter, September 2, 1915, at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Practical articles and notes on topics per- taining to the aquarium and terrarium are always wanted for Aguatic Lire. Readers of the magazine are invited to join in mak- ing it a medium of mutual help, and to contribute to it any ideas that may occur to them. The pages are always open for any- one who has anything helpful and practical to say. Manuscripts, books for review and general correspondence should be addressed to the editor. Aguatic Lirk has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world devoted to this branch of nature-study. It presents to ad- vertisers a market that can be reached through no other medium. Rates made known on application. Yearly, Subscription -eyecmeces sclecire a. - $1.00 Foreign Subscriptions ................ 1.35 Single? Copy e HesUn Renae tee aos aetesciens 10 Payments may be made by money order, draft or registered letter. Foreign remit- tances should be by international money order. If local checks are sent, ten cents Should be added for collection charges. Copyright 1918 by Joseph E. Bausman Vol. Ill August, 1918 No. 12 Feed YOGI to keep your fish in con- dition during winter. 5 to 10 lb lots are the usual orders from the largest and most successful breeders. Why? results count. At all dealers and Druggists 15c, by mail 17c, | lb. 75c add postage. MAGIC 35c, by mail 38c ‘A COMBINATION OF INGREDIENTS WHICH WILL PRODUCE A VARIETY. OF HARMLESS. MON SHELL INFUSORIA MAGIC ORIGINATED AND MANUFACTURED BY ROBERT J. SCHAEFFER 1818 FRANKFORD AVE. PHILA., PA. Robert J. Schaeffer 1818 Frankford Avenue __ Phila., Pa Leitbolf Wrothers BREEDERS OF TROPICAL FISHES Xiphophorus helleri, 10 pair lots, $5.00 Girardinus guppyi 10 pair lots, $2.50 Osphromenus trichopteris, 10 pair_lots, $6.50 Shipping Cans, 59¢ : 281 Southern Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. YOU CAN JUDGE an aquarist by his library. The pro- gressive aims to secure all the avail- able literature of the subject. His slogan is “read, mark and learn.” The elementary books are stepping stones to the more technical works. Ad- vanced treatises assume that the stu- dent is grounded in the subject; the elementary takes nothing for granted. Both are necessary; one an introduc- tion to the other, and to success and pleasure. For your library we suggest the following: Keystone Volumes AQUALIC Winky hevrecosnized standard in periodical aquarium lit- erature. A volume averages 165 pages, and as many or more illustrations— a picture whenever it is needed. Each year brings forth papers on the funda- mentals of aquarium management and the breeding of goldfish, two ever pop- ular phases. Month after month ap- pear articles on the tropical fishes; he who reads may breed them; nowhere else in this detailed information avail- able. A volume is in itself a “com- plete aquarium book.” Volume I has long since been out of print and now commands a premium; Volume II (few copies remain), $2.25, postpaid; Volume III (ready in September), $2.25, postpaid. AQUATIC MICROSCOPY. By Dr. Alfred C. Stokes. This book, whether or not you possess a microscope, will immeasurably add to your knowledge of the minute organisms that play such an important part in the econ- omy of the early life of your fishes. If you have a ‘scope it will tell you how to use it to the best advantage. It should be studied by every aquar- ist—it forms the stepping stone to Ward and Whipple’s “Fresh Water Biology.” 324 pages, with 198 illus- trations. $2.25, plus postage on two pounds. THE HOME AQUARIUM. By Eu- gene Smith. A splendid book by a man who was a scientist as well as an aquarist, which bespeaks the accur- acy of the work. The construction, principles and management of the aquarium, the proper plants, hardy fishes and other animals, methods of collecting specimens and other details are well covered. Particular attention is given to desirable wild fishes. 213 pages, with 137 illustrations. $1.50, plus postage on two pounds. AQUATIC LIFE 542 EAST GIRARD AVENUE. PHILADELPHIA fay em ee MACK’S ae. FISH FOOD This is indeed the best food ever produced for tropical fishes as well as for goldfish. It has no equal. Com- pare it with any food, and if it is not all we claim it to be, don’t buy any more. We will refund your money 1f you wish. No. 1. In powder form: For all young fry of live bearing or spawning fish. No. 2. as Guppies, Danio Rerio, young Goldfish. No. 3. Coarse: For all large tropi- cal fish and Goldfish. Price 15c per box; add 3c postage. For sale at Mack’s Bird Store, 2193 Broadway, New York City, and at H. Rabenau, 1163 Myrtle Avenue, Brook- lyn. Your dealer can get it for you; if not, notify us. We “also manufac- ture the only real turtle food at 15 cents a box. Manufactured Only By The Peptoast Company 8 65 GRAND ST., NEW YORK OCO > 000 G———J000000 CS 0005000 Fine: For all small fish such etc.; also 000000} 000000 D000 C000 CS C000000 C—Ss00 [erty Lg | DON’T MISS IT!! Over thirty-five species of tropical fishes. Am forced to sell surplus on account of moving. At home all day Sunday; Saturday after 2 P. M., other days after 6 P. M. CARL LAZER 647 West 184th St., New York City, N. Y. Fine Broad-tail Telescopes BLACK and CALICO Correspondence Solicited GZORGIS, WET, nsi@ IN, Gad Sweet PHILADELPHIA fo eee ane aa Goldfichs Blue, Black & Vari-Hued Calicos PRICE LISTS OF BREEDERS, SPAWN AND YOUNG SENT ON REQUEST (] Please note that I am at home only on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. You are welcome 9 then, but for your convenience I suggest that you telephone first. I have telephone connec- 8 tions in both Mt. Vernon and New York City. IOODCDOO 000000 C000 000000: GEORGE A. SCHENK 29 Claremont Place, Mt. Vernon, N. Y. ! loo ele eee ee) ICOOCOOCCO 000 HENRY KISSEL, JR. Fancier & Breeder of Tropical Fishes (Not a dealer). I have good healthy stock at reasonable prices. Call or ’phone, Cliffside 461. 241 Walker Street, Cliffside, N. J. or Man’s Place in Visible Creation Abook of joy and cheer emphasizing the Beauties of Nature and leading up to Nature’s God. 5th Edition, Illustrated PRICE, $1.00 By Mail $1.10 All Bookstores REV. F. A. HOUCK, 1120 Horace St TOLEDO, OHIO HUGO C. NELLES FOR YOUR TROPICAL FISHES He has the best of Stock of all varieties to be had at present. Plants, Snails, Etc. Manufacturer of the “Faultless Fish Food”’ 1305 Third Avenue (76th Street Station, 3rd Avenue L) New York City No Store ORR UR eens “AQUARIA FISH” A practical work on care and breeding of fish in the aquarium, greenhouse and out- door ponds. Finely illustrated Every one interested in keeping fish should send for a copy of this book. Price. $1.00. Tappan’s Natural Fish Food. Three boxes, postpaid. 25c. Guinea Pigs and Thoroughbred Collie Pups. beautifully marked. Write for prices. F. L. TAPPAN oe Route 2, Hopkins, Minn. 3 COO D000 C——JD000000C———J000T D000! SUMMER SPECIALS 8 BRaradiseveksliseerierteictersierer Fait $1.00 Doz. $4.00 8 Gambusia Holbrooki .... -15 O95 BLED) Bigmys Sunfish ay 75 Re 3.50 Japanese Snails (small)..Each 15 oe 1.25 8 Japanese Snails (large)... ‘ .25 f 2.50 Japanese Water Newts... ‘ .25 3 2.50 (] Am.Chameleons(100, $3.50) ‘* 10 as -75 8 Chameleon Tree Toads... ‘“ -25 es ee Sagittaria (100, $5.00)... os oth Ten kinds of aquarium plants, $1.00, ee 1624 Mandeville Street, New Orleans, La. 000 CD oO00 0090 C—]000 D000: Turtles, Alligators, etc. Largest dealers in South CRESCENT FISH FARM _ BLUES EVERYTHING IS FISH THAT COMES TO THE NET OF A NATURALIST Don’t paddle in the water with one hand and be blind with both eyes. In other words, “‘keep your-eyes open’’ for all nature. Our Magazine Che Guide to Mature Will Help You It is edited by EDWARD F. BIGELOW, who fishes in the heavens and earth, as well as the waters under the earth. trial, 25c. $1.00. One year, THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION ( _ ArcAdiA — ! Sound Beach THE TERMINAL PET SHOP PETS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND KIND Manufacturing and Maintenance of Aquariums a Specialty All Kinds of Cat and Dog Foods and Medicines HUDSON TERMINAL BUILDING Concourse, New York | WALTER BELL Breeder of Broad: tail Celescopes _ BLACKS CALICOS 4324 WYALUSING AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA Prices Reasonable ENCHYTRAE (White Worms) The ideal live fish food which can be raised indoors all year round. Portion 50c (cash or money order) with instruction how to breed them. CHARLES E. JENNE 1577 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N. J. SHOUP & HECK Wholesale Propagators of Plain and Fancy Jap Goldfish :: Fish Foods, Plants, Snails, Ete. 500,000 Fish Sableable after September Ist WALDRON, INDIANA Four months’ Connecticut a Otto Walter 86 Suydam Street :: Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Central Avenue L Station Breeder and Importer of TROPICAL & GOLDFISHES Telescopes Calicos Japs Fan-tails Dealer in All Varieties of Aquatic Plants All Kinds of Fish Foods Fresh and Dried Daphnia AQUARIA, UTENSILS AND SUPPLIES former President of the Aquarium. oe ne ee | | ousands of Young Veiltail Telescopes from the Finest Stock in America. $2.50 per Dozen 3 $ 15.00 per Hundred In Mixed Colors, Blues, Blacks Calicos, Ete. Franklin Barrett Wyoming Avenue & C. Street, Phila., Pa 0c Extra for Shipping Can Cash With Order lo © clam 0 oo cum) THE BEST BOOK THE AQUARIUM § SUBJECTS is ‘‘Goldfish Varieties & Tropical Aquarium Fishes’’, byWm.T.Innes, /f TM Wd Society of Phila.; 250 pages, 195 , illustrations. Tells all about the 4) fancy varieties of the Goldfish and nearly 300 tropicals ; how to breed them, etc., etc. For the beginner or the advanced expert. A complete, practical, handsome book, sent postpaid anywhere for $3.00. Enlaiged’ edition now ready. INNES & SONS - 133 N. 12th St. - Phila., Pa. Charles E. Visel Broad-tail Telescopes and Japs Blacks, Blues and Parti-colors 215 Putnam AVENUE, BRooKLyN, N. Y. OOO! ARE YOUR GOLDFISH DYING Or Are You Having Bad Luck With Them—If So Try “BUG FOOD” Used by Scientific Breeders the world over. season over 100,000 boxes. Two Sizes 10 & 15c By Mail 13c & 18c ASK YOUR DEALER FOR IT Wholesale Goldfish, Foods & Supplies BERT J. PUTNAM, 490 Washington St. Buffalo, N. Y. OCO000 C00 HS 000 C000 S000600600: Aquarists ‘and Output last GOLDFISH BREEDERS FLORISTS 58th and Walnut Streets 110 South 52nd Street Philadelphia Aquarium Fishes ll Kinds of Aquatic Plants > Aquaria & Supplies Wholesale and Retail FMlichaelsen Bros ponerse : HARRY P. PETERS 1210 N. Warnock Street, Philadelphia, Pa BREEDER AND IMPORTER Rare and Fancy Fish Plants of every variety, Snails and Aquarium Supplies of all kinds at all times. MANUFACTURER OF Green River Fish Food 15c Box Green River Baby Fish Food | 20c Box A GOOD FISH FOOD is one of the most essential things necessary to keep. fish in good health. After the test of years Green River stands out | as the: best food on the market. It keeps the fish in good color by pro- moting a healthy, robust growth. It will not sour ot cloud the water. Ask your dealer or send for it today. 000 TICS 000 TS 000T—000 Z HERMAN RABENAU, Aquarist PERMANENT DISPLAY OF Aquatic Life & Terraria must be seen to be appreciated Visitors Welcome Plants and Tropical Fish a Specialty Importations of New Varieties received regularly 1163 Myrtle vente: Brooklyn, N. Y. Near Broadway. << >000 C000 <—c00' GOLDFISH, FOODS, PLANTS, DIP NETS Combination Natural Fish Food - Sample Box 10c Imported Shrimp Fish Food - - Sample Can 15c Imported Wafer Fish Food Large Sample Box 10c Mail Orders Promptly Attended to Agents for ‘‘ART AQUARIUMS’”’ Special Prices on Quantity Lots. Cash With Order. Catalogue Sent Upon Request. AQUARIUM STOCK CO 273 Greenwich Street :: New York City Bocs0c0c 000-5000 000 =S000c000: YOUNG Broa¢-tails, Fringetails and | Nymph Telescopes and Japs. All Colors, $1.00 per Dozen Up. BREEDERS—Largest Assortment of Blues, Blacks and Calico Telescopes and Japs at Reasonable Prices.. Shipping Cans, 50c. | Fine Assortment of Lionheads HARRY P. PETERS, i 1210 North Warnock St., Phila., Pa. COO C SC S00c00c 000 Nippon Goldfish Co! 1749 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Cal Importers : and : Dealers JAPANESE GOLDFISH Direct From BREEDERS IN JAPAN Awarded Gold and Silver Medals, Panama- Pacific International Exposition, San Fran- cisco, 1915, g ALL KINDS OF AQUARIA AND SUPPLIES Price Lists Furnished Trade Only. ‘OOOC00000 dan 3 2044 pepe gt PWR SNE gd NED peiseaareter rene ees we eh Tee nownrnsnereeee deen Dph Spent to Stipe satire nels 7 ipa cetyl TONE wae poee! age rans asd nena: aw Pp meme tec ntg tee sgeneo tiene cabaese tren sicientieas an aad ra" paeat a hil AD Siete TATA arti tieemacertel rs f