32
MAINTAINING FISHES
"tropicals," the small size of the characins adapts
them to aquarium conditions. However, the small size
is a disadvantage when one wishes to weigh the fish,
take a blood sample, or make injections.
The goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) has been reared as
an ornamental fish for centuries, and is still raised in
great numbers, both as an ornamental and as a bait
species. It is widely available from commercial sources
in sizes from one to five inches. The species will
spawn at four to five inches in length.
The goldfish has been selectively bred for variation
in finnage, color, and telescoping of eyes. Perhaps the
most satisfactory stock for experimental use is one as
near normal as possible in finnage, color and other
morphological features. The goldfish is easy to work
with. It tolerates handling, eats dried foods, and is a
convenient size for blood sampHng. As in the case of
the trout, a great deal is known about its physiology,
and standards for comparison are available for a number of its morphological and physiological characteristics.
The golden shiner (Notemigonus chrysoleucas) is
produced commercially as a bait species, and is
widely available in a selection of sizes. It feeds readily
upon dry foods and is fairly well adapted to aquarium
conditions. It is recommended here as suitable for
short term studies such as toxicity tests.
The zebra fish (Brachydonii rerio), although not a
native of North America, is a favorite ornamental
variety and is widely available in pet shops. The
zebra grows and reproduces readily in captivity. It
has a short life cycle which is of particular value in
some studies. It can be maintained on dried foods and
MAINTAINING FISHES
"tropicals," the small size of the characins adapts
them to aquarium conditions. However, the small size
is a disadvantage when one wishes to weigh the fish,
take a blood sample, or make injections.
The goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) has been reared as
an ornamental fish for centuries, and is still raised in
great numbers, both as an ornamental and as a bait
species. It is widely available from commercial sources
in sizes from one to five inches. The species will
spawn at four to five inches in length.
The goldfish has been selectively bred for variation
in finnage, color, and telescoping of eyes. Perhaps the
most satisfactory stock for experimental use is one as
near normal as possible in finnage, color and other
morphological features. The goldfish is easy to work
with. It tolerates handling, eats dried foods, and is a
convenient size for blood sampHng. As in the case of
the trout, a great deal is known about its physiology,
and standards for comparison are available for a number of its morphological and physiological characteristics.
The golden shiner (Notemigonus chrysoleucas) is
produced commercially as a bait species, and is
widely available in a selection of sizes. It feeds readily
upon dry foods and is fairly well adapted to aquarium
conditions. It is recommended here as suitable for
short term studies such as toxicity tests.
The zebra fish (Brachydonii rerio), although not a
native of North America, is a favorite ornamental
variety and is widely available in pet shops. The
zebra grows and reproduces readily in captivity. It
has a short life cycle which is of particular value in
some studies. It can be maintained on dried foods and