SELECTION OF FISHES
35
found in both lakes and streams. It is especially abundant in small ponds when predator fishes are not
present. It is not available commercially but is easily
obtained by seining.
The green sunfish will eat liver and other meats, but
tenebrionid larvae or earthworms are a better choice
of food for it. It does not normally breed under aquarium conditions but breeding could very likely be
artificially induced. In southern latitudes, this species
reaches a size of one-quarter pound or larger, but it
wiU spawn at three or four inches. It tolerates considerable handling and does weU under aquarium conditions. Larger specimens may become pugnacious,
and sorting out of individuals may be necessary.
The cichhds, convenient-size experimental fishes
adapted to aquarium conditions, are usually in the
four- to seven-inch class. They are natives of South
America and Africa, but at least some of them are
widely available in the United States. Those of the
genus Tilapia are of particular interest. They are
raised as food fishes in Africa, and Mr. Swingle at
Alabama Polytechnic has experimented with them
both as food fish and as sport fish. The breeding habits
of this group are rather speciaHzed. Some members
of the group carry the developing eggs and the young
in their mouths.
The cichhds are quite adaptable in their feeding.
They will utihze all types of meat and dried foods,
and some will utilize green plants. They should be
held at a temperature between 75° and 85° F. See
also Gordon (1950), Nigrelli (1953), and Brown
(1957).
35
found in both lakes and streams. It is especially abundant in small ponds when predator fishes are not
present. It is not available commercially but is easily
obtained by seining.
The green sunfish will eat liver and other meats, but
tenebrionid larvae or earthworms are a better choice
of food for it. It does not normally breed under aquarium conditions but breeding could very likely be
artificially induced. In southern latitudes, this species
reaches a size of one-quarter pound or larger, but it
wiU spawn at three or four inches. It tolerates considerable handling and does weU under aquarium conditions. Larger specimens may become pugnacious,
and sorting out of individuals may be necessary.
The cichhds, convenient-size experimental fishes
adapted to aquarium conditions, are usually in the
four- to seven-inch class. They are natives of South
America and Africa, but at least some of them are
widely available in the United States. Those of the
genus Tilapia are of particular interest. They are
raised as food fishes in Africa, and Mr. Swingle at
Alabama Polytechnic has experimented with them
both as food fish and as sport fish. The breeding habits
of this group are rather speciaHzed. Some members
of the group carry the developing eggs and the young
in their mouths.
The cichhds are quite adaptable in their feeding.
They will utihze all types of meat and dried foods,
and some will utilize green plants. They should be
held at a temperature between 75° and 85° F. See
also Gordon (1950), Nigrelli (1953), and Brown
(1957).