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However, to return to the eggs that have just
been laid in the aquarium. After about eight
days the fishes will emerge from the eggs, and
for a few days will subsist on the food contained
in the small sac attached to their underside.
When this is used up, food must be provided.
At this stage they look like gramophone
needles, and, of course, their mouth is very
small, and so very small food matter has to be
found. In their native state they feed on
infusoria and this is by far the finest food for
these delicate little chaps. Infusoria, raised in
the same manner as described for daphnae
breeding, is ideal.
If the rearing tanks are prepared in advance
and contain a good culture of infusoria, so
much the better. As the fry develop they
require stronger meat, and nothing equals
cyclops at this stage. In about six or seven
weeks they will be able to tackle daphnae.
The rearing tanks should be shallow, not more
than nine inches deep, and in shallow tanks
the fry will not need quite so much water
per fish.
The great points to remember are that
baby fishes do not like very cold water-
60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit is the most
satisfactory temperature ; they need plenty
of room and they need plenty of food. If
natural foods are unobtainable the yolk of a
hard-boiled egg or fine, well cooked oatmeal
are good substitutes. Also, when the fry
have passed the infusoria stage, there are a
number of excellent packet foods obtainable,
specially prepared for young fishes.
When artificial foods are used it is essential
that none is allowed to decompose in the water;
in its early days a fish is very liable to a host of
complaints, and many of these do not show
themselves until the fish is a year or so old.
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