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The shape is that of the goldfish, except that
the fins are larger, and the colour background
is blue ; on this are splashes of red, yellow,
green, violet, brown and black all merging
into the blue base. The very finest Shubunkins
are almost entirely blue in a delicate pastel
shade ; the poorest kind are white. Unfortunately, especially in the veiltails, the fancy
varieties lack the harlequin effect; a pale
brassy-gold is the usual colour.
Ten years ago this fish was almost unknown
in England, although it had been a favourite
for some time in America. Now, of course,
this delightful and hardy fish is finding favour
with English aquarists. It is adaptable to
either pond or aquarium although it is better
to winter it indoors. They may be purchased
as fry at about seven shillings a dozen, but the
fully grown specimens, especially well matched
breeding pairs, may cost up to £3 a pair.
So far all the fishes dealt with are such that
will live amicably together. Those that follow,
however, are either pugnacious or carnivorous,
or both. Nearly all are exceptionally handsome,
and it seems a pity that they should be ignored.
Still, the fact remains, they will upset the
harmony of the pond in no time ; so, if they
are to be kept at all, they must have separate
quarters.
Perch.
This is a most attractive fish with
its black bands on a vivid green background
and red caudal and ventral fins. The perch
moves about in shoals in search of whatever
might come its way, and, as they swim, the
sharp-spined dorsal fin stands out like a cocks-
comb. Daphnae will satisfy the small specimens, but for the larger gentry amphipods,
earthworms, and minnows are necessary. Pieces
of raw meat do not come amiss ; nevertheless,
a perch likes nothing better than a small
fish.
Ruffe or Pope.
This fish greatly resembles the
perch, to which it is closely related. It is,
however, a smaller and less brightly coloured
fish and is of greater interest in the aquarium
than in the pond.
Three-spined Stickleback.
A most elegant
little fellow is this stickleback, with its torpedo-
shaped body and flashy colours, especially at
breeding time. Three spines adorn the back
and the colour is silvery with a tinge of green.
The male dons a scarlet coat at breeding time.
In the aquarium or small pool, provided there
are no other fishes, the sticklebacks are very
interesting ; the eggs are laid in a nest over
which the male mounts guard.
Ten-spined Stickleback.
A more slender, and,
incidentally, less common fish than the three-
spined variety of Stickleback. Their habits
however, are almost identical. There is a
row of ten sharp spines along the back.
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