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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 4 (August 1, 1932)

Gold Fish

Gold Fish.

Sydney has a gold fish craze, and New Zealand is catching it. But instead of keeping the fish in everyday glass globes the latest idea is to have aquariums made like slabs of ice. Some are set in marble or plaster-of-Paris pedestals, in the form of icebergs, with polar bears looking longingly at the fish. Other aquariums are set in wells with small statues of girls drawing water from them. Best of all are the ones made like miniature lakes with funny little men and boys fishing with wee lines. One young ragamuffin has fished up a tiny old boot. He is also trying to brush a big black fly off his nose. The gold fish aren't a scrap frightened of these lines dangling down into their domains, and they try to nibble at the toy bait.

“Aquariums should be placed in a good light but not exposed to the sun's rays,” said Uncle Walker, of 1YA, at whose place I saw these quaint aquariums. “It is advisable,” he continued, “to place two or three fresh water snails in with the gold fish to keep the green slime away from the glass and also to eat up any surplus food. Gold fish should be fed page 15 sparingly on aquarium food. A fourpenny packet should last one fish for about three months. Over-feeding kills them.

“If the Italian water-weed, Vallisnaria Spiralis, is placed in the aquarium the water need only be changed about once every six months. This weed gives off oxygen, which the fish inhale, and it breathes in carbonic acid gas which the fish exhale. The plants keep the fish alive, and vice versa—a perfect balance. If these weeds are not procurable, the water should be changed every day or so by lifting out a cupful or two and replacing it with some that has been left outside for twenty-four hours to collect minute insects which the fish eat. These insects are only discernable under a microscope. River water is ideal, as it already contains hundreds of wriggling little insects and worms. These can be seen with the naked eye. Riverweed and duckweed are splendid for the fish, and make the aquarium look most attractive.”

I wish you could see Uncle Walker's fish. Such odd ones! There are funny North American cat fish with whiskers; telescopic gold fish with protruding eyes; and tiny carp, so small you can scarcely see them!

Next month Uncle Walker will tell you how to keep your dogs healthy and contented.

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