The little Sea-Slug, Ægines punctiluceus, is a brilliant little creature, well worthy the trouble of being permanently established in our Aquaria. Its general colour is pale reddish-brown; but, with the aid of a moderate lens, it exhibits a number of small black tubercles, in the centre of each of which is a speck of resplendent blue or green, forming a succession of gem-like ornaments that have been compared, by enthusiastic naturalists, to sapphires and emeralds; but, without exaggeration, the jewelry of this little creature may be said to surpass that of the Diamond Beetle, notwithstanding his superior reputation.
A few Chitons—a sort of Sea Wood-Louse—would do well in a tank; and a specimen of Gastrophæna modolina is said to have thriven well during many months.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE FISH AND CRUSTACEANS OF THE AQUARIUM.
A marine Aquarium may be rendered very interesting without the introduction of fish, and as their presence requires that the water should be once each day aerated by means of additional water, introduced by the syringe or by a drip, continuing for some time from another vessel, many may prefer the lovely Sea-Weeds, curious Zoöphytes, and beautiful Molluscs, alone; as, if the balance between the amount of animal and vegetable life be felicitously balanced, and the natural scavengers, in the shape of Periwinkles and other Sea-Snails, for the consumption of decaying vegetable matter, and a few Prawns to perform a similar office for perishing Infusoriæ, or any other animal matter, be properly supplied—the tank may remain for a long time undisturbed, the supply of oxygen being ample for the lower classes of animal life alluded to. The beautiful Actiniæ, indeed, will exist in apparent health for a considerable time in water in which no vegetable growth has been introduced. Mr. Gosse describes instances in which the water in glass Aquaria, containing Sea-Anemonies, has remained perfectly pure for more than a year.
The addition of fish, however, undoubtedly enlivens the general aspect of an Aquarium very considerably; and many may not grudge the task of daily aerating the water, in order to enjoy the cheerful spectacle of their agreeable and ever-active movements. One or two young Flounders, very small, and the young of other species of flat fish, add much interest to an Aquarium, in consequence of their mode of swimming being so different to that of the class of fishes with whose movements the eye is more familiar.
Among the fish mentioned by the most experienced in the keeping of Sea Aquaria as best suited to that purpose, the first is the pretty little Tansy, Blennius pholis, with its bright scarlet eyes, and the many changing hues of its body. This little fellow will live and flourish in a tank with a poorer supply of oxygen than any other fish yet tried.
The fifteen-spined Stickleback, Gasterosteus spinachia, does well, and is very cheerful and brisk in his movements. Three or four would be an improvement to any tank.
Young of the gray Mullet, too, do well; for if the supply of oxygen be rather inadequate, they are observed to put their heads partly above the surface of the water, and obtain an artificial supply in that surreptitious manner. The black Goby, Gobius niger, has also been tried with success; but his voracious character—devouring without scruple even his own congeners—renders him on the whole not a very desirable tenant; and yet it is a fine sight to see the little warrior turn black when he seizes his prey, his turquois-coloured eyes dilating with fury.