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Ailments And Enemies Of GoldfishSalt treatment for goldfishAilments and DiseasesAilments and Diseases2Goldfish ParasitesGoldfish Parasites2Enemies of Goldfish>Enemies of Goldfish2WATER SCAVENGER BEETLE This has a fierce-looking pair of mandibles and short antennae and is often mistaken for the Predaceous Diving Beetle, which has long antennae. The two are similar in size, shape, and color. Although the scavenger is said to attack goldfish, it lives principally on decomposed plant and animal matter. The larvae are definitely predatory. It is a good policy to destroy on sight any beetle found in the pool, and ask questions later if you wish. WATER STIUDER This is a predator, no more than an inch long, but nevertheless one that takes its toll. It rides the surface of the water and attacks snails and small fish as they expose themselves. WATER TIGER The Water Tiger, larva of the Predaceous Diving Beetle, is as predatory and savage as the adult. The larva is flat, spindle-shaped, brownish-gray, and semitransparent, from 1/4 inch to nearly 3 inches long. It is dangerous at every stage of growth, a never ceasing hunter, stalking goldfish many times its size, pouncing, killing with mandibles, and then moving off in search of other victims. It lives and grows by the blood of its quarry. To rid a pool of such pests, try trapping them in an umbrella-type minnow seine baited with a piece of red meat. WHIRLIGIG BEETLE Sometimes called Coffee Bug because it is the size and shape of a coffee bean; also known as Perfume Bug because of the faint but pleasant (to some) odor it emits. The shell is black. It is not much of an annoyance, but both bug and larvae are predaceous among small goldfish and snails, and it can bite painfully. GENERAL THREATS If any goldfish in your pool are struck down or removed in some mysterious way, do not overlook the obvious in your search for the culprit. Remember that there are always small boys with powerful curiosity and pet cats with powerful appetites. Crawfish and frogs may find their way into your pool and live there unnoticed until some of the fish begin to disappear. The fancy, slow-moving fish are their easiest prey. Rats have a taste for goldfish, and they know how to catch them. All pool owners know that kingfishers, herons, and sandpipers catch and eat fish, but many have to learn the hard way that blackbirds often attack goldfish, too. |
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