ALMOST HUMAN

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 11

ALMOST HUMAN

HOW FISH SLEEP, SHOOT,

SPIT

Some, human aspects of fish life were referred to by the president (Mr. W. J. Phillipps) at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Aquarium Society, which was held last evening at the residence of the hon. secretary, Mr. W. D. Robinson, Hataitai Road. Some fish, he said, sleep at the bottom of the aquarium, reclining gently on one side; but in the aquarium at Taronga Park, Sydney, is a fish that stands on its tail, wedges its body in between the aquarium wall and a vertical supply pipe, and there sleeps propped up vertically. Some aquarium fish spit at the walls of their glass container when a human being pa6ses. but it is thought that this implies neither injury nor insult, but is merely meant to draw the passer-by's attention and possibly some food. Some fish in aquaria are lazy, but some fish work hard, as in shifting large quantities of sand, which they carry in their mouths to make a bed: a fight with the lazy fish for the possession of the bed probably ensues, illustrating individualism and Socialism. Cod are fond of sleeping in holes in rocks, and literally "curl up" when they sleep. The archer'fish in Burma does' more than spit—it shoots from its mouth, a quantity of water with such accuracy as to knock insects off overhanging leaves and into the archer's larder. This fish maintains its shooting accuracy in captivity and is a pet in the East.

The financial statement of the honorary treasurer (Mrs. Stairmand, who was re-elected) showed a, sufficient balance to warrant a resolution to purchase a consignment of fish for distribution among members of the society. Mr. Robinson declined re-election as honorary secretary, and was succeeded by Mr. C. W. Sievwright, who interested members with some particulars of a technical treatment of aquarium water for the purpose of improving breeding results. Members who have hitherto Been amateur experimenters showed an increasing tendency to seek help from the published works of researchers, and it was decided to add to the society's library.