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A VISUAL REFERENCE TO THE MOST
POPULAR SPECIES • J

>£&%

GREG JENNINGS
^r " PuN»c ibw.
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5
Freshwater Aquarium Fish
V*

ss
 Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Consulting Editor

Greg Jennings

A Visual Reference to the Most

Popular Species

T
•

v^O <fi»

Firefly Books
 A Firefly Book
Published by Firefly Books Ltd. 2006 Published in the United States by
Firefly Books (U.S.) Inc.
Copyright © 2006 PO. Box 1338, Ellicott Station,
The Brown Reference Group pic Buffalo, New York 4205 1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be Published in Canada by

reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, Firefly Books Ltd.
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, 66 Leek Crescent,
recording, or by any information storage or retrieval Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1H1
systems, without permission in writing from the
Publisher. The Brown Reference Group
(incorporating Andromeda Oxford Limited)
First printing 8 Chapel Place, Rivington Street,
London EC2A 3DQ
Publisher Cataloging-in-Publication Data (U.S.) www.brownreference.com
500 freshwater aquarium fish a visual reference:

to the most popular species / consultant editor Greg For The Brown Reference Group pic:
Jennings. Editorial Director: Lindsey Lowe
[528] p. : col. photos. ; cm. Project Editor: Graham Bateman
Includes index. Editor: Virginia Carter
Summary: Reference guide to freshwater aquarium fish Design: Steve McCurdy, Martin Anderson
covering information on distribution, behavior, diet,
recommended aquarium set up and breeding.
ISBN-13: 978-1-55407-167-8 Printed in China
ISBN-10: 1-55407-167-4
1. Aquarium Fishes— Identification. 2. Aquarium fishes-
works.
Pictorial I. Jennings, Greg. II. Title. Photo Credits
639.34/2 dc22 SF457.1G377 2006 Front cover: Photomax/Max Gibbs
All Other Photographs:
Library and ArchivesCanada Cataloguing in Publication © Hippocampus Bildarchiv
500 freshwater aquarium fish a visual reference to
: www.Hippocampus-Bildarchiv.com
the most popular species / consultant editor, Greg
Jennings. Front cover: Dwarf Gourami (Colisa lalia)
Includes index. Spine: Blue Gularis (Aphyosemion sjoestedti)
ISBN-13: 978-1-55407-167-8 Back cover: Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)
ISBN-10: 1-55407-167-4
1. Aquarium fishes. 2. Aquarium fishes-Pictorial Page 1 Green Discus, solid turquoise form
:

works. I. Jennings, Greg II. Title: Five hundred (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

freshwater aquarium fish. Pages 2-3: Leopard Danio (Brachydanio rerio
SF457.F48 2006 639.34 C2005-906983-X var. frankei)
 1
CONTENTS
2

12-15 Malawi Blue Dolphin 48 Livingstoni 78

WHAT IS A FISH? Malawi Eye-biter 49 Mozambique Mouthbrooder 79

Orange Chromide 50 Yellow Krib 80
18-113 Green Chromide 51 Krib 81

CICHLIDS Pearl Cichlid 52 Peten Cichlid 82

Jewel Cichlid 53 Deepwater Hap 83
Blue Acara 20
Texas Cichlid 54 Fenestratus 84
Green Terror 21
Severum Cichlid 55 Egyptian Mouthbrooder 85
Pearly Compressiceps 22
Rusty Cichlid 56 South African Mouthbrooder .86
Midas Cichlid 23
Dickfeld's Julie 57 Aurora Cichlid 87
Red Devil 24
Fuelleborn's Cichlid 58 Bumblebee Cichlid 88
Blood Parrot 25
Labidochromis Electric Yellow 59 Kennyi Mbuna 89
African Butterfly Cichlid 26
Ocellated Shelldweller . 60 Eduard's Mbuna 90
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid 21
Auratus Cichlid 61 Altum Angel 91
Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid 28
Pearl of Likoma 62 Angel 92-94
Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid 29
Festive Cichlid 63 Three-spot Geophagus 95
Panda Dwarf Cichlid 30
Zebra Cichlid 64 Jurupari 96
Convict Cichlid 31
T-bar Cichlid 32
Altispinosa Ram 65 African Buffalohead 97

Burton's Mouthbrooder 33
Ram 66 Green and Blue Discus . 98-101
Red Terror 67 Heckel Discus 102
Oscar 34-37
Friedrichsthal's Cichlid . 68 Aureum Cichlid 103
Yellow Peacock 38
Jaguar Cichlid 69 Firemouth 104
Butterfly Peacock 39
Jack Dempsey 70 Five-spot Tilapia 105
Pastel Cichlid 40
Peacock Cichlid 41
Salvin's Cichlid 71 Elongatus Mbuna 106-107
Golden Dwarf Acara 72 Duboisi 108
Brown Cichlid 42
Congo Dwarf Cichlid 73 Moorii 109
Haplochromis Quads 43
Brevis 74 Uaru Cichlid 110
Nicaragua Cichlid 44
Fairy Cichlid 75 Black-belt Cichlid 111
Two-spot Cichlid 45
Lemon Cichlid 76 Quetzal 112
Striped Pike Cichlid 46
Five-barred Lamprologus ... 77 Yellow- finned Xenotilapia . .113
Blue Flash 47
vn

Dwarf Corydoras 138 Spotted Hypostomus 163

114-183
Bandit Corydoras 139 Snow King Plec 64
CATFISH 1

Peppered Corydoras 140 Emperor Panaque 165

AMPHILIIDAE Panda Corydoras 141 Redfin Otocinclus 166
Red Whiptail Catfish 116 Sterba's Corydoras 142 Spiny Plec 167
ARIIDAE Porthole Catfish 1 43 MALAPTERURIDAE
Silver Shark 1 17 Flag-tailed Catfish 144 Electric Catfish 168
ASPREDINIDAE Cascudo Hoplo 145 MOCHOKIDAE
Banjo Catfish 118 Port Hoplo 146 Moustache Synodontis 169
AUCHENIPTERIDAE CHACIDAE Payne's Synodontis 1 70
Zamora Woodcat 119 Frogmouth Catfish 147 Angel Catfish 171
Snowflake Woodcat 120 CLARIIDAE Featherfin Synodontis 1 72
BAG RI DAE Walking Catfish 148 Black-spotted Upside-down
Giraffe Catfish 121 DORADIDAE Catfish 1 73
Mottled Catfish 122 Painted Talking Catfish 149 One-spot Synodontis 174
Asian Bumblebee Catfish . . .123 Spotted Doradid 150 PANGASIIDAE
Bar-tailed Bagrid 124 Hancock's Catfish 151 Iridescent Shark 175
Banded Mystus 125 Star-gazing Doradid 152 PIMELODIDAE
CALLICHTHYIDAE Striped Raphael Catfish ... .153 Spotted Shovelnosed Catfish 1 76
False Corydoras 126 Black Doradid 154 Sailfin Marbled Catfish 177
Giant Brochis 127 ICTALURIDAE Red-tailed Catfish 1 78
Hog-nosed Brochis 128 Black Bullhead 155 Angelicus Pirn 1 79
Common Brochis 129 Channel Catfish 156 Sturgeon Catfish 180
Armored Catfish 130 LORICARIIDAE SILURIDAE
Skunk Corydoras 131 Adonis Catfish 157 Glass Catfish 181
Bronze Corydoras 132-133 Spotted Bristlenose 158 SISORIDAE
Banded Corydoras 134 Stick Catfish 159 Clown Catfish 182
Delphax Corydoras 135 Sailfin Pleco 160 Butterfly Catfish 183
Elegant Corydoras 136 Zebra Pleco 161
Salt-and-pepper Corydoras .137 Pleco 1 62 Right: Shoal of Swordtails

{Xiphophorus helleri).
wm
 11
1

Siamese Stone-lapping Rathbun's Bloodfin 250

184-241
Sucker 223 Red-eyed Tetra 25
CYPRINIDS
Gudgeon 224 Blind Cavefish 252
Bala Shark (Tri-color Shark) 186 Black Shark 225 Long-finned Characin 253
Arulius Barb 187 Golden Orfe 226 Pink-tailed Chalceus 254
Rosy Barb 1 88-189 European Minnow 227 Blue Tetra 255
Cuming's Barb 190 Fathead Minnow 228 Black-finned Pacu 256
Clown Barb 191 Red-tailed Rasbora 229 Exodon 257
Black-spot Barb 192 Greater Scissortail 230 Black Widow 258
Golden Dwarf Barb 193 Elegant Rasbora 231 Silver-tipped Tetra 259
T-barb 194 Slim Harlequin 232 Brilliant Rummy-nosed
Ruby Barb 195 Harlequin 233 Tetra 260
Tinfoil Barb 196 Glowlight Rasbora 234 Buenos Aires Tetra 26
Golden Barb 197 Scissortail 235 Glowlight Tetra 262
Tiger Barb 198 Fire Rasbora 236 Head-and-tail Light Tetra . . .263
Cherry Barb 199 Bitterling 237 Pretty Tetra 264
Pearl Danio 200 Rudd 238 Ulrey's Tetra 265
Kerr's Danio 201 White Cloud Mountain Rosy Tetra 266
Spotted Danio 202 Minnow 239 Bleeding Heart Tetra 267
Zebra Danio 203 Tench 240-241 Flame Tetra 268
Goldfish 204-209 Black Neon 269
242-319
Indian Glass Barb 210 Flag Tetra 270
Siamese Flying Fox 211
CHARACOIDS Lemon Tetra 27
Koi 212-215 ANOSTOMIDAE Slender Tetra 272
Red Shiner 216 Marbled Headstander 244 Blue Emperor 273
Giant Danio 217 Striped Anostomus 245 Jelly Bean Tetra 274
Bengal Danio 218 Ternetz's Anostomus 246 Red Phantom Tetra 275
Barred Danio 219 Many-banded Leporinus . . .247 Silver Dollar 276
Red-tailed Black Shark 220 CHARACIDAE Plain Metynnis 277
Rainbow Shark 221 Spotted Cachorro 248 Diamond Tetra 278
Flying Barb 222 Bloodfin 249 Red-eyed Tetra 279
 m

^
Redhook Pacu 280 HEMIODONTIDAE Clown Loach 326
Silver Mylossoma 281 Slender Hemiodus 306 Orange-finned Loach 327
Emperor Tetra 282 One-spot Hemiodus 307 Dwarf Loach 328
Cardinal Tetra 283 HEPSETIDAE Zebra Loach 329
Neon Tetra 284 African Pike Characin 308 Spined Weather Loach 330
False Neon Tetra 285 LEBIASINIDAE Lesser Loach 331
Congo Tetra 286 Red-spotted Copeina 309 Dojo 332
Glass Bloodfin 287 Splashing Tetra Characin . . .310 Kuhli Loach 333
X-ray Tetra 288 Meta Tetra 311 Myer's Loach 334
Red-bellied Piranha 289 Colombian Dwarf Predatory GYRINOCHEILIDAE
Swordtail Characin 290 Tetra 312 Chinese Algae Eater 335
Boehlke's Penguin Fish ... .291 Beckford's Pencilfish 313 336-387
Penguin Fish 292 Two-lined Pencilfish 314 GOURAMIS AND
Narrow Hatchetfish 293 Harrison's Pencilfish 315 RELATIVES
CITHARINIDAE Dwarf Pencilfish 316
Lined Citharinid 294 One-lined Pencilfish 317 ANABANTIDAE
Silver Distichodus 295 Short-lined Pyrrhulina 318 Climbing Perch 338
Long-nosed Distichodus . . .296 Red-spotted Rachow's Leopard Ctenopoma 339
One-striped African Pyrrhulina 319 Orange Bushfish 340
Characin 297 Tailspot Bushfish 341
320-335
Ansorge's Neolebias 298 Mottled Ctenopoma 342
LOACHES AND BELONTIIDAE
African Pike Characin 299
SUCKERS 343
CURIMATIDAE Java Combtail

Silver Prochilodus 300 BALITORIDAE Combtail 344

ERYTHRINIDAE Saddled Hillstream Loach . .321 Slender Betta 345
Golden Trahira 301 CATOSTOMIDAE Wine Red Fighter 346
Wolf Fish 302 Chinese Sailfin Sucker 322 Crescent Betta 347
GASTEROPELECIDAE COBITIDAE Penang Mouthbrooding
Marbled Hatchetfish 303 Horse-faced Loach 323 B§tta 348
Common Hatchetfish 304 Banded Loach 324 Emerald Betta 349
Silver Hatchetfish 305 Yo-yo Loach 325 Siamese Fighting Fish 350-354
 1 1

l/>

Noble Gourami 355 CHAN N DAE

I

402-421
Black Paradise Fish 356 Red Snakehead 382
KILLIFISH
Chinese Paradise Fish 357 Dark African Snakehead . . . .383
Paradise Fish 358-359 NANDIDAE APLOCHEILIDAE
Licorice Dwarf Gourami . . . .360 Badis 384 Lyretail 403
Spike-tailed Paradise Fish . .361 South American Leaf Fish . .385 Red-seam Killifish 404
Day's Spike-tailed Common Nandus 386 Blue Killifish 405
Paradise Fish 362 Schomburgk's Leaf Fish . . . .387 Blue Gularis 406
Dwarf Croaking Gourami .363 Clown Killifish 407
. .

388-401
Sparkling Gourami 364 Chaper's Panchax 408
Croaking Gourami 365
RAINBOWS AND
Blue Panchax 409
BLUE-EYES
Honey Gourami 366 Six-barred Panchax 410
Giant Gourami 367 BEDOTIIDAE Gunther's Nothobranch ... .41
Thick-lipped Gourami 368 Madagascar Rainbowfish . . .389 Palmqvist's Nothobranch . . .412
Dwarf Gourami 369 MELANOTAENIIDAE Argentine Pearl 413
False Chocolate Gourami . . .370 Salmon Red Rainbowfish . . .390 Black-finned Argentine
Chocolate Gourami 371 Threadfin Rainbowfish 39 Pearl 414
Vaillant's Chocolate Northern Rainbowfish 392 White's Pearl 415
Gourami 372 Boeseman's Rainbowfish . . .393 Lace-finned Killifish 416
Pearl Gourami 373 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish . . .394 Green Rivulus 4 17
Moonlight Gourami 374 Turquoise Rainbowfish 395 Blue-striped Rivulus 418
Snakeskin Gourami 375 MacCulloch's Rainbowfish . .396 FUNDILIDAE
Blue Gourami 376-377 Parkinson's Rainbowfish . . .397 Golden Top Minnow 4l c>

HELOSTOMATIDAE Splendid Rainbowfish 398 CYPRINODONTIDAE

Kissing Gourami 378 PSEUDOMUGILIDAE Arabian Killifish 420
LUCIOCEPHALIDAE Furcata Rainbowfish 399 Florida Flagfish 421
Pikehead 379 Australian Blue-eye 400
OSPHRONEMIDAE TELMATHERINIDAE
Giant Gourami 380-381 Celebes Rainbowfish 40

10
 X
Sunset Platy 458 Blotched Mudskipper 483
GOODEIDAE Emerald River Goby 484
LIVEBEARERS Golden Bumblebee Goodeid 459 Japanese Medaka 485
ANABLEPIDAE Ameca 460 Indian Glassfish 486
Four-eyed Fish 423 Rainbow Goodeid 461 Archer Fish 487
POECILIIDAE Black-finned Goodeid 462 Scat 488
Lampeye Panchax 424 Gold-breasted Ilyodon 463 Mono 489
Tanganyika Lampeye 425 Green Goodeid 464 Green Puffer 490
Tanganyika Pearl Killifish . . .426 Orange-tailed Goodeid 465 Butterflyfish 491
Knife Livebearer 427 Crescent Goodeid 466 Elephantnose 492
Pike Top Livebearer 428 HEMIRAMPHIDAE Clown Knifefish 493
The Bishop 429 Wrestling Halfbeak 467 African Knifefish 494
Blackline Mosquitofish 430 Long-snout Halfbeak 468 Black Ghost Knifefish 495
Western Mosquitofish 431 Celebes Halfbeak 469 Green Knifefish 496
Eastern Mosquitofish 432 Silver Arowana 497
470-505
Girardinus Topminnow 433 Red Arowana 498
MISCELLANEOUS
Mosquitofish 434 Lesser Spiny Eel 499
FISH
Black-bellied Limia 435 Fire Eel 500
Humpbacked Limia 436 Blue-spotted Sunfish 471 African Lungfish 501
Cuban Limia 437 Redbreast Sunfish 472 Ropefish 502
Merry Widow 438 Pumpkinseed 473 Ornate Birchir 503
One-spot Livebearer 439 Everglades Pygmy Sunfish . .474 Shovelnosed Sturgeon 504
Sailfin Molly 440-441 Perch 475 Motoro Stingray 505
Guppy 442-447 Marbled Sleeper 476
Sphenops Molly 448 Striped Sleeper Goby 477 Glossary 506-509
Yucatan Molly 449 Empire Goby 478 Further Reading 510-511
Black-barred Livebearer . . . .450 Purple-striped Sleeper Goby 479 Usejul Web Sites 512
Swordtail 451-454 Peacock Goby 480 Index 513-528
Southern Platy 455-456 Bumblebee Goby 481
Slender Pygmy Swordtail . .457 Knight Goby 482

11
 —

WHAT IS A FISH?
THERE ARE WELL OVER 24,000 SPECIES OF FISH Bony fishes (Class Osteichthyes)

known to science, and that number appears A large class of species ranging from guppies
to be increasing daily. With so many thousands to seahorses (over 23,000 species).
of species in existence —from whale sharks to Of these two categories, the one that is

minnows —we should all know what a fish is. encountered almost (but not quite) exclusively in

However, things are not that simple, since there aquaria and in ponds is the Class Osteichthyes,
is no categorical definition of the term "fish." the bony fishes. It is possible, with difficulty and
Identifying combined characteristics numerous exceptions and qualifications, to list

associated with fishes, such as an aquatic the characteristics that, in combination, allow
lifestyle and the possession of gills and fins, us to recognize a bony fish as such.

might seem to bring a definition a little closer Bony fish:

but other animals such as cuttlefishes (Sepia, • Possess a braincase and limb (fin) skeleton
etc.) and squids exhibit the same characteristics. consisting, at least in part, of bone.
In broad terms there are two groups of fishes: • Possess fins, usually with spines and/or rays.
Cartilaginous fishes (Class Chondrichthyes) • Breathe through outwardly directed gills

Sharks, rays, and chimaeras (about 700 species). covered by an operculum (gill cover) that
appears externally as a slitlike aperture.
• Have bodies totally or partially covered in

scales (with some important exceptions).

• Possess an air/gas swimbladder used in

buoyancy control (with a few exceptions).

• Possess a sensory mechanism called the
lateral line system, which runs in a head-tail

direction.
• Are poikilothermic (cold-blooded): their body
temperature is determined by that of the
environment.

Left: Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)

12
 dorsal fin

scale
Anatomy of a Fish lateral line

The principal external features of a fish

mouth

upper jaw
(premaxilla
and maxilla)

lower jaw
(dentary)

pectoral girdle

pelvic girdle
 FISH HABITATS
Fish can be found in almost every aquatic habitat,
from Arctic wastes and the darkest recesses of
midocean abysses to mudpools and the brightly
illuminated warm shallows of coral reefs. Very
little of the planet's surface is covered by
freshwater (lakes, rivers, and steams). Yet these

habitats contain a myriad of unique fish species.

While many regions of the world contribute fish
to the aquarist hobby, a large number come from
the Amazon Basin and Africa's Rift Valley lakes.

FISH CONSERVATION
Like many animals, fish are under threat from
human activities, for example, through habitat
destruction and pollution. Numbers of some
fish in their natural habitats have decreased
dramatically as a result of collection for the
aquarium trade. However, international trade in

particular species is often restricted or banned

now, and the recent increase in the captive

breeding of aquarium fish to satisfy the boom in

demand from the aquarium hobby has resulted in

a reduction of the pressures on wild specimens.

An estimated 90 percent of all freshwater
aquarium and pond fish are now bred in captivity.

Left, from top: Sailfin Molly (Poeciha latipmna); Leopard

Ctenopoma (Ctenopoma acutirostre); Red Aphyosemion

{Aphyosemion sjoestedti). Opposite: Redhook Pacu

(Myleus rubripinnis).

14
500 FRESHWATER AQUARIUM FISH aspects of their biology and classification. The
This book illustrates and describes a range of information is suported by fact boxes that
freshwater fish that are kept in the freshwater describe their origins, form, behavior, as well as
aquarium. For the most part they are tropical the aquarium conditions required.
species that require the water to be heated, but Every attempt has been made to use the latest

also included are some that survive quite happily scientific names for all species. However, the level

at room temperature. Over 500 species, strains, of acceptance and frequency of use varies among
or varieties are illustrated, in most cases and countries. For this
scientists, aquarists,

accompanied by a brief description of interesting reason, synonyms are included wherever relevant.

15
I
A

^HHw H^y*^
.. i
*C *v v
 SPECIES'
PROFILES

Left: Shoal of Cardinal Tetras

(Paracheirodon axelrodi).

17
I
s
CICHLIDS
y
u Family Cichlidae

The cichlids are a large family (Cichlidae) (90cm) — is Boulengerochromis microlepis

comprising at least 2,000 species. In fact, from Lake Tanganyika. The smallest cichlids
some authors believe that, depending on belong to the genus Apistogramma and
the way in which a species is defined, Lake grow no bigger than 1 '/2in (3.5cm).
Malawi in Africa alone may contain 1,600 While the overall form of cichlids
different species. They occur mainly in varies immensely there are common
freshwater in Central and South America, features. Cichlids have only one nostril

the West Indes, Africa, Madagascar, Syria, on each side of the head rather than the
the coastal areas of the southern half of normal two; the lateral line is often split,

India, and Sri Lanka. the front (longer) section being located
The northernmost species is the higher up the body; most species have
Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus). brown-tipped teeth; and the dorsal fin is

The largest species — at a length of 36in divided into a spiny, unbranched (hard)

Left: Maylandia famzilben.

Opposite: Steatocranus
gibbiceps

18
front section and a branched (soft) rear young on body secretions during the first
one supported by rays. weeks of life.
Spawning behavior in cichlids is Cichlids will eat a wide range of foods
very varied, although parental care is and are therefore not generally difficult to
characteristic.Spawning strategies include keep. There are so many species available
depositing the eggs on rocks, leaves, and within the hobby that, once basic aquarium
so on; incubation in the mouth by females keeping has been mastered, most aquarists
(mouthbrooding); and a few feed their interested in cichlids begin to specialize.

19
 —

i BlueAcara
H
C Aequidens pulcher

Other common name:

Blue-spot Cichlid

Synonyms: Aequidens
latifrons, A. cf. latifrons,

A. caeruleopunctatus

Distribution: A. pulcher
found in Panama, Trinidad,

and Venezuela; A. latifrons

and A. caeruleopunctatus
in Colombia.

Size: Up to 8in (20cm)

reported; usually smaller.

Behavior: Relatively peaceful,

except during breeding.

Although this species

burrows, it does not eat

plants. Roots should
nevertheless be protected.

Diet: All commercial and

livefoods accepted.

Aquarium: Open areas,

Despite the Blue Acara's long history in the hobby (it was first introduced hiding places, and some flat

or smooth, rounded rocks

into Europe in 1906), there is still considerable debate regarding its correct Plants must be robust
scientific name. As a result, the various names given above are often used and/or artificial. Water

chemistry not critical but

interchangeably, with some authorities regarding the Colombian Blue
qualitymust be good.
Acaras as valid species in their own rights A. latifrons, A. cf. latifrons or Temperature range: 64 77 F
A. caeruleopunctalus — and the others as A. pulcher. There are certainly (18-25 C); slightly higher for
breeding.
observable differences between these, but some other authorities believe
them to be insufficiently significant to warrant separation. Breeding: Eggs are laid on a
precleaned rock, and they
and the fry are guarded by
both parents. Hatching
takes 2-5 days.

20
Green Terror
Aequidens rivulatus

Other common names:

Silver Seam, Silver Saum,
Gold Seam, Gold Saum

Distribution: Green Terror

and Gold Saum found in
Ecuador; Silver Saum in

Peru.

Size: Up to lO'/zin (27cm)

reported; usually smaller.

Behavior: Territorial and

aggressive, particularly at
breeding time. Only equally
large, robust tankmates
recommended.

Diet: Substantial commercial

foods, e.g. granules, tablets
and, particularly, livefoods.

Aquarium: Large and as for

A. pulcher, but temperature
c
range: 68-75°F (20-24 C);
slightly higher for breeding.

Breeding: Eggs are laid on a This relatively large fish has distinctive cheek markings that are similar to
precleaned rock, and they
and the fry are guarded by
those found in the Blue Acara. However, the head, particularly in males, is

both parents. Hatching considerably larger, with a noticeable "forehead." The Gold Saum and
takes 2-5 days.
Silver Saum have golden/reddish and whitish/silvery edges to the dorsal
and caudal fins respectively.

21
 —

i Pearly Compressiceps
CI Altolamprologus calvus

Synonym: Lamprologus
calvus

Distribution: Lake
Tanganyika, between
Kapampa (D. R. Congo) and
Cape Chaitika (Zambia).

Size: Males 6in (15cm);

females 4in (10cm).

Behavior: Should be kept

with equally robust species.
Has been reported to "steal"
eggs from mouthbrooders.
Intolerant of its own and
other Altolamprologus
species.

Diet: Livefoods preferred.

Aquarium: Well-lit and

properly constructed
backgrounds with numerous
boltholes; at least one sandy
area and one large snail
shell or small cave for
female. Water should be
hard and alkaline
(pH 7.5-9.5), and well
Altolamprologus species are easily distinguished from the related and oxygenated.
filtered

genus Neolamprologus — including N. brichardi (the Fairy Cichlid) Temperature range: 73-81 F

(23-27C).
by their deeper (i.e., higher, or "altum") body and dorsal fin. These
fin characteristics make Altolamprologus appear considerably more Breeding: Eggs are laid in
a cave or shell that should
robust and predatory. Other Altolamprologus regularly available are:
be too small for male to
A. compressiceps, 6 Am (16cm); and the much smaller A. "Compressiceps enter Female undertakes

Shell," with a maximum length of 3in (8cm). Females of both species are most brood-guarding
responsibilities, with male
smaller than the males. predominantly responsible
for guarding territory.

22
Midas Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus

Distribution: Nicaragua and

Costa Rica.

3
Size: 13 Ain (35cm); usually
smaller.

Behavior: Territorial and

aggressive, particularly
during breeding time; likes

burrowing.

Diet: Wide range of

substantial commercial
foods and livefoods
accepted.

Aquarium: Large, with well-

protected, robust plants,
shelters (caves or bogwood),
and some flat or rounded
rocks. Rocks should be well
bedded to prevent them
from being toppled over.
Water chemistry not critical.
Temperature range: 70-77T
(21-25 C).

Breeding: Eggs are laid on a

precleaned rock, and they
and the fry are guarded by
both parents. Hatching
takes 2-5 days. This large fish is available in several color forms, including "Gold,"
"Marble," "Red-head," and "Tiger," which are all naturally occurring
morphs. There are also some commercially produced varieties. In all

varieties mature males develop a distinctive "bump" (nuchal hump)

on the forehead.

23
=
u
Red Devil
Amphilophus labiatus

Other common name:

Thick-lipped Cichlid

Distribution: Nicaragua.

3
Size: 13 Ain (35cm); usually
smaller.

Behavior: Aggressive,
territorial, active burrower.

Diet: All large foods

accepted, e.g. tablets,
granules.

Aquarium: Large, with well-

protected, robust plants,
shelters (caves or bogwood),
and some flat or rounded
rocks. Rocks shouldbe well
bedded to prevent them
from being toppled over.
Water chemistry not critical.
Temperature range: 70-77 F
(21-25C).

Breeding: Eggs are laid on a

As one of the common names precleaned rock, and they

for this species indicates, one of the main
and the fry are guarded by
characteristics is the thick lips possessed, particularly by adult males. both parents, although
While red specimens occur in nature, this is by no means the only the female takes greater
responsibility for the fry
naturally occurring morph of this variable species. Several cultivated
Hatching takes 2-5 days.
color varieties are also available.

24
Blood Parrot'
Unknown hybrid

Other common names:

Bloody Parrot, Blood
Parrotfish, Jellybean Parrot,

Red Parrot

Distribution: Man-made
hybrid, therefore no natural
distribution.

Size: Up to 8in (20cm).

Behavior: Usually peaceful,

shy fish; can be territorial.

Diet: A variety of foods

accepted, e.g. tablets,
flakes, frozen foods,
and krill.

Aquarium: Large with plenty

of rock formations and
shelters, especially caves.

Plants not essential.

Temperature range: 70-82°F
(21-28°C). The Blood Parrot is the result of interbreeding between two unknown
Breeding: Generally infertile species of cichlids — although the South American Severum {Hews severus)
unless paired with a such as the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus
and a Central American cichlid,
nonhybrid fish.
cithnellus) or the Red Devil (A. labiatus) are often cited as the parents.
This hybrid fish occurs in a range of colors, from orange to red or purple.
The most common morph is the Red Blood Parrot, which, despite its

name, is gold to orange in color with a pink patch on the throat. The
main characteristics that distinguish the Blood Parrot from other cichlids
are its beaklike mouth and unusually large, bright yellowish-green eyes,
often with an oddly shaped iris.

25
I
 African Butterfly Cichlid
Anomalochromis thomasi

Other common name:

Dwarf Jewel Fish

Distribution: Coastal
freshwater habitats in Sierra

Leone, Guinea, and Liberia.

Size: Male 4in (10cm);

females considerably smaller.

Behavior: Territorial, but

tolerant of other species.

Diet: Wide range of foods

accepted; both vegetable
and livefood components
recommended.

Aquarium: Well planted,

with hiding places and flat-

topped or smoothly
rounded pebbles. Water
chemistry not critical, but
soft, slightly acid conditions
are best for breeding.
Temperature range: 73-81 F

(23-27 C).

The second of the above common names for this species is rarely
Breeding: Eggs are laid on a
encountered these days, but it reflects the fact that this beautifully marked precleaned broad leaf, or on
fish was once considered a Hemichromis, the genus to which the "true" a flat or rounded pebble.
Both parents guard the eggs
Jewel Cichlids belong. It is hard to differentiate between the two sexes, but
and fry. Hatching occurs
adult females generally have stronger black markings and their bodies are after about 2 days.
more rounded just before spawning.

26
 1
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii

Distribution: Wide
distribution in southern
tributaries of the Amazon.

Size: Up to 4in (10cm)

reported; usually smaller;
males considerably larger
than females.

Behavior: Peaceful toward

other species, but intolerant
of its own in a confined
space.

Diet: Most commercial

formulations accepted, but
livefoods preferred.

Aquarium: Thick planting,

plus other forms of shelter,

e.g. caves. Dark, fine-

grained substratum
recommended. Soft, acid
water required. Temperature
range: 72-77°F (22-25°C).

Breeding: Eggs are (usually)

This is an exceptionally beautiful dwarf cichlid. Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
laidon the roof of a cave. was first imported into Europe in 1909 and is numerous
available in
Female takes on main
naturally occurring color morphs, as well as in some commercially
responsibility for guarding
both eggs and fry, with developed ones. Typical of its genus, A. agassizii demonstrates sexual
male defending territory. dimorphism, with the males being much larger than the females, and
Hatching takes 3-5 days.
the two sexes often exhibiting completely different coloration.
If several females are kept
in a sufficiently spacious
aquarium with well-spaced-
out caves, each will establish
its own territory and may

spawn with the same male.

27
i Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid
\j Apistogramma borellii

Other common name:

Umbrella Dwarf Cichlid

Synonym: Apistogramma
reitzigi

Distribution: Mainly Mato

Grosso (Brazil), Pantanal
(Paraguay).

Size: Males up to 3in (8cm);

females considerably smaller.

Behavior: Peaceful toward

other species, but intolerant
of its own in confined
space.

Diet: Will accept some

commercial preparations,
but prefers livefoods.

Aquarium: Thick planting,

plus other forms of shelter,
e.g. caves. Dark, fine-

grained substratum
This is a slightly deeper-bodied species than A. agassizii. Several naturally recommended. Temperature
range: 72-77 F (22-25 C),
occurring color forms exist. In all forms, mature males have some blue
slightly higher for breeding.
coloration and quite splendid dorsal fins when expanded. Occasionally
Breeding: Eggs are (usually)
young males in a group will adopt the same coloration as the females,
laidon the roof of a cave.
and are thus not regarded by older males as rivals. Female takes on main
responsibility for guarding
eggs, male and female both
involved in fry protection,
with male defending
territory Hatching takes
4-5 days If several females
are kept in a sufficiently

spacious aquarium with

well-spaced-out caves,
each will establish its

own and may

territory

spawn with the same male.

28
 n
Macmaster's* Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma macmasteri

Other common names:

Red-tailed Dwarf Cichlid,

Villavicencio Apistogramma

Synonym: Apistogramma
ornatipinnis

Distribution: Mainly Rio

Meta drainage system,
Colombia.

Size: Males up to 4in (10cm);

females considerably smaller.

Behavior: Typical
Apistogramma, i.e. generally
peaceful but intolerant of its

own in confined space.

Diet: Strong preference for

livefoods; sometimes
difficult to wean off
livefoods and on to
commercial diets.

Aquarium: As for other

Apistogramma species, but
very soft, acid water
recommended. Temperature
range: 73-86°F (23-30 C).
Although the alternative name, A. ornatipinnis, was most frequently used
during the 1970s, it is still encountered from time to time today.
Breeding: As for other
Apistogramma species. To confuse matters further, A. ornatipinnis is considered a synonym of
Hatching takes upward A. steindachneri (Steindachner's Dwarf Cichlid). Macmaster's Dwarf
1

of 2 /? days, depending
Cichlid shows marked differences between males and females of the
on temperature.
species. Males are larger than females, and their dorsal membranes are
slightly longer. Some males may have a forked tail, whereas females' tails

are always rounded in shape.

29
 —

i Panda Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma nijsseni

Distribution: Mainly Rio

Ucayali and Rio Yavari, west
of Iquitos, Peru.

Size: Males up to 3'/;>in

(9cm); females smaller.

Behavior: Typical
Apistogramma.

Diet: Prefers livefoocis, but

may also accept commercial
preparations.

Aquarium: Layout as for

other Apistogramma
species. A. nijsenni is less

demanding than most of its

closest relatives in its water

chemistry requirements.
Temperature range: 75-82 F

(24-28 C); slightly higher for

breeding.

Breeding: Breeds in typical

Apistogramma fashion.
One of the most immediately recognizable features of this species is the and soft,
Peat filtration
rounded caudal fin of the vast majority of males (in most other species, acid water recommended.
Hatching takes 3-4 days
there are upper and lower fin ray extensions). As in many other
Experiments have shown
Apistogramma, several naturally occurring color forms of this species that at 68-73 F (20-23 C)

whose sex is influenced by both temperature and pH — exist. all eggs develop into
females; the ratio of males
begins to increase from
73 6 F (23.1 0, with 100
percent male offspring
being produced at
84.4-89.6 F (29 1-32 C).

Hatching rates are low in

hard water (around 16

percent), rising to around
83 percent in soft water.

30
 •'

Convict Cichlid
Archocentrus nigrofasciatus

Other common name:

Zebra Cichlid

Synonyms:
Heros nigrofasciatus,
Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum

Distribution: Widely
distributed in Central
America.

Size: Males up to 6in (1 5cm);

females smaller.

Behavior: Highly territorial;

will damage tender plants.

Diet: All foods accepted;

vegetable component
essential.

Aquarium: Spacious, with

easily defended shelters,

robust and/or unpalatable

plants, and rounded or flat-

topped pebbles. Water

chemistry not critical. This stunningly patterned fish has been popular within the aquarium
c
Temperature range: 68-77 F
hobby for nearly 70 years. This is, perhaps, a little surprising given that its
(20-25°C).
strong territorial instincts make it somewhat aggressive toward many of its
Breeding: Eggs are laid
tankmates. However, the pleasure of keeping a well-matched pair housed
either in caves or in the
open, and they and the fry
in a sufficiently spacious, well-designed aquarium, stocked with robust
are protected by both species,more than makes up for the disadvantages in the behavioral
parents. Hatching takes a
aspects of the species. An albino variety is occasionally available.
few days.

31
I T-bar Cichlid
Archocentrus sajica

Other common name:

Sajica's Cichlid

Synonym: Cichlasoma sajica

Distribution: Costa Rica.

WL 9^4 Size: Males up to 4

3
/»in

(12cm); females smaller.

Behavior: Territorial, but

^^^^^^^^^^^^m ^-^0^^^^ ^B generally more tolerant of
^m other fish than some similar-

sized cichlids, except during

*
^r breeding.

Diet: All foods accepted.

Aquarium: Spacious, well

planted, with hiding places,

" shelters, and caves. Water

%r
chemistry not critical.

°^
^^^tr^ * Temperature range: 72-77
(22-25 C).
F

Breeding: Eggs usually laid

in caves. Female generally
cares for eggs and young
Although the second of the above scientific names is now ceasing to be
(which hatch out in several
used, it is included here because it still appears in print from time to time, days), with male guarding
territory.
particularly in articles. Several naturally occurring forms of this species are

available, the color and patterning depending on locality The T-bar Cichlid

is sometimes confused with the less colorful A. spilurus.

32
 ~7

Burton's Mouthbrooder
Astatotilapia burtoni

Synonym: Haplochromis
burtoni

Distribution: Lake
Tanganyika basin.

3
Size: Males up to 4 Ain
(12cm), but usually smaller;
females around 2 3Ain (7cm).

Behavior: Males are

aggressive toward each
other, but juvenile males
may be kept together in a
sufficiently large aquarium.

Diet: All foods accepted;

vegetablecomponent
recommended.

Aquarium: Hiding places, an

open swimming space and a
fine-grained substratum
should be provided.
Medium-hard alkaline water
preferred. Temperature
range: 68-77°F (20-25°C);
slightly higher for breeding.

Breeding: Maternal
This species was among the early mouthbrooders to be kept by aquarists,
mouthbrooder. Males dig at a time when "eggspots" or "egg dummies" were still a novelty. It is
large pits to which they
perhaps not kept as widely these days owing to the numerous, more
attract females. Once a few
eggs are laid, the female colorful, mouthbrooders that are now available. Eggspots are markings
takes them into her mouth. that are present on the male's anal fin, and are thought to play an
Hatching can take over 1
important role in reproduction. After the female has taken some of her
week. For a time after this,

the female will guard her eggs into her mouth, she pecks at the eggspots on the male's anal fin
offspring, taking them into
as if they, too, were eggs. This action is believed to stimulate the male to
her mouth when danger
release sperm, thus ensuring fertilization.
threatens and rereleasing
them later.

33
i
u
Oscar
C Astronotus ocellatus

Other common names:

Peacock-eye, Velvet Cichlid

Distribution: Amazon,
Orinoco and Paraguay River
basins.

Size: Up to 13 /^in (35cm)

reported, but usually
smaller.

Behavior: Territorial,

especially when paired up

for breeding. At other times,
relatively tolerant of other
equally robust species.

Diet: All large foods

accepted.

Aquarium: Large, with

good cover and ample,
open swimming areas.
Plants must be robust and
protected (by making the
area around the base of
the stems inaccessible), or
artificial. Large rounded/
smooth stones and
First imported into the European hobby in the late 1920s, the Oscar is still
bogwood should make
going as strongly as ever. Indeed, with modern-day technology making it
up most of the decor. Water
ever easier to keep large fish in —which available
aquaria, this species is in chemistry not critical, but

a long-finned variety —could be on

water must be well filtered.
numerous color forms and even in its
Temperature range: 68-77 F

way to becoming even more popular. (20 25 C).

Breeding: A strong bond is

established between the pair

after numerous "trials of
strength," after which the
pair remains loyal. Broods of
around 1,000 eggs are laid
on a precleaned site Eggs
and young are protected by
the parents

34
35
36
Left: Big-spot Wild form.

Far left: Wild form.

Below: Marble.
Right: Plane Gray Blackfin

Below right: Albino.

37
 —

»i Yellow Peacock
Aulonocara baenschi

Other common names:

Sunshine/Nkhomo-
Benga/Baensch's Peacock,
Aulonocara Benga

Distribution: Around
Nkhomo Reef in Lake
Malawi.

Size: Males around 3/2in

(9cm) in the wild, but can
grow larger in aquaria;
females smaller.

Behavior: Territorial, but

relatively peaceful toward
other fishes.

Diet: Livefoods and

commercial diets accepted

Aquarium: Properly
constructed backgrounds
that reach almost to the
water surface, with plenty
of boltholes.Must be
well and well filtered.
lit

Medium-hard, alkaline-
water required. Temperature
range: 72-77 F (22-25 C).
Two of this species' common names, Yellow Peacock and Sunshine
Breeding: Typical maternal
Peacock, accurately describe the resplendent colors of males in full
mouthbrooder (see
breeding condition. There are at least three different color morphs Astatotilapia burtoni).

the blue-yellow is the one that is bred most often. Females, however,
are relatively drab.

38
Butterfly Peacock
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi

Other common name:

Malawi Butterfly

Distribution: Widely
distributed in Lake Malawi.

Size: Males up to 5in (13cm)

in the wild, but can grow
larger in aquaria; females
considerably smaller.

Behavior: Territorial and

aggressive toward other
conspecific males (i.e. males
of the same species); more
tolerant of other species.

Diet: Predominantly livefood

based, but will also take
some commercial
formulations, particularly
deep-frozen diets.

Aquarium: Properly
constructed backgrounds
that reach almost to the
water surface, with plenty
of boltholes.Must be
well and well filtered.
lit
Although the base body color of males is blue, individuals differ in
Medium-hard, alkaline
water required. Temperature patterning and fin coloration, depending on locality. However, all are
range: 72-77F (22-25 :
C). brilliantly colored when in full breeding regalia. The male is larger than

Breeding: Maternal the female, with long pelvic fins. Its dorsal and anal fins are pointed.
mouthbrooder, but male Females have a red stripe on the dorsal fin.
does not dig a pit; attracts
females to his cave instead.

39
i Pastel Cichlid
Callochromis pleurospilus

Other common name:

Redspot Callochromis

Distribution: Shallow
water throughout
Lake Tanganyika.

Size: Up to 6in (15cm).

Behavior: Active shoaler and

digger that should be kept
in small groups.

Diet: Sinking formulations

and livefoods preferred.

Aquarium: Shelter, plus

ample sandy areas, must be

provided. Medium-hard,
alkaline, well-filtered water
recommended. Temperature
range: 73-77 F (23-25 C).

Breeding: Maternal
mouthbrooder. Males
excavate pits to which
they attract females.

This interesting and attractive slender fish is one of the sand-sifting

African Rift Lake cichlids that have become progressively more widely
available from the early 1990s onward. Although they vary significantly in
color, most male Pastel Cichlids have a light green and pinkish metallic
sheen to each of the scales on the sides, and the anal fin is often tinged
with pink. The heads of the males are bluish-green, and their lips are
bright blue. The females are less spectacular, being plain silver in color.

40
Peacock Cichlid
Cichla ocellaris

Other common names:

Peacock Bass, Eyespot
Cichlid, Eyespot Bass,
Tucunare

Distribution: Central and

northern South America.

Size: Up to 24in (60cm); may

be slightly larger in the wild.

Behavior: Aggressive
predator.

Diet: Large livefoods

and commercial diets
(freeze-dried, deep frozen,
pellets, etc.).

Aquarium: Large, with

ample open spaces,
bogwood, and large, robust
plants.Water chemistry not
critical,but water must be
well filtered. Temperature
range: 75-82°F (24-28°C).

Breeding: Difficult in
Although it looks superficially like a bass, C. ocellaris is a true cichlid in
aquaria. This is a substrate-
spawning species with
every sense. It is a variable species, particularly attractive during its

typical parental protection. juvenile phase. It soon outgrows most aquaria. A closely related species,

C. temensis, which is even larger, is also occasionally available.

41
Discovering Diverse Content Through
Random Scribd Documents
 Je reviens.
Il sort par la petite porte de gauche. Sitôt qu’il est sorti, don César et
Ruy Blas vont vivement l’un à l’autre.
 SCÈNE TROISIÈME.
DON CÉSAR, RUY BLAS.

DON CÉSAR.

Sur ma foi,
Je ne me trompais pas. C’est toi, Ruy Blas?

RUY BLAS.

C’est toi,
Zafari! que fais-tu dans ce palais?

DON CÉSAR.

J’y passe.
Mais je m’en vais. Je suis oiseau, j’aime l’espace.
Mais toi! cette livrée? est-ce un déguisement?

RUY BLAS, avec amertume.

Non, je suis déguisé quand je suis autrement.

DON CÉSAR.

Que dis-tu!

RUY BLAS.

Donne-moi ta main, que je la serre

Comme en cet heureux temps de joie et de misère,
Où je vivais sans gîte, où le jour j’avais faim,
Où j’avais froid la nuit, où j’étais libre enfin!
—Quand tu me connaissais, j’étais un homme encore.
Tous deux nés dans le peuple,—hélas! c’était l’aurore!
Nous nous ressemblions au point qu’on nous prenait
Pour frères; nous chantions dès l’heure où l’aube naît,
Et le soir, devant Dieu, notre père et notre hôte,
Sous le ciel étoilé nous dormions côte à côte!
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Qui passent tout un jour, pensifs et paresseux,
Devant quelque palais regorgeant de richesses,
A regarder entrer et sortir des duchesses.—
Si bien qu’un jour, mourant de faim sur le pavé,
J’ai ramassé du pain, frère, où j’en ai trouvé:
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De projets;—je plaignais le malheur de l’Espagne;
Je croyais, pauvre esprit, qu’au monde je manquais...
—
Ami, le résultat, tu le vois:—un laquais!

DON CÉSAR.

Oui, je le sais, la faim est une porte basse:

Et par nécessité, lorsqu’il faut qu’il y passe,
Le plus grand est celui qui se courbe le plus.
Mais le sort a toujours son flux et son reflux.
Espère.

RUY BLAS, secouant la tête.

Le marquis de Finlas est mon maître.

DON CÉSAR.

Je le connais.—Tu vis dans ce palais, peut-être?

RUY BLAS.

Non, avant ce matin et jusqu’à ce moment

Je n’en avais jamais passé le seuil.

DON CÉSAR.

Vraiment?
Ton maître cependant pour sa charge y demeure?

RUY BLAS.

Oui, car la cour le fait demander à toute heure.

Mais il a quelque part un logis inconnu,
Où jamais en plein jour peut-être il n’est venu.
A cent pas du palais. Une maison discrète.
Frère, j’habite là. Par la porte secrète
Dont il a seul la clef, quelquefois, à la nuit,
Le marquis vient, suivi d’hommes qu’il introduit.
Ces hommes sont masqués et parlent à voix basse.
Ils s’enferment, et nul ne sait ce qui se passe.
Là, de deux noirs muets je suis le compagnon.
Je suis pour eux le maître. Ils ignorent mon nom.

DON CÉSAR.

Oui, c’est là qu’il reçoit, comme chef des alcades,

Ses espions; c’est là qu’il tend ses embuscades.
C’est un homme profond qui tient tout dans sa main.

RUY BLAS.

Hier, il m’a dit:—Il faut être au palais demain.

Avant l’aurore. Entrez par la grille dorée.—
En arrivant il m’a fait mettre la livrée,
Car l’habit odieux sous lequel tu me vois,
Je le porte aujourd’hui pour la première fois.

DON CÉSAR, lui serrant la main.

Espère!

RUY BLAS.

Espérer! mais tu ne sais rien encore.

Vivre sous cet habit qui souille et déshonore,
Avoir perdu la joie et l’orgueil, ce n’est rien,
Être esclave, être vil; qu’importe?—Écoute bien:
Frère! je ne sens pas cette livrée infâme,
Car j’ai dans ma poitrine une hydre aux dents de
flamme,
Qui me serre le cœur dans ses replis ardents.
Le dehors te fait peur? si tu voyais dedans!

DON CÉSAR.

Que veux-tu dire?

RUY BLAS.
 Invente, imagine, suppose.
Fouille dans ton esprit. Cherches-y quelque chose
D’étrange, d’insensé, d’horrible et d’inoui
Une fatalité dont on soit ébloui!
Oui, compose un poison affreux, creuse un abîme
Plus sourd que la folie et plus noir que le crime,
Tu n’approcheras pas encore de mon secret.
—Tu ne devines pas?—Hé! qui devinerait?—
Zafari! dans le gouffre où mon destin m’entraîne,
Plonge les yeux!—Je suis amoureux de la reine!

DON CÉSAR.

Ciel!

RUY BLAS.

Sous un dais orné du globe impérial,

Il est, dans Aranjuez ou dans l’Escurial,
—Dans ce palais, parfois,—mon frère, il est un
homme
Qu’à peine on voit d’en bas, qu’avec terreur on
nomme;
Pour qui, comme pour Dieu, nous sommes égaux
tous;
Qu’on regarde en tremblant et qu’on sert à genoux;
Devant qui se couvrir est un honneur insigne;
Qui peut faire tomber nos deux têtes d’un signe;
Dont chaque fantaisie est un événement;
Qui vit, seul et superbe, enfermé gravement
Dans une majesté redoutable et profonde;
Et dont on sent le poids dans la moitié du monde.
Eh bien!—moi, le laquais,—tu m’entends,—Eh bien!
oui,
Cet homme-là! le roi! je suis jaloux de lui!
 DON CÉSAR.

Jaloux du roi!

RUY BLAS.

Hé oui! jaloux du roi! sans doute,

Puisque j’aime sa femme!

DON CÉSAR.

Oh! malheureux!

RUY BLAS.

Écoute.
Je l’attends tous les jours au passage. Je suis
Comme un fou. Ho! sa vie est un tissu d’ennuis,
A cette pauvre femme!—Oui, chaque nuit j’y songe!—
Vivre dans cette cour de haine et de mensonge,
Mariée à ce roi qui passe tout son temps
A chasser! Imbécile!—un sot! vieux à trente ans!
Moins qu’un homme! à régner comme à vivre
inhabile.
—Famille qui s’en va!—Le père était débile
Au point qu’il ne pouvait tenir un parchemin.
—Oh! si belle et si jeune, avoir donné sa main
A ce roi Charles deux! Elle! Quelle misère!
—Elle va tous les soirs chez les sœurs du Rosaire.
Tu sais? en remontant la rue Ortaleza.
Comment cette démence en mon cœur s’amassa,
Je l’ignore. Mais juge! elle aime une fleur bleue
—D’Allemagne...—Je fais chaque jour une lieue,
Jusqu’à Caramanchel, pour avoir de ces fleurs.
J’en ai cherché partout sans en trouver ailleurs.
J’en compose un bouquet; je prends les plus jolies...
—Oh! mais je te dis là des choses, des folies!—
Puis à minuit, au parc royal, comme un voleur,
Je me glisse et je vais déposer cette fleur
Sur son banc favori. Même, hier, j’osai mettre
Dans le bouquet,—vraiment, plains-moi, frère!—une
lettre!
La nuit, pour parvenir jusqu’à ce banc, il faut
Franchir les murs du parc, et je rencontre en haut
Ces broussailles de fer qu’on met sur les murailles.
Un jour j’y laisserai ma chair et mes entrailles.
Trouve-t-elle mes fleurs, ma lettre? je ne sai.
Frère, tu le vois bien, je suis un insensé.

DON CÉSAR.

Diable! ton algarade a son danger. Prends garde.

Le comte d’Oñate, qui l’aime aussi, la garde
Et comme un majordome et comme un amoureux
Quel reître, une nuit, gardien peu langoureux,
Pourrait bien, frère, avant que ton bouquet se fane,
Te le clouer au cœur d’un coup de pertuisane.—
Mais quelle idée! aimer la reine! ah çà, pourquoi?
Comment diable as-tu fait?

RUY BLAS, avec emportement.

Est ce que je sais, moi!

—Oh! mon âme au démon! je la vendrais pour être
Un des jeunes seigneurs que, de cette fenêtre,
Je vois en ce moment, comme un vivant affront,
Entrer, la plume au feutre et l’orgueil sur le front!
Oui, je me damnerais pour dépouiller ma chaîne,
Et pour pouvoir comme eux m’approcher de la reine
Avec un vêtement qui ne soit pas honteux!
Mais, ô rage! être ainsi, près d’elle! devant eux!
En livrée! un laquais! être un laquais pour elle!
Ayez pitié de moi, mon Dieu!
Se rapprochant de don César.

Je me rappelle.
Ne demandais-tu pas pourquoi je l’aime ainsi,
Et depuis quand?...—Un jour...—Mais à quoi bon ceci?
C’est vrai, je t’ai toujours connu cette manie!
Par mille questions vous mettre à l’agonie!
Demander où? comment? quand? pourquoi? Mon
sang bout!
Je l’aime follement! Je l’aime, voilà tout!

DON CÉSAR.

Là; ne te fâche pas.

RUY BLAS, tombant épuisé et pâle sur le fauteuil.

Non. Je souffre.—Pardonne.
Ou plutôt, va, fuis-moi. Va-t’en, frère. Abandonne
Ce misérable fou qui porte avec effroi
Sous l’habit d’un valet les passions d’un roi!

DON CÉSAR, lui posant la main sur l’épaule.

Te fuir!—moi qui n’ai pas souffert, n’aimant personne,

Moi, pauvre grelot vide où manque ce qui sonne,
Gueux, qui vais mendiant l’amour je ne sais où,
A qui de temps en temps le destin jette un sou,
Moi, cœur éteint, dont l’âme, hélas! s’est retirée,
Du spectacle d’hier affiche déchirée,
Vois-tu, pour cet amour dont les regards sont pleins!
Mon frère, je t’envie autant que je te plains!
—Ruy Blas!—
Moment de silence. Ils se tiennent les mains serrées en se regardant
tous les deux avec une expression de tristesse et d’amitié confiante.
Entre don Salluste. Il s’avance à pas lents, fixant un regard d’attention
profonde sur don César et Ruy Blas, qui ne le voient pas. Il tient
d’une main un chapeau et une épée qu’il dépose en entrant sur un
fauteuil, de l’autre une bourse qu’il apporte sur la table.

DON SALLUSTE, à don César.

Voici l’argent:
A la voix de don Salluste, Ruy Blas se lève comme réveillé en sursaut, et
se tient debout, les yeux baissés, dans l’attitude du respect.

DON CÉSAR, à part, regardant don Salluste de travers.

Hum! le diable
m’emporte!
Cette sombre figure écoutait à la porte.
Bah! qu’importe, après tout!
Haut à don Salluste.

Don Salluste, merci.

Il ouvre la bourse, la répand sur la table, et remue avec joie les ducats
qu’il range en piles sur le tapis de velours. Pendant qu’il les compte,
don Salluste va au fond du théâtre, en regardant derrière lui s’il
n’éveille pas l’attention de don César. Il ouvre la petite porte de
droite. A un signe qu’il fait, trois alguazils armés d’épées et vêtus de
noir en sortent. Don Salluste leur montre mystérieusement don
César. Ruy Blas se tient immobile et debout près de la table comme
une statue, sans rien voir ni rien entendre.

DON SALLUSTE, bas aux alguazils.

Vous allez suivre, alors qu’il sortira d’ici,

L’homme qui compte là de l’argent.—En silence,
Vous vous emparerez de lui.—Sans violence,
Vous l’irez embarquer, par le plus court chemin,
A Denia.—
Il leur remet un parchemin scellé.

Voici l’ordre écrit de ma main.—

Enfin, sans écouter sa plainte chimérique,
Vous le vendrez en mer aux corsaires d’Afrique.
Mille piastres pour vous. Faites vite à présent.
Les trois alguazils s’inclinent et sortent.

DON CÉSAR, achevant de ranger ses ducats.

Rien n’est plus gracieux et plus divertissant

Que des écus à soi qu’on met en équilibre.
Il fait deux parts égales et se tourne vers Ruy Blas.

Frère, voici ta part.

RUY BLAS.

Comment!

DON CÉSAR, lui montrant une des deux piles d’or.

Prends! viens! sois

libre!

DON SALLUSTE, qui les observe au fond du théâtre, à part.

Diable!

RUY BLAS, secouant la tête en signe de refus.

Non. C’est le cœur qu’il faudrait délivrer.

Non, mon sort est ici. Je dois y demeurer.

DON CÉSAR.

Bien. Suis ta fantaisie. Es-tu fou? suis-je sage?

Dieu le sait.
Il ramasse l’argent et le jette dans le sac qu’il empoche.

DON SALLUSTE, au fond du théâtre, à part, et les observant toujours.

A peu près même air, même visage.

 DON CÉSAR, à Ruy Blas.

Adieu.

RUY BLAS.

Ta main!
Ils se serrent la main. Don César sort sans voir don Salluste, qui se tient
à l’écart.
 SCÈNE QUATRIÈME.
RUY BLAS, DON SALLUSTE.

DON SALLUSTE.

Ruy Blas?

RUY BLAS, se retournant vivement.

Monseigneur?

DON SALLUSTE.

Ce matin,
Quand vous êtes venu, je ne suis pas certain
S’il faisait jour déjà?

RUY BLAS.

Pas encore, Excellence.

J’ai remis au portier votre passe en silence,
Et puis je suis monté.

DON SALLUSTE.

Vous étiez en manteau?

RUY BLAS.

Oui, monseigneur.

DON SALLUSTE.

Personne en ce cas au château

Ne vous a vu porter cette livrée encore?

RUY BLAS.
Ni personne à Madrid.

DON SALLUSTE, désignant du doigt la porte par où est sorti don César.

C’est fort bien. Allez clore

Cette porte. Quittez cet habit.
Ruy Blas dépouille son surtout de livrée et le jette sur un fauteuil.

Vous avez
Une belle écriture, il me semble.—Écrivez:
Il fait signe à Ruy Blas de s’asseoir à la table où sont les plumes et les
écritoires. Ruy Blas obéit.

Vous m’allez aujourd’hui servir de secrétaire.

D’abord, un billet doux,—je ne veux rien vous taire,—
Pour ma reine d’amour, pour doña Praxedis,
Ce démon que je crois venu du paradis.
—Là, je dicte. «Un danger terrible est sur ma tête.
«Ma reine seule—peut conjurer la tempête,
«En venant me trouver ce soir dans ma maison.
«Sinon, je suis perdu. Ma vie et ma raison
«Et mon cœur, je mets tout à ses pieds que je baise.»
Il rit et s’interrompt.

Un danger! la tournure, au fait, n’est pas mauvaise

Pour l’attirer chez moi. C’est que j’y suis expert.
Les femmes aiment fort à sauver qui les perd.
—Ajoutez:—«Par la porte au bas de l’avenue,
«Vous entrerez la nuit sans être reconnue.
«Quelqu’un de dévoué vous ouvrira.»—D’honneur,
C’est parfait.—Ah! signez.

RUY BLAS.

Votre nom, monseigneur?

 DON SALLUSTE.

Non pas. Signez César. C’est mon nom d’aventure.

RUY BLAS, après avoir obéi.

La dame ne pourra connaître l’écriture?

DON SALLUSTE.

Bah! le cachet suffit. J’écris souvent ainsi.

Ruy Blas, je pars ce soir, et je vous laisse ici.
J’ai sur vous les projets d’un ami très-sincère.
Votre état va changer, mais il est nécessaire
De m’obéir en tout. Comme en vous j’ai trouvé
Un serviteur discret, fidèle et réservé...

RUY BLAS, s’inclinant.

Monseigneur!

DON SALLUSTE, continuant.

Je veux vous faire un destin plus large.

RUY BLAS, montrant le billet qu’il vient d’écrire.

Où faut-il adresser la lettre?

DON SALLUSTE.

Je m’en charge.
S’approchant de Ruy Blas d’un air significatif.

Je veux votre bonheur.

Un silence. Il fait signe à Ruy Blas de se rasseoir à table.

Écrivez:—«Moi, Ruy Blas,

«Laquais de monseigneur le marquis de Finlas,
«En toute occasion, ou secrète ou publique,
«M’engage à le servir comme un bon domestique.»
Ruy Blas obéit.

—Signez. De votre nom. La date. Bien. Donnez.

Il ploie et serre dans son portefeuille la lettre et le papier que Ruy Blas
vient d’écrire.

On vient de m’apporter une épée. Ah! tenez,

Elle est sur ce fauteuil.
Il désigne le fauteuil sur lequel il a posé l’épée et le chapeau. Il y va et
prend l’épée.

L’écharpe est d’une soie

Peinte et brodée au goût le plus nouveau qu’on voie.
Il lui fait admirer la souplesse du tissu.

Touchez.—Que dites-vous, Ruy Blas, de cette fleur?

La poignée est de Gil, le fameux ciseleur,
Celui qui le mieux creuse, au gré des belles filles,
Dans un pommeau d’épée une boîte à pastilles.
Il passe au cou de Ruy Blas l’écharpe à laquelle est attachée l’épée.

Mettez-la donc.—Je veux en voir sur vous l’effet.

—Mais vous avez ainsi l’air d’un seigneur parfait!
Écoutant.

On vient... oui. C’est bientôt l’heure où la reine passe.

—
—Le marquis del Basto!—
La porte du fond sur la galerie s’ouvre. Don Salluste détache son
manteau et le jette vivement sur les épaules de Ruy Blas, au moment
où le marquis del Basto paraît; puis il va droit au marquis, en
entraînant avec lui Ruy Blas stupéfait.
 SCÈNE CINQUIÈME.
DON SALLUSTE, RUY BLAS, DON PAMFILO D’AVALOS,
MARQUIS DEL BASTO.—Puis LE MARQUIS DE
SANTA-CRUZ.—Puis LE COMTE D’ALBE.—Puis toute
la cour.

DON SALLUSTE, au marquis del Basto.

Souffrez qu’à votre

grâce
Je présente, marquis, mon cousin don César,
Comte de Garofa près de Velalcazar.

RUY BLAS, à part.

Ciel!

DON SALLUSTE, bas à Ruy Blas.

Taisez-vous!

LE MARQUIS DEL BASTO, saluant Ruy Blas.

Monsieur... charmé.
Il lui prend la main, que Ruy Blas lui livre avec embarras.

DON SALLUSTE, bas à Ruy Blas.

Laissez-vous
faire.
Saluez!
Ruy Blas salue le marquis.

LE MARQUIS DEL BASTO, à Ruy Blas.

 J’aimais fort madame votre mère.
Bas à don Salluste, en lui montrant Ruy Blas.

Bien changé! Je l’aurais à peine reconnu.

DON SALLUSTE, bas au marquis.

Dix ans d’absence!

LE MARQUIS DEL BASTO, de même.

Au fait!

DON SALLUSTE, frappant sur l’épaule de Ruy Blas.

Le voilà revenu!
Vous souvient-il, marquis? oh! quel enfant prodigue!
Comme il vous répandait les pistoles sans digue!
Tous les soirs danse et fête au vivier d’Apollo,
Et cent musiciens faisant rage sur l’eau!
A tous moments, galas, masques, concerts, fredaines,
Éblouissant Madrid de visions soudaines!
—En trois ans, ruiné!—c’était un vrai lion.
—Il arrive de l’Inde avec le galion.

RUY BLAS, avec embarras.

Seigneur...

DON SALLUSTE, gaiement.

Appelez-moi cousin, car nous le sommes.

Les Bazan sont, je crois, d’assez francs
gentilshommes.
Nous avons pour ancêtre Iniguez d’Iviza.
Son petit-fils, Pedro de Bazan, épousa
Marianne de Gor. Il eut de Marianne
Jean, qui fut général de la mer Océane
Sous le roi don Philippe, et Jean eut deux garçons
Qui sur notre arbre antique ont greffé deux blasons.
Moi, je suis le marquis de Finlas; vous, le comte
De Garofa. Tous deux se valent si l’on compte.
Par les femmes, César, notre rang est égal.
Vous êtes Aragon, moi je suis Portugal.
Votre branche n’est pas moins haute que la nôtre:
Je suis le fruit de l’une, et vous la fleur de l’autre.

RUY BLAS, à part.

Où donc m’entraîne-t-il?
Pendant que don Salluste a parlé, le marquis de Santa-Cruz, don Alvar
de Bazan y Benavides, vieillard à moustache blanche et à grande
perruque, s’est approché d’eux.

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ, à don Salluste.

Vous l’expliquez fort bien.

S’il est votre cousin, il est aussi le mien.

DON SALLUSTE.

C’est vrai, car nous avons une même origine,

Monsieur de Santa-Cruz.
Il lui présente Ruy Blas.

Don César.

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ.

J’imagine
Que ce n’est pas celui qu’on croyait mort.

DON SALLUSTE.

Si fait.

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ.
Il est donc revenu?

DON SALLUSTE.

Des Indes.

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ, examinant Ruy Blas.

En effet!

DON SALLUSTE.

Vous le reconnaissez?

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ.

Pardieu! je l’ai vu naître!

DON SALLUSTE, bas à Ruy Blas.

Le bon homme est aveugle et se défend de l’être,

Il vous a reconnu pour prouver ses bons yeux.

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ, tendant la main à Ruy Blas.

Touchez là, mon cousin.

RUY BLAS, s’inclinant.

Seigneur...

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ, bas à don Salluste et lui montrant Ruy

Blas.

On n’est pas
mieux.
A Ruy Blas.

Charmé de vous revoir!

DON SALLUSTE, bas au marquis et le prenant à part.

Je vais payer ses dettes.

Vous le pouvez servir dans le poste où vous êtes.
Si quelque emploi de cour vaquait en ce moment,
Chez le roi,—chez la reine...—

LE MARQUIS DE SANTA-CRUZ, bas.

Un jeune homme
charmant!
J’y vais songer.—Et puis il est de la famille.

DON SALLUSTE, bas.

Vous avez tout crédit au conseil de Castille,

Je vous le recommande.
Il quitte le marquis de Santa-Cruz, et va à d’autres seigneurs auxquels il
présente Ruy Blas. Parmi eux le comte d’Albe, très-superbement
paré.

Don Salluste leur présentant Ruy Blas.

Un mien cousin, César,

Comte de Garofa, près de Velalcazar.
Les seigneurs échangent gravement des révérences avec Ruy Blas
interdit.

Don Salluste, au comte de Ribagorza.

Vous n’étiez pas hier au ballet d’Atalante?

Lindamire a dansé d’une façon galante.
Il s’extasie sur le pourpoint du comte d’Albe.

C’est très-beau, comte d’Albe!

LE COMTE D’ALBE.

Ah! j’en avais encor

Un plus beau. Satin rose avec des rubans d’or.
Matalobos me l’a volé.
 UN HUISSIER DE COUR, au fond du théâtre.

La reine approche!
Prenez vos rangs, messieurs.
Les grands rideaux de la galerie vitrée s’ouvrent. Les seigneurs
s’échelonnent près de la porte, des gardes font la haie. Ruy Blas,
haletant, hors de lui, vient sur le devant du théâtre comme pour s’y
réfugier. Don Salluste l’y suit.

DON SALLUSTE, bas à Ruy Blas.

Est-ce que, sans

reproche,
Quand votre sort grandit, votre esprit s’amoindrit?
Réveillez-vous, Ruy Blas. Je vais quitter Madrid.
Ma petite maison, près du pont, où vous êtes,
—Je n’en veux rien garder, hormis les clefs secrètes,—
Ruy Blas, je vous la donne, et les muets aussi.
Vous recevrez bientôt d’autres ordres. Ainsi
Faites ma volonté, je fais votre fortune.
Montez, ne craignez rien, car l’heure est opportune.
La cour est un pays où l’on va sans voir clair.
Marchez les yeux bandés; j’y vois pour vous, mon
cher!
De nouveaux gardes paraissent au fond du théâtre.

L’HUISSIER, à haute voix.

La reine!

RUY BLAS, à part.

La reine! ah!
La reine, vêtue magnifiquement, paraît, entourée de dames et de
pages, sous un dais de velours écarlate porté par quatre
gentilshommes de chambre, tête nue. Ruy Blas, effaré, la regarde
comme absorbé par cette resplendissante vision. Tous les grands
d’Espagne se couvrent, le marquis del Basto, le comte d’Albe, le
 marquis de Santa-Cruz, don Salluste. Don Salluste va rapidement au
fauteuil, et y prend le chapeau qu’il apporte à Ruy Blas.

DON SALLUSTE, à Ruy Blas en lui mettant le chapeau sur la tête.

Quel vertige vous gagne?

Couvrez-vous donc, César, vous êtes grand d’Espagne.

RUY BLAS, éperdu, bas à don Salluste.

Et que m’ordonnez-vous, seigneur, présentement?

DON SALLUSTE, lui montrant la reine qui traverse lentement la galerie.

De plaire à cette femme et d’être son amant.

FIN DU PREMIER ACTE.

ACTE DEUXIÈME.
LA REINE D’ESPAGNE.
 PERSONNAGES.

LA REINE.
RUY BLAS.
DON GURITAN.
CASILDA.
LA DUCHESSE D’ALBUQUERQUE.
UN HUISSIER DE CHAMBRE.
DUÈGNES, PAGES, GARDES.
 ACTE DEUXIÈME.
Un salon contigu à la chambre à coucher de la reine. A gauche,
une petite porte donnant dans cette chambre. A droite, sur un
pan coupé, une autre porte donnant dans les appartements
extérieurs. Au fond, de grandes fenêtres ouvertes. C’est
l’après-midi d’une belle journée d’été. Grande table. Fauteuils.
Une figure de sainte, richement enchâssée, est adossée au
mur; au bas on lit: Santa Maria Esclava. Au côté opposé est
une madone devant laquelle brûle une lampe d’or. Près de la
madone, un portrait en pied du roi Charles II.

Au lever du rideau, la reine doña Maria de Neubourg est dans un

coin, assise à côté d’une de ses femmes, jeune et jolie fille. La
reine est vêtue de blanc, robe de drap d’argent. Elle brode et
s’interrompt par moments pour causer. Dans le coin opposé
est assise, sur une chaise à dossier, doña Juana de la Cueva,
duchesse d’Albuquerque, camerera mayor, une tapisserie à la
main; vieille femme en noir. Près de la duchesse, à une table,
plusieurs duègnes, travaillant à des ouvrages de femmes. Au
fond, se tient don Guritan, comte d’Oñate, majordome, grand,
sec, moustaches grises, cinquante-cinq ans environ; mine de
vieux militaire, quoique vêtu avec une élégance exagérée et
qu’il ait des rubans jusque sur les souliers.

SCÈNE PREMIÈRE.
LA REINE, LA DUCHESSE D’ALBUQUERQUE, DON
GURITAN, CASILDA, DUÈGNES.

LA REINE.
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