Abstract: The cage is made of netting panels forming a basket and flotation material secured to a frame. The frame is made of split tubing, with the edges of the netting inserted into the gap left by the split and secured within the tubing. Seams between netting panels of the basket are formed in the same manner. The tubing can be metallic or flexible plastic tubing with a steel rod inside. The edge of a metallic top for the cage can be secured in the plastic tubing instead. Netting material can be used for the top of the cage, with the flotation material underneath and secured to the netting top. The flotation material also provides shade for the aquatic animals in the cage. An H-shaped metal frame structure preferably is used to provide added strength for the cage top, and to provide a support for a hinged lid.

Abstract: An enduring cage for fish or other aquatic animals is provided. The structure of the cage is such that it can be made of deterioration-resistant materials at a reasonable cost. The cage has a top frame made of bent aluminum tubing or pipe. The tubing is slit so that it has a horizontal gap or slot into which are inserted the upper edges of flexible netting side walls. The top frame is strengthened by the use of an aluminum top sheet inserted into the same slot as the upper edges of the netting and forming a partial cover for the top of the cage. The tubing then is clamped, by means of bolts inserted through holes in the tubing, and the edges of the netting and the top sheet. The netting and top sheet are held tightly and evenly in place. The side walls and bottom of the cage are made of netting panels which are fastened together at their edges to form seams.