47 



ROACH. 



Rutilus or BuheJlus Willoughby; p. 262. plate Q. 10. 



Cyprimts rutilus, Linnaeus. 



" " Bloch; pi. 2. Donovan; pi. 67. 



'• " Jenyns; Manual, p. 408. 



Leuciscus rutilus, Cuviek. Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 188. 



" " Yakrell; Br. Fishes, vol. i., p. 399. 



The Roacli is said to be the most prolific of this generally 

 fertile family; and in spring or the early part of summer, Dr. 

 Parnell says that immense shoals of them are observed to leave 

 Loch Lomond, to ascend the different tributary streams for the 

 purpose of depositing their spawn. During this period, which 

 seldom lasts more than three days, the rivers are literally 

 swarming with their numbers, giving a fine green appearance 

 to the whole surface of the water. On this occasion every 

 basket and net in the neighbouring villages is immediately put 

 in requisition, and the thousands thus taken aff'ord food to the 

 villagers for a short period. It is the general habit of this fish 

 to assemble in schools; but we have other evidence besides 

 that of Dr. Parnell for the large numbers that gather together 

 at this time of sexual migration; and Nilsson remarks that 

 the males are observed to proceed from the lakes into the 

 streams before the females. But it is necessary that these 

 streams should contain a good supply of water, with sand or 

 gravel at the bottom; and in these situations the young grow 

 quickly, although their numbers must be considerably thinned 

 by the depredations made on them by the Trouts, which watch 

 the spawning, and devour the grains. The deeper pits of 

 rivers are a favourite resort of the Roach, as well as the 

 stiller waters of ponds and lakes; and in the Baltic they are 

 sometimes found in bays near the land. We are not to 

 conclude, however, that the Roach is able to live in the salt 

 water of the sea, for we shall find occasion to remark, that 



