PISCES 



243 



the shallows to feed and to spawn. It ranges in weight from three to 

 twenty pounds. The lake trout ranges from a few pounds to over 

 one hundred pounds in weight. The red spotted brook trout (speckled 

 trout) is a shy fish inhabiting clear cold streams and is much sought 

 after by fishermen. (Figure 122.) 



Fig. 122. A, lake trout. 5, brook trout. (From L. A. Fuertes. Courtesy of 



Slingerland-Comstock Publishing Co.) 



The bullheads and catfishes {Siluridae) are for the most part fresh 

 water fishes. The Mississippi catfish grows to a length of six feet 

 and may weigh one hundred pounds. (Figure 123.) 



The saw-toothed piranha is one of the most savage of fishes and 

 although it seldom reaches a length of one foot is feared by man and 

 attacks fishes and even alligators. Travellers find that the piranha 

 will seize one's fingers, trailing over the side of a boat. In catching 

 piranhas, copper wire, three strands thick, is used to attach the hook. 



The barracuda of the Eastern coast which sometimes reaches a 

 length of six feet, is an important enemy of crustaceans, fish and 

 aquatic mammals. It is reputed to attack man, but most of the 

 cases reported proved to be the bites of tropical sharks. 



