FISHES. 23 



excellent observer. He remarks that this same 

 species " evinces a sort of parental affection for 

 its ova, as a bird for its nest, returning quickly 'to 



RIVER BULLHEAD. 



the spot, and being unwilling to quit it when 

 disturbed." 



According to Fabricius, the male Lump Sucker, 

 a British fish of grotesque form, but of brilliant 

 colours, keeps watch over the spawn when laid by 

 the female, and defends it with the utmost cou- 

 rage. Even the ferocious and formidable Wolf- 

 fish approaches the nest at the risk of his life, for 

 the Sucker, though so much smaller, and far more 

 feebly armed, is yet able to infix its teeth in its 

 adversary's throat, and inflict a mortal wound. 

 If driven away by man, he does not go far, but is 

 continually looking back, and soon returns. Our 

 own fishermen in some respects confirm this 

 account, and add that the young, when hatched, 

 attach themselves to the sides of their careful 



