LOACH AND PIKE 
under the eye .When held erect, the spine on either side 
of the head is used for the purpose of defence. It has a 
more arched back than its cousin, and is also distinguished 
by the more prominent dark patches underneath the 
lateral line. It is not nearly as common as the last 
species under review, but it is probable that further 
observation will reveal its presence where previously 
unrecorded. 
Pike.—Esox lucius (Fig. 56). ‘This voracious species is 
in no way particular as to its haunt, and provided there 
is a good food-supply, makes itself equally well at home 
anywhere. It is found in lakes, lochs, ponds, pools, 
rivers, streams, and even dykes and ditches. It is a 
solitary fish, although many may be found inhabiting the 
same sheet of water. It has a most voracious appetite, 
and will eat almost anything that comes its way. I have 
even seen it seize and swallow a large cork float when the 
patient angler was hoping it would rather take his bait. 
If other fish are scarce, the Pike will not hesitate to prey 
upon its own kith and kin, and if these are not forth- 
coming, frogs, toads, water-voles, and water-fowl are 
greedily sought after. As showing its cannibalistic 
101 
