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BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 
‘The food consists of other fishes—a minnow is a splendid 
lure for a big Perch—-as well as insects in various stages, 
molluscs, and worms. ‘The favourite feeding-time in 
Summer is morning and evening, and it is interesting to 
notice how a shoal that has been under irritating observa- 
tion all day suddenly comes on the feed. Spawning takes 
place in shallow water where there is a clean bed. The 
eggs are not shed singly, but the whole appear in the form 
of a band which the female cleverly contrives to attach to 
a weed or other object. The eggs hatch with comparative 
quickness, but it takes at least three years before the 
fish is advanced enough to propagate its species. Pos- 
sessed of great tenacity, I have frequently noticed the 
length of time this fish will live out of water, and its 
boldness is such that many authentic stories might be 
told. The name is derived from the Latin Perca, a 
word of Greek origin which, literally translated, may be 
associated with the markings on the body. 
Ruffe.—-Acerina cernua (Fig. 61). Also known as the 
Pope. Haunts canals, lakes, and other sluggish waters. 
I have found it very plentiful in various parts of the 
Grand Junction, or Bridgewater Canal, in Hertfordshire. 
It is of restricted distribution, and does not occur in 
either Scotland or Ireland. Very similar to the Perch, 
except that it is more greenish in colour, with markings of 
black or brown; has a smaller mouth; does not attain 
nearly such a large size, and the dorsal fins are practically 
joined together along the back. It moves about in shoals, 
and prefers deep water. Of inactive disposition, the 
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