BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 
ready to ascend some of our rivers, and this it does,in 
shoals. It spawns in the sea. Fish and other food 
constitute the diet. Possessed of great cunning and 
fastidiousness, the Bass is nevertheless held in high 
estimation for the excellence of its flesh, and to the 
angler its sporting proclivities make a strong appeal. 
The Anglo-Saxon name for Perch was Baers, and from 
that word our modern Bass has been derived. 
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Fig G2 
River Bullhead.—Cotius gobio (Fig. 63). This little 
species is also known as the Miller’s Thumb, and 
belongs to the same family as the sea-loving Gurnard. 
It has no scales. The arched back; close proximity of 
the two dorsal fins ; small eyes; broad head, and taper- 
ing body, are features of interest. As far as is known, it 
only occurs in England and Wales, and prefers clear- 
running brooks, or streams, where there is an absence of 
mud. It lives a solitary existence, and like the Loach, 
is an adept at taking cover under stones or other obstacles. 
Generally speaking, it is of sluggish disposition, but it 
110 
