RIVER BULLHEAD 
can, and does, move quickly when occasion demands. 
It is a voracious feeder, and not only takes insects, 
shrimps, and worms, but will viciously attack and devour 
other fish at least its own size. The spines help it to 
impale, or stab, its victims. Spawning takes place in 
early Spring, when a depression made in the bed of the 
water serves as a nest. This the male jealously guards, 
and woe betide any invaders who approach too near the 
chosen territory. It has great tenacity, and will exist 
for some time out of its natural element. It should 
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also be mentioned that this species has the power of 
rapidly changing its colour if and when necessity arises. 
This happens, not only by reason of the change of 
environment, but also as a result of excitement on the 
part of the irate owner. The general colour is brownish, 
or yellowish-olive, on the upper parts, with black, or 
dark brown markings, some of which, by fusing to- 
gether, form transverse bars. ‘The underneath colour is 
yellowish-white, and most of the fins bear upon them 
dark spotted bars. The average length is 3 to 4 inches. 
111 
