NATURAL HISTORY, TORONTO REGION 



in spring in the inlets and streams falling into Lake 

 Ontario. The male of this species constructs a rather 

 elaborate nest, of sand, pieces of sticks, weeds, etc., 

 in which the female deposits her ova. When this 

 is done the male stands guard over it, fanning with 

 his fins to promote circulation of the water, only leav- 

 ing his post to dart at an intruder or secure some 

 small insect for food. 



ORDER ACANTHOPTERI. 



GROUP PERCOIDEA. (The Perch-like Fishes.) 



CENTRAECHIDAE. (The Sunfishes.) 



37. Speckled Bass. Calico Bass. Pomoxis spar- 

 oides (Lacepede). The Speckled Bass is found in 

 Ashbridge's Bay, Toronto Bay, and most of the ponds 

 and sluggish streams near Toronto where there is an 

 abundance of aquatic vegetation, under which it lies 

 in wait for the insects, crustaceans and small fish 

 upon which it feeds. It spawns in the early sum- 

 mer, and is said to scoop out a nesting-place in the 

 sand in the same manner as the Sunfishes and 

 Black Bass. As a food and game fish it stands high 

 in the estimation of anglers, though it is not a very 

 persistent fighter. Being gregarious and congre- 

 gating in schools, under overhanging weeds and such 

 like places, it may be captured in great numbers 

 when a favourite haunt is discovered. This species 

 readily adapts itself to life in artificial ponds and is 

 266 





