THE PIPE-FISHES. 415 



monster pike, but it is safe to say that it grows to a weight 

 of 60 Ibs., though one of half that weight is, so far as the 

 British Islands of to-day go, a fine fish indeed. In colour 

 the pike is dark brown to green above, lighter on the 

 sides, and white beneath, marbled all over with yellow 

 spots and bands. It is a voracious fish, consuming great 



quantities of its own kind and other fish, as well as of 

 voles, waterfowl, and frogs. Although a very active fish 

 when on the feed, it is fond of basking at the surface. 

 It is easily recognised by the projecting lower jaw, and 

 the position of the dorsal fin back near the tail, the latter 

 being forked. The pike spawns in March or April. 



CHAPTER XXII. THE PIPE-FISHES. 



In this order we find the gill-openings exceedingly small, 

 the British family having but one dorsal fin, which, rotated 

 with a peculiar and rapid action, appears to be the chief 

 organ of locomotion, their swimming being for the most 

 part performed in a vertical position. The male has, as a 

 rule, a pouch for the reception of the eggs, which he carries 

 until hatched. 



The Broad-nosed Pipe-fish is an eel-like species, the body 

 having raised ridges, the tail, with a fan-shaped fin, being 

 a continuation of the lateral line, the snout tapering to 



