LOACH AND PIKE 



under the eye .When held erect, the spine on either side 

 of the head is used for the purpose of defence. It has a 

 more arched back than its cousin, and is also distinguished 

 by the more prominent dark patches underneath the 

 lateral line. It is not nearly as common as the last 

 species under review, but it is probable that further 

 observation will reveal its presence where previously 

 unrecorded. 



Pike. — Esox luciiis (Fig. 56). This voracious species is 

 in no way particular as to its haunt, and provided there 



is a good food-supply, makes itself equally well at home 

 anywhere. It is found in lakes, lochs, ponds, pools, 

 rivers, streams, and even dykes and ditches. It is a 

 solitary fish, although many may be found inhabiting the 

 same sheet of water. It has a most voracious appetite, 

 and will eat almost anything that comes its way. I have 

 even seen it seize and swallow a large cork float when the 

 patient angler was hoping it would rather take his bait. 

 If other fish are scarce, the Pike will not hesitate to prey 

 upon its own kith and kin, and if these are not forth- 

 coming, frogs, toads, water-voles, and water-fowl are 



greedily sought after. As showing its cannibalistic 



101 



