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 procHvities make a strong appeal. 

 The Anglo-Saxon name for Perch vi^as Baers, and from 

 that word our modern Bass has been derived. 



BCLSS 



River Bullhead. — Coitus gohio (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 Hke the Loach, 

 is an adept at taking cover under stones or other obstacles. 



Generally speaking, it is of sluggish disposition, but it 

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