112 FISHES 



the season of the year depending upon the time of spawn- 

 ing. The brook trout spawns in August and September, 

 while the rainbow trout does not spawn until February or 

 March. 



112. Care of Young. — Some fish, like the sticklebacks, 

 build nests of sticks and leaves in which the eggs are 

 placed and guarded. Bass and sunfish make a circular 

 depression several feet in diameter near the shore and lay 

 their eggs on these so-called u beds." These beds are 

 guarded zealously by the males, who drive off or carry 

 away crayfish and small fish which feed upon such eggs. 

 In former times men sought for these " beds " and by 

 dropping a baited hook caught the bass while defending 

 their eggs. Fortunately this practice is now illegal. 

 Generally, adult fish pay no attention to their young and 

 in many cases they devour young of their own kind as 

 quickly as fish of other sorts. 



SUMMARY 



The term vertebrate is given to all animals that have a 

 backbone. All have gill slits, either while young or as 

 adults. Fish have scales and breathe by means of gills. 

 Their eggs are usually laid in the water and receive no 

 care from the parents. A few fish prepare a crude nest 

 which they guard. 



QUESTIONS 



What are some of the structures that all chordates have ? 



Why is the word vertebrate used ? 



What are the common fishes near your home ? 



What ones are sought for food ? 



What is being done to keep up the supply of fish in your state ? 



What do fish eat ? 



REFERENCES 



Fish Manuals of the U. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. 



Jordan, Fishes. 



Jordan and Evermann, American Food and Game Fishes. 



