1 8 Guide to tJic BritisJi Fresh-Water Fishes 



occasional specimens cross the Nortli Sea and have been 

 captured in our eastern rivers. 



31. Qraylinff, Thymallus thymaUus. — The Grayhng is dis- 

 tinguished by the rather long dorsal fin, witli the rays more 

 numerous than in other Salmonoids. In scaling and size of the 

 mouth it resembles tlie Whitefish more than the Salmon or Trout, 

 but the teeth, although small, are quite distinct. The Grayling 

 inhabits rivers of Northern Europe and of the Alps ; in England 

 and Wales it is rather local ; it has been introduced into Scotland, 

 but is absent from Ireland. Other species of Grayling are found 

 in Siberia and in North America. In this country a Grayling of 

 5 lbs. is exceptional, but in northern Scandinavia they grow to 

 more than twice that weight. The food consists of flies, insect 

 larvae, small molluscs and crustaceans, etc. The breeding season 

 is from Marcli to May, later than in other Salmonidae. The fish 

 exhibited is from the Test at Stockbridge ; weight, 2 lbs. 12 oz. ; 

 presented l)y E. J. Power, Esq. 



OSMEEIDAE. 



This family resembles the Salmonidae in external features, 

 but differs in some important structural characters. Like the 

 Salmonidae, it comprises northern marine fishes that breed in 

 fresh watei'. 



32. Smelt, Osmerus eperlanus. — The Smelt is distinguished by 

 its thin transparent scales and by its coloration. The translucent 

 olive-green hue of the back is sharply defined from the bright 

 silvery colour of the sides. The Smelt ranges from the Baltic 

 southwards on our east and south-east coast to Hampshire, and 

 on the west coast to North Wales. In the spring the shoals enter 

 rivers to spawn ; the eggs are not buried as in the Salmonidae, 

 but lie on the bottom, adheiing to the stones, etc., on which they 

 fall. After spawning, the fish may stay in fresh water, sometimes 

 remaining until the autumn ; in Eostherne Mere, in Cheshire, the 

 Smelt is a permanent resident. This fish feeds on small fishes, 

 crustaceans, worms, etc. ; it grows to a lengtli of 13 inches. 



CLUPEIDAE. 



This important family inhabits the seas of all parts of ihe 

 world ; many of the species ascend rivers to breed, and a few are 

 permanent residents in fresh water. The Chijieidae are similar to 



