THE PERCH. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE PERCH (PJSKCA FLUVIATILIS). 



" The bright-eyed perch, with fins of Tyrian dye." 



POPE. 



THE freshwater perch (Perca fluviatilis) is a 

 typical member of the Percidas family ; in 

 fact, although there are other spinous-finned fish, 

 the perch may be said to take first place among 

 the members of his tribe, as 



" Prince of the prickly cohort ! " 



The perch is not only one of the most beautiful 

 of the fish which swim in our rivers and lakes, but 

 ranks as a prime favourite with anglers, because of 

 the excellent sport it affords. A distinguishing 

 feature is its second dorsal fin ; its front dorsal has 

 from 13 or 14 sharp spinous rays: a weapon of 

 defence and offence, as some anglers have dis- 

 covered when they have incautiously handled the 

 fish ; its operculum (gill-cover) is also furnished 



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