250 THE FRESH-WATER FISHES OF EUROPE. 



towards the opercular border. There is a row of mucus pores over and under 

 the eye. The gill-aperture is quite as narrow as in the Misgurnus. 



The dorsal fin begins in the middle of the length. Its fourth and fifth 

 rays are the longest and as long as the pectoral fin ; the last dorsal ray is 

 only half as long. The anal fin is lower than the dorsal, but as long as the 

 ventral. The ventral fins are opposite the middle of the dorsal; their free 

 border is rounded ; their longest rays do not nearly reach the vent, which is 

 nearer to the anal fin, and, consequently, far behind the end of the dorsal. 

 The pectoral fin is rounded, but is less deep than in Misgurnus fossilis. The 

 caudal is as long as the head, and carries only six or seven truncated rays on 

 the upper and lower membranous border of the tail, which, in consequence, is 

 less distinct than in the Misgurnus. 



The scales are remarkably small and delicate, and are to be seen only 

 with the aid of a magnifying glass, when they show radiating rays. On 

 the sides they are separated from each other and never overlap. They are 

 altogether wanting on the head, breast, and abdomen. They become thicker 

 behind the dorsal fin upon the tail, and though these are still smaller than 

 those on the anterior part of the body, they overlap each other. The lateral 

 line is nearly horizontal in the middle of the side, and opens by a number of 

 membranous tubes. The mucus-canals of the head are more distinct than in 

 Misynrnus fossilis. 



The colour of the back is dark green, the sides are yellow, the abdomen 

 is grey ; while brownish-black irregular fiecks, points, and stripes cover the 

 head, back, and sides, and give a marbled aspect to the fish. 



At the base of the caudal fin there is commonly a black spot like an eye. 

 The dorsal, caudal, and pectoral fins are flecked like the body, and the anal and 

 ventral fins are yellowish-white. 



The size is always much less than that of the Misgurnus, rarely exceeding 

 four inches ; the largest specimens measure five inches and a half. 



The Loach is an inhabitant of mountain regions, as well as plains, and is 

 found in rivers, but especially in clear brooks with a gravelly bottom. It is 

 found in lakes and in the Haffs on the Prussian coast. It does not thrive in 

 stagnant water. It is as shy as the Minnow, and loves to hide under stones. 

 The flesh is delicate, well-flavoured, and easily digested, but the fish requires to 

 be eaten as soon as captured. In former times it was much prized. At the 

 present day the Loach is preserved in fish ponds in Bohemia, where it is fed on 

 sheep-dung, linseed-cake, and poppy seeds. It is voracious. Its ordinary food 

 consists of insects, worms, spawn, and when the supply of these is insufficient, 

 it feeds on plants. It is caught with difficulty, on account of its activity and 

 the slimy covering of the skin . It dies at once when removed from the water. 



