The Loaches or Groundlings (cobitus barbatula) are 

 not longer than a finger ; yellowish, clouded with brown ; 

 are also called Suckers, from the peculiar form of their 

 mouths ; the upper lip is armed with six cirri or beards. 

 They live in clear brooks with gravelly bottoms ; are 

 common both in Europe and the United States, and are 

 esteemed for the palatable food they furnish. Suckers 

 are in season from Christmas to Easter. They are 

 rather tender, and easily killed ; therefore they are kept 

 in ponds, and fed with such aliment as is suitable, which 

 is placed in holes made in the bottom. Water rats are 

 their greatest enemies. In the United States they do 

 not receive any care. 



The Smerlin or Mud Loach (cobitis fossilis), is 

 about a foot in length, has four cirri on the upper lip, 

 and six on the lower ; of a blackish color, striped with 

 yellow. It is almost peculiar to north Germany, but by 

 no means abundant; sometimes, but very rarely, it is 

 found in south Germany. This fish buries itself in the 

 mud during the winter, and if the water in the brooks 

 dries up in the summer, it remains hidden in the mire for 

 several months, coming forth as brisk as ever as soon as 

 streams are renewed. Although this species deposit a 

 great many eggs, they increase but slowly; weak and 

 altogether defenseless, they become the prey of all other 

 fish; crabs are the most inveterate of their enemies. 

 They feed mostly on the larvae of insects. On the 

 approach of a storm or threatening of rain, they rise to 

 the top of the water, and are therefore considered as 

 infallible barometers. They inhale a great deal of 

 atmospheric air, and when taken out of the water utter 

 a whistling note, which may proceed from anger or 

 pain. 



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