RUFFE. 19 



of England, particularly the Thames, the Isis, and the 

 Cam ; and, though said to be unknown in Spain, Italy, and 

 Greece, is found over the colder portion of the European 

 Continent, preferring slow, shaded streams, and a gravelly 

 bottom. In its habits also the Ruffe resembles the Perch, 

 and feeds, like that fish, on the fry of others and on aquatic 

 insects. A small red worm used as a bait generally proves 

 too tempting to be long resisted ; it seldom, however, when 

 caught, exceeds six or seven inches in length, but its flesh 

 is considered excellent. The spawning season is in April; 

 and the ova, which are of a yellowish white colour, are de- 

 posited among the roots and stems of flags and rushes at the 

 sides of the stream. 



The generic characters, and the engraved outline at the 

 bottom of the page, show the peculiarities of the various 

 parts of the head : around the eyes are several oval depres- 

 sions. Fin-rays : 



D. 14 + 12 : P. 13 : V. 1 + 5 : A. 2 + 5 : C. 17. 



The prevailing colour of the upper part of the body and 

 head is a light olive brown, passing into a yellowish brown 

 on the sides, and becoming almost silvery white on the 

 belly. The lateral line prominent and strongly marked. 

 A tinge of greenish pearl pervades the gill-cover ; the irides 

 are brown, the pupil blue. Small brown spots are dissemi- 

 nated over the back, dorsal fin, and tail, assuming on the 

 latter from arrangement the appearance of bars ; pectoral, 

 ventral, and anal fins, pale brown. 



c 2 



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