38 CATECHISM OF 



A. Perca Fluviatilis, or the common perch, is 

 an inhabitant of clear rivers and lakes in most parts 

 of Europe ; it grows sometimes to a large size, but 

 is in general from six to fifteen inches in length ; 

 its colour it a brownish olive, marked by several 

 dark transverse bars ; the dorsal fin is of a pale 

 violet brown, with a spine on the forepart; the 

 rest of the fins and the tail are red. 



Q. What are the general habits of this species ? 



A. The perch is a social fish, being generally 

 seen in shoals ; it frequents deep holes in rivers 

 which flow with a gentle current. So tenacious 

 is this species of life, that it will survive being 

 taken out of the water many hours, if packed in 

 dry straw. It is esteemed as a delicate fish for 

 the table. 



Q. What may be observed of Perca Lucioperca ? 



A. Perca Lucioperca, or the sandre perch, is 

 of a rather jnore lengthened shape than the former 

 species, and, like the pike, the lower jaw pro- 

 trudes beyond the upper; its general colour is a 

 silvery grey, with numerous blackish bands. It 

 is found in the rivers and lakes of middle Europe, 

 and highly valued for the table. 



Q. How many species are contained in the ge- 

 i>us Mullus ? 



