Bony Pike, Bow^in, Sturgeon, Reed-fish, and Bichir 663 



probably caused by tlie escape 

 of air from the air-bladder. 

 During tlie breeding-season 

 the male takes entire charge 

 of the eggs. 



The Sturgeons differ 

 from the other fan-tinned 

 fislies in many particulars. 

 To begin with, tlie skeleton 

 is almost entirely cartilagi- 

 nous instead of bony, whilst 

 externally the body is either 

 naked or covered with bony 

 bucklers, arranged symmetrically. The snout is prolonged into a more or less shovel-shaped 

 beak, used for turning over the mud at the bottom of the water in search of prey, and in 

 some forms this becomes further developed into a spoon-shaped paddle, constituting one of the 

 most remarkable appendages of fishes. 



Sturgeons grow to a large size, and are the largest of the fresh-water fishes of the 



riirilu l:ji J. S. Jludland J.- Sons. 



STUKGEON. 



The air-bladdex' of the sturgeon is used for making isinglass, its roe fur caviare. 



Fholo hi/ A. S. Rudland i- Sons, 



STERLET. 

 A smaller species of the Sturgeon group. 



northern hemisphere. The Giant Sturgeon of the Black and Caspian Seas and the Sea of 

 Azoff attains a length of 24 feet, and sometimes more, specimens of 3,200 lbs. weiglit having 

 been recorded. 



On account of the wholesomeness of their flesh, sturgeons are highly esteemed wherever 

 they are found. In Eussian rivers they are very abundant, regular fishing-stations being 

 established for their capture. The approach of a shoal of fish is announced by a watchman, 

 and it is said as many as 



15,000 sturgeon have been ,• : 



captured at one of these stations 

 in a single day. Should the 

 fishing be suspended for a 

 short time, the fish assemble 

 in such numbers as to form a 

 solid mass, completely blocking 

 a river 400 feet in width and 

 25 feet in depth. 



From the roe of these 

 fishes caviare is made, and 

 isinglass from the inner lining 



Photo b>/ A. S. Ri'dland it- Sons. 



BICHIR. 

 A second reiiresentative of the Enamel -scaled group. 



