Fish Study 175 



nest bottom is composed of the rootlets of water plants. The nest has 

 a diameter of about twice the length of the fish." 



On the nest thus formed, the sunfish belle is invited to deposit her 

 eggs, which as soon as laid fall to the bottom and become attached 

 to the gravel at the bottom of the nest by the viscid substance 

 which surrounds them. Her duty is then done and she departs, 

 leaving the master in charge of his home and the eggs. If truth be told, 

 he is not a strict monogamist. Professor Reighard noticed one of these 

 males which reared in one nest two broods laid at quite different 

 times by two females. For about a week, depending upon the tem- 

 perature, the male is absorbed in his care of the eggs and defends his nest 

 with much ferocity, but after the eggs have hatched he considers his duty 

 done and lets his progeny take care of themselves as best they may. 



Sunfish are easily taken care of in an aquarium, but each should be 

 kept by himself as they are likely to attack any smaller fish and are most 

 uncomfortable neighbors. I have kept one of these beautiful, shimmer- 

 ing pumpkin seeds for nearly a year, by feeding him every alternate day 

 with an earthworm ; these unfortunate creatures are kept stored in damp 

 soil in an iron kettle during the winter. When I threw one of them into 

 the aquarium he would seize it and shake it as a terrier shakes a rat ; but 

 this was perhaps to make sure of his hold. Once he attempted to take the 

 second worm directly after the first; but it was a doubtful proceeding, 

 and the worm reappeared as often as a prima donna, waving each time a 

 frenzied farewell to the world. 



LESSON XLI 

 The Sunfish 



Leading thought — The pumpkin seeds are very gamey little fishes 

 which seize the hook with much fierceness. They live in the still waters 

 of our streams or in ponas and build nests in the spring, in which the eggs 

 are laid and which they defend valiantly. 



Method — The common pumpkin seed in the jar aquarium is all that is 

 necessary for this lesson. However, it will add much to the interest of 

 the lesson if the boys who have fished for pumpkin seeds will tell of their 

 experiences. The children should be stimulated by this lesson to a keeii 

 interest in the nesting habits of the sunfishes. 



Observations — i. Where are the sunfish found? How do they act 

 when they take the hook ? 



2. What is the general shape of the sunfish's body as seen from 

 above? As seen from the side? Why is it called pumpkin seed? 



3. Describe the dorsal fin. How many spines has it? How many 

 soft rays? What is the difference in appearance between the front and 

 hind dorsal fin? Do the two act together or separately? Describe the 

 tail fin. Describe the anal fin. Has it any spines ? If so, where are they'. 

 Where are the ventral fins in relation to the pectorals? What is there 

 peculiar about the appearance and movements of the pectoral fins ? 



4. Describe the eye of the sunfish. Is it large or small? Is it 

 placed so that the fish can see on each side? Does the eye move in all 

 directions? 



5. Describe the position of the mouth. In which direction does it 

 open? 



