140 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



when the mouth is closed, the points of the same project shghtly 

 above the snout.* If reliance can be placed on native report, it 

 attains a very large size, but we have never succeeded in capturing a 

 specimen exceeding three pounds in weight. This fish frequents deep 

 water on the verge of the reeds, and affords good sport; and it may be 

 captured with live or any sort of spinning bait. We have usually 

 obtained it when trolling from a Berthon boat and using gimp tackle. 

 It is indifferent eating, but the natives relish it very much. 



The Squeaker. 



\_Has not been caught exceeding 12 inches in length. The body 

 narrow and elongated; scaleless ; bright silver in colour .^ and 

 semi-transparent like a vohiting with the skin removed. It may be 

 distinguished by the pectoral fins being furnished with very sharp 

 spines^ which inflict wounds most difficult to heal.'\ 



This fish is common in the Crocodile and Marico Rivers and some 

 of the streams in the Northern portions of the Transvaal, frequent- 

 ing the still eddies of rapid sharps with rocky bottoms, and takes 

 grasshoppers and worms well. Only very light tackle should be 

 used. It is without exception one of the most delicious of all fresh- 

 water fish. 



There is another description closely allied to the above called the 

 " Tiger Squeaker," on account of its being marked in a manner- 

 similar to the loach. It feeds entirely on the bottom, and the flesh 

 is oily. 



The Botletle and Zambesi Rivers furnish another variety of an 

 excessively predatory and very beautiful fish, the name of which is 

 unknown. Those which have been caught weighed from three to six 

 pounds, and may be distinguished by the teeth, which are closely set, 

 and projecting beyond the mouth, present a terrific array. The colour 

 all over is bright silver, spotted somewhat like a trout, a broad, well- 

 defined violet stripe extending along the entire body. This fish 

 takes live or spinning bait well, and when fishing for the same, very 

 strong gimp traces should alone be used. 



* A specimen of this fish, caught in the Botletle Eiver by Mr. Nicolls, is at present 

 in the British Musenm, South Kensington. That eminent authority, Dr. A. Giinthgr, 

 declares it not to he a species of the Piie tribe. In addition to the localities mentioned, 

 it is also met with in other rivers of West-central Africa. 



