o 



64 



Marvels of the Universe 



Photo by] [ir. n. i- .S'. C. Jolinson. 



THREE-SPINED STICKLEBACK. 



The Three-spined Stickleback is here photographed the full natural size. In 

 the breeding season it is known to juvenile anglers as the Redthroat. from the 

 resplendent bridal tints it assuntes. 



present business in life is to lure a 

 lady Stickleback into that struc- 

 ture, so that she ma}" assist in 

 stocking it with eggs. 



Presently one is seen approach- 

 ing ; and then the eyes of this 

 gay fellow flash fire-like glances 

 towards her as he manoeuvres 

 round and about his household in 

 ecstatic delight. His colours glitter 

 with extraordinary brillianc}^ as 

 his rapid movements continually 

 expose them to the sunlight. Then 

 he makes a headlong dive right 

 into the entrance of his nest, 

 almost immediately backing out 

 again and once more encircling his 

 preserve. Lady Stickleback, how- 

 ever, apparently regards him with 

 a very indifferent air. Suddenly his prospective bride darts to one side, and, like a flash of light, a 

 third Stickleback has appeared. In an instant there is a whirl of colour : silver, blue and red 

 are immediately merged into a blur of grey. In truth, we are witnessing a desperate -duel for a 

 lady fair. 



The colours of the combatants promptly reappear again, for they have quickly separated, the 

 owner of the nest instantly diving to guard its entrance. His adversary, however, is not yet beaten, 

 for he also has made a rapid plunge for the nest. That manoeuvre, though, was a fatal mistake, for 

 the anger of the rightful owner was at its height, and. by a dexterous turning movement, he has 

 charged the lower part of his foe with his formidable spines. 



His rival has retreated mortally wounded, but the victor glows more brillianth* than ever. Lady- 

 Stickleback had been quite forgotten during the fight ; but, to the great delight of her valiant suitor, 



she has now entered his home. 

 After depositing four eggs therein, 

 and pushing her way out through 

 the opposite side, leaving a clear 

 passage through the nest, she at 

 once swims away. 



Such are the scenes which may 

 be witnessed during the merry 

 month of May when the Stickle- 

 back's " fancy lightly turns to 

 thoughts of love " ; for he is a 

 confirmed polygamist, and requires 

 many consorts to fill his nest with 

 eggs, which he faithfully guards 

 until the young fry appear. Even 

 then he vigilantly protects the off- 

 spring, and promptly returns them 

 to the nest by means of his mouth 

 when they go astray. 



IBu J. Teklenhurri. 



TEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK. 



This species is less common than the Three-spined Stickleback. It is a 

 thinner fish than that species, and its adornment in the breeding season is a 

 rich black, which has earned for it the familiar name of Tinker. 



