PLATE LXXX. 
The ordinary size of this fish is from three to four, or rarely five 
inches. In the northern parts of Europe, and in Siberia, it some- 
times attains to the length of half a foot, or even seven inches } 
which latter appears to be the utmost^size of any individual of this 
species hitherto discovered. “ 
V *. Vw V „ 
This fish inhabits most fresh water streams and rivers, where it 
is commonly observed lying at the bottom, lurking upon the 
gravel, or among stones, beneath which it oftentimes secretes itself 
when closely pursued by otlrer voracious fishes. The spawning 
season is in March and April. It has been affirmed, though cer- 
tainly without probability, or sufficient authority, thj.t ,the female 
deposits her eggs in holes, which she purposely forms for their recep- 
tion, and that she v/ill not quit the spot even at the peril of her life. 
Marsigli asserts that the female rests for the space of a month on the 
eggs. This species subsists chiefly on aquatic insects, pid the egg? ' 
or fry of other fishes. ^ ‘ 
The prevailing colours are nearly the same in all the individuals of 
this species, namely, a livid brown, more or lefs speckled with 
yellow, and spotted with dusky or black, the belly silvery white,' 
and fins varied with brown. The anterior dorsal fin is of a darker 
colour than the others, and is sometimes edged with white, or 
whitish ; this fin, in the largest specimen delineated in our plate, 
contains eight rays ; the second dorsal fin, seventeen : pectoral fin, 
eleven : ventral four : and the anal and caudal fins, twelve each. ’ ' 
