52 
FINDING NATURE’S TREASURES 
dreds of eggs. The tiny eggs fall down on the bottom of 
the nest and stick to the sand.” 
“Look, Mrs. Sunfish is leaving the nest and swimming 
away,” said Buddy. “Now what will Mr. Sunfish do?” 
“He will guard his nest until the eggs hatch. That 
will take only a few days,” said Uncle Jack. “Then the 
baby fish will swim away, and his work will be done.” 
“Doesn’t he stay with his babies, and take care of them 
the way Daddy Catfish did when we saw him last year?” 
asked Marylee. 
“No, he doesn’t,” answered Uncle Jack. “His babies 
have to take care of themselves as soon as they hatch. 
He only looks after the eggs. He keeps the other fish 
from eating them.” 
“There is a much bigger fish coming near the nest 
now,” cried Buddy. “See how Mr. Sunfish is watching 
him.” 
“But Mr. Sunfish doesn’t seem to be afraid,” said 
Uncle Jack. “Now, watch him fight! See him pinch the 
fins of that big fish and butt him in the sides. There, 
the big fish has had enough, and he’s glad to get away. 
That was a fine fight! He won’t come back here again.” 
“What a brave little daddy Mr. Sunfish is!” said 
Marylee. 
