Page:British Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fresh-water Fishes.djvu/108

BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES to be tempted to sample the bait put before them. This they frequently do.

Dace.—Leuciscus leuciscus (Fig. 47). This sportive little fish is, like its relative last described, of social habits, moving about in shoals. When a couple of inches long and about the size of a Sprat, the Kingfisher seeks them out, and many of the company are commandeered by this handsome British bird. The Dace is a narrow fish, with fairly large silvery scales, and dark along the back. A half-pound fish is quite a good weight, and although it grows heavier than this, it rarely attains the weight and dimensions of a specimen now in Letchworth Museum which is 14 inches in length, and weighs 1 pound 8 ounces. It was caught in the River Ivel, near Baldock, and is, I believe, one of the largest specimens ever taken in this country. It inhabits our rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, but does not occur in Scotland or Ireland. It loves to congregate in shallow water, and it is an engaging sight to watch a number of them at play, their active habits and silver bodies lending attraction to the sylvan surroundings. This is a bold biting fish, and affords capital sport. It is fond of small red worms and maggots, and is often caught with the fly. Its natural food is made up of insects, shrimps, and worms. It seeks deep pools in Winter. The active disposition of this gay little water-sprite has given it the name Dace, as this word is acquired from an old English word Darse, or Dart. It has an amazing turn of speed, and can dart through the water against the stream with ease and facility. 90