Page:British Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fresh-water Fishes.djvu/68

BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES III. CLASS PISCES, OR FISHES—FRESH-WATER FISHES

Introduction.—If Reptiles and Amphibians are difficult to study in their own homes, Fishes are more so, even if the vast array of these creatures inhabiting the mighty deep are left out of account, and attention is merely given to the species occurring in fresh-water. It is quite true that, thanks to the opportunity of studying their forms and habits at various Biological Stations, or in Zoological Collections, a good deal of information may be obtained. The angler, too, is able to impart a certain amount of useful information, also the icthyologist (as the student of fishes is called) builds up for us a great deal of data by examining, comparing, and reporting upon specimens in museums. He is able, too, to note their habits in their own haunts, but with certain limitations.

The great importance of fishes in the food-supply of the world need only be mentioned in passing, and whilst it is not within our province to treat of marine representatives of the finny tribe, it should be noted that several species of fresh-water fishes are quite suitable 52