Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/38

24 parent, who carries them into the security of deep water.

The Pipe-fishes have a still more curious economy; for the male here acts as wet-nurse. He is provided with a pouch, like that of the Marsupial quadrupeds, into which he receives the spawn as it is deposited by his mate, and in which he carries it about until the young are hatched. But this is not all, for, as if to make the resemblance to the Marsupials complete, the young are in the habit of retiring for shelter into the parental pouch, for some time after they are able to leave it and roam at their own pleasure.

A species of Goby inhabiting the Mediterranean, is mentioned by Aristotle by the name of Phycis, as the only fish that makes a nest for the reception of its spawn. Modern naturalists confirm the accuracy (but not the exclusiveness) of the observation. The nest is composed of seaweeds and grass-wrack (Zostera); and the male guards the female during the act of spawning, and protects the young when developed.

Habits somewhat similar have been observed in certain species of the genus Callichthys, inhabiting the rivers of Demerara; one of which forms a nest of grass, another of leaves. These fishes are provincially known by the name of Hassars; the male and female remain by the nest till the young are hatched, with the solicitude of a hen guarding her eggs, and courageously attack any intruder. The negroes avail themselves of this boldness to capture them, for, on putting their hands into the water near the nest, and stirring it, the male Hassar, instead of retiring,