Sometimes called the Freshwater Sprat, from its close resemblance to that sea fish, both in size and appearance. In Summer, it dashes here and there near the surface in the slow-flowing rivers of Eastern and Southern England, in pursuit of insects and crustaceans, or following pieces of bread; in Winter it retires to deep water. The body is compressed, green on the back, silvery on the sides and belly, the fins whitish; the anal fin is rather long (having from 15 to 20 rays), unlike that of the Dace (from 7 to 9 rays). |