Two similar species frequent the estuaries of rivers in the British Isles, and lagoons or ponds near the sea. The Thick-lipped has an upper lip with tiny warts, whereas the Thin-lipped has a smooth upper lip. Both have broad heads and backs of a metallic blue, and silvery sides with numerous longitudinal grey stripes. They feed on soft vegetable matter and small aquatic creatures, and are notoriously difficult to catch by fair angling. Largest rod-caught* specimen: 10 lbs. 1 oz.
*up to 1958. |