Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 August 1886 — A Galilean Fish. [ARTICLE]

A Galilean Fish.

The fish known to naturalists by the long name of Ophiocephalus, one species of -which is found in the Sea of Galilee, is a singular creature. At the approach of the breeding season it seeks a favorable place to build—generally in shallow water. There perhaps an old sunken root is found, or a projecting ledge of rock. To that spot bits of grass, leaves, growing sea-weed, and refuse of all kinds are brought by the parents, who now proceed to weave this building material into an oval shape. The threads of grass are wound in and out, entangled with one another in various ways, and the interstices filled with mud. During the. construction one or more orifices are left leading into the nest or entirely through it; the grasses are wound around the old root, and finally a compact oval nest is seen suspended and swinging in the tide—a veritable cradle for the baby fishes. The eggs are deposited in the interior, and attach themselves to the grass and the sides of the nest. In due time a swarm of tiny fishes fill this curious abode, and show a decided inclination to stray away. They are, however, watched and guarded by the parents, who drive them back when they wander too far from home. This nest-building fish of the Sea of Galilee displays, however, a still more curious method of protection—for in time of danger the young are frequently taken into the capacious mouth of the male parent-fish, and thus guarded from harm. This habit is common to quite a large number of fishes.— C. F. Holder, in St. Nicholas.