EXERCISES

1. Mention three ways in which sea-creatures try to escape their
enemies. 2. How do the Sting-fish and Sting Ray defend themselves? 3.
What is the Saw-fish like? 4. How does the Sword-fish attack its prey?



LESSON IX

THE FISH OF OUR ROCK-POOLS

The pools left by the falling tide have many an interesting thing to
show us. There are living creatures in plenty, besides the pretty weeds,
shells, and other objects. Shrimps, Prawns and Crabs abound in the
rock-pools and shallows, with anemones and shellfish of all kinds. In
the rock-pools we shall also find the interesting little fish whose
story we glance at in this lesson. Of course there are baby flat-fish,
and large fish too, along the shore. But these are only visitors. The
real rock-pool fish are those which live their lives there.

Some of them are tiny things, two or three inches long. With quick
movements like Shrimps they dart away as you approach. They have a way
of hiding under weeds and rocks, being very clever at "hide-and-seek,"
and knowing all the dodges. But, by using a net, you will soon capture a
few of them. Then you can put them in a small pool and examine them; or
even keep them in an aquarium, giving them clean sea-water, seaweed, and
the small shrimps on which they feed.