The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1903-02-04
FISH EATEN BY FISH
How the Little "Kiilies" Seek TO Eiud
the Big Rass.

HOW the Little "Kiiiies" Seek 10 Eiude
tho Big Rass.
The species of fish of which the
New York Aquarium has the largest
number, but of which the public sees
the least, is the killfsh, states the
New York Tribune. Although they
are only from one to three inches long
they are as quick witted as the
brightest Of the big fish. They have
to be, for they have so many enc
mics. At the aquarium they have an
opportunity to display their powers Of
adaptation. They have only one op-
portunity to show what they can do
in this direction, but they make good
use OF it. There is only an instant in
which to decide upon the use which
they will make of this opportunity,
but there is no hesitation in making
the decision.
The "killies" are collected every day
for the aquarium by a man employed
for the purpose. They are needed in
large numbers, for they are used as
food for the other fish. Every day a
quantity Of them are thrown to the
bass and trout alive. II is then that
they display their intelligence or in
stinct, whichever 1t Is. One Is inclined
at first thought to believe 1t is the for
never been called upon to meet the
enemy in tanks shaped like those into
which they are thrown. They quickly
adapt themselves to the conditions un-
der which the conflict for survival must
be fought. The foe is as keen in the
hunt as the hunted. 1t is war of the
wits.
The striped bass are kept in one of
the oval basins on the main floor.
There are a score or more of as fine
a specimen Of the species as a fisher
man ever looked upon in Il, and 1t is
tantalizing to one fond Of fishing to
watch them lazily moving across the
white enamel bottom. A few minutes
before o'clock one Of the keepers ap-
proaches the tank with a pail contain
ing hundred or two of the little fish.
He leans over the edge, dips his hand
into the pail, takes out a handful and
tosses them into the centre of the pool
There is a sudden commotion in the
water. The bass are rising to the sur
face with a rush. It Is now or never
with the little fish. Do they lose their
heads? No! The fight between the
bass and their supper is now on. VIII
the bass they ave supper: Thes have
Jumped for the largest of the "killies." /"
leaving the smaller ones for dessert.
When by themselves. the smaller
"killies' usually remain at the bottom
Of their tank. They do not seek the
bottom now. 1t is safer on top. With
sundry darts they sprint for the side
of the tank. They know the habits
of bass. The bass jump for their food.
The small fish says to himself: 'If l
can only get to the side of the tank
before the bass gets me, l have a fight
ing chance. Unless he is exceptionally
clever he cannot get me without hurt
ing his snout when he jumps for me-"
lie succeeds in reaching the white tile
side. and finds there many Of his fol
lows. They swim along the tank side
in groups, and the bass leave them
alone for t'.le.
But, unfortunately for them, the
hunter Is as willy as his game. The
larger "killies" swallowed, he turns
his attention to those gliding along the
basins side. He creeps up behind
them and drives a number together
Then, slSilfully darting upward at an
angle which will just save his snout
he opens his mouth as he slides along
the side. and in tumble half-dozer
of the little fellows. His jaws snaI
together above the water with crash
which suggests that he has STRUCK
against the side. He has not, however
for he has just learned from expert
ence. He turns at Just the right mo.
ment and drops to the bottom, leaving
the top Of the pool q choppy sea. Th'
"killies" with all their skill, lose tn,
battle at last. for they are smaller, Lu,
they give the bass "a run for hi
money