They are found in stagnant waters in nearly all the temperate parts of the globe.
There are not many fresh-water fish that are more excellent for the table than these; yet the ancient Romans so much despised them, that they were eaten by none but the lowest classes of the people. In the kingdom of Congo, on the contrary, they were formerly so much esteemed that they were allowed only to be eaten at court, and any person was liable to the punishment of death who caught a tench and did not carry it to the royal cook. Such tench as are caught in clear waters are much superior to those which have inhabited muddy places. They thrive best in still waters, where there are weeds at the bottom; and they are in season from the beginning of October until the end of May.
248. The GUDGEON (Cyprinus gobio) is a small fish of the carp tribe, with a thick and round body, two fleshy beards near the mouth, and the dorsal and caudal fins spotted with black.
Its length is usually about six inches, and its weight seldom more than three or four ounces.
This fish is an inhabitant of gentle streams, with gravelly or sandy bottom, in most of the northern parts of Europe.
The flesh of gudgeons is white, firm, and of excellent flavour; but the smallness of their size prevents these fish from being much in demand. They are found in small shoals near the bottom of the water; and are caught both with nets and lines. The bait that is used is generally a small earth-worm, which they seize with great eagerness. The season when they are in greatest perfection is from September till the end of the year.
Gudgeons are found to thrive well in ponds, if these be fed by brooks running through them. Under favourable circumstances they have sometimes attained an unusually large size. They feed on aquatic plants, worms, water-insects, and the spawn of fish.
249. The BLEAK (Cyprinus alburnus) is a small fish of the carp tribe, with somewhat pointed muzzle, and no beards; and the scales thin, shining and slightly attached.
It seldom exceeds the length of five or six inches.
These fish inhabit fresh-water rivers, in nearly all the temperate parts of Europe, and are extremely common in many if those of our own country.