River Bull-head, Cottus Gobio
1803
Edward Donovan's 1803 illustration of the River Bull-head gives us a complete 360-degree view of this quirky bottom-dweller. By showing both the mottled, spiny back and the pale, vulnerable underbelly, Donovan provides a thorough scientific profile long before underwater photography existed. These detailed natural history prints were crucial for enthusiasts trying to catalog Britain's wildlife, turning a rather grumpy-looking little fish into a fascinating subject of study.
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