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From
"A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion”
by John Dowson

The story
as told
in the Maha-bharata
represents Manu
as engaged
in devotion
by the side
of a river
and
the fish
craving his protection
from the bigger fish.

Manu placed the fish
in a glass vase
but it grew larger and larger
till the ocean
alone
could contain it.

Then it warned Manu
of the coming flood
and
directed him
to build a ship
and
to embark
with the seven Rishis.

He did so
and fastened his ship
to the horn
of the fish.

Then
according
to the rendering
of Professor Williams-

"Along the ocean
in that stately ship was borne
the lord
of men
and
through its dancing
tumbling billows
and
its roaring waters:
and the bark
tossed
to and fro
by violent winds
reeled
on the surface
of the deep
staggering and trembling
like a drunken woman:
land was seen no more
nor far horizon
not the space between;
for everywhere around
spread the wild waste
of waters
reeking atmosphere
and boundless sky.
And now
when all the world was deluged
nought appeared
above the waves
but Manu
and
the seven sages
and the fish
that drew the bark.
Unwearied thus
for years
on years
that fish pulled
on the ship
across the heaped-up waters
till
at length
it bore the vessel
to the peak
of Himavan;
then
softly smiling
thus the fish addressed the sage:
‘Haste
now
to bind thy ship
to this high crag.
Know me
the lord of all
the great creator
BRAHMA
mightier
than all might
omnipoent
by me
in fish-like shape
have you been saved
in dire emergency.
From Manu
all creation
gods, Asuras, men
must be produced;
by him
the world must be created
that which moves
and moveth not.’"