The Nematognathi, or Catfishes 



179 



the sudden erection of the pectoral spines. None of these are 

 found in Europe or in Japan. Of the very many American 

 species the gaff -topsail catfish (Felichthys felis), noted for its 



FIG. 141. Gaff-topsail Cat, Felichthys felis (L.). Wood's Hole. 



very high spines, extends farthest north and is one of the 

 very largest species. This genus has two barbels at the chin. 

 Most others have four. The commonest sea catfish of the 

 Carolina coast is Galeichthys milberti. In Tachysurus the teeth 



FIG. 142. Sea Catfish, Galeichthys milberti (Cuv. & Val.). Pensacola. 



on the palate are rounded, in most of the others they are in 

 villiform bands. 



In most or all of the sea catfish the eggs, as large as small 

 peas, are taken into the mouth of the male and there cared 

 for until hatched. 



The Channel Cats. In all the rivers of North America east 

 of the Rocky Mountains are found catfishes in great variety. 

 The channel cats, Ictalurus, known most readily by the forked 

 tails, are the largest in size and most valued as food. The tech- 



