PUBLIC DOCUMENT - - No. 25. 41 



Fish. 



Nine species of fish are now distributed among the inland 

 waters of the Commonwealth. All except the white perch and 

 bullhead are reared at the State hatcheries. A brief description 

 of each species, largely taken from the "Fishes of New York," 

 by Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, is given for the general information 

 of the reader. 



Brook Trout. - - The speckled brook trout (Salvelinus fonti- 

 nalis), or, more properly, "char," our most extensively propa- 

 gated fish, is indigenous to the region east of the Allegheny 

 Mountains and the Great Lake region, extending from North 

 Carolina to Labrador. It has been artificially introduced in 

 many of the western States and territories, and has even been 

 sent to European countries. It ultimately reaches more than 

 7 or 8 inches in length, and in lakes large specimens, weighing 

 3 to 6 pounds, are sometimes found. The brook trout prefers 

 a temperature of about 50 degrees F., and does not flourish in 

 water over 68 degrees, choosing, therefore, as its habitat, cold, 

 clear mountain streams free from pollution. Where the streams 

 enter the salt water the fish has the habit of remaining in 

 the ocean during the winter. These "salters" are highly es- 

 teemed by the fishermen for their beautiful color and excellent 

 condition. In warm water the trout lies in deep pools, usually 

 in the vicinity of cool springs. Spawning usually begins in 

 October, and at the hatcheries eggs are taken chiefly during the 

 months of November and December. The period of hatching 

 depends on the temperature, ranging from one hundred and 

 sixty-five days in water of 37 degrees to thirty-two days in 

 water of 54 degrees. After the absorption of the yelk sac in 

 from thirty to sixty days, the young fish begin to feed, the 

 rate of growth depending upon the amount of food. 



Brown Trout. - - The brown trout (Salmo fario) of Europe 

 was introduced in 1863, and has now become acclimated in 

 many States, especially in the region east of the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. It is apparently suited to larger streams and can exist 

 under more adverse conditions than the brook trout, but 

 prefers cool, clear mountain streams. Although more hardy 



