occasionally blackish green. The sides shade to yellow or yellow 

 brown. The belly is white. The dorsal fin is short and behind it the 

 adipose fin, which is a distinct projection in the preceding species, 

 grows backward along the back and is separated from the tail by 

 a slight notch. This blending of the adipose fins is also character- 



istic of the much less common little madtoms. The Yellow Stonecat, 

 however, is a long slender fish which is flattened from the dorsal 

 fin forward, while the madtoms are higher in proportion and more 

 heavy-bodied in the region of this fin. The barbels of the upper 

 jaw are blackish, but those of the lower jaw are yellow, like the 

 chin. Small spines of the pectoral fins are poisoned and cause great 

 pain if they break the skin. 



Size. The adult length seldom reaches 225 mm. 



Habitat. In the swift waters of large streams and small rivers, 

 where it hides under stones. It never occurs in stagnant or muddy 

 waters. 



Breeding Habits. The eggs are laid in late June under flat stones 

 or boards. They are watched by the male. After the eggs hatch the 

 fish remain in or near the nest for a while. 



Food. Chiefly small crustaceans and water insects. 



The yellow stonecat is an interesting little fish that might spawn 

 in the aquarium if collected in the spring. Aeration might prove 

 desirable. It should be handled with a net to avoid painful contact 

 with the spines. 



[44] 



