THE CATFISHES 



(AmeiuridaeJ 



Our catfishes are large headed and wide mouthed. They are naked, 

 having no scales, so that the muscles going either way from the 

 lateral line are clearly visible. The first ray of the dorsal and pec- 

 toral fins ends in a sharp and sometimes poisoned spine. There are 

 four fleshy feelers or barbels above the mouth and four below. 

 They are covered with taste buds and evidently help the fish to 

 secure food on muddy bottoms, where they feed, chiefly at night. 

 In general they are brownish or greenish above, creamy white un- 

 derneath. 



As a group, catfishes do well in an aquarium. Unfortunately, 

 most of them grow large, so only the young are desirable. 



Northern Black Bullhead 



(Ameiurus melas melas) 



Appearance. A typical catfish, brownish or greenish black, with 

 golden glints above. Occasional individuals are yellow. The under 

 parts are yellowish green. The fin membranes are blackish and have 

 much lighter supporting rays. The relatively short anal fin is de- 

 cidedly rounded, almost semicircular in outline. The tail, however, 

 is rather sharply angled behind. The barbels are gray to black. 



Size. Adults occasionally reach 300 mm. in length. 



Habitat. Muddy ponds and small sluggish streams. It is par- 

 ticularly common in the waters of the Great Lakes plains. 



Breeding Habits. This species breeds in May in quiet pools or 



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