Brci'Jin;^ male 



Gravid female 



Habitat. Gravel and sand-bottomed streams in the southern 

 half of the southern peninsula of Michigan and southward. 



Breeding Habits. The male excavates funnel shaped depres- 

 sions several inches deep in sand and gravel. Apparently the rough 

 tubercles are of some assistance in digging as well as in the battles 

 he fights with other males as he defends his nest. A female is en- 

 ticed over the nest, where she is held firmly, again with the aid of 

 the tubercles, until her eggs are laid. Possibly more than one female 

 contributes eggs to the nest. 



Food. Mostly thread and encrusting algae and other micro- 

 scopic bottom material. Some insects and small crustaceans are 

 eaten, particularly by the younger fish. 



Few native fishes are so well adapted to an aquarium as this 

 species is. It readily adapts itself, eats the bottom ooze found in 

 sunny tanks, and is peaceable. If adults are caught during the win- 

 ter or very early spring they will show breeding activities soon 

 after being brought in. 



[41] 



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L I • R A R Y 



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