MASTERS OF THE WATER-BONY FISHES 195 



Habits: The habits are the same as those oF the spotted moray although the 

 green moray gets into somewhat deeper waters. It is a very powerful predator. 



Gatfishes: Order Ostariophysi {"inflated bone") 



The catfishes are only a part of this large, mainly fresh-water order, but they 

 are the only marine members. The great majority of fresh-water fishes are 

 ostariophysians. Minnows, suckers, chubs, carp, and others make up one 

 group called "cyprinids" and many tropical aquarium fishes, including South 

 America's dreaded piranha, make up another large group called "characins." The 

 electric eel and its relatives compose still another group. The catfishes them- 

 selves, though not the largest group in the order, have almost a thousand 

 species. Out of all this great array, only two species of catfishes habitually 

 get into sea water in North America, and these do not stray far from land. 



Ostariophvsians are closely related to the herringlike fishes but possess one 

 very important difference which, though internal, is important in understanding 

 these fishes. It is the Weberian apparatus, a series of large, inflated vertebrae 

 near the head which are connected to the air bladder and the inner ear and 

 therefore act as a completely unique organ of ■ hearing. The use to which 

 this more sensitive hearing apparatus is put is not known. 



The catfishes may immediately be recognized by the long barbels about 

 the mouth. These are used as tactile and taste organs to detect food, and as 

 feelers in general. The dorsal and pectoral fins are each armed with a single 

 stout spine, which is able to inflict a painful wound. Luckily, the spines of the 

 North American marine catfishes are not poisonous as are those of the mad tom 

 and stone cats, Notiirns and Schilheodes, both inhabitants of fresh water. The 

 spines are used defensively only. 



Catfishes have the ventral fins far back on the belly and possess an adipose 

 fin. These bottom fishes eat a wide variety of food, being practically omnivorous 

 in habits. 



SEA CATFISHES: Family Siluridae 



These fishes are distributed over the world's warm seas with the exception 

 of the North Pacific and European waters. 



SEA catfish: Galeichthys felis 



Size: Up to 1 foot. 



Distribution: Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico. Not common north of Virginia. 



Identification: Silvery green above and white below. There are two barbels on 

 the upper jaw and four on the lower. 



Habits: This is an abundant shore fish in harbors and over all kinds of bottoms, 

 but prefers rocky shores. It feeds mainly at night on just about anything it can 

 swallow. Sea cats travel in schools of up to 200 fish. 



GAFF-TOPSAIL CATFISH: Bagre marinus 



Size: Averages 15 inches. Up to 2 feet. 



Weight: Averages IVi pounds. Up to 3 pounds. 



Distribution: Cape Cod to Panama. Not common north of Delaware. 



