200 NORTHERN FISHES 



ctenoid, varying from 45 to 60 in a direct line from the opercle to the 

 base of the caudal fin. This fish reaches a length of about 5 inches. An 

 interesting point about this little fish is the location of the vent, which 

 in the young is situated in about the natural position, but gradually 

 passes forward as the fish matures, until in the adult it is located just 

 back of the jaw. 



The western pirateperch is a southern species and probably reaches 

 its northern limit in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Greene (1935) 

 reported it as uncommon in Wisconsin and listed it from five localities. 

 It is rare in Minnesota: the only records are of several specimens col- 

 lected from sloughs in the vicinity of Winona. Minnesota. 



This species spawns early in the spring and builds a nest. The female 

 is reported as helping to guard the nest. This species feeds on insects 

 and small fishes. 



