FOREST, LAKE, AND RIVER 



Among the sunfishes proper, we find twelve gen- 



^era and about thirty species, which form one of 



the most characteristic features of our fish fauna. 



We will now treat them seriatim, following the 

 classification laid down by ichthyological author- 

 ity. First, the calico or strawberry basses : 



There are two species of these fishes ; one, the 

 crappie, the bachelor, New Light, Campbellite, 

 and crapet, variously and locally so-called, is a na- 

 tive of the Great Lakes, southward to Texas, and 

 westward to Kansas and Nebraska. It is techni- 

 cally known as Pomoxis annularis, the generic 

 appellation being from two Greek words, the 

 literal translation of which is " opercle " and 

 " sharp," in allusion to the shape of the gill- 

 cover ; the specific name is from the Latin annu- 

 laris, " having rings," which indicates the markings 

 on the fish. 



The crappie is not abundant in the Great Lakes, 

 preferring the less clear waters of the bayous of the 

 south, and the warmer ones of the ponds and riv- 

 ers in that section. It grows to an average length 

 of twelve inches, and to the weight of a pound ; 

 but individuals have been taken of an exceptional 

 weight of three pounds. Among the anglers of 

 the south, the crappie is a favorite fish, taking a 

 live minnow with sprightliness, and giving a fair 



