THE SUNFISHES 



These fish may also be distinguished from each 

 other by the coloration and markings on the fins. 

 The dorsal and tail fins of the crappie are of a 

 greenish color, and the anal fin is palish, nearly 

 plain ; while the vertical and anal fins of the straw- 

 berry bass are covered with dark olive reticulations 

 surrounding pale spots. 



The rock bass is also known popularly by the 

 name of red-eye and goggle-eye. The text-books 

 call it Ambloplites rupestris, the literal meaning of 

 which is " blunt and well armed or scaled " and 

 " living among rocks." It ranges from Vermont 

 westward to the Great Lake region, and southward 

 to Louisiana, being very abundant west of the 

 Alleghany Mountains. It has a large mouth and 

 head, the profile being arch-like ; the coloration is 

 rather a rich olive-green, brassy-tinged, with many 

 dark blotchings or mottlings, and dark spots on 

 the scales, which gives the effect of blackish, 

 interrupted lines or stripes. It seldom grows 

 larger than twelve inches, and one pound in 

 weight ; but specimens weighing over two pounds 

 are occasionally taken. It is a single species of a 

 single genus. 



The rock bass is a fairly good fighter on light 

 tackle, but far inferior in game qualities to his 

 brother, the black bass, giving up quietly after two 



IOI 



