5^ 



cies have already been detected. This genus havmg becomt; 

 so extensive at an early period, and many other species existing 

 probably in North America and Siberia, I have therefore divi- 

 ded it into five subgenera, employing principally the number of 

 abdominal rays. All these fishes are permanent in the Ohio 

 its branches and the ponds. Some however disappear in win- 

 ter,retreating into deep water or into the mud. Many bite at the 

 hook. They feed on univalve shells, small fishes and spawn. 

 They offer a tolerable food. 



1st. Subgenus. Moxostoma. 



Body oblong, compressed; head compressed, eight abdomhial 

 rays, dorsal fin commonly longitudinal, tail commonly unequal- 

 ly forked. 



53d Species. Ohio Carp Sucker. Catostomus anisurus, 

 Catostome anisure. 



Diameter one fifth of the length: silvery, slightly fulvescent 

 above, fins red, the dorsal olivaceous falcated with 17 rays, 

 nearer to the head and reaching the vent: lateral line curv- 

 ed upwards and flexuose at the base: snout gibbose: tail forked, 

 upper part longer. Anal fin falcate with eight rays. 



A large species common all over the Ohio nid the large 

 streams, as far as Pittsburgh. Permanent and sometimes taken 

 in winter. It is called Carp every where. Length from one to 

 three feet. It is taken with the hook, seine, and dart. Its 

 flesh is pretty good, but soft. The male fish has a red tail; 

 while it is olivaceous in the female. Snout divided from the 

 head by a transverse hollow which makes it gibbose. Eyes 

 black, iris silvery and golden above. Sides often with copper 

 shades. Scales kirge with concentric stria. Pectoral fins large 

 oval acute with 15 rays and reaching the abdominal fins. Cau- 

 dal vv'ith 24 rays. 



54th Species Buffalo Carp Sucker. Cotostomus anisofi-' 

 turns, Catostome anisopture. 



Diameter one fourth of the total length: silvery: head slop- 

 ing, lateral line curved a^-i the back: tail unequally bifid, upper 

 part much longer: dorsal fin longitudinal, beginning above the 

 pectorals and reaching the end of the anal, sinuated by a dou- 

 ble falcation, first ray very long. 



