84. CEXTEAECniD^E MICEOPTEEUS. 
485 
and slnggisli waters. It grows to a larger size than the next species, 
and is readily distingnished by its coloration and the larger mouth and 
larger scales. Both species vary much with different waters. 
(Lahrus salmoides Lacepede, Xaf. Poiss. iv, 716, 1802: Lepomis pallida Eaf. 
Iclith. Ob. 30, 1820; Jordan, Ann. Lyc. Xat. Hist, xi, 314, 1877 : Cichla floridana Le 
Sueur, Journ. Acad. Xat. Sci. Phila. 1822, 220: Jluro nigricans C. & V. ii, 124: Huro 
nigricans Giintber, i, 255: Mlcropterus nigricans Gill, Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci. 1873, 
70 (and of most late writers): Diopliics niiecensis Grd. U. S. Mex. Bonnd. IcEtb. 3; 
Mkropttrus salmoides Henshall, Book of tbe Black Bass, 1881, 110.) 
aa. Moutk smaller, tbe maxillary in tbe adult not extending beyond orbit; scales 
smaller, 72-75 in tbe lateral line; 10-12 series above tbe lateral line. 
TOO. 31. dolomietl Lac. — Small-monthed Black Bass. 
Body ovate-fusiform, becoming deeper with age. Head large. ^Mouth 
large, but smaller than in d/. salmoides, the maxillary ending consider- 
ably in front of the hinder margin of the orbit. Scales on the cheek 
minute, in about 17 rows ; scales on the trunk comparatively small. 
Dorsal fin deeply notched, but less so than in M. salmoides, the ninth 
spine being about half as long as the longest, and not much shorter than 
the tenth. Coloration quite variable, the young dull golden green, with 
bronze lustre) darker spots along the sides, which tend to form short 
vertical bars, but never a dark lateral band; 3 bronze bands radiating 
from eye across cheeks and oitercles; a dusky spot on point of opercu- 
lum; belly white; caudal fin yellowish at base, then black, with white 
tips; dor.sal with bronze spots, its edge dusky. In some waters the fin- 
markings are obsolete, but usually they are very consiiicuous in the 
young. Southern specimens usually have the scales of the lower part 
of the sides with faint dark streaks; adult specimens have all these 
marks more or less wholly obliterated, and become ultimately of a uni- 
form dead green, without silvery lusire. Head 3i; depth 3^-. D. X, 13; 
Jl. Ill, 10 or 11; scales 11-71—17. Eivers of the United States, from 
the Great Lake region to South Carolina and Arkansas; abundant, 
frequenting running streams, and preferring clear and cool waters; its 
southern limit is bounded by the presence of such waters. As a game 
fish this species is usually more highly valued than its congener.* 
(Lacepede, Hist. Xat. Poiss, iv, 325, 1802; Hensball, Book ot tbe Black Bass, 1881, 
84: Bodianiis achigan Eaf. Amer. Moutbly Mag. & Grit. Eev. ii, 120, 1817: Grystes 
salmoides C. & V. iii, 54: Grysics salmonoides Giintber, i, 252: ilicropteriis salmoides 
Gill, Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci. 1873, 67, and of many American writers: Calliurns 
punciulatus Eaf. Icbtb. Ob. 26: Grysics fasciaius Guntber, i, ‘.^58: Centrarchus ohscurus 
Giintber, i, 258.) 
•Both tbis species and tbe preceding are j^opularly known in the Southern States 
by tbe grossly erroneous name of “ Trout.” 
