204 U.S. NATIONAL MUSEUM BULLETIN 2 82 



Remarks. — The adjectival name Jlavipinnis (Latin), from fiavus 

 (yellow), pinna (fin), and the suffix is refers to the general yellow color 

 of the dorsal fin. 



Relationships. — The pointed or slightly rounded caudal fin with 

 its numerous rays, the blotch that extends to the margin of the adipose 

 fin, and the general body shape suggest that this species is a relative of 

 A^. miurus and N.fiavater; together they form the miurus group. 



Ecological Information. — The habitat of this species was de- 

 scribed by Jordan (see p. 202). I have segregated ^ai^i^mms from col- 

 lections containing Noturus eleutherus. 



Discussion. — It is of interest to note that Noturus Jlavipinnis has 

 not been collected since 1893, and possibly is extinct. It was not 

 included in the collections made in the surveys of the Tennessee River 

 system just prior to establishing the large impoundments, and it has 

 not been taken by numerous collectors that subsequently have visited 

 the region. 



The three localities from which specimens are known were visited 

 in August 1959, but specimens were not obtained. The North Fork of 

 the Kolston River, just above Saltville, Virginia, seems to be relatively 

 undisturbed, but a large population of Noturus insignis has become 

 established there. It is possible that insignis and Jlavipinnis cannot 

 occupy the same area. 



The Clinch River and the mouth of Hines Creek both are subject 

 to periodic fluctuation of water level by control at Norris Dam. Here, 

 the Clinch River was shallow and clear, averaging about 6 inches deep 

 with only a few pools about 4 feet deep. It had a temperature of 62° 

 F, presumably after considerable warming. A few hours later the shal- 

 low area was covered with about 4 feet of cold turbid water. It is likely 

 that the temperature of the Clinch River is constantly too low to 

 permit reproduction. Chickamauga Creek, at Lee and Gordon's Mill, 

 was found to be seriously polluted by waste from upstream and 

 supported very few fishes. 



Noturus flavater, new species 



CHECKERED MADTOM 



Plates 4 (fig. 15), 20 (fig. 2); Map 14 



Noturus miurus Jordan [misidentifications]. — Jordan and Gilbert, 1886, p. 2 

 (White R., Eureka Springs,* Ark.).— Meek, 1893, p. 229 (compiled); 1894a, 

 pp. 90-92 (compiled: Eureka Springs,* Ark., only). 



Schilbeodes miurus (Jordan) [misidentification]. — Hubbs and Ortenburger, 1929, 

 pp. 96-97 (previous Arkansas records). 



Noturus eleutherus Jordan [misidentifications]. — Meek, 1894a, pp. 75-92 (descrip- 

 tion; Main Fork of White R., Fayetteville, Ark., and Sallisaw R., near 

 Makey's Store* [McKey's Store], Okla. [the latter locality an obvious error]). 



* Material indicated by an asterisk has been re-examined. 



