294 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



average weight of those seen was under 5 pounds. The habits of the 

 species do not seem to dift'er from those of the blue cat. They are said 

 to be taken chiefly in the spring and in the flooded districts. 



The last and least important of the four species of commercial cat- 

 fishes found in the Atchafalaya River is the spotted cat {Ictalurus 

 punctatus). Only three or four were seen at Morgan City during our 

 visit, and the fishermen report that it is rarely taken. The few seen 

 did not exceed 18 inches in length. 



Table showing size, sex, and spawning condition of blue catfish examined at Morgan City, 

 La., April 22-24, 1897. 



