FISHES OF THE CONNECTICUT LAKES. 31 



Mountains except the South Atlantic States and Texas. In First 

 Connecticut Lake it does not seem to be abundant. It is more numer- 

 ous in Second Lake, where it is said to have been introduced; but 

 the latter statement is unauthentic. There is no evident reason why 

 it should not be indigenous to all these waters, yet it was not secured 

 in Third Lake. It was found in First and Second lakes and in 

 Indian Stream. 



The redfin attains a length of 8 inches; the largest obtained here, 

 however, was only 4.87 inches long. It is almost eA'erywhere an 

 abundant species in ponds, lakes, and streams. It is carnivorous, sub- 

 sisting upon small aquatic animals, insects, etc., like other members 

 of the family, and is not averse to small fishes. In lakes and ponds 

 the redfin lurks around water plants, where its food is most abundant, 

 but on calm evenings it moves about in schools at the surface far from 

 shore, over deep water, feeding upon insects that have fallen upon the 

 water. 



Its breeding time is in the spring or enrlj summer, according to the 

 temperature of the water. At this time the male assumes a beautiful 

 coloration, the fins broadly margined with bright red, the back an 

 iridescent blue, and the side reflecting all the hues of the rainbow. A 

 more beautiful minnow can scarcely be conceived. The head of the 

 male at this time bears conical horny tubercles or excrescences, whence 

 the names " hornyhead " and " buckfish." The use of these horns has 

 not been satisfactorily explained. The spawning process is interest- 

 ing. A small school assembles on a fine gravelly shoal where the 

 water runs swiftly but smoothly just above a riffle. A hollow is 

 formed in the gravel, where the eggs are deposited and fertilized by 

 the male or males in attendance. In the one instance observed there 

 was only one male present. 



The redfin will readily take a hook, especially if baited with earth- 

 worm. It is also frequently caught on small artificial flies, especially 

 when the fish is feeding upon insects at the surface. 



This fish is one of the best live baits, its silvery appearance making 



it very attractive, and for this reason it is often used to reenforce 



spinners and spoons, as well as for live bait in still-fishing and in 

 casting. 



The best methods of catching the redfin are by minnow traps or 

 with small seine on the shores at the mouths of brooks, particularly 

 where water plants are present. 



8. LoNGNOSE Dace. Rhinichthys ratai^acf re (Cnvier and Valenciennes). 



Head 4.22; depth 4.22 in length without caudal; eye 6.28 in head; snout 

 2.44 : dorsal 8 ; anal 7 ; scales 13-59-12. 



Head low and broad; interorbital convex, 3.14 in head; snout horizontally' 

 bluntly rounded, vertically, or in profile, rather sharp, projecting much be- 

 yond small, inferior horizontal mouth; lips thick; eye small, about midway 

 35723—08 3 



