FISHES OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO: ET 
FaMILY V. AMITIDAX. THE BOWFINs. 
6. Amia calva Linneus. Docrisu. 
[Jord. Man. 47. O. St. Surv. ro.] 
Rather elongated, dark lead-colored above, nearly white below. 
Sides with greenish wavy markings, most conspicuous in the 
young; males have a round black spot on the tail. Mouth large, 
set with strong teeth. Head covered with bony plates, a dread, bony 
plate between the arches of the lower jaw. Length 1 to 2% feet. 
(vee, plate 22) 
Rare; once ina great while one is brought in from the pounds, 
and I have taken one in a seine in Black River. 
FaMILY VI. SILURIDAE. THE CATFISHES. 
Everybody knows a catfish—the smooth skin, big head, strong 
spines and fringe of (8) barbels about the wide mouth, marking a 
very conspicuous group. Some of the species grow very large and 
are highly prized as food. Catfish are taken in pound nets and on 
set lines, and with pole and line tackle. Leeches and salamanders 
form favorite bait for set lines, though fresh meat is used also. 
The smaller species of Amezurus are called Bullheads indiscrimi- 
nately. 
7. letalurus punetatus (Rafinesque). CHANNEL OR 
SILVER Cart. 
[Jord. Man. 51. O. St. Surv. 14.] 
Slender and graceful, ¢az/ forked. A continuous bony ridge from 
Sack of head to dorsal fin. Silvery white or olivaceous, with small, 
dark, round spots; old specimens darker. Reaches a weight of 
about 5 pounds. 
Common, being one of the species taken on handlines. The 
young are plentiful in the streams below the dams, but have not 
been detected above. 
8. Ameiurus nigricans (Le Sueur). BLuE Car. 
[Jord. Man. 52. O. St. Surv. 15.] 
Slaty bluish, young lighter, body stouter than in the channel 
eat and the Zaz/ not so deeply forked; bony ridge from skull to dorsal 
spine broken. 
Common in the lake and lower parts of the rivers. This 
species attains a weight of roo pounds or more, but I have 
mever seen a specimen of more than 4o pounds from the lake, 
and 5 pounds is probably a fair average. Highly prized as food. 
