508 



PARENTAL CARE AMONG FRESH-WATER FISHES. 



contrast with those of other members of the family by their dark and 

 somber hues. Only two species are recognized. 



Fig. 88. — A Micropterine. The Small-mouth Black-I)ass (Micrnidirus floloniicn) . 



The Lepomines^ or snnfishes, have the body comparatively short, tlni 

 dorsal spines robust and not decreasing in size backward, and the anal 

 fin has a soft portion opposite and equal to that of the dorsal and 

 with its front part formed of three or more stout spines. Most of the 

 species of the family belong to this group, and almost all are bril- 

 liantly colored and especially conspicuous by the large black and 

 sometimes variegated earlike extensions of tlie o]:)ercular membranes. 

 The colors rival those of such tropical iishes as the angel fishes or 

 Cluetodontids and the lady fishes, or Labrids. 



Fig. 8!). — A Lepoiniuf. Tlu' Long-eared Simlisli {Li'iioiinis aiirHiis). 



The ^V?/y75vY/;Y7//v/<:'-s-, or crap})ies, have deep fusiform bodies and (juitc 

 cliaracteristic, vertical hns; tlie dorsal and anal are about equally 

 large and obliquely opposite each other ; that is, the connnencement 



