SILURID Al. oF) 
Widely distributed and generally common in suitable locali- 
ties. It is found most abundantly on stony ripples of the larger 
streams, and on sandy and gravelly bottoms of rivers and lakes. 
‘“Occasionally found beneath stones in the Mahoning river,’’ 
Kirtland ; ‘‘ much more abundant in the Ohio and its immediate 
tributaries than in the streams of the interior,’’ Jordan ; ‘‘ abun- 
dant in Little Miami river, Mill creek and nearly all streams’’ 
(Hamilton County), Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ larger 
streams and the lake,’’ McCormick. 1892; Maumee river at 
Defiance, Grand Rapids and Waterville, Fish creek at Edgerton, 
St. Mary’s river at Rockford, Auglaize river at Cloverdale and 
Defiance, Blanchard river at Ottawa, Hoaglin creek at Oakland, 
and Blanchard river and Sugar creek at Cloverdale, Kirsch, 1893 ; 
Franklin County, ‘‘abundant in all larger streams, Scioto and 
Olentangy rivers, Big Walnut, Little Walnut, Alum, Big and 
Little Darby creeks, Black Lick and Hell Branch,’’ Williamson 
and Osburn, 1897; Knox County, Big Jelloway creek, Parker, 
Williamson and Osburn, 18¢8; John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron 
river at Milan, North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. 
Osburn, 1899; Lake Erie at Sandusky, frequently thrown up 
dead on the beach by the waves; not noticed in Sandusky bay, 
Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C. 
Osburn, 1tgoo. 
Genus: SCHILBEODES. 
Key to Species. 
A. Pectoral spine entire or grooved behind, never retrcrsely serrate; adipose fin high 
and continuous, not separated by a notch from the caudal.— LVYINUS. 
AA. Pectoral spine distinctly serrate behind. 
B. Adipose fin nearly or quite free from caudal; color nearly plain brownish, 
saddle-like blotches faint, everywhere pigmented with fine dots; anterior 
edge of pectoral spine retrorsely serrate.— eleutherus. 
BB. Adipose fin not quite free from caudal; color much variegated, back with dis- 
tinct saddle-like blotches ; pectoral spine strong, its anterior edge with few 
serrations.— MLUIUS. 
Schilbeodes gyrinus (Mitchill). CHuBBy STONE CAT; 
TADPOLE CaT. 
Head large, broad and depressed, 3% to 4 in length; mouth wide, jaws 
about equal. Body short and stout, pot-bellied, shaped much like a tadpole. 
Caudal peduncle comparatively long and compressed. Pectoral spine not- 
serrated behind, but grooved instead. Anal fin with 13 rays. Soft dorsal 
