40 . MARINE AND FISHERIES 



5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 



fishing, will put this species in a more advantageous position. At the present time, 

 however, it is a pest to the sportsman in search of the small-mouthed bass. It 

 inhabits the same situations, is of insignificant size and of no fighting qualities; 

 with a propensity for biting on all occasions, regardless of experience. As a de- 

 stroyer of bait intended for other fishes, it has become notorious, the more so since 

 the supply of this commodity has now reached the dignity of a commercial 

 enterprise. 



Genus Eupomotis. 



Eupomotis gibbosus, Linnaeus. 



(Common sunfish. Pumpkinseed) 



Abundant in shore swamps and inland lakes. The only species representing 

 the brillantly colored sunfishes in this region. 



Length 5^ inches, commonly much less. Body very short, deep, and compress- 

 ed, the depth 2' 2 to 2-4 in the length. Mouth small. Back olive green with 

 brass}^ reflections, tinges of blue color, and reddish golden spots. Below the lateral 

 line there are wavy and more or less irregular blue lines, alternating with series 

 of prominent reddish golden spots, the latter arranged more or less definitely into 

 four longitudinal lines. Under parts yellow, golden, or reddish. Cheek and opercle 

 with five blue lines, alternating with redciish golden spots. Opercular flap with a 

 large black spot, bounded above and below by bluish, and behind by scarlet. 

 Dorsal fin with 10 or 11 spines, followed by 11 or 12 soft rays. Anal with 3 spines 

 and 10 soft rays, the length of its base contained 2-1 to 2-3 in that of the dorsal. 

 Pectoral fins reach the vertical of first anal spine. Scales 40 to 45. 



The food of this species consists of insects and small molluscs. The spawning 

 period is for the most part in July, though it extends from the latter part of June 

 to the end of August. The nests are often no more than four inches in diameter, 

 and are placed in very shallow water near the shore. The eggs are guarded by the 

 male fish, which at this time exhibits great courage and pugnacity in warding off 

 enemies. 



Genus Micropterus. 



This genus is represented by two important game fishes, one being the small- 

 mouthed bass, or black bass {M. dolomieu), the other the large-mouthed bass, 

 green, or Oswego bass (M. salmoides). Much has been written concerning the 

 habits of these species, their sporting qualities, and distribution, though it is un- 

 fortunate that many popular accounts do not discriminate between the two types. 

 Not only are the two species distinct, but in a region such as this where they occur 

 together they differ very greatly in habits, fighting ability, and in their quality as 

 table fish, the small-mouthed bass being in every way superior. 



The two species are separable as follows: 



