THE FISHES OF GEORGIAN BAY 47 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 39b 



Sub-family etheostominae. 



(Darters) 



The following three species, represent in this region an extensive division 

 •of perch-like fishes commonly designated as log-perches and darters, all 

 fishes of diminutive size, and for the most part different in habit from the common 

 perch and dore. They are non-predatory, living largely on minute insects and 

 crustaceans. They inhabit sand beaches and sloping rocks in somewhat protected 

 situations. They have the habit of lying motionless on the bottom, with the 

 body slightly bent, and its anterior portion slightly raised on the pectoral fins, 

 a posture which gives them an alert appearance. They move by quick jumps, 

 rather than by swimming, the enlarged pectoral fins being used for this purpose 

 and also for fanning up the bottom in search of food or concealment. They are 

 characteristic of running water, but in this region have adapted themselves to a 

 lacustrine habit. 



Genus Percina. 



Percina caprodes, Rafinesque 



(Log-perch) 



Usually taken on sand beaches where there is some aquatic vegetation. The 

 fish is easily recognized by its yellow coloration, dark vertical or saddle-shaped 

 bars, and pointed snout. 



Length 3^ inches. Body elongated, not compressed. Depth 5-7 to 6-8. 

 Head very flat above, 3 '6 to 5-2 (commonly 3 • 7) . Snout 2*4 to 3 in head; slender 

 and pig-like, overhanging the inferior mouth. General coloration yellow, the 

 back and sides with 8 to 10 vertical bands or stripes, which tend to enlarge into 

 darker spots below. Alternating with these are smaller bands or spots, either 

 fused or disconnected with reference to the main stripes, making a somewhat 

 irregular pattern. A definite black spot at the base of the tail. Dorsal and 

 caudal fins barred with black or brownish. Ventral parts light. First dorsal 

 fin with 14 or 15 spines, the second with 16 soft rays. Anal with 11 to 13 rays. 

 Scales small, with ctenoid edges, absent before dorsal and on breast, except in 

 young specimens, 6 to 8, 80 to 88, 15 to 17. 



The food consists of minute chironomus larvae, small amphipods, crayfish, 

 -and entomostraca. 



Genus Etheostoma. 



Only one species recognized, but some aberrant specimens suggest the character 

 of E. horeale, which has been recognized by Meek and Clark ( '02) as occurring in 

 Muskoka Lake. 



