i66 Natural History Bulletin. 



9. IcTALURUS FURCATUS. — Cuv. and VaL — Chuckle-headed 



Cat. 



This species is found in the larger streams of this state. It 

 is apparently very scarce. It reaches a length oi ly^ feet, 

 and is highly valued as a food fish, and not always distin- 

 guished from the next. Mississippi valley. 



gg- Anal fin shorter, its rays 24 to 30; base of anal tin one-third to one-fourth 

 the length of bodj. 



10. IcTALURUS PUNCTATUS. — Rafinescjiie. — Channel Cat, 



White Cat. 



This species grows somewhat larger than the preceding, 

 which it resembles. It is the best food fish in the family. 

 Rather common in Iowa. Montana to Mexico and east to 

 Georgia and Vermont. 



fj Supra-occipital and second inter-spinal bones not meeting. The bony bridge 

 from snout to first dorsal not continuous. 



Genus g. Ameiurus. — Rajinesque. 



k Caudal fin forked. Anal rays 25 to 35. Species of large size. 



11. Ameiurus NIGRICANS. — LeSuetir. — Great Cat-fish. Mis- 



sissippi Cat. 



This is the largest of the cat-fishes. It has been known to 

 reach a weight of 150 pounds. At present one is seldom 

 taken half that weight. It is scarcer now than usual in the 

 Mississippi river. Mississippi valley, great lakes to Florida 

 and Texas. 



hh Caudal fin not forked. Species of small size. 

 { Anal fin of 24 to 27 rays. 



12. Ameiurus natalis. — LeSucur. — Yellow Cat. 



This species is not very abundant in the state. In collec- 

 tions I have examined from Iowa, but one specimen was seen; 

 it was taken in Indian creek. 



This species inhabits sluggish streams and still bodies of 

 water. It, with the following species of this genus, is too 



