FISHES 



worthy of much more attention from fish culturists 

 than it has heretofore received, for when taken from 

 clear water it is one of the best table fish we have. 



38. Rock Bass. AmUoplites rupestris (Rafin- 

 esque). The Rock Bass grows to a length of about 

 a foot and a weight of a pound and a half, though 

 such large specimens are not often seen now. A com- 

 mon species in all suitable waters of this locality. 

 Its usual haunts are dark holes in streams and lakes, 

 where aquatic vegetation flourishes, and it is often 

 to be found in considerable numbers about docks or 

 timber work which shades the water. From these 

 places it emerges towards nightfall and roams about 

 in search of the insects, crustaceans and small fish 

 which form its food. When taken from clear, cold 

 water it is esteemed as a table fish. 



39. Blue Sunfish. Lepomis pallidus (Mitchill). 

 This species was formerly common in Toronto and 

 Ashbridge's Bay, but is now seldom seen. As a 

 table fish it is highly esteemed, and, in proportion to 

 its size, possesses greater fighting qualities than any 

 fresh-water fish we have. 



40. Yellow Sunfish. Pumpkin Seed. Eupomotis 

 gibbosus (Linnaeus). Very common in all waters of 

 this district. Though rather too small to be of value 

 as a game or food fish, yet it affords great sport to 

 the younger anglers, and is by no means to be 

 despised upon the table. Spawning is in May and 

 June, the fish resorting to shallow water, where 

 the ova are deposited in nests scooped out in the sand 



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