MALACOPTERYGIANS I SALMONID^E. 



345 



Fig. 219. 



or immovably extend it, thus constituting it a dangerous 

 weapon. There are about thirty-three genera and three 

 hundred species, and they abound in nearly all fresh 

 waters, especially those that are sluggish, or with muddy 

 bottoms. Some, however, are marine. 



The Genus Silnrus contains the Silurus, 5. giants, of 

 the rivers of Germany and Hungary, which sometimes ex- 

 ceeds six feet in length, and weighs three hundred pounds. 



The Genus Pimelodus contains the Cat-Fishes of the 

 United States, of which there are about thirty species. 



The Cat-Fish of the Great Lakes, P. nigricans, LeS., is 

 from two to four feet long, and at- 

 tains the weight of thirty pounds. 

 The Common Horned Pout, P. 

 atrariusy Dekay, is from six to ten 

 inches long, and abounds in ponds 

 and slow streams. 



SALMONID.E, OR SALMON FAMILY. This Family com- 

 prises abdominal malacopterygians which have the body 

 more or less scaly, a first dorsal with soft rays, followed 

 by a second small one, which is fatty, and unsupported by 

 rays. They inhabit both salt and fresh water, are very 

 voracious, and highly prized for food. The Genus Sal- 

 mo is the principal one. 



Fig. 220. 



Horned Pout, P. atrarius, Dek. 



Salmon, S. salar, Linn. 



The Salmon, S. salar, Linn., of the Arctic seas, whence 

 it visits the rivers of both continents, is one of the largest 

 '5* 



