FISHKS OF THE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. 25 



Which of the two kinds of black bass composed the first plant is not 

 known, but the latter plant was composed of the largemouth form. 

 According to the circular of information issued by the Department 

 of the Interior in 1912, there is no indication that its introduction 

 into park waters has been a success, as this fish has not since been 

 reported. In the opinion of the Bureau of Fisheries, no further 

 efforts should be made to establish the black bass in the park. This 

 fish does not harmonize with trouts, and its- predatory habits make it 

 an unsafe species to introduce into these waters. 



The largemouth black bass is widely distributed in the east, from 

 Canada and the Red River of the North southward to Florida, Texas, 



FIG. 10. Largemouth Black Bass. 



and Mexico; it everywhere abounds, especially in bayous and other 

 sluggish waters. 



In the north the maximum weight attained is about 8 pounds, and 

 the average probably about 3 or 4 pounds, but in the south a much 

 larger size is reached. It is a common market fish in many localities. 

 The game qualities depend upon various factors, but in some parts 

 of its range are of a high order. 



1 1 . BLOB ( Coitus punctulatus) . 



This little fresh-water sculpin abounds in some of the waters of the 

 park. It is stated to swarm in the grassy-bottom portions of Madison 

 and Gibbon Rivers, also in Canyon Creek, and to be numerous in the 

 Gibbon above the falls. It is also known from the Firehole below 

 the falls. 



It is probably justly accused of being destructive to the eggs of 

 other fishes, and appears to be of little use, unless possibly as bait for 

 large trout. It can be taken with a small baited hook. 



