FISHES OP LAKE SUPERIOR. 357 



Richardson, I was convinced of some differences, respecting the first, 

 which I consider as specific. Respecting the second, the question be- 

 comes more difficult to solve, as Dr. Richardson had specimens from 

 two very different locahties, from which his description was made. 



This compUcation caused me to hesitate for a long while respecting 

 these species ; and even now, though describing the second species 

 under a new name, I am still in doubt upon the following points : Are 

 there really two species of Catostomi with red bands on the sides ? 

 This would not be extraordinary, if we do not allow specific diagnoses 

 to rest upon color. As soon, however, as the existence of two species 

 is demonstrated by ultimate researches, it is evident that that of Lake 

 Huron will be the same as our O. aurora^ whilst that of Slave Lake 

 will be the C. Forsterianus, the same which Forster had in view. 



However, upon consulting the original Memoir of Forster, I am 

 almost tempted to consider his second variety as the very species I 

 describe hereafter, under the name of O. Forsterianus, and which, 

 as we shall see, is nearly related to O. Sadsonius. It has that red 

 tint of the lateral line, with the same general ground color. If 

 that be the case, the name oi Forsterianus would be ill applied, for 

 the name would remind us of one species, whilst the description would 

 apply to another. 



Catostomus aureolus, Lesu. 



I cannot do more than mention this species, as I possess only a 

 few specimens, and all very young, between three and four inches 

 long. The general characters of the species are, however, already 

 well indicated upon them. A thick and stout head, almost as high 

 as long, truncated in front ; the considerable development of the 

 operculum at the expense of the suboperculum ; the sides, the scales, 

 their uniformity upon all the regions of the body, and their rhom- 

 boidal form, such are the traits which characterize it. 



The species would thus extend farther northwards than has been 

 known heretofore. It is, however, still important to verify the 

 fact, either by comparing young 0. aureolus of Lake Erie with these, 

 or by procuring large specimens from Lake Superior, to compare 

 them with specimens of the other lakes. 



