CLASS V. PISCES: ORDER 3. TELEOSTEA. 



479 



found in New England. The Large-scaled Sucker, C. inacrolepidotus^ is found in the Dela- 

 ware River. These species are doubtless more widely distributed than we have indicated in the 

 particular descriptions ; there are also several other species. 



THE P^CILIID^. 



These fishes so closely resemble the carps that they were formerly included with them as of 

 the same family. They are small, scaly fish, inhabiting the fresh waters of warm climates. The 

 best known species is the Four-eyed Loach, Anableps tetrojjhthalmus^ of Guiana. 



THE CHARACINID^. 



These seem to be intermediate between the CyprhiidcB and the Salmonidce. They are found in 

 rivers and lakes of tropical countries, and some attain a large size. A few are very voracious : 

 the Serrasalmones are said to seize upon water-fowl, and even to attack men while bathing. 



THE SILURID^. 



This family includes numerous species of fresh-water fishes, often of considerable size, the skins 



usually naked, or more or less covered 

 with bony plates, especially about the 

 head. They are for the most part 

 confined to the rivers and lakes of 

 warm countries. 



Genus SILURUS : Sihirus, includes 

 the Sly Silurus or Sheat-Flsh, S. 

 f/lanis, found in the rivers of Central 

 luirope, and in those of Asia and 

 Africa, and also in the lakes of Swit- 

 zerland. It sometimes attains the 

 length of six feet, and the weight of 

 three hundred pounds. It is a slow 

 and sluggish fish, lying in wait for its 

 prey in holes and muddy bottoms. It 

 is very voracious, and has been known 

 to devour children ; the body of a woman has also been found in one of them. Its flesh is 

 M'hite, and relished by many persons. 



Gemis MALAPTERURUS: Malapterurus, includes the M. electricus, ten to fifteen inches 

 long ; found in the Nile and Senegal Rivers, and has electrical properties, though in no great 

 degree. 



Genus PIMELODUS : Pimelodus. — This includes several remarkable American species, gen- 

 erally called Cat-Fish. The Great Lake Cat-Fish, P. nigricans, is two to four feet long, and 

 weighs from six to twenty-five pounds ; color deep olive-brown ; prefers muddy bottoms, and 

 is usually taken with the spear. Found in Lake Erie. Its flesh is little valued. 



The Common Cat-Fisii, P. catus, is six to ten inches long, nearly black above, pearly-gray 

 beneath. It is armed with sharp spines, which frequently inflict a smarting wound on the hand 

 of the incautious angler. This is a common species in all the Atlantic States ; it is frequently 

 called Horn-Pout, Bull-Pout, and Minister. 



The Great Huron Pimelode, P. p)allidus, often called Channel Cat-Fish, attains a weight of 

 one hundred and fifty pounds. The skin is smooth, thick, and lubricated by a mucous secretion ; 

 the color is dingy greenish-brown. The flesh is rich and gelatinous, and resembles that of an 

 eel. It is a greedy biter, and takes almost any animal bait. 



Dr. Kirtland has named several other species, found in the waters of Ohio, and there arc still 

 others, some of great size, in the Mississippi and other Southern and Western rivers. It is said 

 there arc thirty species of cat-fish in the interior waters of the LTnited States. 



THE SLY SILURUS. 



