CHAPTER XXV. 



THE CAT FISH. 

 Pimelodus Catua. 



THIS aquatic family is as large as any that comes under the 

 notice of the naturalist or the pleasure or displeasure of the 

 regular angler. There are eleven different species described in 

 the Natural History of the State of New York. They are a 

 bottom fish, and like the eel, are tenants alike of the smallest 

 pond, the largest river, and the mighty ocean. They occur in 

 most of the fresh water streams and ponds from Maine to 

 Florida, and vary in size from six inches in length to the 

 untold length and weight of the ponderous inhabitant of the 

 mighty Mississippi, or the " Almighty Ocean." 



In some parts of the country they are found of superior 

 flavor, and highly prized as an article of food, and in other 

 places they are not respected either by the hook or the cook, 

 and are only used as bait to catch their more highly prized 

 brethren. 



Dr. Dekay says of the brown cat fish (Pimelodus Pullus), 

 " This is very common in Lake Pleasant, Lake Janet, and 

 many of the other lakes in the northern districts of the State of 

 New York. There are many varieties in its markings, and it 

 occasionally exceeds a foot in length. Its principal use in 

 these regions appears to be to serve as a bait for lake trout." 



COMMON CAT FISH. 



Color. Dusky, with a deeper shade on the back and sum- 

 mit of the head ; sides of the head with a greenish tint ; 

 cupreous on the sides ; abdomen pearl grey ; fins dusky. After 

 death from infiltration, some of the fins become tinged with 

 red ; irides white. Dekay. 



