CHAPTER XXX. 



THE SUCKER. 



(Catostomus.) 



THE generality of the tribe are not of much importance 

 to the angler, as they do not often bite at the baited hook. 

 There are, however, some descriptions that will take the hook 

 readily. Dr. Dekay mentions fifteen different species belonging 

 to this family. Those which will not bite, are either taken in 

 nets, speared, or noosed with a wire. They inhabit all our 

 fresh water places, from the smallest brook to the largest lake. 

 They are called in different parts of the country by the various 

 names of Mullet, Barbel, Dace, &c. A particular reason for 

 giving them a place here is, that they may get a proper classifi- 

 cation by the angler as well as ichthyologist. 



" Common Sucker. Catostomus Communis. Characteris- 

 tics body long, rounded, and tapering ; caudal fin lunate, 

 almost furcate: length 12 to 14 inches. 



" Color. Head dark green above, verging to black. Cheeks 

 bronze and golden. Body above dark purplish, with pink and 

 metallic tints on the body, frequently of a resplendent golden 

 hue, extending over the abdomen ; beneath white. Pectoral, 

 ventral, and anal, orange-colored ; dorsal, light brown ; caudal, 

 deep brownish or blackish ; irides varied with brown and white." 



No attempts of the fisher with any description of bait have 

 succeeded in getting him to bite. His ingenious and never- 

 tiring pursuer, however, contrives to get him on the table, where 

 he finds much favor, by the means of a wire slip-noose, or by a 

 small spear made from a large size Cod-hook, straightened for 

 the purpose, and secured into an ash pole. A friend uses the 

 snare after the following manner: To the end of a very stiff 



