406 NATURAL HISTORY OP AQUATIC ANIMALS. 



cled by aquatic plants, forming a curtain around them, but a large space is invariably left open 

 for the admission of light." ' 



So far as known, the breeding habits of the other species of Sun-fishes agree with those of 

 Lepomis gibbosus. 



THE LONG-EARED SUN-FISH LEPOMIS AURITUS. 



This species, like its relatives, receives the general name of " Sun-fish," "Brim" (Bream], and 

 "Pearch" (Perch). It is found in all the coastwise streams from Maine to Louisiana, but does not 

 penetrate far into the interior. It seldom reaches a weight of much over a pound, but from its 

 abundance becomes in the rivers of the South a food-fish of some importance. Like the others, it 

 feeds on worms, Crustacea, and small fishes, and spawns in early summer. 



THE BLUE SUN-FISH LEPOMIS PALLIDUS. 



This fish is known as the "Blue Bream," "Blue Sun-fish," "Copper-nosed Bream," etc., and in 

 Kentucky sometimes as the " Dollardee." This is the most widely distributed of our Sun-fish, 

 ranging from New Jersey and the Great Lakes to Florida and Mexico. It reaches a weight of one 

 and one half to two pounds, and forms an important market fish in some places. Its habits adapt 

 it especially for cultivation in ponda. 



LEPOMIS CYANELLUS Raf., L. MEGALOTIS Raf., L. MINIATUS Jordan, L. PUNCTATUS (Cuv. & Val.) 

 Jor., L. NOTATUS (Ag.) Cope, AND L. HOLBROOKII (C. & V.) McKay. 



The small Sun-fishes, and several others of similar size, abound in the fresh waters of the 

 Mississippi Valley, and are known as "Sun-fish," "Bream," and "Perch." L. cyanellus and 

 L. megalotis are universally abundant both North and South; the others are chiefly Southern. 

 All take the hook readily and are good pan-fish, but from their small size they have no economic 

 importance, and are valued chiefly by urchins and negroes. 



CENTRARCHUS MACROPTERUS Jor. 



We have never heard for this species any name more distinctive than "Sun-fish" or "Perch." 

 It is found throughout the lowland streams of the South, from North Carolina to Florida, Southern 

 niiuois, and Texas, preferring generally rather deep, clear waters. It is rarely seen in upland 

 ptreams. It is a fish of good quality, but small, rarely weighing more than half a pound. Little 

 distinctive is known of its habits. 



THE CALICO BASS POMOXYS SPAROIDES. 



This species is known by a variety of names, some of the principal of which are the following: 

 In Lake Erie, and in Ohio generally, it is the "Strawberry Bass," or "Grass Bass." The names 

 < Bitter Head" and "Lamplighter" are also ascribed to it by Mr. Klippart, and "Bank Lick Bass" 

 by Dr. Kirtland. In Lake Michigan, the name " Bar-fish" is in general use, giving place in Illinois 

 to the name "Calico Bass." The latter is the most appropriate of these designations, having allu- 

 sion to the variegated coloration. In the South, like Ambloplites rupestris, it becomes a "Goggle- 

 eye" or "Goggle-eyed Perch." The Calico Bass is found in abundance in all the lakes and ponds 

 of the Great Lake region and the Upper Mississippi. It is also diffused throughout the Missis- 

 sippi Valley, and appears in the streams of the Carolinas and Georgia east of the mountains. Its 

 preference is for quiet, clear waters, with a bottom covered with grass; and in the muddy sloughs 

 and bayous, where the Crappie is abundant, it is rarely seen. It is an excellent pan-fish, reaching 



