628 NATURAL HISTORY OF AQUATIC ANIMALS. 



THE GREAT LAKE CATFISH; FLANNEL-MOUTH CAT (the young) ICTALURUS NIGEICANS. 



This species, the most abundant of the large Catfishes, abounds in the Great Lakes and in 

 the larger streams of the West and South as far as Florida. It reaches a weight of fifty to one 

 hundred pounds, perhaps more. In all the markets of the region where found it is one of the 

 most important species, and its flesh, which can be cut in "steaks" like halibut, is generally 

 esteemed. Nothing distinctive is known of its breeding habits or rate of growth. Professor Goode 

 remarks: " I have observed frequently enormous specimens of this species in the Saint John's River, 

 where they are called Mud Cats." 



THE CHANNEL CAT OF THE POTOMAC ICTALURUS ALBIDUS. 



The White Catfish of the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay is very abundant in the Susque- 

 hanna and Potomac Rivers, and forms an important part of the fish supply of the Washington 

 market. It reaches a weight of two to five pounds, being much smaller than the preceding species, 

 which it resembles. 



THE HORNED POUT AMIURUS NEBULOSUS. 



The common "Horned Pout," "Bull-head," "Bull-pout," or "Minister" of the Northern and 

 Eastern States is the most generally abundant and familiar representative of this family. It 

 reaches a length of about eighteen inches and rarely exceeds three or four pounds in weight, while 

 the majority of those seen in the markets are still smaller. It is probably the hardiest of all our 

 fresh-water fishes, thriving in any waters, but preferring those which are quiet and shaded. 

 Numerous other species very similar to this occur in our fresh waters. 



The Bull-head has been introduced from the Schuylkill into the Sacramento and San Joaquin 

 Rivers in California. It has there very rapidly multiplied, and is now common in all the sloughs 

 and bayous of the lower courses of these rivers. As a food-fish it is not very highly valued by 

 the Califomians, most of those brought to market being taken by the Chinese. 



THE MUD GAT LEPTOPS OLIVARIS. 



The "Mud Cat," "Yellow Cat," "Goujon," or "Bashaw" is found in all the large rivers of the 

 West and South. It reaches a weight of at least fifty pounds. It is found only in the larger 

 streams, swimming near the bottom. It is less attractive in its appearance than the other Cat- 

 fishes, but we are not aware that its flesh is inferior to that of the others. This species, and other 

 of the larger Catfishes, are often caught by "jugging," the bait being attached to a jug filled with 

 air, which will in time tire out the fish and bring it to the surface. 



THE STONE CAT NOTURUS FLAVUS. 



This species reaches a length of about a foot ; the other Stone Cats (Noturua) are still smaller, 

 and none of them can be considered as food- fishes. 



THE GAFF-TOPSAIL CATFISH ^LURICHTHYS MARINUS. 



This species, which ranges from Cape Cod to Florida, is found chiefly in brackish water. It is 

 not uncommonly taken at Arlington, Florida, and Empire Point. It is known here and at Pensa- 

 cola as the " Sea Cat," and at Brunswick, Georgia, as " Gaff- topsail," in allusion to the shape of 

 the first dorsal fin. According to Mr. H. 8. Williams, it is abundant in the Indian River. It is 

 common also along the Gulf Coast, but is nowhere valued as food. Many of the fishermen believe 

 this species to be viviparous. 'Mr. 8. C. Clarke, writing from New Smyrna March 31, 1874, 

 remarks : " They have eggs in them as large as cherries." 



