FISHES AND MOLLUSKS OF LAKE CHAUTAUQUA. 1a 
FISHES OF LAKE CHAUTAUQDA. 
The classification and sequence of species in the following list fol- 
low that adopted by Jordan and Evermann in the Fishes of North 
and Middle America. 
1. Polyodon spathula (Walbaum). Paddle-fish; Spoon-bill Cat. 
The only record of the capture of this curious fish in this lake is that of a pho- 
tograph by R. W. Banjean, of Mayville (situated at the head of the lake), of an 
example caught about 1890. The fish is said to have been 6 feet 2 inches in 
length, 4 feet around the body, and to have weighed 123} pounds. This is one of 
the largest individuals of this species that has been recorded. The very largest of 
which we have a trustworthy record was taken in Lake Manitou, Indiana, and 
weighed 163 pounds. 
2. Lepisosteus osseus (Linnzeus). Bill-fish; Long-nosed Gar; Gar Pike. 
8. Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque. Bill-fish; Short-nosed Gar. 
These two species of wholly useless fishes are too abundant in this lake. In 1896 
and 1897, at the request of the Farmers’ and Citizens’ Game and Fish Protective 
Association of Chautauqua County, two special appropriations of $1,000 and $500, 
respectively, were made by the legislature for the destruction of the gar pike or 
bill-fish, which, it was believed, were destroying the young bass and muskallunge 
in Lake Chautauqua, In 1896 netting for these fish was begun, and was continued 
in May and on into July, 1897. Seines, pound nets, and traps were used. The 
pound nets did the best work, and in 1887 these only were used. In 1896 there 
were caught and killed 2,606 bill-fish, The next year 1,316 were killed. In this 
latter year more nets were used and greater efforts put forth, but the smaller 
number of fish caught was doubtless due to the effect of the previous year’s work, 
and it is now believed that with little more effort these fish can be practically 
exterminated. 
Replying to a letter of inquiry, Mr. Charles H. Babcock, of the New York Forest, 
Fish, and Game Commission, says that *‘ nothing has been done toward the exter- 
mination of the gar pike at Chautauqua Lake since 1897, with the exception of what 
has been done when we were taking muskallunge for propagating purposes in the 
spring of the year. A few have been taken each year since 1897 in that way, and 
they have always been destroyed. No appropriation has been made for the pur- 
pose since 1897, as the work was apparently very thoroughly done at that time. 
Very few, if any, gar pike have been seen or taken since then, from any informa- 
tion Ican get. They are apparently a very much easier fish to get rid of than 
the carp.” 
4. Amia calva Linneus. Bowfin; Dog-fish. 
A local fisherman described a fish which he had seen in the lake, which was 
evidently this species. He called it ‘‘eel-pout.”” No examples were seen by us. 
5. Ameiurus nebulosus (Le Sueur). Small Cat-fish. 
Very abundant, reaching a weight of 1 to 3 pounds. Great numbers are caught; 
an important and excellent article of food. 
6. Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque). Common Bullhead, 
Thisis perhaps equally common with the former, but owing to its smaller size 
is of much less importance. 
7. Schilbeodes miurus (Jordan). Mad Tom; Stone Cat. 
This little fish is probably not common in the lake; only one specimen was 
obtained, 
8. Catostomus commersonii (Lacépéde). Common Sucker. 
9. Catostomus nigricans (Le Sueur). Hog Sucker. 
Both of these suckers are probably common. 
