39 



fish, enduring captivity better than the other species. Often 

 found in pools in the woods, where seemingly no other fish 

 occur. 



Oasterosteus bispinosus VValb. 

 Common Two- or Three-spined Stickleback. 



Olivaceous with spots above, silvery beneath and on sides. Keel 

 on side of tail. D II-I, 13; A. I, 8 or 9. Length 3 to 4 inches. 



Exceedingly common in the tidal creeks in the spring. The 

 nest of this fish is made on and in the sand with the aid of 

 bits of straw, weeds, etc. After the female has deposited the 

 eggs, the male stands over the nest and fans it with the pec- 

 torals, only leaving to get food, or to resent an intrusion ; he 

 often kills the female with whom he has paired. During this 

 time the male is red below and bluish and greenish above, with 

 indistinct darker bars. After the spawning season is over they 

 seem to die off, at least they do in captivity. With proper 

 attention the young can be raised to quite a size. This fish 

 has been described under many different species and varieties, 

 but all appear to be closely related. It does not enter very far 

 inland. 



Apeltes quadracus {Mitch.). 

 Four-spined Stickleback. 



Olivaceous, mottled and marbled or finely dotted. Ventral 

 spines and fins red a great part of the year in the male; body 

 higher in front, tapering backward, skin naked. D. Ill, I, 11; 

 A. I, 8. The dorsal spines usually diverge, three to one side 

 and one to the other. Length 2 inches. 



Runs upstream into purely freshwater and is commonly asso- 

 ciated with the killies in small ditches and pools. This stickle- 

 back builds a rudimentary nest of plant bits and. acts like the 

 above in most respects; it is hardy and can be kept all the 

 year around. I have successfully raised this fish to nearly 

 mature growth. 



Family Atherinidae. 

 SlLVERSIDES. 



Elongate fishes without lateral line, mouth moderate, teeth 

 weak ; dorsals far apart, the first of weak spines. Scales 

 cycloid. Air bladder present. Brackish water fishes. 



