SOME COMMON FISHES OF NORTH AMERICA 



281 



which lives in the rivers of the Mississippi Valley. This peculiar 

 fish reaches a length of six feet and a weight of one hundred and 

 sixty pounds, but the specimens usually taken weigh no more 

 than fifty pounds. Its large, paddle-shaped snout is regarded 

 as a sense organ, and its use is still unknown. The food of the 

 paddlefish consists largely of minute plants and animals, of 

 which enormous numbers are devoured. The paddlefish is 

 good to eat, but its roe (eggs), from which caviar is made, is 

 more valuable than its flesh. 



The gar pike (Fig. 163, C) is another primitive fish that looks 

 very much like the fossil remains of ancient fish sometimes found 



Fig. 164. — Photograph of a catfish. (From Shufeldt.) 



in the earth's crust. It has a remarkably strong armor of 

 scales and a long snout fitted with formidable teeth. The fish- 

 ing industry is injured by gar pikes which kill great numbers of 

 valuable fish, especially the young. 



The suckers (Fig. 163, D) are very abundant in many North 

 American streams. Their lips are protractile and fleshy, being 

 used for obtaining worms, insects, etc. , from the bottom. Suckers 

 are not considered very good to eat, but because of their abun- 

 dance are of considerable economic importance. 



The German carp (Fig. 163, E) has become established in many 

 parts of the country since it was introduced in 1872. It is able 

 to live in muddy water, breeds rapidly, and will eat almost any- 



