SYSTEMATIC CATALOGUE OF FISHES. 



153 



dal with 3 or 4 irregular transverse rows of dark spots, other fins dusky; examples from ditches 

 and drains are very pale, those from dark-colored water of swamps are dark green, with a dis- 

 tinct purple bar below eye. (affinis, related.) 



Fig. 58. Top Minnow. Gambusia affinis. Male. 



The top minnow is found along the coast from Delaware to JMexico and 

 reaches inland as far as Illinois. In North Carolina it is excessively abundant 

 in the lowlands, in swamps, ditches, creeks, and also in the open waters of the 

 rivers. Roadside ditches and drains in the Albemarle region teem with the 

 species, and it is there that the aptness of the name top minnow is readily appre- 

 ciated. It also abounds in the Wilmington region, and doubtless along the 

 entire coastal region of the state. 



^ The length of the adult female is 1.25 to 2.5 inches, while that of the male 

 rarely exceeds 1 inch and is often under .75 inch. The proportion of males to 

 females in a lot of specimens collected by the writer in Pasquotank River was 1 

 to 3, but there is usually a greater disparity, the males sometimes representing 

 only 2 or 3 per cent. 



Fig. 59. Top Minnow. Gambusia affinis. Female. 



This is one of the most interesting of our fishes because it brings forth its 

 young alive. The young are born in spring and summer, and probably several 

 broods are produced in one season. From 10 to 30 are expelled at one time; 



