FISHES 
worthy of much more attention from fish culturists 
than it has heretofore received, for when taken from 
clear water it is one of the best table fish we have. 
38. Rock Bass. Ambloplites rupestris (Rafin- 
esque).—The Rock Bass grows to a length of about 
a foot and a weight of a pound and a half, though 
such large specimens are not often seen now. <A com- 
mon species in all suitable waters of this locality. 
Its usual haunts are dark holes in streams and lakes, 
where aquatic vegetation flourishes, and it is often 
to be found in considerable numbers about docks or 
timber work which shades the water. From these 
places it emerges towards nightfall and roams about 
in search of the insects, crustaceans and small fish 
which form its food. When taken from clear, cold 
water it is esteemed as a table fish. 
39. Blue Sunfish. Lepomis pallidus (Mitchill). 
——This species was formerly common in Toronto and 
Ashbridge’s Bay, but is now seldom seen. As a 
table fish it is highly esteemed, and, in proportion to 
its size, possesses greater fighting qualities than any 
fresh-water fish we have. 
40. Yellow Sunfish. Pumpkin Seed. Hupomotis 
gibbosus (Linnaeus).—Very common in all waters of 
this district. Though rather too small to be of value 
as a game or food fish, yet it affords great sport to 
the younger anglers, and is by no means to be 
despised upon the table. Spawning is in May and 
June, the fish resorting to shallow water, where 
the ova are deposited in nests scooped out in the sand 
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