450 ZOOLOGY. 
The carps (Cyprinus), shiners and minnows abound every- 
where in the Northern States in ponds and weedy streams. The 
breeding habits of the dace (Rhinichthys atronasus. Mitchill). 
have been observed by Dr. Gregg. The females spawn over 
“nests” or shallow depressions two feet in diameter in run- 
ning brooks about a foot deep; the male passes over the 
eggs fertilizing them; then the pair bring small pebbles. 
which are dropped over the eggs, until layer after layer alter- 
Fig. 405.—Neochanna.—From Liitken. 
nately of eggs and pebbles are deposited, when a heap is 
formed, the young hatching out and remaining among the 
pebbles until old enough to venture out into the stream. 
The dace is closely allied to the chub (Semotilus rhotheus 
Cope, Fig. 407). Succeeding them are the suckers (family 
Catostomide) of which Catostomus teres Lesueur is an ex- 
ample. 
The blind fish of the Mammoth and other caves, and of 
Fig. 406.—Mud-Minnow.—From Abbot. 
adjoining wells connecting with subterranean streams, are 
remarkable for the rudimentary state of the eyes, and con- 
sequently of color. There are but two species, the more 
common and larger being Amdlyopsis speleus De Kay; this 
species is viviparous. Representing the family Umbride is 
the mud-minnow (Melanura limi Kirt., Fig. 406). 
The flying-fish represent another family. Their pectoral 
fins are very broad and large. They dart from the water 
