HABITS OF THE MUD-MINNOW, ETC. 453 
sun-fish (Hnneacanthus obesus Gill, Fig. 410) lives in muddy 
streams, burying itself in the mud in winter. Of similar 
mud-loving. habits is the mud-minnow (Melanura limi 
Agassiz), which spawns in the spring. The pirate perch 
(Aphredoderus sayanus De Kay) occupies the nest of com- 
Fig. 410.—The Spotted Sun-fish, Hnneacanthus obesus.—After Abbot. 
mon sun-fish, and with the female guards it and afterwards: 
the young till they are nearly a centimetre (two-fifths inch); 
in length, when they are left by their parents. (Abbot.) 
The darters, Htheostomide, belong near the perches, and 
comprise the smallest of fishes. They inhabit the streams 
of the Mississippi Valley. A common example is the sand- 
-darter (Pleurolepis pellucidus Agassiz, Fig. 411). 
Fig. 411.—Sand-Darter.—After Jordan. 
The male stickleback (Gasterosteus) makes an elaborate 
nest of leaves, etc., suspended in mid-water, within which it 
remains watching the eggs and young. 
One of the most valuable food-fishes is the mackerel 
(Scomber scombrus Linn., Fig. 412), whose range is from 
