HABITS OF THE TOAD-FISH. 253 



The bottom temperature of the water frequented by these fish would appear to range from 

 50° F. to 90° F. In the more northern regions throughout which they are distributed they appear 

 to become torpid, or nearly so, in winter; and it is stated by Storer that they are frequently found 

 in the mud by men spearing eels. They are very hardy, and when taken from the water will lie 

 for many hours, and soon recover their ordinary activity when restored to the water. When 

 handled they utter a loud croaking sound. 



The Toad-fish is very abundant throughout the whole extent of its range, and is easily captured 

 with hook and line. In the Gulf of Mexico many are taken in seines. Mr. Stearns states that its 

 flesh is highly esteemed by many of the Gulf fishermen. Dr. Storer writes : "The Toad-fish is not 

 commonly employed as an article of food. Its generally repulsive aspect causes it to be looked 

 upon rather with disgust. That its flesh is delicate and good, however, can scarcely be questioned, 

 though the small size which it attains and the fact that it never is taken in any large quantities 

 prevent it from being of any economic value." Professor Baird also bears testimony to the fact 

 that its flesh is very sweet and palatable. 



The Toad-fish may be regarded as constituting one of the undeveloped resources of our waters, 

 and it can scarcely be questioned that in future years it will be considered as much more important 

 than at present. No estimates can be given as to the quantity now yearly entering into consump- 

 tion, and. since it is almost never offered for sale, no price quotations can be presented. It has still 

 another, and at present more imi)ortant, relation to the fisheries than this; on account of its great 

 abundance and its pertinacity in taking the hook baited for nobler game it is regarded by the 

 fishermen as one of their worst pests. 



The BatracMdcB are represented on the Pacific coast by the " Singing-fish," or "Toad-fish," 

 Porichthyn porosissimus. This fish lives on muddy bottoms from Alaska to Panama, and is every- 

 where extremely abundant. It reaches the length of eighteen inches, but being never used for 

 food has no economic importance. 



The family Triohodontidce, which follows Batrachidie in the classification of Gill, is represented 

 on the California coast by the species Trichodon Stelleri, an estray from Alaska, rarely seen. On the 

 Atlantic coast this family is entirely absent. 



79. THE LUMP-SUCKERS: LUMP-FISH AND SEA-SNAILS. 



* The Sea Snails — Liparididje. 



The three families GoMesocidcB, Liparididw, and Gyclopteridce are represented on our coast 

 by several species, most of them minute and of no economic value ; all of them characterized by 

 the presence of a peculiar suctorial organ upon the belly, a modification of the ventral fins, by 

 which they are able to cling to rocks and shells and to retain their positions in currents of water. 

 The Lump-suckers, Liparis lineatus and L. vulgaris, which are found on oyster and scallop beds and 

 among the roots of the kelp, and along the New England coast, are interesting from the fact that 

 they are often parasitic, living within the shells of the large scallops, in company with a small 

 crab resembling the oyster-crab. From the Chesapeake Bay southward, and in the Gulf of 

 Mexico, allied forms belonging to the genus Gobiesox occur, especially among the oyster-beds, but 

 these also are of no economic value. 



The Lump-pish — Cycloptertjs ltjmpus. 



To this group belongs a fish which, though of little value, is often seen in our markets, anu 

 is so conspicuous, on account of its grotesque form and striking colors, that it is worthy of passing 



