FISHES OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. I3 



The Stone-cats, Noturus, are distinguished from the other gen- 

 era by the second dorsal fin, which is connected to the back along 

 its whole length, often joining the tail. 



There are three species in our waters. All have venom pores 

 in the pectoral spines, a stab from which stings like a wasp. In 

 the aquarium they are always most active at night. 



14. Noturvis flavus (Rafinesque). Yellow Stone-cat. 

 Hammer-head. 



[Jovd. Man. 60. O. St. Surv. 23.] 



Body elongated, head flattened, nearly as broad as long. Band 

 of teeth on front of ii.ppei' jaw, U shaped. Color yellowish brown. 

 Length 12 inches. 



The most common stone-cat ; found in the larger streams 

 and in the lake. They are sometimes taken in the pounds and 

 are often killed and thrown onto the beach by the waves during 

 storms. 



15. Noturiis iniui'US Jordan. Variegated Stone-cat. 



[Jord. Man. 63. O. St, Surv. 25.] 



Body slender, grayish body with four black cross bands, black 

 on top of head, tip of dorsal and middle of caudal ; length 5 inches. 



Quite rare. I have taken a few in both Vermillion and 

 Black Rivers. On July 4th, 1891, I picked up a dozen full-grown 

 ones that were floating in the water near the mouth of Black River, 

 evidently stunned by the waves that a storm was dashing against 

 the piers. A puncture from the pectoral spine of one i}^ inches 

 long reminded me of the sensation of a hornet's sting for two 

 hours. They are one of our prettiest aquarium fishes. 



16. Noturus gyrinus (Mitchill). Chubby Stone-cat. 



[Jord. Man. 65. O. St. Surv. 26.] 



Head large, broad and deep ; color brownish yellow, with a 

 narrow, black lateral streak ; pectoral spine smooth ; length 5 

 inches. 



Common on the mud banks in the lower parts of streams enter- 

 ing the lake. 



Family VII. CATOSTOMID^. The Suckers, 

 Suckers are oblong or elongated fish, usually with lips thick- 

 ened into a "sucker mouth;" scales smooth in most species, large 

 and coarse; ventral fins abdominal, belly not sharp, head spaleless, 

 the single dorsal fin with more than ii rays, (See plate 3.") 



