FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



323 



Lake it is abundant. It is a common species in some of the small lakes of northern 

 Indiana, as for example, Bass Lake, while in others (as Lake Maxinkuckee) it does 

 not occur at all. 



Like many other fishes of wide distribution, this species is known in different 

 parts of its habitat by different common names. The names of widest application 

 are, perhaps, Shiner and Spot-tail Minnow, and Spawn-eater is frequently heard. 

 At Cape Vincent and along the St. Lawrence it is usually called Shiner, while at 

 Chautauqua Lake it is known as the Cisco. How this name of a species of Sal- 

 vionidce ever got transferred to this little minnow is difficult to understand. The 

 Spot-tail Minnow reaches a length of 3 to 6 inches. Among a large number recently 

 examined at Chautauqua Lake the largest were about 5 inches in total length. 



SHINER. 



As a bait minnow it holds a high rank. At Cape Vincent and elsewhere on Lake 

 Ontario, as well as among the Thousand Islands, it is regarded as the best lure for 

 bass. At Lake Chautauqua the larger ones are said to be a popular Muskallunge 

 bait ; indeed, it is reported to constitute one of the principal articles in the daily 

 menu of the Muskallunge in that famous lake. In northern Indiana it is a good 

 general purpose minnow. The smaller ones are good for Yellow Perch ; those of 

 medium size are excellent for bass ; while the largest are used for the Common Pike 

 and the Pike Perch. Its bright silvery color makes it an attractive bait and it is 

 active and vigorous on the hook, swimming clear of vegetation and at a good 

 distance above the bottom when possible. It is not so hardy as it should be. 

 Its scales are rather easy to rub off, thus giving a chance for attacljs by Saprolegnia 

 in the live-box. But in the minnow-bucket or on the hook it lives fairly well and 

 is, withal, one of our best bait minnows. 



Head 4}^; depth 4; eye 3; dorsal 8; anal 8; scales 5-39-4, 18 before the dorsal; 

 teeth 1,4-4,0, I or 2. 



