330 THE CYPRINOIDS OF CENTRAL NEW JERSEY. 
typical Stilbe Americana, that in some respects approach c 
to the variety characteristic of the Shabbaconk and other cla 
creeks. But the variations we have described cannot be ascribed 
simply to age, especially the uniform blue color of clay creek 
viduals. 
Do we not here have an instance of adaptation to particular 
localities ; even to the change of color? It has often been asserted 
that we never see a species undergoing a radical change; but is 
not this an instance of such change, one possibly now of “ 
cific” value, as a “species” was once considered? The color 
the waters, in bulk, is bluish; and it has occurred to us that the 
blue color of these clay-creek roach may have been created 
evolved, for their better protection from our ravenous kingfishers 
(Ceryle alcyon), who swallow them without any preliminary 
ing, as they are said not to do,* in other sections of the country 
We have noticed, in fact, that this fish is a favorite prey of 
kingfisher; and as each species of fish appears to have its own 
peculiar odor, when alive, we have thought that this fish 
through its odor (and flavor?) attractive to this bird; and when 
inhabiting shallow streams, and so exposed the more to its 4 
tacks, how natural to see, in the changed color, a means of pro- 
tection as an offset, as it were, to its attractions in odor 
flavor. . 
6. Hypsilepis cornutus (Mitchill). ‘‘Red-fin.” Our “ red-fin 
appears to be in all respects identical with the New England 
as figured by Dr. Storer.ț Young specimens are much less roon 
than the figure referred to, but the variations we have noticed, 
examining a large series, appear to be all due to age. | 
Besides the deeper coloring and numerous tubercles upon the 
snout, the males of this species vary from the females in 2 sto 
body and somewhat more elevated dorsal outline; features W 
are permanent and uniform. : 
7. Hypsilepis analostanus (Girard). ‘Silver-fin.” This be 
ful little fish is a constant companion of the preceding os 
partial study of its habits, by means of the aquarium, has ¢ 
strated, however, that it is a more carnivorous fish, and not ¢ ; 
= Were specimens noticed to tear away the fins of each other an 
“Natl 
1+ NATURALIST for Oct. 1873, p. 634. (Mr. Breed here refers to a note in 
Aand not the NATURALIST, as printed ; 
- tFishes of Mass., p. p. 118, pl. xxi, fig. ‘ 
