302 REPORT OF NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM. 



in a cavity of some small stream, preferably just below a little 

 rapid, where they behave somewhat like Rhinichthys atrofiasiis 

 and swim against the current. Unlike that fish they dart away 

 at the approach of danger seldom to return. Frequently in such 

 instances they seek the seclusion of a rock or small stone, quickly 

 concealing themselves in crevices. When in the water their colors 

 harmonize so well with their surroundings that it is difficult to 

 distinguish them from^ the bottom of the stream. Their move- 

 ments when darting are very sudden or swift, though they usually 

 do not swim far. They will thrive in aquaria and make a most 

 interesting addition. I have never seen one take a small minnow 

 hook properly baited. They appear equally abundant in sandy 

 woodland waters as in those in meadows. 



Boleosoma olmstedi Abbott, Geol. N. J., 1868, p. 808. — Jordan, 

 An. N. Y. Acad. Sci., I, 1879, p. 95. — Abbott,. Nat. Rambles, 

 1885, p. 477.— Bean, Bull. U. S. F. Com., VII, 1887, p. 144. 



Genus Boleichthys Girard. 



The Little Darters. 

 Boleichthys fusiformis (Girard). 



Plate 47. 

 Darter. Crimson Darter. Fusiform Darter. 



Head zYs', depth sYa', D- XI-I, i, 8, i; A. II, 6; scales 14 

 in lateral line to end of tubes, 50 to base of caudal, and several 

 more on latter; 3 scales obliquely back from origin of spinous 

 dorsal to lateral line; 11 scales obliquely back from origin of 

 second dorsal to base of second rayed anal ; snout 6 in head ; eye 

 4; maxillary 3^^ ; interorbital space 6>^ ; fourth dorsal spine 

 1^/7 ; second branched dorsal ray 1^/7 ; third anal ray 2 ; least 

 depth of caudal peduncle 2j^ ; caudal 1-/10 ; pectoral i J4- Body 

 elongate, slender, compressed. Head rather narrow, elongate, 

 profiles more or less similar. Muzzle short, convex. Eye a little 

 longer than deep, far anterior. Mouth oblique and jaws even. 

 Maxillary reaching front rim of pupil and its distal expansion a 



