ANNOTATED LIST OF FISHES 



107 



quiet waters in considerable abundance, and their dwelling habits apparently make 

 them an easy prey of the fish. 



Several distinct types of habitats are represented clearly by various ponds, and 

 while a few species are present virtually always some show a marked adaptive 

 preference, several species being found in single localities only. 



The collecting was accomplished mostly with nets; four seines, varying in length 

 from 12 to 300 feet, were found useful, while a dipnet was employed in small ponds 

 and marshes. The greatest depth at which any collection was made did not exceed 

 6 or 8 feet. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTING PLACES 



To obviate repetition in describing the environment of each species separately, 

 the following brief descriptions of the various waters visited are appended. The 

 place or places of collection are shown under each species in the list, and by referring 

 to these descriptions the characteristics of the habitat may be ascertained. 



BORROW PITS, ITTA BENA ROAD 



Several roadside excavations about 6 miles southwest of Greenwood, near the 

 Itta Bena Road, are of sufficient size to be classed as medium-sized ponds. The 

 surrounding terrain is low, consisting of reclaimed swamp land, which drains into 

 these pools, making them dependent largely upon the local rainfall. A fairly equable 

 water temperature prevailed, however, due to moderate depth and the shade afforded 

 by the surrounding forest. 



The substratum is of the characteristic gray clay known as "gumbo." A feature 

 that deserves particular notice, from the standpoint of its fish-cultural value, is the 

 presence of the primrose willow Jussisea diffusa, which covered not less than half the 

 surface of the water at the time the collections were made and apparently was a 

 noteworthy asset for game fish. In two of the ponds, which have a maximum depth 

 of only 4 feet and an area of about one-eighth of an acre, other species also abounded. 

 The smaller ponds of this group had been overfished with improvised nets, and 

 their value as habitats could not be determined. 



Some of these waters were much less overgrown with Jussisea than others, and 

 it was quite evident that those having the closer growth were comparatively clear, 

 which, no doubt, is due to the obstructive effect the plants have upon the waves. 



BORROW PIT AT MONEY 



This large pond was distinctly muddy and perennials were entirely absent, the 

 steep clay banks being 3 or 4 feet high, with an occasional shrub at the water's edge. 

 It was excavated some years ago, but perennials were unable to establish themselves 

 on account of the character of the margins. Pasture lands surrounded it, and shade 

 was entirely lacking. The pond was 200 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 5 feet deep 

 through the center at the time the collections were made. 



