FISHES OF CHESAPEAKE BAY 
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extending around the tip of snout but not involving the lower lip, through the median part of the 
eye, to base of caudal, where it ends in a dark spot; a somewhat darkened vertebral stripe, at least 
in advance of the dorsal; fins pale, the dorsal and caudal a little darker, the first rays of the dorsal 
and pectorals and the outer rays of the caudal more or less dusky. 
Numerous specimens of this species ranging from 25 to 60 millimeters (I to 2% inches) in length 
are at hand, all taken in slightly brackish water. This species is very close to Notmpis procne 
(Cope), from which it differs, however, according to Fowler (1906, p. 140), in having a shorter 
caudal peduncle and tail, larger dark edges on the dorsal scales, and a more plumbeous lateral 
band. According to the same author, there is much variation in N. bifrenatus in the development 
of the lateral line, which, he says, barely extends to the origin of the dorsal in some specimens and 
is nearly complete in others. In 48 specimens examined by us in regard to the development of the 
lateral line, we find comparatively little variation, as only one specimen has a few scattered pores 
posterior to the end of the base of the dorsal fin, and in only a few specimens the lateral line fails to 
reach opposite the origin of the dorsal. 
This fish is known only from coastwise streams, but we find no previous mention made of its 
occurrence in brackish water. The alimentary canal is short, not as long as the body. The food 
in six stomachs examined consisted wholly of vegetable matter, ranging from the lowest forms of 
algse to the higher plants. Except that it furnishes food for larger fish, the species is of no commercial 
importance. 
Nothing appears to be known concerning the spawning habits of this fish. According to 
Fowler (1906, p. 140), this minnow prefers the smaller creeks with deep water having a gentle 
current. The specimens at hand were taken in tidal currents, on a grassy bottom, and in shal- 
low water. 
Habitat . — In coastwise streams from Massachusetts to Maryland. 
Chesapeake localities. — (a) Previous record: “Tributaries of the Big Bohemia Creek,” Md. 
(Fowler), (fc) Specimens in collection: Havre de Grace, Md., May 10, 1922; Baltimore, Hawkins 
Point, and Bear Creek, May 4, 1922, and August 24, 1921; Annapolis, lower Severn River, May 2 
and 3, 1922, and August 19, 1921; Love Point, May 12, 1922; highest salinity 11.80 per mille. 
Order NEMATOGNATHII 
Family XXVII. — ARIID/E. The sea catfishes 
Body naked; gill membranes united, forming a fold across the isthmus; mouth terminal; 
nostrils usually close together, without barbel; maxillary and one or two pairs of mandibular 
barbels present; dorsal fin anterior, with a spine; adipose fin present; anal short or of moderate 
length; ventral fins with six rays. 
40. Genus FELICHTHYS Swainson. Gaff-topsail catfishes 
Body elongate, little if at all compressed; head depressed; snout very broad, projecting; 
mouth large; teeth all villiform, in more or less distinct bands on jaws, vomer, and palatines; a 
large fontanel; barbels 4, maxillary barbel long, broad, bandlike; pectoral spines and usually the 
dorsal spine with a long bandlike filament; caudal fin deeply forked; anal fin more or less emarginate. 
A single species is known from the Atlantic coast of the United States. 
52. Felichthys felis (Linnaeus). Gaff-topsail catfish; Sea catfish. 
Silurus fells Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., ed. XII, 1766, p. 603; Charleston, S. C. 
Jllurichthys marinus Uhler and Lugger, 1876, ed. I, p. 177; ed. II, p. 150. 
Felichthys marinus Jordan and Evermann, 1896-1900, p. 118, PI. XXIII, fig. 52. 
Head 3.66 to 4.2; depth 4.35 to 5.4; D. I. 7; A. 22 to 24. Body robust, depressed anteriorly, 
compressed posteriorly; head low and broad; snout very broad, 2.4 to 3.5 in head; eye 5.35 to 7.2; 
interorbital space 1.42 to 1.64; mouth very broad, the cleft extending nearly or quite to eye; maxillary 
2.32 to 2.38 in head; teeth small, in villiform bands on the jaws, vomer, and palatines; two pairs of 
barbels present, the maxillary barbel flattened, ribbon-shaped, reaching from vertical below middle 
of base of dorsal nearly to base of ventrals; mandibular barbels small, reaching nearly or quite to 
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