FISHES OF CHESAPEAKE BAY 
277 
ventral fins moderate, inserted a little behind base of pectorals; pectoral fins rather small, 1.55 to 
1.85 in head. 
Color of a 42J^-inch specimen silvery, tinged with greenish bronze above; white below; scales 
on sides with dark centers, forming stripes; one irregular jet black spot at base of caudal above 
lateral line; dorsal and caudal fins dusky; anal and ventrals white; pectorals bright rusty on outer 
part. Some fish turn red after death. The number of spots at base of caudal varies from one to 
several. One specimen, 15 inches long, for example, had four spots on one side and eight on the 
other, and they extended from the base of the caudal along the sides. Most frequently, however, 
only a single spot is present on each side at the base of the caudal. Young of about 100 millimeters 
(4 inches) and less in length have large black spots or blotches distributed over the entire side and 
back. These spots are present, being more diffuse, however, in our smallest specimens (20 milli- 
meters in length). The young, up to 40 millimeters in length, have a dark vertical bar on base of 
caudal. 
The collection contains four specimens, ranging in length from 165 to 225 millimeters ( 6 M to 
9 inches), and many small ones ranging from 20 to 90 millimeters to 3)^2 inches) in length. 
Many large examples, too large to preserve conveniently, were observed. 
The young differ from the adults chiefly in color and in the shape of the caudal fin. These 
differences have been pointed out in the description. This drum is characterized by the elongate 
body, the absence of barbels about the mouth, and the presence of one or more black spots at base 
of caudal. 
The food of this fish, according to the contents of 15 stomachs taken from fish ranging in length 
from 30 to 1,075 millimeters (lj^ to 42 inches), consists of crustaceans, the smaller fish having 
fed principally on Gammarus and Mysis and the larger ones on shrimp. 
