COMMON FISHES OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER 
179 
very vigorous fighters, for fishermen claim that they are “hard on set lines,” escaping 
readily and doing damage to the lines. 
The fish is not large, as compared with the Fulton or the yellow cat, having about 
the same range of sizes as the spotted cat (attaining a weight of 15 pounds). Its abun- 
dance in season makes it of distinct value to the fishermen, although, because of its 
slimy and emaciated appearance, it it not usually spoken of with respect. 
At Lynxville, Wis., a June run of niggerlip is customary, but, like other fishes in 
that part of the river, it has recently appeared in less abundance than in former years. 
In the vicinity of Keokuk, above the dam and possibly below it also, niggerlip catfish 
are reported to be more abundant now than formerly. 
Flathead. Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque) 
GOUJON; YELLOW CAT; HOOSIER 
This large catfish has goujon for its distinctive local name, while it shares with the 
other species the names of “mud cat” and “yellow cat.” It attains nearly as great a 
size as the Fulton cat 17 and is as common or commoner at Keokuk. Unlike the Fulton 
cat, it is taken regularly northward of that point, as far as Lake Pepin, at least. It 
was observed at or near Keokuk each month, except January, November, and Decem- 
ber, but fishermen report that it is captured all during the winter. It is taken in traps 
but probably more frequently on set lines, and live bait is best. The fall of the year 
is considered the best season for “hoosiers.” The flathead is described as a strong and 
quick fish and very predaceous, roaming in the channels but preferring the more slug- 
gish waters. It is likely to be found about garbage dumps and the mouths of sewers, 
being perhaps attracted to such places by the opportunity to feed upon smaller fish of 
scavenger habit. It is highly esteemed as a food fish. 
The goujon breeds in Louisiana and probably somewhat later than the Fulton 
cat. (Evermann, 1899, p. 296-298.) In 1915 two examples that were ripe or nearly 
so were taken in the lake within a few miles of the dam, on July 19 and 24, respectively. 
Nine others, examined at various places and between May 30 and June 15, contained 
large eggs. On June 2, 1916, eight females with well-developed eggs were seen in a 
market at Fort Madison, Iowa, and on June 29 one nearly or quite ready to spawn 
was taken in the lake near Keokuk. 
17 “This fish frequently reaches a weight of 50 to 75 pounds and is said by Doctor Evermann occasionally to weigh as much as a 
hundred pounds.” (Forbes and Richardson, 1008.) Limits of maximum weight as given by various fishermen vary from 70 to 85 
pounds. 
