SIXTY-TWO SPECIES OF FISHES FROM LAKE ERIE 
383 
belly is lighter, with small round chromatophores more sparingly distributed, most 
numerous along ventral margin. Chromatophores are few on dorsal, caudal, anal, 
and pectorals, usually situated near their bases. Small subsurface spots are massed 
over dorsal aspect of air bladder. 
Like the common sunfish, the rock bass is a nest builder, scooping out a shallow 
nest to contain the eggs, over which the male watches with the greatest of patience 
and care, encouraging the circulation of water over the eggs by fanning with the fins. 
The breeding season is in May and June. 
Family ATHERINIDAL, Siiversides 
52. Labidesthes sicculus (Cope). Brook silverside; skipjack. 
RECORD OF CAPTURE 
The only young specimens were taken along the lake shore in shallow water, 
at the mouths of Eighteen Mile and Silver Creeks, and in Long Point Bay. It is not 
of common occurrence in the region. 
DESCRIPTION 
The very slender body of the silverside, with the shining lateral band from 
which its name is derived, the short, depressed beak, and two dorsals are characters 
which readily distinguish the species from any other encountered. 
27.0-millimeter stage . — Total length, 27.0; standard length, 23.2; length to vent, 
11.4; length of head, 5.6; diameter of eye, 1.8; greatest depth, 3.1 millimeters. Myo- 
meres, 16-17 to vent plus about 25 behind. Dorsal IV-1, 11 ; anal I, 23;ventrals small, 
abdominal; pectorals inserted high; caudal forked. Mouth very elongate, terminal 
and very oblique, with lower jaw slightly projecting; jaws prolonged into a short 
pointed beak, flattened above and rounded on underside; snout about equal to diam- 
eter of eye. 
Pigmentation. — The species is characterized by a silvery lateral band from 
behind head to caudal, edged above in lead color. The cheeks are silvery, and the 
top of head is rather greenish-yellow at this stage. Chromatophores are distributed 
on both j aws and on top of head, in interorbital region below the surface and in a heavy 
main series down dorsal aspect with irregular series on either side to end of second 
dorsal. They are massed on lateral band, although the individual pigment spots are 
very small. A double ventral series extends from vent backward. The belly is 
white. All fins but ventrals are pigmented. 
Family SCIAENID^E, Drumfishes 
53. Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque. Sheepshead; freshwater drum; gray 
bass. 
RECORD OF CAPTURE 
One young fish, 13.3 millimeters long, was taken on the bottom in 17 meters of 
water on August 16, 1928, near Port Maitland, Ontario. Adults are common in the 
lake. 
