392 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
The contention of the California fish commissioners in several of their reports 
already cited, that the value of all the catfish caught annually and consumed as food 
would more than equal the annual appropriation made by the State in the interests 
of the fisheries and fish-culture, has probably been verified in a number of years. In 
1893, when the fishery is known to have been less extensive than formerly, the appro- 
priations exceeded the value of the catch by only $1,500. 
EDIBLE QUALITIES OF CATFISH. 
While the consumption of catfish in California is not large, the fish are well-liked 
by many people; others, however, regard them as very inferior fish. When taken 
from the cooler, deeper waters, they have a good flavor, and deserve to rank high 
among the resident fresh-water fishes of the Pacific States, but when caught in warm, 
shallow, muddy sloughs and ditches they naturally have little value as food. 
Mr. Alexander says that fishermen, with few exceptions, have little praise to 
offer in behalf of the catfish. Nearly all with whom he conversed said their edible 
qualities were of a low grade. He believes, however, that many people think differ- 
ently, and that the quantity of catfish eaten in some localities indicates that the fish 
are rather popular. The amount consumed can not be due to the cheapness of the 
fish, for at times other fish reach so much lower prices that it would seem no catfish 
would be bought. Mr. Alexander thinks that, while a large part of the catfish is 
eaten by Chinese and the poor of the numerous nationalities found on the west coast, 
considerable quantities must be consumed in restaurants under fictitious names, just 
as sturgeon and sharks are served as u tenderloin of sole.” 
The dealers in San Francisco and Portland do not attach much importance to 
the catfish and do not value its edible qualities highly, but in Sacramento they speak 
well of the fish. 
Drs. Jordan and Gilbert regard the bullhead as the best food-fish found in Clear 
Lake. California, with the exception of the Sacramento perch and rainbow trout. 
THE CATFISH TRADE. 
The principal marketing centers for catfish are San Francisco, Sacramento, Stock- 
ton, and Portland. The last-named place has the most extensive trade. In propor- 
tion to its population, San Francisco receives much fewer catfish than any of the other 
cities mentioned. 
Catfish can not be said to be common in the San Francisco markets. The demand 
is usually very limited. At times, however, when other fish are scarce, they meet 
with ready sale at good prices. In 1893 the average daily receipts were less than 150 
pounds, and in 1894 under 100 pounds. In no month during those two years did the 
daily receipts run over 250 pounds on an average, and in July and August, 1894, they 
were under 30 pounds a day. 
An examination of the books of the San Francisco dealers by the California fish 
commission and the writer showed that in 1893 the aggregate receipts of catfish were 
43,974 pounds, and in 1894 were 31,055 pounds. The decrease in 1894 was due to a 
marked diminution in the receipts during the last six months of the year, as will 
appear from the following statement. In 1893 the largest quantities were handled in 
September, and in 1894 in April. 
