FISHES OP THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 
181 
ACIPENSERIDiE. The Sturgeons. 
3. Acipenser sturio Liniiajus.* Sturgeon. 
Once abundant in the Potomac, but now comparatively rare. Ascends the river in spring 
to spawn. Large numbers were formerly caught in seines and gill nets by the slmd and herring 
lishermen, who regarded sturgeon as nuisances and u.snally knocked tlicm in the head and threw 
them away. The fish now commands a high price. 
4. Acipenser brevirostris LeSueur.* Sturgeon; Short-nosed Sturgeon. 
Not so abundant as the common sturgeon, and has undergone the same decrease in recent ye.ars- 
Probably not recognized by tishermen as a different species from the foregoing. 
LEPISOSTEIDiB. The Gars. 
5. Lepisosteus osseus (Linuteus).'^ “Gar Pike”; “Gar.” 
Common in Potomac River and tributaries, especially Eastern Brandi, F'our-Mile Run, and Litth' 
River, hut less numerous now than lifteen years ago. In former years shad gill-net fi.shermen often 
carried little clubs with which to kill the gars that became entangled in their nets. A destructive, 
fish-eating sjiecies, ascending creeks in summer after small lish. Food value very inferior; the 
expression “Common as gar broth” is proverbial. 
SILURIDiE. The Catfishes. 
6. Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque).* Spotted Cat; Blue Cat. 
This very desirable species of catfish has been introduced by the Fish Commission, small plants 
of adult and yearling fish being made in 1889, 1891, and 1892 in tributaries of the Potomac at Quan- 
tico, Va., Woodmout, Md., and Hagerstown, Md. On Aiu'il 13, 1899, two live specimens, about a 
foot in length, were brought to the Fish Commission from the Potomac at Wasliiugton. 
7. Ameiurus catus (Linn.eus).* “ Channel Cat” ; “ White Cat.” 
.Vbuudant in channels of Potomac River. A valuable food-fish, nuany being taken by net 
lisherjiien and anglers. Attains a length of 2 feet. 
8. Anieiurus nebulosus (LeSueur).* “Mud Cat”; “ Yellow Cat” ; Hullhead; Horned Pout. 
Generally abundant in Potomac River and tributaries. Spawns along muddy flats and shores. 
Much less valuable for food than the channel cat. 
9. Ameiurus natalis (LeSueur).* “Stone Cat”; Yellow Cat. 
Occurs in Potomac River and Rock Creek. Le.ss common than other memljers of this genus. 
10. Schilbeodes insignis (Richardson).* “Poison Cat”; “Mad Tom”; Stone Cat. 
Common in sluggish, muddy waters and also on rocky bottoms. A viedous little follow, often 
caught with the hook, and capable of inflicting a painful wound with the pectoral spines. 
CATOSTOMIDiE. The Suckers. 
11. Carpiodes cyprinus (LeSueur).* Carp Sucker ; American C(.rp ; “Carp”’, Quillhaek. 
Not very common except in circumscribed areas. Sometimes brought to the city markets, hut 
not a highly esteemed food-fish. Locally called “carp.” Reaches a length of 18 or 20 inches. 
12. Catostomus commersonii (Laccipede).* “Sucker”; Brook Sucker; White Sucker; “Fine-scaled 
Mullet”; “ Bag Mare.” 
Very common in the Potomac and in the tributary creeks. Found in our waters at all seasons, 
but taken chiefly in winter with seines and fykes. A poor food-fish, weighing 1 or 2 pounds. Bites 
freely at the hook baited with a worm, and is often caught by youthful anglers. 
13. Catostomus nigricans LeSueur.* “ Sloue-toter.” 
Common in Potomac, Rock Creek, and other tributaries, hut less so than formerly; prefers clear, 
rapid waters. Many are caught for market with seines in creeks, from December to April. Regarded 
as a fair fish for that time of year. It is said to carry stones on its flat head, whence the local name. 
14. Erimyzon sucetta (Laefpede).* “Chub”; Chub Sucker; Creek Fish ; Creek Sucker. 
Found in the Potomac River and its tributaries generally', hut is not abundant. In fall and 
winter it resorts to headwaters of streams. Frequently eaten and considered a good winter fisli, being 
the best of the suckers for the table. Maximum weight, 1 pound. 
