854. . FISHES—CYPRINIDZ. 
lateral line decurved ; dorsal moderate, inserted directly over ventrals in the young, 
thrown somewhat backward in the adult by the growth of the post-occipital region ; pec- 
torals barely or not reaching ventrals, the latter about to vent ; region in front of the 
dorsal typically with about 23 scales; coloration dark steel-blue above, the scales 
with dusky edges, the bases a!so dusky; a gilt line along the back and one along each 
side, these distinct only when the fish is in the water; belly and lower part of the sides . 
silvery, or bright rosy in spring males; dorsal fin somewhat dusky, the other fins plain, 
the lower fins all rosy in spring males; head dark above; a dark shade behind seapula; 
lower jaw and region in front of dorsal to the tip of the snout covered with smal! tuber- 
cles in spring males; females and young fishes are plain olivaceous above and silvery 
below; head 4}; depth 34, varying much with age; D.8; A.9; scales 6-41-3; teeth © 
2, 4-4, 2 with rather narrow grinding surface... 
This species is extremely variable and several varieties have been indicated by name by 
Piofessor Cope. It is, however, unnecessary to describe them here. Length, 5 to 8 
inches. 
Habitat, in all waters east of the Great Plains, except in the South Altantie States 
(wanting in streams between the Neuse and the Alabama), everywhere the most 
abundant fish. | 
Diagnosis—The adult Shiner may be known at once by the dispro- 
portionately great depth of the scales on the sides, the exposed portions 
being very much higher than long. The young can only be distin- 
guished from certain species of Afinnilus, Hudsonius, ete., by careful dis- 
crimination. 
Habits.—In every permanent stream in Ohio, this is the most abundant 
fish. In all small brooks, and in quiet places in every river, the young 
will be found in myriads, and a good part of the food of the Black Bass 
and other predacious species is formed by this fish. It reaches a consid- 
erable size, but is scarcely used as food except by pot fishers and boys. 
The flesh is soft and very soon spoils after death, hence the name Rot- 
ten-gut or Rot-gut Minnow, frequently given to it in the South. 
Genus 36. ERICYMBA. Cope. | 
Ericymba, Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1865, 88. 
Type, Ericymba buceata, Cope. 
Etymology, eri, an intensive particle; xwmba, a cavity, in allusion to the mucons 
channel. 
Body oblong, mederately compressed ; muzzle broad ; ¢nteropercle and bones of the man- — 
dible with externally visible mucous chambers largely developed ; lips thin; no barbels; teeth 
1, 4-4, 0, without grinding surface, hooked, the edges entire; scales rather large; lat- 
eral line continuous; dorsal fin above ventrals; anal basis short ; Silvery fishes of 
rather small size; known at once from all other minnows by the cavernous bones of the 
head. But a single species is now known. 
