-L HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OF THE Museum of Comparative Zoology Handlbook of FISHES of KANSAS Frank B* Cross '/, '- V-; / S2 -X- STATE BIOLOGICAL SURVEY & THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY University of Kansas Museum of Natural History Miscellaneous Fiiblicatiun No. 45 The Handbook of Fishes of Kansas results from a con- tinuation of the work of the State Biological Survey of Kansas antl is a response to many requests for a booklet of this kind. Coviiu Illustration — The white crappie, Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque. Watercolor by Eugene Pacheco. PRINTED BY ROBERT R, (BOB) SANDERS. STATE PRINTER TOPEKA. KANSAS 1967 31-6169 HANDBOOK OF FISHES OF KANSA; By Frank B. Cross Contribution from The State Biological Survey of Kansas Museum of Natural History University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas S' /^//^-ir/9uy/?£/y^il University of Kansas Museum OF Natural History EDITOR: E. RAYMOND HALL Miscellaneous Piihlication No. 45, pp. 1-357, 4 colored plates, 20 numbered figures and other illustrations Published April 24, 1967 University of "Kansas Lawrence, Kansas MUS. COMR ZOOL LIBRARY MAR301972 HARVARD UNIVERSnY PRINTED BY ROBERT R. (BOB) SANDERS. STATE PRINTER TOPEKA. KANSAS 1967 31-6169 CONTENTS PAGE Introduction 7 Explanation of Species-accounts 13 Methods for Identification of Species 14 Use of Keys 15 Glossary 20 Keys to Families of Fishes 24 Lampreys Family Petromyzontidae 30 Chestnut lamprey Ichthyomyzon castaneus 30 Sturgeons Family Acipenseridae , 32 Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens 33 Shovel-nosed sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchtis ... 34 Pallid sturgeon Scaphirhytjchus albus 36 Paddlefish Family Polyodontidae 38 Paddlefish Polyodon spathula 38 Gars Family Lepisosteidae 40 Short-nosed gar Lepisosteus platostomus 40 Spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatits 42 Long-nosed gar Lepisosteus osseus 43 BowFiN Family Amiidae 46 Bowfin Amia calva 46 Eels Family Anguillidae 49 American eel Anguilla rostrata 49 Shads Family Clupeidae 51 Skipjack Alosa chrysochloris 51 Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum 53 Mooneyes • . . . . Family Hiodontidae 56 Goldeye Hiodon (dosoides 56 Mooneye Hiodon tergisus 58 Trouts Family Salmonidae 60 Rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri 60 Pikes Family Esocidae 62 Northern pike Esox Jucius 62 Minnows Family Cyprinidae 64 Carp Cyprintis carpio 72 Goldfish Carassius auratus 75 Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoJeticas 76 Creek chub Sernotilus atromaculatus 78 Southern red-bellied dace Chrosomus erythrogaster 81 Pug-nosed minnow Opsopoeodus emiliae 83 Flat-headed chub Hyhopsis gracilis 84 Hornyhead Hyhopsis biguttata 86 Gravel chub Hyhopsis x-punctata 89 (3) Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Big-eyed chub HtjJwpsis amhJops 90 Silver chub Hijhopsis storeriana 92 Sickle-finned chub Hijhopsis meeki 94 Speckled chub Hybopsis aestivalis 95 Sturgeon chub Hybopsis gelida 97 Sucker-mouthed minnow Phenacobius mirabilis 99 Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides 102 Rosy-faced shiner Notropis ntbellus 104 Silver-banded shiner Notropis shumardi 106 Red-finned shiner Notropis timbratilis 108 Dusky-striped shiner Notropis pilsbryi 110 Northern common shiner Notropis cornutus 113 Central common shiner Notropis chrysoccphalus 115 River shiner Notropis blennius 117 Big-eyed shiner Notropis boops 119 Blunt-faced shiner Notropis camunis 120 Spot-finned shiner Notropis spiJoptcrus 123 Red shiner Notropis httrensis 125 Topeka shiner Notropis topeka 128 Big-mouthed shiner Notropis dorsaJis 130 Sand shiner Notropis stramineus 133 Arkansas River shiner Notropis girardi 135 Mimic shiner Notropis volucelhis 137 Ghost shiner Notropis buclianani 139 Black-nosed shiner Notropis Iwterolepis 141 Ozark minnow Dionda nubila 143 Brassy minnow Hyhognathus Jiankinsoni 144 Plains minnow Hybognathns placitus 146 Silvery minnow Hybognathus nucJialis 148 Fathead Pimephales promelas 1 49 Bull-headed minnow Pimephales vigilax 153 Slim minnow Pimephales tenellus 155 Blunt-nosed minnow Pimephales notatiis 157 Stoneroller Campostoma anomalum 159 Suckers Family Catostomidae 164 Blue sucker Cycleptiis elongatus 166 Big-mouthed buffalo Ictiobiis cyprinellus 169 Black buffalo Ictiobus niger 171 Small-mouthed buffalo Ictiobus hubaliis 173 Quillback Carpiodes eypritius 175 River carpsucker Carpiodes carpio 177 High-finned carpsucker Carpiodes velifer 179 Spotted sucker Mimjtrema melanops 181 Black redhorse Moxostoma duqiiesnei 183 Golden redhorse Moxostoma erytluuntm 184 River redhorse Moxostoma carinatum 187 Northern redhorse Moxostoma macrolepidotum .... 189 Hogsucker ' Hypentelium nigricans 191 White sucker Catostomus commersoni 193 Contents 5 PAGE Catfishes Family Ictaluridae 196 Black bullhead Ictalurus melas 198 Brown bullhead Ictalurus tiebulosus 201 Yellow bullhead Ictalurus twtalis 203 Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus 205 Blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus 209 Flathead Pyloclictis olivaris 213 Tadpole madtom Noturus gyrinus 216 Freckled madtom Noturus noctunius 218 Slender madtom Noturus exilis 219 Stonecat Noturus flavus 221 Neosho madtom Noturus species 222 Brindled madtom Noturus miurus 224 Trout- PERCHES Family Percopsidae . . - 226 Trout-perch Percapsis omiscommjcus 226 Codfishes Family Gadidae 227 Burbot Lota lota 227 ToPMiNNOws Family Cyprinodontidae 229 Studfish Fundulus catenatus 230 Plains topminnow Fundulus sciadicus 231 Black-striped topminnow Fundulus notatus 232 Plains kilhfish Fundulus kansae 235 LivEBEARERs Family Poeciliidae 238 Mosquitofish Gamhusia affinis 238 SiLVERSiDES Family Atherinidae 240 Brook silverside Labidesihes sicculus 240 ScuLPiNS Family Cottidae 241 Banded sculpin Cottus caroUnae 241 Sea Basses Family Serranidae 243 White bass Roccus chrysops 243 Yellow bass Roccus mississippiensis 245 SuNFisHES Family Centrarchidae 246 Smallmouth Micropterus dolomieui 248 Spotted bass Micropterus punctulatus 250 Largemouth Micropterus salmoides 252 Warmouth Chaenohryftus gidosus 256 Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus 258 Redear Lepomis microlophus 261 Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 263 Orange-spotted sunfish Lepomis hurnilis 266 Longear Lepomis megalotis 269 Rock bass Ambloplites rupestris 272 White crappie Poryioxis annularis 274 Black crappie Poryioxis nigromaculatus 277 Perches Family Percidae 279 Walleye Stizostedion vitreum 282 Sanger Stizostedion canadense 285 6 UiXiv. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. PAGE Yellow perch Ferca flavescens 287 Black-sided darter Percina maculata 289 Slender-headed darter Percina phoxocephala 291 Logperch Percina caprodes 293 River darter Percina shumardi 295 Channel darter Percina copelandi 296 Western sand darter Ammocrijpta clara 298 Johnny darter Etheostama nigrum 299 Blunt-nosed darter Etheostoma chlorosainiim 302 Speckled darter Etheostoma stigmaeum 303 Banded darter Etheostoma zonale 304 Green-sided darter Etheostoma blennioides 306 Red-finned darter Etheostoma tohipplei 308 Stippled darter Etheostoma punctidatum 310 Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini 311 Iowa darter Etheostoma exile 313 Orange-throated darter Etheostoma spectabile 315 Fan-tailed darter Etheostoma flahellare 318 Slough darter Etheostoma gracile 320 Least darter Etheostoma microperca 322 Drums Family Sciaenidae 324 Freshwater drum Aplodinotus gninniens 324 Species Withdrawn From the List of Fishes Ascribed to Kansas 327 Collecting and Preserving Fishes 329 Acknowledgments 332 Literature Cited 334 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this handbook is to provide means for identifying fishes found in Kansas, information about their distribution within the State, and general accounts of their habits. It is hoped that pubHcation of the handbook will summon new records of fishes from sources that I have overlooked, that the references cited will lead students into further study of the Hterature on fishes and into investigations that answer some of the many remaining questions about the natural history of fishes in Kansas, and that the informa- tion summarized will facilitate assessment of future changes in the composition and distribution of our fish-fauna. Approximately 130 kinds (species) of fish are thought to inhabit Kansas, the exact number depending on whether doubtful reports of a few species are accepted as valid records. Most of the Kansas species occur widely in the Mississippi River Basin. Kansas has no endemic species, although one catfish in the Neosho River approaches that status, as does one darter in the Arkansas River System. Our native fishes are mainly fluviatile kinds, because the State had no lakes of consequence prior to the construction of impoundments in the last several decades. Oxbows or "horseshoe lakes" existed, of course, owing to natural shortening of stream- channels. Oxbows added diversity to the natural habitat, but their eflfect on the composition of the native fish-fauna was minor because of their temporary nature and frequent inundation by floodwaters of the parent streams. Several factors, both natural and artificial, account for the kinds of fishes that we now have, and their present distributions. Obvi- ously access of fishes to the area is fundamental; secondarily, char- acteristics of the physical environment are important, as are adaptive reactions by the animals to different environments. Access is depen- dent primarily on continuity of stream-systems, but environmental conditions also affect the dispersal of fishes. Stream-environments vary according to soil-type, local relief, and climate. Surface-water in Kansas flows into the Mississippi River by way of two major river-basins ( Figure 1 ) . The Missouri Basin, compris- ing all tributaries of Kansas River and several streams tributary to Osage River (Marais des Cygnes, Little Osage, and Marmaton rivers ) , occupies approximately the northern half of Kansas. Streams south of the Kansas and Osage river systems discharge into the (7) 8 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Arkansas River. The two major basins are now so well separated that interchange of their fishes is unlikely, but these basins have not always been isolated. Western segments of the Kansas and Arkansas rivers once formed part of the same Plains drainage system, and connections between them persisted through much of the Pleis- tocene (Frye and Leonard, 1952; Metcalf, 1966). The separation of the two basins is relatively recent in terms of geologic time. The effect of their separation on the present composition of the fish-fauna seems minor. Of the 130 species now known from Kan- sas, 110 occur in the Arkansas System, and 97 have been reported from tributaries of the Missouri River within the State. Hence, a majority of our native fishes occupy both basins. Whereas the divide between major drainageways splits Kansas into north and south halves, aquatic environments vary most from east to west in Kansas. These differences in habitats for fishes are associated with physiographic and climatic differences that affect the nature of stream-bottom materials, the amount of runoff, the strength of subsurface aquifers, and the permanency of streams. If, then, the State is divided arbitrarily into eastern and western halves, a rough measure of the effect of environmental factors on fish- distribution can be obtained. All species of fish known from Kansas are found in the eastern half of the State. None is now restricted to the western half, although two species (the plains killifish and the Arkansas River shiner) are mainly western in occurrence. Records of only 51 species have been obtained west of 98°30' longitude — 38 from the Arkansas River System and 48 from the Kansas River System. Omitting species the distributions of which have been affected by introductions, only 24 fishes are known from the western half of the Arkansas System, and 32 from the western Kansas River Basin. Twenty-one species are common to both systems. Therefore, the present distribution of fishes in Kansas depends more on local environments than on isolation in different stream-systems. The Spring and Neosho rivers harbor more kinds of fishes than do other rivers in Kansas. Faunal diversity in the Spring-Neosho drainage is enhanced by proximity to the Ozark region, which extends into Cherokee County (Fig. 3), and by the dissected terrain and numerous small aquifers of the Flint Hills, which extend north-south as a narrow exposure of resistant limestones in eastern Kansas. Southeastern streams benefit also from greater annual precipitation than occurs elsewhere in Kansas. The gradient Fishes of Kansas IT-.'!-*?.!."...... ' .PRAIRIE DOG CR -Rf PUBLICAN R '.. ■ REPUBLICAN R , " ^^ ""' "^ "" ■" Sec. CIMARRON R -J MEDJCINE LODGE R 5„n;s|„^ „ CANEY R (0 0 20 10 MILES SHOAL CR-' SPRING fi 1 TS Fig. 1. Principal streams in Kansas. ..-LovEmL.. Scoie 20 40 Mjles .completed 08 Sunder construchon ^AUTHORIZED "^FOR CONSTRUCTION Fig. 2. Principal impoundments in Kansas iCK£rt«ll£ \itll\M, T B»ij»« loonipimi ~* ■ * 1 hohtgohertA UMtuni «r Natvrol M.itsr 100 Fig. 3. Counties in Kansas. 10 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. of these streams is comparatively steep; their turbidity and their fluctuation in vokrnie of flow are less than elsewhere. The south- eastern streams provide diverse and persistent habitats or "niches" for occupancy by many kinds of fish. In contrast, most western streams are now intermittent, or flow over shallow, sandy beds characterized by uniformity of habitat. Furthermore, most western streams fluctuate more, and their waters are muddier, than streams draining the dissected uplands of eastern Kansas. The fauna of the western streams is not diverse, consisting principally of those species, also present farther east, that withstand erratic variation in their habitat. Natural factors that control the distribution of fishes, as dis- cussed above, are subject to alteration by man. Artificial changes in habitats for fishes, and in the distribution and abundance of fishes, can result from: intensive land-use for agricultural, indus- trial, and residential purposes; consumption of water or its pollu- tion; construction of impoundments that modify the depth, width, and rate of discharge of streams; and introductions of fishes into places where the same species did not occur naturally. The effects of these modifications are seldom abrupt and obvious; rather, the resultant faunal changes are often so gradual that they escape notice, or grow vague in the memory of those who witnessed the transition. Consequently, one hears contradictory descriptions of the "original" appearance of various streams in Kansas, and con- flicting opinions as to the kinds and abundance of fishes that orig- inally occupied those streams. Reliable information about changes in the fish-fauna that are caused by man's activities is useful. Because fishes are a valuable resource, the nature and extent of our own effect on that resource has direct importance to us. Indirectly, knowledge of changes in the fish-fauna may have importance as an index whereby man can recognize environmental changes that have broad significance to our own welfare. Major, artificial changes in the fish-faunas of some areas eastward and westward from Kansas have been reported by Trautman (1957) and Miller (1961). In Kansas, the historical record seems good enough to permit an appraisal of man's influence on native fishes and their habitats, if the beginnings of white settlement are taken as a point of departure. Indians occurred in such low density, and made so little use of fish in the region including Kansas (Rostlund, 1952), that they probably had scant effect on the Fishes of Kansas 11 natural fish-populations. Thus, the fish-fauna that existed when Indians were displaced by immigrants to Kansas in the mid- nineteenth century probably was truly "natural." Knowledge of fishes in Kansas began to accumulate as early as did agricultural and industrial activity that may have altered the fish-fauna. A few kinds of fish were mentioned in journals of the earliest exploring expeditions that crossed the Plains. In the mid- nineteenth century, several kinds of fishes from the region of Kansas were made known by exploring parties seeking westward routes for railroads (Girard, 1856, 1858; Abbott, 1860a, 1860b; Cope, 1864, 1865a, 1865b, 1871, and others); regrettably, the precise localities of capture were not indicated for most species. Numerous fish- collections were made in subsequent decades, as settlement pro- gressed westward across Kansas. These surveys culminated in the 1880's, permitting publication of comprehensive lists of fishes in Kansas by Cragin ( 1885b ) and Graham ( 1885b ) , as well as a valuable report by Evermann and Cox (1896) concerning fishes of the whole Missouri River Basin. Increasingly well-documented literature on the regional fish-fauna has appeared in the past half- century. A recent review of the fishes of the Kansas River Basin by one of my students, A. L. Metcalf (Metcalf, 1966), deserves special mention. His publication should be read by all who are seriously interested in the origin and historical record of species that inhabit the central Plains region. Apart from records of the fishes themselves, early descriptions of Plains streams are useful in interpreting changes in the natural fish- fauna. Metcalf (1966) quoted from accounts by many early occu- pants of the Kansas River Basin who recorded their impressions of primeval stream-conditions. Similar observations are available on the pristine Arkansas River and its tributaries. Examples are in the journals and reports of G. C. Sibley, leader of a party that established the route of the Santa Fe Trail in 1825-1827 (Gregg, 1952 ) . Although Sibley's writings indicate that several clear creeks hax'ing rather deep channels were crossed, the elation evident in his remarks quoted below indicate to me that strong springs and constant streams were few; the quotation is from Gregg (1952:60) and pertains to Diamond Springs, in what is now Morris County. "... a very fine Spring . . . uncommonly large and beautiful, and the Water very pure & cold. I have Seldom seen so fine a Spring any- where. After so hot a day [11 August 1825], this fine Water was a luxury to us all." Tlie channel of the Arkansas River was described repeatedly by 12 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Sibley as being broad, shallow, and sand-filled. In a report to the Secretary of War, he and others summarized their impression of that river in central and western Kansas as follows: ". . . the character of the River varies but very httle indeed. It bears a unifomi width of from 400 to 500 yards, a depth of from 18 inches to 4 feet — velocity of current, 2% miles an hour — its bed sand — banks, low and loose — Water turbid, Sometimes filthy — channel crowded with Sand banks and Islets . "Its annual floods occur in June, and frequently inundate much of the adjacent flat land. In its ordinary Stages, it may be crossed by carriages without the least difficulty, or a moment's delay." (Gregg, 1952:208.) The Cimarron River where it traverses the area now in Grant, Stevens, and Morton counties evoked these comments by Sibley: "The Semerone Creek or River exhibits so far but a poor Stream, if that can be called a stream which is only to be seen here & there in Puddles at intervals of from }i to lYi mile, which intervals are of loose dry Sand. "Where we Struck it today [1 October 1825] however, find a small rivulet of clear running brackish Water. The Stones, grass & earth adjacent encrusted with a kind of Saline Substance . . ." (Gregg, 1952:90.) On the previous day, Sibley wrote that the Cimarron had surface- flow at latitude 37°14'17", but that the party nevertheless "Dug in the Sand about 18 Inches deep & got pretty good Water, that which stands or runs on the surface is sulpherous & brackish & strongly seasoned with BuflFalo Urine." (Gregg, 1952:89.) Sibley's descriptions seem fitting even today, except that domestic stock has replaced the bison, and Diamond Springs has lost much of its appeal. His writings and those of other observers persuade me that most habitats of fishes in Kansas have not suffered con- spicuous modification since settlement. If descriptive accounts of prairie streams provide insight into the probable composition of their fish-fauna, inferences in the reverse direction are equally valid and meaningful. The structural adapta- tions of fishes reveal much about the environment in which they evolved. Several species indigenous to Kansas are morphologically adapted for life in shallow, sandy, turbid rivers. Examples of such adaptations are (1) reduced size of scales, especially on the nape, and embedding of those scales in a thickened epidermis — presum- ably as an adjustment to molar effects of drifting sand; (2) reduced size of the eyes, or partial shielding of them by surrounding tissue; and (3) increased development of other sensory structures such as taste-buds in the skin on the head, body, and fins, compensating for reduced vision (Hubbs, 1940:202; Moore, 1950; Metcalf, 1966: Fishes of Kansas 13 82-85). Also, the life histories of some of our commonest fishes show adaptations to fluctuating waterlevels and unstable stream- bottoms, especially in modes of reproduction. These characteristics evolve slowly. Their occurrence in native fishes adds evidence that Plains streams — the major ones, at least — have been shallow, sandy, and erratically variable in flow for many thousands of years. The above generalizations do not mean that no changes have occurred in local stream-conditions and local fish-faunas within the single century in which "civilized" man has been at work on the land in Kansas. The lowermost part of the Kansas River once had pools deeper than any there now, judging from early records of deep-water species no longer obtainable from the Kansas River. On the other hand, the western sectors of some rivers provide deeper water than in the past, because of recent construction of large impoundments in their floodplains and tens of thousands of smaller lakes on their watersheds. Consequently, some species that are ill- adapted for life in sandy rivers or intermittent creeks have become established far to the west of their original ranges. A few kinds of fish that were known to inhabit streams of Kansas in the late 1800's have been extirpated, or their populations have been decimated locally. Many of these species live in small streams that have permanent flow and clear pools with aquatic vegetation. To date, the effects of civilization probably have been more pro- nounced on small, upland streams than on large rivers in Kansas. The adverse effects seem attributable to recession of watertables, siltation originating from nearby croplands, and diversion of springs for domestic use. In all instances where declining abundance of a species is suspected, attention is directed to that trend in the appropriate species-account. Explanation of Species-accounts Accounts of the 130 species of fishes for which plausible records exist in Kansas comprise the major part of this handbook. Most accounts contain an illustration of the fish, a map of its known distribution, a Hst of literature- references, a descriptive characterization, and a general discussion of the status of the species in the State. The initial reference-list includes all litera- ture, known to me, that contributes original data about the species in Kansas. The list is organized as a chronological synonymy, correlating names that have been used for each species with the name recommended here. The scientific and vernacular names that I accept are those used in "A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada" (Amer. Fish. Soc, Spec. Publ. 2, second edition, 1960), with this exception: Some ver- 14 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. nacular names given in the publication cited are changed sHghtly for gram- matical reasons ( e. g., "shovelnose sturgeon" emended to "shovel-nosed sturgeon" ) . The symbols used on distributional maps have the following meaning: Circles represent records prior to 1915, whereas discs (solid black dots) represent records obtained since 1915; circles and discs bearing short vertical Hnes represent literature-records for which I have not seen specimens. Triangles represent records from impoundments. The distributional records shown were compilied mainly from collections obtained by personnel of the State Biological Survey and the Museum of Natural History, at The University of Kansas. Catalogue numbers of important specimens are indicated in a few accounts. Museums in which these specimens are deposited are The University of Kansas Museum of Natural History (KU), the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ), the United States National Museum (USNM), and the zoological collections of Kansas State University ( KSU ). The sequence in which the several families of fishes appear in the text fol- lows the arrangement proposed by Greenwood, Rosen, Weitzman, and Myers (1966). Methods for Identification of Species Identification of an unknown fish requires an understanding of descriptive terminology that may be unfamiliar to some users of this book. Therefore, a glossary of terms employed in the keys and species-accounts is provided on pages 20-23. The glossary is supplemented by illustrations that depict some of the characteristics on which identifications are based. Several of the characters useful for identification pertain to counts of scales, fin-rays, or other structures; additional characters pertain to the relative size (or shape) of bcdy-parts, and are expressed as proportional measurements. For characters that are used most often, and for the terms relating to them, a more detailed explanation than that in the glossary is given below. Lateral-line scales refers to the total number of scales in the distinctive lateral-line row (see glossary) apparent on the mid-sides of most fish. The count begins with one scale that is in contact with the bony shoulder-girdle, at the back of the head of the fish, and terminates with the scale that lies at the structural base of the caudal fin (see Fig. 4). That base can be located by flexing the caudal fin from side to side and noting the point at which a crease appears on the body immediately before the fin. Scales posterior to this crease overlie rays and membranes of the fin itself and are not counted. Scale rotvs around body refers to the number of longitudinal rows of scales, counted at the point of greatest body-depth. Most fishes in which this char- acter is used have their greatest depth immediately before the dorsal and pelvic fins. In making the count, the lateral line is taken as the point of departure. Scale rows dorsal to the lateral line are enumerated separately from those ven- tral to the lateral line. The count is begun with the first row of scales above the lateral line on one side of the fish, and continues by tallying all scale rows over the crest of the back and downward to the lateral line on the opposite side. The process is repeated ventrally. A count given as 11 — 2 — 13 means that the fish has 11 rows of scales dorsal to its lateral lines, and 13 rows ventral to the lateral-line rows; because the lateral-line row on each side is omitted from, the count, a "2" is inserted to permit accurate expression of the total number of rows, or circumferential scale-count. Scale rows around caudal peduncle are counted in the same manner as scale rows around the body; but, the count is made at the narrowest point on the peduncle (see Fig. 4 and glossary). Fishes of Kansas 15 Prcdorsal scale rows are defined as the total number of rows ot scales that cross the midline of the back, obliquely, between the occiput and the origin of the dorsal fin. Fiti-ratjs (spines and soft-rays) refer to the rodlike structures that support membranes in the fins. In soft-rayed fins that are angular in shape and have a relatively straight leading edge, only the principal rays are counted, as showTi in Figure 6B. In fins that curve gradually away from the body-wall, the total rays must be enumerated, including all anterior rudiments (Fig. 6A). In either case, the last two soft-rays, at the posterior end of the fin, are counted as one ray if their bases are notably closer together than are the bases of other rays anterior to these two (Fig. 6). The counts given (in keys) for the dorsal and anal fins of minnows and suckers are of principal rays; counts given for the same two fins in topminnows, and for the anal fin in catfishes, are of total rays. All rays are counted in the pectoral and pelvic fins in all fishes. Fin-spines are counted separately from soft-ra>s. Means for distinguishing soft-rays from spines are indicated in the glossary. Pharyngeal teeth are conical structures projecting from the fifth ( pharyngeal ) gill arch (Fig. 9); its location is indicated in the glossary. A tool useful for removing the pharyngeal arch from minnows and suckers can be made by heating the tip of an ordinary dissecting-needle and bending the tip into a minute hook. The hooked tip is inserted alongside the dorsal and ventral arms of the pharyngeal arch, which can then be torn free of their ligamentous attach- ments. Fine-tipped forceps also are useful in separating the arch from the soft tissue in which it is embedded, but the operation must be performed gently to avoid breaking the teeth. In minnows, the teeth are situated in one or two rows on the crescent-shaped arch ( three rows in the introduced carp ) . The primary row consists of four or five teeth; the secondary "row," if present, contains one or two teeth situated within the curve of the primary row. A count given as 2,5 — 4,2 means that 2 teeth exist in the secondary row of each arch, and that the pharyngeal arch on the left side of the fish has a primary row of five teeth whereas the right pharyngeal arch has but 4 teeth in the primary row. A count of 0,4 — 4,0 indicates that the 4 teeth present on each arch all lie in the same plane or row. The central portion of the arch must be examined carefully, under magnification, for evidence of broken or lost teeth; a well-defined pit adjacent to other teeth (or the broken base of a tooth) constitutes such evidence, which should be incorporated in the count. Vertebral counts given in descriptive paragraphs were obtained by means of X-rays, and are total counts inclusive of the hypural vertebra. In counting \ ertebrae of cyprinif orm fishes ( minnows, suckers, and catfishes ) , it was as- sumed that four centra are represented in the fused Webberian group anteriorly. Vertebral counts are not essential for identification of any species discussed. Proportional measurements are expressed either in integers or as fractions — for example, "head length 4.0-5.0 in standard length," or "head length Vi to V^ of standard length." The distances represented by terms such as "head length" and "standard length" are indicated in Figure 4 or in the glossary. The smaller dimens'on can be established conveniently by means of an implement called dividers, which can then be rotated step-wise along the larger dimension. If the length of the head stepped into the standard length of a specimen proved to be 4.5, the head length would be "more than 4.0 in" or "less than M" the standard length of that specimen. Use of Keys The keys form a sequence of numbered couplets (paired, contrasting state- ments) beginning on page 24. Both parts of each couplet should be read carefullv before deciding which of the two statements best describes the fish at hand. Use of the keys proceeds as follows, from couplet number 1 on page 24: ( 1 ) If your fish lacks jaws, has a mouth that resembles a suction-cup, and hr.s a line of seven gill-pits rather than a single slotlike gill-opening, you are 16 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. fortunate to have found a lamprey (Family Petroniyzontidae ) and you may turn to page 30 for further information about it. If, on the other hand, your specimen does have jaws and a single gill-opening, continue use of the key with couplet number 2. (2) Read both alternatives in couplet 2, and refer to Figure 5. Then, if you conckide that the caudal fin of your fish is symmetrical and has a vertical base ( homocercal ) , go to the couplet numbered 6 (otherwise go to couplet 3). (3) In couplet 6, if the first statement accurately describes your specimen, it is an American eel ( Family Anguillidae, page 49 ) . If the second statement better fits the fish at hand, proceed to couplet number 7, and continue as abo\e until specific identification has been made. Often, the identification will re- quire use of a second set of keys, to the kinds of fishes within families that are represented by more than one species in Kansas. As a precautionary measure, you should check the characteristics of several individual fish that you believe to be alike, while utilizing the keys to identify them. Most kinds of fish have a wide range of individual variation, as is im- plied by the range in scale-count or fin-ray count that is cited in each half of many couplets. The range of variation gi\en is inclusive of most (but not necessarily all) individuals of a species; therefore, failure of a specimen to "fit the key," or its misidentification, ma\' result from unusual features of that specimen relative to others of its kind. Examination of several specimens (if available) will minimize this problem. For the same reason, namely because of intraspecific variation, some species are "keyed out" in more than one way, accounting for duplicate appearance of the names of those species in different parts of the same key. Most difficulties encountered in identifying particular fish will reflect un- usual but still "normal" characteristics of the species. Nevertheless, users of this handbook should remember that knowledge of our fish-fauna is incom- plete. Additional species are likely to be found within the State, and exten- sions of the known distributions of other species are certain. Therefore, "un- identifiable" specimens command real interest, as do specimens caught outside the areas of known occurrence as given in the species-accounts. Such speci- mens, preserved in formalin or alcohol, can be packaged as directed on page 329 and sent to the Museum of Natural History at The University of Kansas for identification. Fishes of Kansas 17 ORIGIN OF DORSAL FIN NAPE -barbel: ADIPOSE FIN NARES '■PECTORAL FIN -BARBELS ' INSERTION OF PELVIC -ANAL FIN -PELVIC FIN (ABDOMINAL) CAUDAL FIN- PREDORSAL LENGTH -| h HEAD LENGTH -SNOUT LENGTH STANDARD LENGTH ISTHMUS BREAST-i BELLY -LATERAL LINE -PELVIC FIN (THORACIC) NARIS (POSTERIOR) NARIS — 1 (ANTERIOR) INFRAORBITAL CANAL (INCOMPLETE) INFRAORBITAL CANAL (COMPLETE) SUPRATEMPORAL CANAL NAPE EYE-i SNOUT OPERCULAR SPINE CAUDAL PEDUNCLE LENGTH SUPRAORBITAL CANAL LATERAL CANAL r SUPRATEMPORAL CANAL LATERAL LINEn , SCALE ^-^-^■■) OPERCLE PREOPERCLE MAXILLARY ' MANDIBLE SUBOPERCLE L-INTEROPERCLE ^CHEEK LPREMAXILLARY (PROTRACTILE) GILL MEMBRANE PREOPERCLE -BRANCHIOSTEGAL -PREOPERCULOMANDIBULAR CANAL i-MANDIBLE i-PREMAXILLARY (NON- PROTRACTILE) Fig. 4. Structural features of fishes that are used often for identification. Species shown are channel catfish (top), largemouth (center), johnny darter ( lower left ) , and stippled darter ( lower right ) . 2—6169 18 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. ABBREVIATE-HETEROCERCAL HETEROCERCAL Fig. 5. Kinds of caudal fins in fishes. Homocercal fin shown is that of black crappie; abbreviate-heterocercal, short-nosed gar; heterocercal, paddlefish. 6 8 A B Fig. 6. Hypothetical anal fins (or, in effect, inverted dorsal finsj showing how fin-rays are counted. { Redrawn from Bailey, 1956:Fig. 7. ) A. Total ray-count, as taken in fins that slope gradually awa>- from the body contour. B. Principal ray-count, as taken in fins that have a straight leading edge (rudimentary [procurrent] rays contiguous anteriorly). '"'"iiniHillii" A B C D Fig. 7. First gill arches of four fishes, showing differences in number and shape of gill rake's (on left or concave side of each arch, see arrows). A. Rakers numerous and slender, as in Clupeidae. Gizzard shad illustrated. B. Rakers short and knoblike, as in Hiodontidae. Goldeye illustrated. C. Rakers slender, as in species of Lepomis other than the longear and the redear. Green sunfish illustrated. D. Rakers short and knoblike, as in the longear (illustrated) and the redear. Fishes of Kansas 19 A B c lie. 8. Gill membranes of fishes in relation to ventral body wall (note arrows). A. Right and left membranes bound down to isthmus, as in minnows and suckers ( carpsucker illustrated ) ; a needle-tip slipped into the gill cleft on one side cannot be moved freely across to the opposite side. Gill mem- branes free from isthmus in B and C. B. Gill membranes broadly joined across isthmus, as in banded darter. C. GiU membranes separate (right and left sides not conjoined), as in stippled darter. DORSAL A B C Fig. 9. Pharyngeal arches of suckers ( A and B ) and a minnow ( C ) . As shown, arches have been laid on a horizontal surface with teeth projecting upward. (Redrawn from Bailey, 1956:Fig. 5.) A. Golden redhorse; Teeth numerous and slender, in a single row (comblike). B. Ri\'er redhorse; Lower teeth stumplike or molariform, but numerous and uniserial. C. Creek chub; Teeth few, confined to central part of arch, often hooked ( two- rowed in this species). The sequence in which rows are counted is indi- cated by numerals 1, 2, 3, 4. The count of number of teeth therefore is 2,5 — 4,2. See p. 15 for additional explanation. 20 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. GLOSSARY abdominal (adj.): pertaining to the belly; pelvic fins abdominal when inserted far behind the bases of pectoral fins (Fig. 4). acute ( adj. ) : sharply pointed. adipose fin: fleshy, rayless fin on the midline of the back between the dorsal and caudal fins (Fig. 4). adnate (adj.) : grown together ( united ) . See Fig. 17. air bladder (n.): membranous, gas-filled sac in the upper part of the body cavity, anal fin: ventral unpaired fin (Fig. 4). barbel (n.): slender, flexible process located near the mouth; tactile and gusta- tory in function (Figs. 4, IID, 12A). basioccipital (n., adj.): hindmost bone on the underside of the skull. In Hybognathm, the basioccipital can be exposed by cutting across the isthmus (throat) and bending the head upward. The posterior process of the basioccipital is then seen as a posterior projection into the anterior part of the body cavity; the bone and its attached muscles pivot dov^ai- ward as the head is bent back (Fig. 14). belly (n.): ventral surface posterior to the base of the pelvic fins, anterior to the anal fin (Fig. 4). bicuspid (adj.): having two points (applicable especially to teeth). branchiostegal (n., adj.): one of the bones supporting the gill membranes, ventral to the operculum (Fig. 4). breast (n.): ventral surface anterior to the insertion of the pelvic fins (Fig. 4). caducous (adj.): readily shed (as belly-scales in genus Percina, Fig. 20). caecum (n.): blind pouch or other saclike evagination, especially at the pylorus (junction of stomach and small intestine). canine teeth: in fishes, conical teeth, in the front part of the jaws, that project beyond the others. caudal fin: tail fin (Fig. 4). caudal peduncle: narrow region of the body in front of the caudal fin (from the posterior end of the base of the anal fin to the base of the caudal fin; Fig. 4). cheek (n.): area between the eye and the preopercle bone (Fig. 4). circumoral teeth: liorny teeth that surround the esophagus in lampreys. circumorbital (n., adj.): any one of a series of thin dermal bones behind, below, and in front of the eye (preorbital anterior, suborbitals below, postorbitals behind). cleithrum (n): major bone of the pectoral girdle, extending upward from the fin-base and forming the posterior margin of the gill chamber. compressed (adj.): narrow from side to side (flattened laterally). concave (adj.): curved inward (hollowed). convex (adj.): curved outward (arched). ctenoid scales: scales that bear a patch of spinelike prickles on the exposed (posterior) field. cycloid scales: more or less rounded scales that bear no ctenii or prickles. depressed (adj.): flattened from top to bottom; wider than deep. distal (adj.): remote from point of attachment (free edge of fins, farthest from their bases). dorsal (adj., n.): pertaining to the back; often used as an abbreviation for dorsal fin. dorsal fin (n.): median unpaired fin (or fins, exclusive of adipose) atop tlie back (Fig. 4, 10). emarginate (adj.): having the distal margin notched. Fishes of Kansas 21 entire (adj.): having an edge (as of a spine or bone) that is smooth rather than serrate. falcate (adj.): sickle-shaped (with a concave margin). fin-ray (n.): a bony or cartilaginous rod supporting the fin-membrane. Soft- rays usually are segmented (cross-striated), often branched, and flexible near their tips (Figs. 4, 5, and 6), whereas spines are not segmented,, never branched, and usually are stiff to their sharp distal tips (Fig. 4). fontanelle (n.): aperture or opening in a bony surface. frenum (n.): ridge or fold of tissue that binds or restrains any part; as the tissue that binds the upper jaw to the snout. ganoid (adj.): pertains to thick, strong scales with a covering of ganoin, as in gars. gape (n., v. int.): refers to the mouth. In fishes, width of gape is the trans- verse distance between the two ends of the mouth cleft, when the mouth is closed; length of gape is the diagonal distance from the anterior (median) end of the lower lip to one end of the moutli cleft. genital papilla: fleshy projection adjacent to anus, as in darters. gill filaments: respiratory structures projecting posteriorly from gill arches. gill membranes (n.): membranes that close the gill cavity ventrolaterally, sup- ported by the branchiostegals (Fig. 8). gill rakers: projections (knobby or comblike) from the concave anterior surface of the gill arches (Fig. 7). gonopodium (n.): modified anal fin of Gamhusia and other poeciliid fishes„ used in transfer of sperm to genital pore of female. gular fold (n.): transverse fold of soft tissue across the throat. gular plate (n.): large, median, dermal bone on the throat, as in the bowfin, heterocercal (adj.): the caudal fin is heterocercal if the vertebral column turns upward into the dorsal lobe (Fig. 5). homocercal (n.): the caudal fin is homocercal if the posterior vertebra (with its hypural plate) is modified to support the entire fin; neither lobe is invaded by the vertebral column (Fig. 5). humeral "scale" (n.): scalelike bone, often dark colored, behind the gill open- ing and above the base of the pectoral fin (in darters). hypurals (n.): expanded last vertebral processes in fishes having a homocercal tail (Fig. 5). infraorbital canal: segment of the lateral-line canal that curves beneath the eye and extends forward onto the snout (Fig. 4). insertion (of fins) (n.): anterior end of the bases of the paired fins (Figs. 4, 10), intermuscular bones: fragile, branched bones that are isolated in the connec- tive tissue between body-muscles (myomeres). interopercle (n.): small bone of the gill cover situated between the preopercle and the subopercle (Fig. 4). interradial membranes (n.): membranes between fin-rays. isthmus (n.): contracted part of the breast that projects forward between (and separates) the gill chambers (Figs. 4 and 8). jugular (adj.): pertaining to the throat; pelvic fins jugular when inserted in front of bases of pectoral fins. lateral line: system of sensory tubules comnuinicating to the body-surface by pores; refers most often to a longitudinal row of scales that bear tubules and pores. Incomplete if only the anterior scales have pores; complete if all scales in that row (to base of caudal fins) have pores (Fig. 4). lingual lamina: horny ridge on the "tongue" of a lamprey. mandible (n.): principal bone of the lower jaw (Fig. 4). mandibular pores; pores along a tube that traverses the underside of each lower jaw (part of the lateral line system) (Fig. 4). 22 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. maxilla (maxillary) (n.): bone of each upper jaw tliat lies immediately above (or behind) and parallel to the premaxilla (Fig. 4). melanophore (n.): black pigment cell. myomere (n): muscle segment. nape (n.): dorsal part of the bodv from the occiput to the origin of the dorsal fin (Fig. 4). nares (n.): nostrils; in fishes, each nostril usually has an anterior and a posterior narial opening, located above and in front of the exes (Fig. 4). non-protractile (adj.): not protrusible; prcmaxillaries non-protractile if they are not fully separated from the snout by a continuous groove (Fig. 4). nuchal (adj.): pertaining to the nape. nuptial tubercles: hardened, often thornlike projections from the skin, seen in adult males of many fishes during their breeding season; also called pearl organs. occiput (n.): in fishes, the posterior dorsal end of the head, often marked by the line separating scaly and scaleless portions of the skin. opercle (n.): large posterior bone of the gill cover (Fig. 4). opercular flap: posterior extension of the operculum, especially in sunfishes ("ear" flap in Lepomis spp.). oral valve: thin membranes, one near the front of each jaw, which function in respiration. orbit (n.): eyesocket; orbital diameter is measured from the anterior to the posterior bony rim of the eyesocket, whereas eve diameter is measured across the cornea only (and is slightly less than orbital diameter). origin (of fins) (n.): anterior end of the base of a dorsal fin or anal fin (Figs. 4, 10). palatine teeth (n.): teeth borne by the paired palatine bones, which lie on the roof of the mouth behind the median \'omer and mesial to the upper jaw. papilla (n.): in fishes, any small, blunt, soft, and rounded protuberance on the skin. papillose (adj.): covered with papillae (as contrasted with plicate when applied to lips of suckers) (Fig. IIC). pectoral fin: paired fin on the side, or on the breast, behind the head (Fig. 4); corresponding to forelimb of a manmial. pelvic fin: ventral paired fin, lying below the pectoral fin or between it and the anal fin (Fig. 4). peritoneum (n.): membranous lining of the body cavity (Fig. 13). pharyngeal teeth: bony projections from the fifth gill arch, which is non- respiratory and is embedded in tissues behind the gill-bearing arches, mesial to the cleithrum (Fig. 9). plicate (adj.): having parallel folds or soft ridges; grooved lips (Fig. 16). premaxilla (premaxillary) (n.): paired bone at the front of the upper jaw. The right and left premaxillae join anteriorly and form all or part of the border of the jaw (Figs. 4, 18). preopercle (n.): sickle-shaped bone that lies behind and below the eye (Fig. 4). preoperculomandibular canal: branch of the lateral-line system which extends along the preopercle and mandible (Fig. 4). preorbital (adj., n.): bone forming the anterior rim of the eyesocket, and extending forward on side of snout; see circumorbital. principal rays: fin-rays that extend to the distal margin of median fins, espe- cially if those fins have a straight leading edge; enumerated by counting only one unbranched ray anteriorly, plus subsequent branched rays; see page 15 and Fig. 6B). procurrent ("rudimentary") rays: small, contiguous rays at the anterior bases of the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins of many fishes; excluded from the count of principal fin-rays. Fishes of Kansas 23 protractile (adj.): capable of being thrust out. Said of the upper jaw if it is completely separated from the face by a continuous groove (absence of a frcnum) (Fig. 4). pseudobranchium (n.): accessory gill on the inner surface of the operculum. ray (n.): see fin-ray. serrate (adj.): notched or toothed on the edge, like a saw; opposed to entire. snout (n.): part of the head anterior to the eye (but not including the lower jaw) (Fig. 4). soft-ray (n.): see fin-ray. spine (n.): see fin-ray. spiracle (n.): orifice on the back part of the head (above and behind the eye) in some fishes (paddlefish and some sturgeons), representing a primitive gill cleft. standard length: distance from the tip of the snout to the structural base of the caudal fin (point at which central caudal rays originate) (Fig. 4). subopercle (n.): bonv plate immediately below the opercle in the gill cover (Fig. 4). suborbitals (n.): thin bones forming the lower part of the orbital r^ni. subterminal mouth: mouth that opens slightly ventrally, rather than straight forward from the front of the head; lower jaw closing within the upper jaw rather than equal to it in its anterior extent. supramaxilla (n.): small, movable bone adherent to the upper edge of the maxilla near its posterior tip. supraorbital canal: paired branch of the lateral-line system that extends along the top of the head between the eyes and forward onto the snout (Fig. 4). supratemporal canal: branch of the lateral-line system that crosses the top of the head at the occiput, connecting the lateral canals (Fig. 4). symphysis (n.): articulation of two bones in the median plane of the body, especially that of the two halves of the lower jaw (mandibles) at the chin. terete (adj.): cylindrical and tapering with circular cross-section; having a rounded body form, the width and depth about equal. thoracic (adj.): pertaining to the thorax, including especially the chest in fishes; pelvic fins thoracic when inserted below the pectoral fins (Fig. 4). tuberculate (adj.): having, or characterized by, a tubercle or tubercles; see nuptial tubercles. turgid (adj.): distended; swollen or inflated with fluid. 24 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. KEY TO FAMILIES OF FISHES 1. Jaws absent, mouth an oval suction-cup; seven small gill-openings in a line behind head Petromyzontidae, page 30 Jaws present, mouth not cuplike; gill-opening single, slotlike, at back of head 2 2. Caudal fin at least slightly asymmetrical, its base slanting dovraward and forward ( heterocercal. Fig. 5 ) 3 Caudal fin symmetrical, its base vertical (usually homocercal, Fig. 5) 6 3. Body naked or with 5 rows of bony plates; caudal fin forked, strongly heterocercal "* Body completely scaled; caudal fin rounded, abbreviate-heterocercal, 5 4. Bodv naked (except for a small patch of scales on tail); mouth open- ing forward, beneath paddlelike snout; gill cover long, flexible, pointed posteriorly Polyodontidae, page 38 Body with 5 rows of bony plates; mouth protrusible downward; gill cover short, rounded posteriorly Acipenseridae, page 32 5. Jaws prolonged into a toothed beak; scales diamond-shaped, hard; dorsal fin far back on body, with fewer than 12 rays, Lepisosteidae, page 40 Jaws short, snout blunt; scales rounded, flexible; dorsal fin extending most of length of back, with more than 45 rays ... Amiidae, page 46 6. Body fonn snakelike; dorsal, caudal, and anal fins united; pelvic fins absent Anguillidae, page 49 Body form not snakelike; dorsal, caudal, and anal fins separate; pelvic fins present 7 7 Adipose fin present ( sometimes as a low fleshy ridge joined to caudal fin) (Figs. 4, 17) 8 Adipose fin absent 10 8. Bodv naked; each pectoral fin with a strong spinous ray; 8 barbels on front of head Ictaluridae, page 196 Body scaled; pectoral fins entirely soft-rayed; no barbels 9 9. Scales minute, cycloid (more than 100 in lateral hne); anal fin with 10-12 soft-rays, lacking spines Sahnonidae, page 60 Scales large, ctenoid (about 52 in lateral line); anal fin with 6 or 7 soft-rays and an anterior spine Percopsidae, page 226 10. A single barbel on middle of chin; base of pelvic fins anterior to base of pectoral fins; two dorsal fins, both entirely soft-rayed; more than 50 rays in second dorsal fin and anal fin Gadidae, page 227 No barbel on chin; base of pelvic fins not anterior to base of pectoral fins; one or two dorsal fins, the first spinous if present; fewer than 35 ravs in anal and second dorsal fins 11 Fishes of Kansas 25 Faniil\ Petronivzontidae Familv Pol\odontidae J Famil)' Acipenseridae FaniiK Lepisosteidae Family Anguillidae Familv Ictaluridae Faniil)- Salmonidae FamiK- Percopsidae FamiK' Amiidae 26 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. 11. Pelvic fins abdominal (their base nearer tip of pectoral fin than base of pectoral fin when pectoral fin is laid straight back along body, see Fig. 4); dorsal fin never with more than one spine, except in Atherinidae ( one species, see 12) 12 Pelvic fins thoracic (their base nearer base of pectoral fin than tip of pectoral fin when pectoral is laid back along body, see Fig. 4 ) ; dorsal fin with several spines 19 12. A small dorsal finlet, containing 4 or 5 spines, in front of and well separated from the large soft-dorsal fin Atherinidae, page 2-'0 Dorsal fin single, without true spines (first ray sometimes hardened and spinelike ) 13 13. Anal fin with 18 or more rays; longest ray in anal fin only about half, or less than half, length of fin base (Fig. 6B) 14 Anal fin with fewer than 18 rays; longest rav in anal fin more than half length of fin base (Fig. 6B) .' 15 14. Lateral line absent; belly with modified, sharp-edged scales that catch or tear when rubbed forward; gill rakers numerous and slender (Fig. 7A) Clupeidae, page 51 Lateral line well developed; belly smooth, with ordinary scales; gill rakers few and knoblike ( Fig. 7B ) Hiodontidae, page 56 15. Jaws produced into a flattened, ducklike bill; teeth large, Esocidae, page 62 Jaws not produced into a ducklike bill; teeth inconspicuous or absent 16 16. Head scaleless; gill membranes joined to isthmus (opercular clefts terminating ventrally at a point behind level of eye, the membranes not overlapping each other anteriorly, see Fig. 8A); caudal fin forked 17 Head partly scaled, or with scaly plates; gill membranes free from isthmus (opercular clefts extending forward below eye, the mem- branes usually overlapping anteriorly, see Fig. 8C ) ; caudal fin not forked 18 17. Dorsal fin with 8 or 9 principal rays, or, if longer, containing a single spinelike, saw-edged ray at origin; pharyngeal arch with 1-3 rows of teeth, never more than 6 teeth in primary row (Fig. 9C); lips thin (Figs. 11, 12) Cyprinidae, page 64 Dorsal fin with 10 or more principal rays; first dorsal ray flexil)le at tip, never saw-edged posteriorly; pharyngeal arch with single row of more than 20 teeth ( Fig. 9A ) ; lips usually thick and fleshy (Figs. 15, 16) Catostomidae, page 164 Fishes of Kansas Z/ FaniiK' Atherinidae Family Cyprinidae Family Clupeidae Family Cyprinidae FamiK Hiodontidae Family Catostomidae Family Esocidae Family Catostomidae 28 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. 18. Dorsal fin with 9 or more rays; anal rays 12 or more (Fig. 6A); anal fin of males large, not rodlike; egg-laying . Cyprinodontidae, page 229 Dorsal fin with 7 or 8 rays; anal rays fewer than 10; anal fin of males a slender, rodlike organ ( gonopodium ) ; livebearing, Poeciliidae, page 238 19. Body nearly naked; head width more than % predorsal length (see Fig. 4 ) ; pelvic fin with fewer than 5 soft-rays .... Cottidae, page 241 Body scaled; head width less than % predorsal length (see Fig. 4); pelvic fin with 5 soft-rays 20 20. Anal fin with 3 or more spines 21 Anal fin with 1 or 2 spines 22 21. Spinous and soft-rayed parts of dorsal fin separate or scarcely joined ( shortest spine in notch between dorsal fins not more than M length of longest dorsal spine ) ; sides with several narrow, longi- tudinal stripes; pseudobranchia well developed , . Serranidae, page 243 Spinous and soft-rayed parts of dorsal fin continuous ( if fin is notched, next-to-last dorsal spine more than '3 length of longest dorsal spine); sides not marked by several distinct longitudinal stripes; pseudobranchia absent or inconspicuous .... Centrarchidae, page 246 22. Lateral line not extending onto caudal fin; dorsal fin divided into two parts, the second with fewer than 25 soft-rays ; second anal spine weak if present; species mostly small and mottled or barred with color Percidae, page 279 Lateral line extending onto caudal fin; dorsal fin single, with 25 or more soft-rays; second anal spine long and stout; plain silvery, deep-bodied species of large size Sciaenidae, page 324 Fishes of Kansas 29 Family Cyprinodontidae Family Centrarchidae Family Foeciliidae Family Centrarchidae Family Cottidae Family Percidae Family Serranidae Family Sciaenidae 30 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Lampreys FAMILY PETROMYZONTIDAE Chestnut lamprey Ichthyomyzon castaneus Girard 0 10 25 SOMiles -37 100 99 97 95 Petromtjzon argenteus, Wheeler (1879:34); Cragin (1885b: 106); Graham (1885b: 70). Petwmijzun castaneus, Cragin (1885a:100, 1885b:106). Ammocoetes niger, Cragin (1885b: 106); Graham (1885b:70). Iclitlitiomt/zon castaneus, Hubbs and Trautnian (1937:44, 72); Cross and Metcalf (1963:187); Metcalf (1966:91). Paired fins absent; 7 porelike external gill openings; month oval, jawless, lined with horny teeth; circumoral teeth nsnally 19-23, 4-9 of them bicuspid; usually 4 or 5 teeth in anterior row, 7-9 in lateral row; transverse lingual lamina nearly linear rather than prominently bilobed; myomeres usually 50-56; length of oral disc Vii to ]i- of total length. Coloration plain, dark gray to olivaceous, lighter ventrally. Maximum length approximately 14 inches, average about 9 inches. A century ago, the chestnut lamprey may have occurred through- out eastern Kansas. Wheeler (1879:34) recorded a lamprey that I assume was this species from the Marais des Cygnes at Ottawa. Graham (1885b: 70) reported lampreys as far west as Manhattan in the Kansas River Basin, and in the Cottonwood River of the Neosho System. Cragin (1885b: 106) found lampreys in the Kansas Fishes of Kansas 31 River System, and listed them from the Osage Drainage. To my knowledge, the only recent records and extant specimens ( KU 2740 and KU 11091) are from the Missouri River. Since 1952, I have heard reports of lampreys found by anglers on fish from the Kansas River in Wyandotte County and the Spring River in Cherokee County. Adult chestnut lampreys are parasitic on such fishes as carp, buffalofish, redhorse, paddlefish, and the larger sunfishes. By means of their funnellike mouths, they attach themselves to the sides of large fishes, and use the toothed tongue to rasp a shallow wound, through which they obtain body-fluids of the host as food. The lamprey detaches when satiated. Because some fish caught by commercial fishermen in the Missouri River bear scars of attacks by lampreys, it is evident that many of the hosts survive. After an unknown period of parasitic existence (probably about 15 months), the lampreys mature and move upstream to suitable spawning-grounds. In Oklahoma, chestnut lampreys in spawning- migrations have been collected below dams in mid- April. Although the spawning habits of chestnut lampreys have not been described, these habits are almost certainly like those of other known species. The males select nest-sites in swift, shallow riffles, where the bottom is composed of clean gravel. In preparing the nest the males remove small stones, by mouth or by dislodging them by vigorous swimming motions, thus creating a shallow depression. In the spawning act, both males and females attach by mouth to stones at the upper end of the nest, and eggs and sperm are ex- truded while the bodies of the fish extend downstream over the nest-depression. The eggs fall into crevices in the gravel, and de- velop there without attention from the parent fish, which die after completion of spawning. Well-oxygenated water, essential for sur- \i\al of the eggs throughout their development, is provided by flow through cre\'ices in the gravel. On hatching, the young lamprey ( called an ammocoete ) emerges from the gravel and drifts downstream. Arriving in an area of slack current, the ammocoete burrows into soft sediment. The sedentary larva protrudes its head from its burrow and feeds on minute or- ganisms that are produced in the waters above the "lamprey beds," or are washed into the area by currents. After an unknown period (one or more years), the ammocoete emerges permanently from its burrow in autumn, acquires the disc- like, strongly-toothed mouth and other characteristics of adulthood, and assumes the parasitic habit. 32 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. A suitable environment for lampreys must provide clear, flowing water over clean gravel for spawning; stable waterlevels over bot- toms of soft silt, occupied by the ammocoetes; and an adequate population of large fishes acceptable as hosts for the adult lampreys. Commercial fishermen on the Missouri River have told me that they saw far fewer lampreys, and scarred fish, in the 1950's than in former years — especially than several decades ago. The records of lampreys in the 1800's in streams where none has been found in recent surveys also indicate a decline in the abundance of lampreys in Kansas. Probably most streams in which lampreys formerly spawned have been so modified by cultivation of their watershed, with attendant siltation and instability of flow, that neither riffles clean enough for survival of eggs, nor backwaters stable enough for survival of ammocoetes presently exist. Other species timt may occur in Kansas. — Two other lampreys, IcJithyomyzon gagei Hubbs and Trautman, and /. unicuspis Hubbs and Trautman, may occur in Kansas. /. gagei, a nonparasitic relative of castaneus, has been reported from several localities in the Neosho River System in northeastern Oklahoma. It differs from casUmeus in smaller adult size (5 to 6 inches) and length of disc (Wa to ^/io of total length). /. unicuspis, a parasitic species, has been found in the Missouri River both above and below that part of the mainstream which borders Kansas. It differs from castaneus in: circumoral teeth uni- cuspid (one or two teeth rarely biscuspid); teeth in anterior row usually 3, in lateral row usually 7; transverse lingual lamina bilobed. Sturgeons FAMILY ACIPENSERIDAE KEY 1. Caudal peduncle partly naked, its length (Fig. 4) much less than dis- tance from origin of anal fin to insertion of pelvics; spiracle present lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, p. 33 Caudal peduncle covered by scaly plates, its length greater than distance from origin of anal fin to insertion of pelvics; spiracle absent 2 2. Barbels arising near middle of snout length; distance from base of inner barbel to tront of mouth contained 1.3-2.2 times in distance from base of outer barbel to tip of snout; length of inner barbels con- tained 1.2-1.5 times in length. of outer barbels; breast (in front of pelvic fins ) scaled except in young shovel-nosed sturgeon, Scapliir]ujnc}ius phitorynchus, p. 34 Barbels arising much nearer front of mouth than tip of snout; distance from base of inner barbel to front of mouth contained 2.3-3.3 times in distance from base of outer barbel to tip of snout; length of inner barbels contained 1.6-2.4 times in length of outer barbels; breast naked in front of pelvic fins pallid sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus, p. 36 Fishes of Kansas 33 Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesqiie Acipenser maculosus. Snow ( 1875:140). Acipenser nihricundus, Cragin (1885b: 106); Graham ( 1885b :70). Acipenser fulvescens, Breukelman (1960:29); Metcalf (1966:162). Scutes (scales) on body arranged in five prominent longitudinal rows; snout short and conical; spiracle present; caudal peduncle short, stout, not fully scaled. Coloration gray or olivaceous dorsally, white ventrally; young with dusky dorsal blotches. Maximum weight more than 200 pounds. All the listed records of the lake sturgeon in Kansas are indefinite, and may originate from the same report of occurrence in the Kansas River at Lawrence, by Francis H. Snow. Snow (1875:140) stated that this sturgeon was "Well known to our fishermen" and that "The largest specimen taken weighed 26 lbs." Snow listed shovel-nosed sturgeons in the same report, so confusion with that species seems unlikely. Because no specimens from Kansas were preserved, and Law- rence is the southwesternmost locality from which lake sturgeons ever have been reported. Snow's record may be doubted. How- ever, the abundance of A. fulvescens seems to have diminished greatly in the past century, over much of its original range. I think Snow's record is valid. Since 1952, I have seen photographs of two lake sturgeons that were said to have been caught near to Kansas by anglers: one in the Missouri River at Rulo, Nebraska, and one in the Osage River in Missouri. I have been told that a sturgeon weighing 35 pounds was caught in the Kansas River in the 1930's. A. fulvescens inhabits large rivers and lakes. Some individuals weigh 200 pounds or more, and live 80 or more years. Females are not mature until 20 or more years old. Spawning occurs in late spring, over gravel-bottoms of streams or in the shallows of large lakes. Some individuals migrate many miles prior to spawning. The food of sturgeons consists mainly of aquatic insects, mollusks, and crayfish. 3—6169 34 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. A widespread decline in abundance of lake sturgeons, near the beginning of this century, is thought to be attributable to several factors: Pollution and siltation of rivers, which adversely aflFected food-supplies (especially of mollusks) and spawning sites; construc- tion of dams that restricted access to spawning sites; and over- exploitation by fishing. Shovel-nosed sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Rafinesque) "v- '^ - '-Ji9 Scaphirhynchus platyrhynchus, Snow (1875:140); Breukelman (1940b:383). Scaphirhyncho psplatyrliynchus, Graham ( 1885a:4). Scapliirrhynchops platynhynchiis, Ciagin (1885b: 106); Graham (1885b:70). ScapJiirhynchus platorliyncJius, Jennings ( 1942:364). Scaphirhynchus phitorynchus, Bailev and Gross (1954); Cross and Hastings (1956:86); Minckley (1959:414-415); Breukehnan (1960:29); Metcalf (1966:94). Snout flat, broad, spadelike; spiracle absent; caudal peduncle long, slender, depressed, covered by large scales; venter covered by small scales; barbels inserted in straight line, their bases about equidistant from tip of snout and lower (hind) lip; inner barbels at least % as long as outer barbels; anal fin-rays 18 to 23. Goloration light brown dorsally, white ventrally. Fishes of Kansas 35 The shovel-nosed sturgeon is common in the Missouri and lower Kansas rivers, diminishing in abundance westward, but occurring in the lower Blue River and in the Republican River to Nebraska. Although Graham (1885b: 70) reported the species as "common over State," Hay (1887) did not record any sturgeon in the main branches of the Kansas River in western Kansas, nor did Jordan (1891) list any from the Arkansas River at Wichita. However, Bandel ( 1932:156) wrote of seining "a few buffalo, catfish, sturgeons (italics mine), and gars" in the Arkansas River near the Kansas- Oklahoma boundary on July 2, 1857. I have heard that fishermen still catch shovel-nosed sturgeons, rarely, in the lower mainstream of the Arkansas River in Kansas; the nearest published record represented by specimens is a few miles south of the State line. Shovel-nosed sturgeons live near the bottom in large rivers, most often over firm, shallow, sandy bottoms in channels where the cur- rent is strong. Males become sexually mature at a length of about 20 inches, and females at a length of 25 inches. The maximum size normally attained is about 30 inches and 5 pounds, but specimens as large as 7 pounds have been reported. Our meager knowledge of the spawning habits of the shovel-nosed sturgeon is summarized by Forbes and Richardson (1920:27) as follows: "It spawns between April and June, probably ascending smaller streams for that purpose." Specimens from which eggs and milt flowed freely have been found in Kansas in late April, and in the Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa, in mid-May. Reports from the latter area "indicate that spawning occurs on rocky bottom in swift water" ( Coker , 1930 : 155 ) . Concentrations of this species in early spring, below a low dam on the Kansas River at Lawrence, indicate that migrations upstream precede spawning. These concentrations seem greatest in years when the river is high, and least in time of drought. At Keokuk, Iowa, Coker (1930:154) stated that runs of sturgeon in the Missis- sippi River are variable, best when the river is low in spring and poor when it is high. Perhaps the species seeks an optimal volume of flow, departing from the largest rivers to enter tributaries for spawning in years when streams are high. The few reports published on the food of this species indicate that it is mainly insectivorous, but eats some algae and bits of higher aquatic plants. The stomachs of specimens from Kansas contain a wide variety of larval insects, plus organic detritus — the latter prob- ably ingested coincidentally with insects. In aquaria under my 36 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. observation food was found by raking the bottom by means of the sensitive barbels that project downward from the snout. The highly-protrusible Hps are adapted for sucking. Most shovel-nosed sturgeons caught by anglers are taken on worms. In the commercial fishery of the Missouri River, the largest numbers of sturgeons are caught in trammel nets, which are drifted with the current in winter. Although the species has long had significant commercial importance elsewhere, many of the fishermen on the Missouri River consider the sturgeon a nuisance. Sturgeons are highly vulnerable to drift-nets, regardless of mesh-size, because the hooked scutes of small sturgeons become entangled in threads of the nets. Most sturgeons caught are below marketable size, but some fishermen kill them, nonetheless. Depletion from this cause, coupled with modification of the habitat (dams; restriction of chan- nels for purpose of navigation) may cause a decline of the species like that described by Coker (1930:152) in the Mississippi River. Because of their ancient lineage, sturgeons command great bio- logical interest, and merit preservation. Most Kansans proudly claim as their progenitors the hardy pioneer stock that settled here about a century ago; many can claim some ancestry from the In- dians that occupied the region for several thousands of years; sturgeons, in contrast, have inhabited our rivers for hundreds of millions of years. Their severe depletion now would be tragically unnecessary. Pallid sturgeon (or white sturgeon) Scaphirhynchus albus (Forbes and Richardson) Scaphirhtfnchus alhus, Bailev and Cross (1954); Fisher (1962:427); Met- calf (i966:94). Like the shovel-nosed sturgeon, except: venter naked; median (inner) barbels inserted sHghtly anterior to outer pair of barbels; bases of barbels much nearer lower (hind) lip than tip of snout; inner barbels less than % as long as outer barbels; anal fin-rays 24 to 28. Coloration light brown dorsally, white ventrally. In Kansas, the pallid sturgeon is known only from the mainstream of the Missouri River and the lower Kansas River. This sturgeon Fishes of Kansas 37 40- 39- 38- 37 102 101 -I 1 r -40 39 38 37 seems to live only in the largest, muddiest rivers of the Missouri- Mississippi System. Like the shovel-nosed sturgeon, the pallid stur- geon is found most often over firm sandy bottom in strong current. UnHke the shovel-nosed sturgeon, S. alhiis does not penetrate far into secondary streams of the Missouri System, nor does it inhabit the less turbid large rivers north and east of the mouth of the Mis- souri River. Seemingly, pallid sturgeons enter the lower Kansas River from the Missouri mainstream only in years of exceptionally high water. During the spring of 1952, following unprecedented floods on Kansas River, the ratio of pallid to shovel-nosed sturgeons at Lawrence was about 1 to 20. From 1953 to 1966, no pallid stur- geons were known to have been caught in the Kansas River. None was found among thousands of fish (including many shovel-nosed sturgeons) that washed ashore after an extensive fish-kill in the Kansas River near Eudora in 1955. The pallid sturgeon sometimes grows large. Bailey and Allum (1962:28) mention a 68-pound example caught in North Dakota; and, a specimen from Montana that weighed 31.5 pounds was 58 inches long (Bailey and Cross, 1954:202). Nothing is known of the longevity, growth-rate, size at maturity, or reproductive habits. The stomach-contents of a few specimens from the Kansas River con- sisted of larval insects and small fishes. Because of its restricted range and probable late attainment of maturity, the pallid sturgeon is more seriously threatened than the shovel-nosed sturgeon (see discussion of that species) by man's modification of river-channels and wasteful fishing practices. 38 UiXiv. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Paddlefish FAMILY POLYODONTIDAE Paddlefish (Spoonbill, Spoonbill cat Polyodon spathula (Walbaum) 0 10 25 SOMiles -37 102 101 100 99 98 96 95 Pohjodoii folium. Snow (1875:140). Polyodon spathula, Graham (1885a:4; 1885b:70); Cragin (1885b:106); Cross and Hastings (1956:86); Wilson (1957); Metcalf (1959:383; 1966:95); Breukelman ( 1960:29, 33). Polydon spathula, Jennings ( 1942:364). Body stout, naked except for patch of ganoid scales on upper lobe of caudal fin; snout long, spatula-shaped; caudal fin heterocercal; mouth large, opening straight forward beneath snout; barbels (2) minute, much nearer mouth than tip of snout; gill membranes continuous across isthmus, and with long posterior projections laterally; skeleton cartilaginous. Coloration bluish-gray dorsally, white ventrally. Maximum weight about 100 pounds. In Kansas the paddlefish is confined to the Missouri River, where Polyodon remains common, and the lower mainstreams of the Kan- sas, Marais des Cygnes, and Arkansas rivers. Records from the Arkansas River (Metcalf, 1959:383) are unsupported by specimens, but several reports by anglers indicate occasional occurrence of Fishes of Kansas 39 paddlefish there. Authenticated records exist for several locah- ties in the Arkansas System in northern Oklahoma, from Grand ( Neosho) River westward to the Arkansas Mainstream. The species is now rare in the lower Kansas River. A few juve- niles were found dead on sandbars near Eudora, Douglas County, after pollution killed most fish in that part of Kansas River in Sep- tember, 1955. On September 19, 1962, a 26-pound paddlefish was caught at Lawrence by John C. Huston [Kansas Fish and Game, 21(1) :14, (1963)]. The Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Com- mission recognized this fish as the largest of its kind taken on hook and line in the State; heavier paddlefish have been captured by other means in the Missouri and Marais des Cygnes rivers. Reports by Graham ( 1885a :4) and Jennings (1942:364) suggest that paddlefish formerly occurred farther west in the Kansas River Basin than at present. In the lower Kansas River, Snow (1875:140) commented, "Previous to 1874 only two specimens of this curious fish had ever been taken at Lawrence, but since the building of the dam [a low-head dam for operation of a mill] several have been taken, varying in weight from 1 lb. to 20 lbs., and in length from 2 to 5 feet." I suspect that the dam caused temporary accumula- tions of migrant fish, accounting for the local increase of paddlefish that is implied by Snow's statement. The reproductive habits of paddlefish were described by Purkett (1961), whose studies were based on migrant populations that sup- port an important "snagging" fishery in the Osage River of Mis- souri. Spawning takes place in midstream, over submerged gravel- bars when the river is high and muddy in early spring. Under favorable conditions of rising waterlevels, at temperatures of about 60° F., adults move upstream into swift currents over large gravel- bars. The adhesive eggs stick to the first object they touch, nor- mally stones on the stream-bottom, where their development is rapid. After hatching, the fry swim upward vigorously, then settle toward the bottom. Frequent repetition of this activity by the fry is significant in that it permits the strong currents to sweep the fry downstream, out of the shallows and into deep pools before the gravel-bars are exposed by receding waterlevels. Large pools (or lakes) having silty bottoms are the principal feeding areas of paddlefish, which strain minute animals and plants from the water as their sole source of food. The fragile snout is not used for "rooting" in bottom-muds. It is profusely studded with taste-buds that may aid the fish in locating concentrations of food- organisms. Also, the wide lateral sweeping motion of the snout as 40 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. the fish swims over the bottom may serve to swirl food-items up from the bottom, into the enormous mouth. Polyodon is one of the largest, strangest, and most ancient of freshwater fishes — hence one of the most interesting of our native animals. Its sustained abundance is jeopardized by pollution, and by flowage-improvements on our major rivers ( dredging for naviga- tion, dams). Although large reservoirs provide the quiet water and abundant plankton that permit excellent growth of paddlefish, the dams obstruct reproductive migrations. For example, the Kay- singer Bluff Dam on the Osage River in western Missouri will block migrant paddlefish in that stream. The reservoir behind the dam will inundate the main spawning-grounds in Osage River where Purkett first revealed the reproductive requirements of the species only a few years ago. Gars FAMILY LEPISOSTEIDAE KEY 1. Distance from front of eye to back of operculum less than half the dis- tance from front of eye to tip of snout; least width of snout less than diameter of eye long-nosed gar, Lepisosteus osseus, p. 43 Distance from front of eye to back of operculum more than half the dis- tance from front of eye to tip of snout; least width of snout greater than diameter of eye 2 2. Fifty or more scales on midline of back, from occiput to dorsal fin; top of head and back plain greenish, unblotched short-nosed gar, Lepisosteus platostomus, p. 40 Fewer than 50 scales on midline of back, from occiput to dorsal fin; top of head and back with dark blotches spotted gar, Lepisosteus oculatus, p. 42 Short-nosed gar Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque Cijlindrosteus platijstomus, Wheeler ( 1879:34). Lepidosteus plattjstomus, Cragin (1885b: 106); Graham (1885a:4, 1885b: 71 ); Breukelman ( 1940b: 383). Lepisosteus platostomus, Breukelman (1940b:379, 1960:34); Jennings (1942: 364); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:166); Metcalf (1959:363, 1966:95); Mincklev (1959:415); Deacon (1961:373-374); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:315); Fisher (1962:427); Branson and Hartmann (1963: 591). Fishes of Kansas 41 40 39 36 37 0 10 25 50Miles I 102 101 100 98 95 Snout short and moderately wide, its width at nostrils 0.7-1.0 in eye di- ameter, 4.6-7.1 in snout length; predorsal scales 50-53; scale rows from vent to midline of back 19-22; body uniformly slender, dorsal and ventral lines parallel from occiput to bases of dorsal and anal fins. Olivaceous green dorsally shading to white ventrally; dark spots usually few, mostly confined to fins; head and back never mottled by dark blotches. Size small, seldom exceeding two feet in length. Most records of short-nosed gars in Kansas are from the main- streams of the Blue, Kansas, Marais des Cygnes, Neosho, and Ar- kansas rivers. The species is common in the lower Kansas River, but is nowhere so abundant as the long-nosed gar. Short-nosed gars usually avoid the quiet backwaters, oxbows, and impound- ments that often are inhabited by long-nosed gars, and that typically are occupied by spotted gars. Our westernmost record, from Re- public County State Lake, is an exception. In this species as in L. osseus, the average size of individuals in the upper Neosho River was considerably less than farther down- stream in the same river (Deacon, 1961:373-374). The food and reproductive habits of L. platostomus are generally like those of L. osseus ( see account of that species ) . For the first few weeks after hatching, young gars live in shallow backwaters, where organic debris accumulates along the margins of eddies. There, they float near the surface, feeding mostly on small crusta- ceans and the fry of other fishes. The short-nosed gar later moves into the deeper water and stronger currents of the mainstream. 42 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus (Winchell) Lepisosteus oculatus, Branson and Hartmann ( 1963:591 ). Snout short, its width at nostrils 5.0 to 7.0 in snout length; predorsal scales 44-49; scale rows from vent to midline of back 17-20; body usually less terete than L. platostomus (thicker medially, rather than almost perfectly cylindrical). Top of head mottled by large spots, underside of head freckled, body often profusely spotted. Maximum size 44 inches, six pounds (Trautman, 1957:163). When this account was written, the spotted gar was known only from the Neosho Waterfowl Management Area near St. Paul, Neosho County. Several specimens were captured there by Robert Hart- mann of the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission in 1963, in a newly-created impoundment that communicates with Neosho River. Probably L. oculatus occurs elsewhere in the Arkansas River Sys- tem of southeastern Kansas, but has escaped notice because its pre- ferred habitat, in large oxbows and other lakes, has been investi- gated less than the mainstreams of creeks and rivers in southern Kansas. Spotted gars were reported by Wallen (1958:29) from the Verdigris Drainage only three or four miles south of the Kansas line, and have been taken in reservoirs on other tributaries of the Arkansas River in western Oklahoma. Fishes of Kansas 43 Long-nosed gar Lepisosteus osseus ( Linnaeus ) Lcpidosteus otarius Cope (1865b:86 [orig. descr.], possibly from Platte River in Nebraska rather than from Kansas). Lepidosteus osseus, Snow (1875:139); Wheeler (1879:34); Cragin (1885b: 106); Graham (1885a:4; 1885b:70); Jordan and Meek (1885:13); Hay (1887:247); Hall (1934:230); Breukelman (1940b:383). Lepisosieus osseus, Hoyle (1937:285); Breukelman (1960:33); Cross and Hastings (1956:86); Schelske (1957:38-39); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:166); Minckley (1959:415); Deacon (1961:371-373); Fisher ( 1962:427); Metcalf ( 1966:95). Lepisosteus osseus oxyurus, Breukelman (1940b: 379); Jennings (1942:354); Cross (1954:307); Metcalf (1959:362-363); Deacon and Metcalf (1961: 315). Jaws slender; snout width at nostrils 1.6-1.9 in eye diameter, 11.5-16.4 in snout length; predorsal scale rows 50-53; scale rows from vent to midline of back 19-21. Brown or olivaceous dorsally, grading to white or yellowish ventrally; fins somewhat orange; dorsal, caudal, and anal fins usually with prominent, oval dark spots; body often having dark spots or streaks, their number variable in different specimens, and their intensity variable in the same live individual at different times (depending partly on water-clarity and color of background). Largest Kansas specimen 56 inches long, weight 27/2 pounds [Kansas Fish and Game 23(1 ):11, 14. 1966]. 44 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. The long-nosed gar occurs commonly in large rivers of eastern Kansas, less frequently in tributaries, and rarely in intermittent creeks. Sometimes this species is abundant in oxbows and im- poundments. Although long-nosed gars invade swift riffles, these gars are found more often in the less turbulent parts of streams — at the bases of riffles, the margins of eddies, or in quiet pools. When streams are high and currents are strong, gars often are distributed linearly alongshore. In summer gars inhabit surface-waters where aerial respiration supplements or replaces gill-breathing. "Air-breathing" is accom- plished by momentary projection of the jaws above the surface, for expulsion of gas in the air-bladder and its replacement by atmo- spheric air. Experiments at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station indicate that aerial respiration is essential when water- temperatures are high ( Drs. Carl Riggs and George Moore, personal communication ) . In winter in the Kansas River, long-nosed gars congregate at the bottoms of deep pools. Long-nosed gars spawn in May and early June. Various reports indicate that the eggs are strewn over vegetation in calm water, or over silt-free, rocky bottom in shallow water ha\'ing moderate cur- rent. The eggs adhere to the substrate and develop without benefit of parental care. On hatching, the larva attaches itself to a stone or other object by means of a "sucking disk" at the front of its blunt, short head. Subsequently, the organ of attachment is lost, the snout elongates, and the young acquires the body-form and habits of the adult. Netsch and Witt (1962) suggest that, in Missouri, L. osscus migrates upstream for spawning. That suggestion is based partly on the common occurrence of young in small streams where adults rarely are found. Similar occurrences of young long-nosed gars in upland brooks, where no adults were in evidence in late summer, have been noted in Kansas. Deacon (1961:372) found that the average size of gars captured in the Neosho River increases down- stream; but, young-of-the-year were taken in the lower mainstream of Neosho River as well as upstream. According to Netsch and Witt (1962), some long-nosed gars live more than 20 years, females longer than males. Males probably mature at three or four years of age, and females at about six. Gars eat mainly fish. Even small gars, 1/4 to 2 inches long, may be piscivorous, according to Forbes and Richardson (1920:33-34). Though voracious, gars are not active, aggressive fishes. A gar Fishes of Kansas 45 usually approaches its prey slowly, moving into a position in which the snout is close alongside the victim; it then grasps the prey with a quick, sideways jerk of the head. Often, rather than stalking prey, gars lie quietly in advantageous locations, awaiting the ap- proach of schools of small fish within striking range of their beaks. The prey is pinioned on the needlelike teeth of the jaws and is gradually turned and swallowed. Little if any non-living food (carrion) is taken, although captive long-nosed gars in aquaria at the University of Kansas accepted mice that were killed before being put in the aquaria. These gars always touched the floating mouse with the side of the snout before grasping it, as if to test its edibility. Netsch and Witt (1962) discuss the rapid growth and highly-efficient food-conversion by young gars under laboratory conditions. The long-nosed gar is one of the largest and most widespread predatory fishes in Kansas; as such, it serves an important and bene- ficial function. Like other predators, gars aid in cropping the sur- plus production of the prey-species, helping to stabilize their abun- dance at the moderate level that is most advantageous to the prey-species. For the most part, the kinds of fish eaten by gars are those that predominate in the area occupied by each indi- vidual gar. Gars can be caught by angling. One effective kind of tackle consists of a thin stainless-steel wire that is threaded through the eye of a small, short-shanked hook and formed into a loop (lasso- fashion). Live minnows are satisfactory bait. When a gar strikes the baited hook, the wire loop is drawn tightly around the upper jaw by the same motion used in setting the hook on other fishes. In the Kansas River in winter, gars can be caught in deep pools by "snagging." The hooks used are single or treble, carefully sharp- ened, and may have the barbs removed. When the hook contacts a gar, its point slides over the bony scales, but readily penetrates the groove between rows of scales; the unique thickness and hard- ness of gar-scales help to hold the hook once it is embedded. Gars therefore seem especially vulnerable to snagging, which is, how- ever, not a legal method of angling in Kansas at the present time. The alligator gar, Lepisosteus spatula Lacepede, was reported by Cragin [1885b: 106, as Litholepis tristoechus (Bloch and Schneider)]. Cragin wrote, "An unsuccessful attempt was made to harpoon a large 'Alligator Gar' that made its appearance just below the dam in the Kansas River at Junction City a few years since. The occurrence was related to me by a southern fisherman, familiar alike with the 'Alligator Gar' and with our two commoner species, and 46 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. who described the Junction City specimen as green in color, hke the true southern gar." Reports Hke that abo\e provide the only evidence of alligator gars in Kansas. All "alligator gars" from Kansas that I have heard about have proved to be long-nosed gars, if photographs or descriptions enabled specific identification. The nearest definite record of L. spatula is in the lower Missouri River in eastern Missouri, and the present distribution of the species is almost confined to the Gulf Coastal Plain. Past occurrences farther northwest are possible, but I suspect that large long-nosed gars account for all current reports by anglers. Cragin (1885b: 106) likewise suggested this explanation in citing reports of alligator gars in the Neosho and Cottonwood rivers in the late 1800's. Alligator gars have broader snouts than other gars, and have 23-25 rows of scales from the vent to the midline of the back. Bowfin FAMILY AMIIDAE Bowfin Amia calva Linnaeus .-i-^"^ Amia calva, Cragin (1885b: 106); Graham (1885b: 71); Metcalf (1966:162). Form elongate, moderately compressed; caudal fin rounded, slightly asym- metrical at base (abbreviate-heterocercal ), with 25-28 rays; dorsal fin long and low, lacking spines but with more than 40 rays; mouth large, bordered by strong maxillae; underside of head with large bony (gular) plate; scales cycloid; lateral line complete, with 65-70 scales; anal fin with 11 or 12 rays; pelvic fins abdominal, with 7 rays; pectoral fins rounded, with 17 or 18 rays; air bladder joined to gut, partitioned ( lung-like ) . Dark olivaceous dorsally, lighter ventrally, lower fins greenish. Caudal fin with jjrominent dark spot at upper base, except in large females. Young with three dark stripes: one extending from anterior nostril through e\e to upper end of gill-opening; second originating below eye near end of maxilla and extending backward across cheek; lowermost (third) stripe on mandible. Fins of young dark-outlined, often with dark central streak. Length to 30 inches, weight to eight pounds, rarely more than four pounds. On August 22, 1965, an angler reportedly caught a bowfin in Independence Creek, Atchison County, where that stream flows across the floodplain of Missouri River in Sec. 30, T. 5S, R. 21E. Fishes of Kansas 47 40- 39 38 37- 40 39 38 37 The fish was frozen and presented to Dr. Eugene Dehner of St. Benedict's College in Atchison on August 24. I have seen the specimen, and have talked with persons who stated that they wit- nessed its capture at the locality given above. These and other anglers told Dr. Dehner and me that another bowfin was caught near the mouth of Independence Creek earlier in 1965. I have heard previous reports that bowfins occur in oxbows and back- waters of the Missouri River, but most commercial fishermen whom I have interviewed along the river have never seen this species there. The specimen at St. Benedict's is 2'2}i inches long and weighed 4 pounds, VA ounces when I saw it, still frozen, on September 1. Apart from the above reports, all evidence for the occurrence of Amia in Kansas antedates 1900. Cope (1865b: 86) included Amia in his list of fishes "brought from the Platte River, near Fort Riley." The fishes reported by Cope were taken at several locali- ties, part of them in Kansas, but the place to which each species should be assigned seems indeterminable. Graham (1885b: 71) reported the bowfin from "Branches of Missouri river, Osage river, etc." To my knowledge, no specimens substantiate his record. Cragin (1885b: 106) stated, "Neosho R.; collected by Col. N. S. Goss, identified by Prof. E. D. Cope." Colonel Goss was a com- petent naturalist, principally an ornithologist, whose home was in Neosho Falls, Kansas. A brief biography of Goss, which mentions his correspondence with Spencer F. Baird and Robert Ridgway but 48 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. not with Cope, has been published by Janes (1964). No specimen sent to Cope by Goss has been located in collections of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, which was Cope's headquarters. Evermann and Cox (1896:418) found no bowfins in extensive surveys of the Missouri River Basin in 1892 and 1893, but cited the records mentioned above and stated, "This species doubtless occurs in all the bayous along the lower Missouri." In his map of the range of A. calva, Rostlund (1952:251) included the Missouri River System as far westward as Fort Riley, Kansas, and as far north- ward as eastern South Dakota. Bailey and Allum (1962:30) cite Churchill and Over (1933:22) to the eflFect that bowfins formerly were "found rather generally" in eastern South Dakota, and suggest that the species may have been extirpated there in the drought of 1933 to 1939. Nevertheless, Bailey and Allum quaHfied their acceptance of former records by stating, "We know of no firm evi- dence of the natural occurrence of the bowfin in the Missouri River Drainage." Bowfins still occur in the lower Arkansas River System, as far westward as east-central Oklahoma. The habitat of the bowfin consists mainly of clear, calm waters in lowland areas, especially in backwaters of rivers and oxbows that have extensive growths of aquatic vegetation. A century ago, such habitat occurred in Kansas but little remains today. Drought and drainage of marshes, restriction of channels by means of dikes and dredging, and agricultural use of bottomlands have eliminated most natural pools alongside rivers. As adults, bowfins feed mainly on other fishes. Spawning occurs in spring, when the males construct and defend nests having silt-free bottoms, often situated in beds of vegetation. The eggs adhere to sticks, vegetation, or stones on the floor of the nest. On hatching, young bowfin (like gars) have an adhesive organ at the tip of the snout, by means of which they anchor themselves to objects in the nest until the yolk-sac is absorbed. Thereafter, the schooled young gradually range farther from the nest, in search of food, which at this stage of their lives consists mainly of animal plankton. A few weeks after hatching, the young depart permanently from the area of the nest and from the influence of the attendant male parent. Bowfin can be caught by anglers on some artificial lures, but more often on natural baits, especially at night. Where bowfins are abundant, dozens of them can sometimes be caught on trotlines. The species is an unusually strong and tenacious fighter, but is not a good food-fish. Fishes of Kansas 49 Eels FAMILY ANGUILLIDAE American eel Anguilla rostrata (LeSueur) 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ■ I 102 9G 37 Anguilla Bostoniensis, Snow (1875:141). Anguilla bostoniensis, Breukelman (1940a:372); Jennings (1942:365); Metcalf (1959:376); Minckley (1959:428). Anguilla rostrata, Cragin (1885b: 110); Graham (1885b:75); Clarke, Breu- kelman, and Andrews (1958:168); Breukelman (1960:34); Metcalf (1965:151). Body extremely slender, slightly compressed; continuous median fin (dorsal, caudal, and anal fins united); pelvic fins absent; gill-cleft a short, membranous slot at base of small, rounded pectoral fin; jaws toothed; scales minute, scarcely evident, embedded in mosaic pattern. Coloration brown, yellowish ventrally. In 1875, Snow stated that eels were "occasionally taken by the hook, sometimes of 6 lbs. weight" in the Kansas River near Law- rence. Cragin (1885b:110) wrote that they were "reported by 4—6169 50 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. fishermen as not uncommon at Topeka," and Graham (1885b: 75) believed eels to be "common throughout the State." Accordmg to Breukelman (1940a:372), "There is a specimen from Big Creek [Ellis County] in the museum at the Kansas State College at Hays, and a fisherman at Atwood [Rawlins County] reported having caught one in Beaver Creek." In the same account, Breukelman wrote that eels were "fairly common in eastern and central Kansas," but Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:168) later listed Angiiilla as "Scarce; only a few specimens from the Cottonwood R." in Lyon County. Records by Jennings (1942:365) and Minckley (1959:428) refer to a specimen still extant at Kansas State Uni- versity (KSU 2916), caught by Graham from the Blue River, Riley County, in 1885. The present rarity of eels in Kansas probably results from dams on rivers that impede inland migrations by this fish. A few eels still are caught. In 1965 two eels were in aquaria at the head- quarters of the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission in Pratt, both of which were taken from the Ninnescah River by anglers. Mr. Roy Schoonover, Chief of Fisheries for the Com- mission, told me of other recent catches of eels from Painter Creek in Kingman County and the Ninnescah River below the dam that impounds Pratt County Lake. I have records of an eel caught in Elk River near Howard (Elk County) in 1955, one caught in Grouse Creek (Cowley County) by A. L. Metcalf in 1949, and one caught in the Kansas River near Eudora ( Douglas County ) in 1960. Reproduction by A. rostrata occurs only in the Atlantic Ocean, in a limited area south of Bermuda. Thus, the fisherman who caught an eel near Atwood may have spared her a journey of more than 3000 miles — down Beaver Creek to the Republican River, the Kansas River, and the Missouri River, down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, thence eastward across the Gulf and hundreds of miles of ocean to breeding-grounds where she would have spawned and died. The eel surely was female, because only that sex occurs far inland. Her seaward journey would have begun in the autumn of the year before she attained reproductive maturity, and before her eggs developed. She might not have fed at all en route, although the journey required months to complete. Her progeny, hatched after her death, would have drifted in the sea as leaflike ( leptocephalus ) larvae during their first summer. Some would have emerged along the American coastline, trans- formed to the slender adult shape, and entered rivers as yearlings. Fishes of Kansas 51 In tlie several years of their life in streams they would have fed mainly on other fishes imtil their stage of growth, and the opportunity for escape downstream, permitted their return to the Sargasso Sea. Shads FAMILY CLUPEIDAE KEY Mouth terminal, lower jaw protruding beyond upper jaw anteriorly; last dorsal fin-ray not filamentous skipjack, Aloso chrijsochloris, p. 51 Mouth suhterminal, lower jaw shorter than upper jaw; last dorsal fin-ray greatly elongated into a filament gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum, p. 53 Skipjack Alosa chrysochloris (Rafinesque) Clupea chrtjsocliloris, Graham ( 1885b:77). Body thin, compressed; snout acute, with transparent membranes partly sheathing eye; mouth large, jaws weakly toothed, lower jaw projecting; dorsal fin with 15 or 16 rays, last ray not long or filamentous; caudal fin forked; anal fin low, with about 18 rays; pelvic fins abdominal, with 8 or 9 rays; scales along belly-line modified as sharp-edged scutes, their number 20 or more before pelvic fin-base, 13 or more behind base of pelvics; lateral line not externally apparent, approximately 53 scales in lateral series; vertebrae 53. Bluish-gray dorsally, silvery or white laterally and ventrally; longitudinal row of small, dark spots dorsolaterally ( sometimes obscure ) . Length to 21 inches, weight to 3/2 pounds, usually less than 16 inches and one pound (Trautman, 1957:177). The skipjack was listed by Graham (1885b: 77) as "Abundant in larger streams" of Kansas. Subsequent records by Evermann and Cox (1896:413), Forbes and Richardson (1920:49), and Rostlund (1952:254-255) probably are based on Graham's statement. A 52 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. single skipjack in collections of the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ 146722) is the only specimen extant from Kansas, to my knowledge. Data associated with that specimen indi- cate that it was taken at Wellington, Sumner County, on October 27, 1942, by Dolf Jennings. Few records of skipjacks exist in areas near to Kansas. Ever- mann and Cox (1896) list none from the Missouri River System except that of Graham. Bailey and Allum (1962:31) cite only one individual, taken at Fort Randall Dam, in their recent surveys of fishes in South Dakota. There are no published records from Nebraska, and those from Iowa are in streams tributary to the Mississippi rather than the Missouri River. The species may have been extirpated in Iowa (Harlan and Speaker, 1956:59) and in the upper Mississippi Basin generally (Bailey and Allum, loc. cit.). The skipjack occurs in the Ozark region of eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri; hence its habitation of streams in the Arkansas River System of southeastern Kansas is plausible, though Jennings' record from Wellington is surprisingly far to the west in that basin. Skipjacks travel in schools and feed on crustaceans or small fishes. According to Trautman (1957:179), A. cJirysochloris usually occu- pies deep, swift water in large streams, avoiding high turbidities. Carlander (1954:22) believed that dams in the upper Mississippi River impeded reproductive migrations of skipjacks, accounting for their decline in that river. She pointed out that, even though the skipjack itself was not utilized commercially, its decline had great economic import because the skipjack was the host for the larvae of a species of mussel which until then was highly valuable in the button industry. Fishes of Kansas 53 Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum (LeSiieur) Dorosoma cepedianum, Wheeler (1879:33); Jordan and Meek (1885:14); Cragin (1885b: 109); Graham (1885b: 75); Gilbert (1889:40); Jordan (1891:17); Hall (1934:230); Breukelman (1940b:379, 1960:33); Jen- nings (1942:364); xVIoore and Buck (1955:21); Cross and Hastings (1956:86); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:166); Metcalf (1959:363, 1966:96); Minckley (1959:415); Deacon and Metcalf (1961: 315); Fisher (1962:427). Dorosoma cepidanum, Graham ( 1885a :4). Shad — Schoonover and Thompson ( 1954:173). Body thin, deeply compressed; snout blunt, with transparent membranes that partly sheath eye; mouth small, toothless in adults, subterminal (lower jaw closing inside upper jaw); dorsal fin usually 12-rayed, last ray prolonged and filamentous; caudal fin deeply forked; anal fin long and low, with 25-33 rays; pelvic fins abdominal, usually 8-rayed; pectoral fins 15-rayed; scales along 54 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. belly-line modified as sharp-edged scutes, their number 17-19 before pelvic fins and 10-12 behind pelvics; lateral line not externally apparent, 59-67 scales in lateral series; vertebrae 48-51. Gray to olivaceous or pale brown dorsally; sides bright silvery or creamy white; a distinctive dark "shoulder spot" (behind upper end of gill-cover); fins dusky. Length to 19 inches, weight to three pounds, usually less than one pound. The gizzard shad occurs in the larger streams of eastern Kansas, and in some reservoirs. Its abundance and possibly its range within the State have increased as a result of impoundment of rivers. There are no records of shad from the western half of Kansas prior to 1900. Mr. Frank Schryer, biologist for the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission, informs me that no shad occurred naturally in Webster, Kirwin, nor Cedar Bluff reservoirs. (Shad have been stocked in Cedar Bluff, Kanopolis, and some other lakes. ) Schryer found shad in "sand pits" (excavations for construction-material) along Prairie Dog Creek in Norton and Decatur counties, Kansas, in 1964; whether these were introduced or were natural populations established by overflow of Prairie Dog Creek is uncertain. Once established in reservoirs, D. cepedianum usually becomes the prevalent species. In samples from Fall River Reservoir, Schoon- over and Thompson (1954:173) reported that gizzard shad com- prised 97 per cent of all fish by number and 83 per cent by weight. They recovered 236,000 shad that weighed 3,300 pounds, following application of rotenone in coves having a total area of approximately three acres. Gizzard shad are pelagic in habit, and seem to prefer relatively deep, calm water, although they are found occasionally in small creeks and in strong currents of rivers. Dorosoma spawns pelagically, scattering its eggs without prepara- tion of any nest-site, and without providing care of eggs or young. In streams of Kansas, spawning usually occurs in late May or in June. Two or more "peaks" of reproductive activity are sometimes indicated by a bimodal size-distribution of young obtained in July and August. Larval gizzard shad feed mainly on animal plankton. At this stage in life the young are slender, their mouths are large and toothed, and their alimentary tracts are short. After attaining a length of about an inch, usually in midsummer, the young become slab-sided in appearance. They develop the long gut and slender gill-rakers characteristic of "filter-feeders"; thereafter, they consume microorganisms (both plant and animal) that are strained indis- criminately from water as it passes over the gills. Fishes of Kansas 55 Throughout late simimer the young swim in open water, where vast schools of them may be seen near the surface of reservoirs on calm days. Large adults less often cruise at the surface. Seem- ingly, gizzard shad occupy progressively deeper water as they grow older, and tend increasingly to consume organisms associated with bottom-sediments rather than those found near the surface. Gizzard shad cannot be caught on hook-and-line except by sheer- est accident. Their food in no way resembles anything in the angler's tacklebox. Shad powerfully influence angling success for other species, however, because shad are the predominant food of game-fish in many lakes. Success in the establishment of some game-fish, notably the white bass {Roccus chrysops) in south- western reserxoirs, seems to be contingent on the prior establish- ment of high populations of Dorosoma in these lakes. Gizzard shad are not hardy fish. They quickly succumb to abrupt changes in temperature of the water, or reduction in its dissolved- oxygen content. This \'ulnerability, coupled with great abundance of the species, sometimes results in "fish-kills" that are startling in terms of the number of dead shad that suddenly appear. These die-offs happen so often in autumn or winter that they may be con- sidered a natural occurrence. Unless numerous fish of other kinds also are dying, high mortality of shad in the cold months should not alarm anglers. A second species of Dorosoma, the threadfin shad D. petenense (Giinther), was introduced (unsuccessfully) in Kansas in the 1950's. Mr. Robert Hiland, Superintendent of the U. S. Fish and Wildhfe Service Hatchery at Farlington, told me that threadfins stocked in a pond at the hatchery reproduced abun- dantly but that the entire population died in winter. The tlireadfin is a southern species that probably cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 54° F. D. petenense differs from the gizzard shad in having a terminal mouth and in having fewer scales (less than 50 in lateral series), fewer ventral scutes (14-17 before pelvic fins), fewer anal fin-rays (20-25), and fewer vertebrae (40-45) (Miller, 1950:390, 1960:373). 56 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Mooneyes FAMILY HIODONTIDAE KEY Dorsal fin with 9 or 10 principal rays, originating posterior to origin of anal fin goldeye, Hiodon aJosoides, p. 56 Dorsal fin with 11 or 12 principal rays, originating anterior to origin ot anal fin mooneye, Hiodon tergistis, p. 58 Goldeye Hiodon alosoides ( Rafiiiesque ) 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 I I I I I I I I I I 101 97 95 Htjodon alosoides, Jordan and Meek (1885:14); Graham (1885b:74); Hay (1887:242,250). Htjodon alveoides, Cragin (1885b: 109). Amphiodon alosoides, Breukelman (1940a:369, 1940b:379); Jennings (1942:364). Hiodon alosoides. Cross and Hastings (1956:86); Metcalf (1959:383, 1966: 96); Minckley (1959:415-416); Breukelman (1960:33). Fishes of Kansas 57 Bod\' compressed; back nearly straight from occiput to dorsal fin; body depth less than half predorsal length of body; mouth large, terminal; jaws and tongue strongly toothed; eye large, its height less than half postorbital length of head in specimens more than 10 inches long; dorsal fin with 9 or 10 rays, its origin far back on body, behind origin of anal fin; caudal fin forked; anal fin long, with 30-32 rays; pelvic fins with 7 rays; pectoral fins with 11 or 12 rays; ventral keel smooth, without enlarged, sharp-edged scutes; pored scales in lateral line well-developed, numbering 55-58; vertebrae 58-60. Green or gray along midline of back, silvery or white laterally; iris yellowish; fins usually colorless (sometimes yellowish-pink or dusky); no dark spot behind upper end of gill-cover. Maximum weight three pounds, rarely exceeding one pound. The goldeye is common in the lower Kansas River, but seems scarce elsewhere in the State. In addition to the localities mapped, H. alosoides has been reported from the Neosho River (precise location unspecified) by Jennings (1942:364). Most records are from rivers of moderate or large size; those from lesser streams, such as W'ildcat Creek in Riley County and tributaries of ^^^akarusa River in Douglas County, probably result from migratory dispersal of goldeyes for spawning. The abundance of goldeyes varies at Lav^ence, being greatest in wet years (high volume of flow in Kansas River), and in the cool seasons. Goldeyes are active, vagile fish that sometimes congregate, suddenly and sporadically, below dams. At such times goldeyes provide interesting sport for anglers using minnows, spinning lures, or other small baits. I have heard of goldeyes being caught on small leopard frogs and on worms. The food of goldeyes consists mainly of insects, both larval aquatic stages and winged forms that fall on the water-surface. Large adults often consume other fishes. Goldeyes spawn in early spring (usually April) in Kansas. I have no information as to the sites used for reproduction in this State, but reports from other parts of the range indicate that goldeyes deposit their eggs in shallow, flowing water over rocky or gravelly bottoms, perhaps after lengthy migrations upstream. The species also spawns in shoal-waters of lakes. Males are distinguishable from females by the curvature of the anal fin-margin, which is strongly sigmoid (convex anteriorly) in males but concave or nearly straight in females. Goldeyes attain lengths of at least 16 inches, and ages of seven vears, in Kansas. 58 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Mooneye Hiodon tergisus LeSueur Hyodon tergisus, Cope (1865b:85); Graham (1885a:4, 1885b:74); Cragin (1885b: 109). Hyodan turgisus, Snow (1875:141). Hiodon tergisus, Breukelman (1960:26, 33); Fisher (1962:427); Metcalf (1966: 97, 163). Resembles Hiodon (dosoides except as follows: body deeper, back gently- arched rather than straight; greatest depth of body about half, or more than half, predorsal length of body in adults; dorsal fin with 11 or 12 rays, its origin anterior to origin of anal fin; eye larger, its height more than half postorbital length of head; vertebrae 56-58. To my knowledge, no specimens of mooneyes from Kansas are extant, and most records in literature are indefinite as to the localities of capture. The fish reported by Cope (1865b:S5) may have been taken in the Platte River ( Nebraska ) , and may have been a goldeye rather than a mooneye; other Hiodon reported by Cope were mis- identified, according to Johnson (unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Michigan, 1942) and Bailey and Allum (1962:33). Snow (1875:141) failed to mention the goldeye in listing the mooneye among fishes that he observed in the Kansas River near Lawrence, although the former species is the only Hiodon now found commonly at this locality. Graham (1885a:4) likewise listed only the mooneye, from "Kansas river." Later, Graham (1885b: 74) recorded both species, commenting that H. tergisus was "Common." Cragin (1885b: 109) provided the first record that inspires my confidence, in reporting H. terg,i.siis from "Kansas R. at Topeka." In his adjacent account of the goldeye, Cragin stated, "This is the Hyodon tergisus of Girard . . . and probably of Cope (P. P. A. N. S. '65); but at the time when Cope's record was made Fishes of Kansas 59 ter'ngeal teeth 0 or 1,4 — 4,1 or 0 9 9. Mouth oblique, terminal or nearly so; eye diameter less than }i head length hornyhead, Hybopsis biguttatu, p. 80 Mouth almost horizontal, never terminal; eye diameter at least /'4 head length 10 10. Anal rays usually 7 (Fig. 6B); pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; coloration olivaceous with dark checks or X-markings on sides, gravel chub, Hybopsis x-punctata, p. 89 Anal rays usually 8; pharyngeal teeth 1,4 — 4,1; coloration silvery . 11 11. Head depth at occiput not more than distance from tip of snout to back of eye; dusky lateral stripe usually present; caudal fin uni- formly pigmented big-eyed chub, Hybopsis amblops, p. 90 Head depth at occiput more than distance from tip of snout to back of eye; no dark lateral stripe; caudal fin white-edged ventrally, darker above silver chub, Hybopsis storcricnut, p. 92 12. Fins falcate; length of first dorsal ray greater than head length; lateral- line scales 45-50 sickle-finned chub, Hybopsis meeki, p. 94 Fins rounded; length of first dorsal ray less than or about equal to head length; lateral-line scales fewer than 45 13 13. Scales without fleshy ridges or keels; lateral-line scales 35-39; pharyn- geal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; dorsum pallid, with scattered black dots, speckled chub, Hybopsis aestivalis, p. 95 Scales with fleshy ridges or keels; lateral-line scales 39-43; pharyngeal teeth 1,4 — 4,1; dorsum uniformly dusky, without scattered black dots sturgeon chub, Hybopsis gelida, p. 97 14. Anal rays usually 9 or more (Fig. 6B); pharyngeal arch having one or more teeth in secondary row (Fig. 9C), except in Notemigonus crysoleucas 15 Anal rays usually 8 or fewer; pharyngeal arch lacking teeth in secondary row except in Semotilus atromaculatus, Notropis spilopterus, N. blennius, N. hoops, and N. dursalis 26 15. Anal rays usually more than 9; insertion of pelvic fins distinctly anterior to origin of dorsal fin ( Fig. lOA) 16 Anal rays usually 9; insertion of pelvic fins and origin of dorsal fin ap- proximately equidistant from tip of snout (Fig. lOB) 20 A '^ ^W B Fig. 10. Differences in position and shape of dorsal fins of minnows. A. Origin of dorsal fin posterior to insertion of pelvic fins, as indicated by vertical dash-line. Also, the dorsal fin is triangular (pointed at tip), and its anterior rays would extend to or beyond the tips of the posterior rays if the fin were folded downward against the body. B. Origin of dorsal fin approximately over insertion of pelvic fins. Also, the dorsal fin is rounded, and its anterior rays would not extend to the tips of the posterior rays if the fin were folded downward against the body. 5—6169 66 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. 16. Midline of belly (behind base of pelvic fins) having fleshy keel; lateral- line scales more than 45; pharyngeal teeth 5 — 5, golden shiner, Notemigonus crijsoleiicos, p. Midline of belly (behind base of pelvic fins) not keeled; lateral-line scales fewer than 45; pharyngeal teeth 4 — 4 17 17. Body slender, scarcely compressed, greatest width (thickness) equal to distance from crest of back to lateral-line row of scales (at point of greatest decurvature of lateral line ) ; body depth usually con- tained 4.0 or more times in standard length 18 Body deep, compressed, greatest width ( thickness ) less than distance from crest of back to lateral-line row of scales ( at point of greatest decurvature of lateral line); body depth usually contained less than 4.0 times in standard length 19 76 A B "^-^ C Fig. 11. Characteristics of mouths of minnows (lateral views). A. Mouth terminal and oblique, upper and lower jaws equal. Big-eyed shiner illustrated. B. Mouth nearly terminal, oblique, but lower jaw included (shorter than upper jaw, closing within it). Blunt-faced shiner illustrated. C. Mouth subterminal, scarcely oblique, lower jaw included (shorter than upper jaw, closing within it). Big-mouthed shiner illustrated. D. Mouth ventral and nearly horizontal. Note also barbel projecting from groove at corner of mouth (barbel absent in A, B, and C). Gravel chub illustrated. A B G D Fig. 12. Characteristics of mouths in four kinds of minnows (ventral views). A. Flat-headed chub: Deeply U-shaped mouth as in most minnows (note also terminal barbels, projecting from groove behind lips at each corner of mouth). B. Plains minnow: Shallowly crescentic mouth as in Genus Hybognathus (barbels absent). C. Sucker-mouthed minnow: Note uniquely lobed lips. D. Stoneroller: Cartilaginous edge exposed along front of lower jaw, not covered by thickened epidermis of lower lip. Fishes of Kansas I 67 18. Snout blunt, its length about equal to eye diameter and eontaincd more than 1.5 times in postorbital length of head (Fig. 4); least depth of caudal peduncle usually exceeding distance from tip of snout to middle of pupil; tip of dorsal fin pointed; rosy pigment lacking, emerald shiner, Notropis atherinoides, p. 102 Snout acute, its length greater than eye diameter and contained less than 1.5 times in postorbital length of head; least depth of caudal peduncle less than distance from tip of snout to middle of pupil; tip of dorsal fin rounded; usually rosy color on head, breast, and base of dorsal fin rosy-faced shiner, Notropis riibellus, p. 104 19. Predorsal scale-rows 25 or more (scales minute and crowded); lateral- line scales more than 37; slight dark spot at origin of dorsal fin; fins seldom red or orange (in Kansas specimens), red-finned shiner, Notropis timbratilis, p. 108 Predorsal scale-rows fewer than 20 (scales not minute and crowded); lateral-line scales fewer than 37; no dark spot at origin of dorsal fin; fins often red or orange red shiner, Notropis lutrensis, p. 125 20. Dorsal fin acutely pointed, first principal ray longer than head length; predorsal stripe indistinct or absent; body almost unpigmented, transparent in life; sides having thin, bright silvery longitudinal stripe silver-banded shiner, Notropis shumardi, p. 106 Dorsal fin not acutely pointed, first principal ray shorter than head length; predorsal stripe usually prominent; body well pigmented, not transparent in life; sides generally silvery, without longitudinal stripe 21 21. Predorsal length (Fig. 4) less than or equal to distance from dorsal origin to base of caudal fin; lining of body cavity black; lateral-line scales 37 or more 22 Predorsal length usually greater than distance from dorsal origin to base of caudal fin; lining of body cavity silvery or dusky; lateral line scales 37 or fewer 25 22. Scales on anterior part of sides not notably diamond-shaped, about twice as high as long; lateral-line scales usually 40-44 23 Scales on anterior part of sides narrowly diamond-shaped, about 3 times as high as long; lateral-line scales usually 37-40 24 23. Cleithrum silvery (no dark crescent behind or beneath edge of oper- culum); no dark lines between dorsolateral scale rows, dusky-striped shiner, Notropis pihbnji, p. 1 10 Cleithrum blackened (dark crescent behind or beneath edge of oper- culum); dark zigzag lines present between dorsolateral scale rows, converging posteriorly bleeding shiner, Notropis zonatus " 24. Predorsal scales much smaller than scales on sides, more than 18 scale rows before dorsal fin; no dark lines between dorsolateral scale rows northern common shiner, Notropis cormitus, p. 113 Predorsal scales not much smaller than scales on sides, fewer than 18 scale rows before dorsal fin; dark zigzag lines, converging posteriorly atop caudal peduncle, evident between dorsolateral scale rows, central common shiner, Notropis chnjsocephalus, p. 115 25. Lower jaw shorter than upper jaw, closing into it (Fig. IIB); posterior membranes of dorsal fin blotched, darker than anterior membranes; caudal fin pale ( unpigmented ) basally, darker distally, blunt-faced shiner, Notropis camurus, p. 120 Upper and lower jaws equal (Figs. lOA, llA); posterior part of dorsal fin not blotched, not darker than anterior part; caudal fin uniformly pigmented red shiner, Notropis hitrensis, p. 125 " Hypothetically in Kansas; see account of Notropis pilsbryi. 68 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. 26. Intestine forming single, flattened S-shaped loop longitudinally ( Fig. 13A); lining of body cavity silvery, sometimes dusky, black only in Notropis boops 27 Intestine looped transversely across body cavity (Fig. 13B) (only one loop crossing midline, anteriorly, in Pimephales notatus); lining of body cavity black 42 27. Anal rays usually 8 28 Anal rays usually 7 37 28. Lateral-line scales more than 50; dorsal fin with dark spot at origin; pharyngeal teeth 2,5 — 4,2 creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus, p. Lateral-line scales fewer than 42; dorsal fin without dark spot at origin; pharyngeal teeth never 2,S—A,2 29 29. Body compressed, lateral line decurved; greatest width of body less than distance from crest of back to lateral line; dorsal fin rounded, anterior rays extending approximately to tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed against body 30 Body terete, lateral line nearly straight; greatest width of body about equal to distance from crest of back to lateral line; dorsal fin pointed, anterior rays extending beyond tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed against body 31 30. Posterior membranes of dorsal fin more densely pigmented than anterior membranes; lateral-line scales usually more than 35; greatest depth of body 3.6-4.3 in standard length; phar>'ngeal teeth 1,4 — 4,1, spot-finned shiner, Notropis spilopterus, p. Posterior membranes of dorsal fin not more densely pigmented than anterior membranes; lateral-line scales usually 35 or fewer; greatest depth of body 3.0-3.6 in standard length; pharyngeal teeth usually 0,4 — 4,0 red shiner, 'Notropis lutrensis, p. 31. Mouth strongly oblique, upper and lower jaws equal or the lower jaw protruding (Fig. HA); lower lip pigmented 32 Mouth scarcely oblique, lower jaw shorter than upper jaw, closing within it (Fig. IIC); lower lip unpigmented 33 32. Dorsal rays 9; lateral-line scales 36-40; pharyngeal teeth 0,5 — 5,0; lin- ing of body cavity silvery, pug-nosed minnow, Opsopoeodus emiliae, p. Dorsal rays 8; lateral-line scales 34-36; pharyngeal teeth, 1,4 — 4,1; lining of body cavity black big-eyed shiner, Notropis boops, p. 123 125 83 119 A B FiG. 13. Ventral views (diagrammatic) of body cavities in minnows, as they would appear if lower body-wall were cut away. A. Intestine short, forming a single S-shaped loop; peritoneum silvery. B. Intestine long, looped transversely across body cavity; peritoneimi dark ( usually black ) . Fishes of Kansas 69 33. Eye diameter less than length of upper jaw; anterior lateral-Hne scales not higher than scales in rows above and below lateral line; circum- ferential scales 26 or more 34 Eye diameter greater than length of upper jaw; anterior lateral-line scales higher than scales in rows above and below lateral line; cir- cumferential scales fewer than 26 35 34. Origin of dorsal fin nearer base of caudal fin than tip of snout; eye diameter greater than li head length; predorsal dark stripe well de^■eloped, caudal spot absent; pharyngeal teeth 1,4 — 4,1, big-mouthed shiner, Notropis dorsalis, p. 130 Origin of dorsal fin nearer tip of snout than base of caudal fin; eye diameter less than Y* head length; predorsal stripe faint or absent, small caudal spot present; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0, Arkansas River shiner, Notropis girardi, p. 135 35. Dark lateral stripe intense, continuous around snout; anterior lateral- line scales ]ia\ing che\ronlike markings with apices directed for- ward; snout length not less than eye diameter, black-nosed shiner, Notropis heterolepis, p. 141 Dark lateral stripe faint or absent; anterior lateral-line scales lacking che\ronlike markings; snout length less than eye diameter 36 36. Dorsolateral scales outlined by dark pigment, upper sides about as well pigmented as dorsal surface; longest ray in dorsal fin usually shorter than head length; infraorbital canal complete (Fig. 4), mimic shiner, Notropis volucellus, p. 137 Dorsolateral scales not outlined by dark pigment, upper sides with an unpigmented space; longest ray in dorsal fin longer than head length; infraorbital canal incomplete ( Fig. 4 ) ghost shiner, Notropis huchanani, p. 139 37. Lower lip thick, with prominent lobes at corners of mouth (Fig. 12C), sucker-mouthed minnow, Plienacobiiis inirabilis, p. 99 Lower lip uniformly thin, without lobes at corners of mouth 38 38. Dorsal fin pointed at tip, unspotted; anterior rays of dorsal extending to or beyond tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed against body (Fig. lOA); lateral-hne scales 32-37 39 Dorsal fin rounded, with anterior dark spot; anterior rays of dorsal not extending to tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed against body (Fig. lOB); lateral-line scales 37-41 41 39. Dark lateral band present, terminating in discrete triangular caudal spot; length of caudal peduncle equal to head length; mouth small, distance from front of mandible to end of maxilla about /2 distance from end of maxilla to lower end of gill cleft (union of gill mem- brane to isthmus) Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka, p. 128 Dark lateral band absent, caudal spot usually absent (diffuse if pres- ent); length of caudal peduncle less than head length; mouth large, distance from front of mandible to end of maxilla at least Ys distance from end of maxilla to lower end of gill cleft ( union of gill mem- brane to isthmus ) 40 40. Mid-dorsal stripe divided around base of dorsal fin, not intensified within base (no black dash in base of dorsal); lateral line not ac- cented by melanophores; pharyngeal teeth 1 or 2,4 — 4,2 or 1, river shiner, Notropis blennius, p. 117 Mid-dorsal stripe not divided around base of dorsal fin, intensified within base ( black dash present in base of dorsal ) ; lateral line usu- ally accented by melanophores; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0, sand shiner, Notropis stramineus, p. 133 70 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. xMiscl. Publ. 41. Dorsum not cross-hatched (pigment dispersed on scales); spot at base of caudal fin wedge-shaped; dark lateral stripe indistinct or absent; least depth of caudal peduncle usually greater than ¥i its length ( body stout ) ; nuptial tubercles usually 9, in 2 rows, bull-headed minnow, Pimepluiles vigilax, p. 153 Dorsum cross-hatched (pigment concentrated along margins of scales); spot at base of caudal fin vertically elongate; dark lateral stripe well-defined; least depth of caudal peduncle usually less than /2 its length (body slender); nuptial tubercles usually 11-13, in 3 rows, slim minnow, PimcpJiales tenellus, p. 155 42. Intestine wound spirally around air bladder; lower jaw with hardened cartilaginous cutting-edge ( often concealed — pry mouth open ) and submarginal fold of thick skin (Fig. 12D), stoneroller, Campostoma anomalum, p. 159 Intestine having all its loops ventral to air bladder, never completely encircling it; lower jaw not as above, its edge exposed, sometimes thin and hard, but without submarginal fold of skin 43 43. Lateral line incomplete; scales minute, 65-90 in lateral-line row; origin of dorsal fin behind insertion of pelvics; body having two dark lateral stripes; pharyngeal teeth 0,5 — 5,0, red-bellied dace, CJuosoinus erytlirogaster, p. 81 Lateral line usually complete; scales large, fewer than 50 in lateral- line row; origin of dorsal fin not behind insertion of pelvics; body not having two dark lateral stripes; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0 . 44 44. Dorsal fin rounded, anterior rays not extending to tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed against body (Fig. lOB); lateral-line scales usually more than 40; anal rays usually 7; breast naked (below pectoral fins) 45 Dorsal fin triangular, anterior rays extending to tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed against body (Fig. lOA); lateral-line scales usually fewer than 40; anal rays usually 8; breast scaled (below pectoral fins) 46 45. Scale rows around body 38 or more; caudal fin usually lacking basal spot; intestine with several loops across body cavity, fat-headed minnow, Pimephales promelas, p. 149 Scale rows around body 32 or fewer; caudal fin having distinct black basal spot; loops of intestine few and mostly longitudinal, blunt-nosed minnow, Pimephales notatus, p. 157 46. Mouth n -shaped (Fig. 12A); eye diameter more than ^4 head length, equal to snout length; pharyngeal teeth hooked.-, lateral line outlined by dark dots ozark minnow, Dionda nuhila, p. 143 Mouth /^-shaped (Fig. 12B); eye diameter usually less than )* head length, less than snout length; pharyngeal teeth not hooked; lateral line not outlined by dark dots 47 47. Dorsal fin rounded at tip; caudal fin uniformly pigmented ( lower rudi- mentary rays pigmented ) ; sides with a brassy sheen in life, dusky lateral band usually evident, brassy minnow, HyhognatJitts liankinsoni, p. 144 Dorsal fin pointed at tij); caudal fin pale-edged \entrally (lower rudi- mentary rays unpigmented); sides silverv in life, no dusky lateral band ." 48 Fishes of Kansas 71 48. Ventral scale-rows (below lateral-line series, crossing in front of pelvic fins) visually 15-18; posterior process of basioccipital bone rocUike (Fig. 14A) plains minnow, Hybognathiis placitus, p. 146 Ventral scale-rows (below lateral-line series, crossing in front of pelvic fins) usually 12-14; posterior process of basioccipital bone thin and broad ( Fig. 14B ) silvery minnow, Hybognathiis nuchalis, p. 148 A B Fig. 14. Basioccipital bones in two species of Hybognathiis. Upper three figures indicate a method of revealing the structure, by cutting across the isthmus and bending the head backward. Lower four figures (redrawn from Bailey and Allum, 1962: Pi. 1) show details of undersurface of basioccipital. A' and A. Plains minnow: posterior process of basioccipital rodlike, with contiguous muscle-attachments at tip. B' and B. Silvery minnow: posterior process of basioccipital expanded, with widely separated muscle-attachments at tip. 72 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Carp Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus 0 10 25 SOMiles ' ■ I J I L 101 100 99 98 96 95 Cyprinus carpio, Cragin (1885b: 109); Graham (1885b: 78); Dvche (1914: 124-129); Hall (1934:230); Breukelman (1940a:369, 1940b:380, 1960: 34); Jennings (1942:364); Cross (1954:308); Cross and Hastings (1956":86); Greer and Cross (1956:360); Sdielske (1957:39); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167); Cross, Deacon, and Ward ( 1959: 163); Metcalf (1959:365, 1966:97); Mincklev (1959:418); Deacon (1961:378-379); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316); Fisher (1962:427). Carp — Schoonover and Thompson ( 1954: 176). Body compressed, back arched, ventral line nearly straight; dorsal fin with 19-22 rays, first ray bony ( spinous ) and saw-edged posteriorly; anal fin with 6 rays, first ray spinous; mouth terminal, slightly oblique, thin-lipped, with two pairs of barbels; pharyngeal arch broad, its teeth molarlike, in tliree rows; vertebrae 35-40. Color gray to brassy, fins yellowish to orange. Weight of largest specimen from Kansas 24 pounds, 9 ounces. Fishes of Kansas 73 Information about the earliest introductions of carp into the United States has been summarized by Forbes and Richardson (1920:105-106); in Kansas, Breukelman (1946:58) and Call (1961: 32-33) have discussed the arrival of the carp in 1880 and 1881, and its propagation in ponds during the next few years. The excited optimism with which the first fish were received is, in retrospect, highly interesting: "There are few farmers in Kansas who could not furnish a quarter or half an acre of ground, which might be devoted to the raising of these valuable fishes; . . . and as fish ponds, be made the most pleasant and profitable parts of the farm" (Call, 1961:32, as quoted from a report in 1881 by Professor E. M. Shelton of Kansas State College). Although Cragin (1885b: 109) wrote that carp were being "raised for food in artificial ponds in all parts of the State" by 1885, it is noteworthy that none of the following mentioned carp from streams in Kansas: Cragin (1885b) and Graham (1885b), state- wide lists of fishes; Jordan and Meek (1885), Missouri River oppo- site St. Joseph; Gilbert (1886, 1889) and Hay (1887), various streams, mostly in western Kansas; Jordan (1891), Arkansas River at Wichita. Thus it seems unlikely that carp became abundant in natural waters until the 1890's or early 1900's. In 1910-1912, per- sonnel of the State Biological Survey found carp in the following rivers or tributaries thereto: Smoky Hill, Republican, Kansas, Marais des Cygnes, and Spring. By 1914, carp occurred "in nearly all Kansas streams" according to Dyche (1914:125). He spoke of carp as "perhaps the greatest pond fish in the world" and ( loc. cit. : 124-129) published observations on the habits of the species under culture at the State Fish Hatchery near Pratt. The carp is now (1966) statewide in distribution, and is the predominant large fish in the lower Kansas River. In the Missouri River, the commercial catch of carp greatly exceeds that of any other species. The early enthusiasm for carp waned gradually, and the species now has few advocates, even among commercial fishermen. Over the years, the catches of other fishes declined as carp increased. Carp have the lowest value, per pound, of any fish now taken commercially in the Missouri River, and many of the carp caught are not salable because the supply exceeds the demand for them. In many parts of the United States, the commercial income derived from carp is partly offset by large sums that are expended annually in efforts to control or eradicate carp. Eradication of carp now seems impossible, except in small lakes 74 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. that are wholly isolated from other surface-waters. "Control" short of eradication requires carefully-planned and costly efforts, every year ad infinitinn, if sustained benefits are to result. Thus, the prevalence of carp is to be accepted as the result of a lamentable mistake, and should be remembered when introductions of other non-native fishes are proposed. Since they are here to stay, carp should be utilized as fully as possible. They are not bad sport fish in terms of their fighting ability, being stronger and more tenacious than bass and most other game-fish of similar weight. Carp grow larger than any species classed as game fish in Kansas other than the flathead, channel catfish, and blue catfish. The current "state-record" carp, caught by Harvey W. Haas in Clarks Creek near Skiddy, Morris County, weighed 24 pounds, 9 ounces. That record is not likely to stand. The largest carp that I have heard about weighed 74 pounds ( when caught in Rankin County Lake, Mississippi ) . Missis- sippi Fish and Game Magazine (Vol. 24, No. 18, p. 9, 1964) states that this particular carp "broke water, like a depth charge of dyna- mite" when hooked, and that the angler as well as the fish ulti- mately collapsed in exhaustion. Carp are remarkably adaptable animals, a fact that accounts for the general success attending their introduction over much of the world. They feed on plant-material as well as many kinds of aquatic animals. Carp congregate near points of discharge from sewage treatment plants and other sources of organic effluent in streams, consuming the refuse or the microorganisms found there. I have watched carp as they neatly stripped the grain from each fallen head of wheat in flooded fields, where water was less deep than the bodies of the fish. Under such flood-conditions, many a Kansas farm-boy has enjoyed carp-catching bonanzas in which the fish were taken by hand, pitchfork, shotgun, bow-and-arrow, and such other means as personal ingenuity engendered. Seldom are carp predaceous on other fishes, but carp undoubtedly compete for food with many kinds of native fish and alter habitats in ways detrimental to other species. Carp reproduce intermittently over a lengthy period each year. Spawning sometimes begins as early as March, and extends to July or later; peaks of reproductive activity usually follow rises in waterlevel in late April, May, and June. The eggs are scattered over vegetation or debris in shallow water, without prior prepara- tion of nest-sites or subsequent protection by the parental fish. The fecundity of carp is high. One 17-pound carp that I examined, Fishes of Kansas 75 from the Kansas River in Kansas City, contained approximately 2,300.000 eggs. Limited information on growth-rates of carp in Kansas has been recorded by Schoonover and Thompson (1954:176) and by Minck- ley (1959:418). Goldfish Carassius auratus (Linnaeus) 40 39- 38- 37 40 0 10 25 SON'iles I ' I . I 39 38 -37 DV S9 98 96 B5 Carassius auratus, Jennings (1942:364); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167); Minckley (1959:419); Breukelman (1960:34); Metcalf (1966:98). Goldfish— Dyche (1914:129-132, 151-153). Body moderately compressed; dorsal fin with 18 or 19 rays, first ray bony (spinous) and saw-edged posteriorly; anal fin with 6 or 7 rays, first spinous; mouth oblique, thin-lipped, without barbels; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0, arch strong; vertebrae 30-31. Color variable, commonly orange but dull gray or bronze in "wild-type." Maximum size approximately three pounds. 76 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. The first reference to goldfish in Kansas seems to be that of Dyche ( 1914 ) , concerning production of this species in ponds at the State Fish Hatchery near Pratt. Dyche (1914:130) stated, "We hatch them in great numbers and raise them to different ages and sizes as food for other fishes," and (op. c/f.:131), "Full-grown specimens at from three to five years of age will attain a weight of from two to three pounds." Subsequent records of goldfish are few, and several are from impoundments where the occurrence may reflect release of gold- fish used as bait. Not indicated on the map is a report by Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167) that the species is "Some- times abundant locally" in Lyon County. The only stream from which I have taken goldfish repeatedly is the Ninnescah River, below the State Fish Hatchery, although that hatchery ceased production of goldfish many years ago. Elsewhere the species seems scarce in natural waters, but the scattered distribution of recent records suggests that goldfish might be found almost any- where in Kansas. Thoughtless release of goldfish endangers native fishes through competition. The goldfish has no advantage as a bait-minnow over various native species. Therefore, the production and use of goldfish as bait involves unnecessary risk that anglers ought not be willing to accept. Golden shiner Noteniigonus crysoleucas (Mitchill) Notemigomis chnjsoleucus, Graham (1885b:74); Evermann and Fordice (1886:185). Notemigomts cnisoleucas. Hall (1934:230); Moore and Buck (1955:22); Greer and Cross (1956:360); Schelske (1957:39, 45); Clarke, Breukel- man, and Andrews (1958:167); Cross, Deacon, and Ward (1959:163); Metcalf (1959:372, 1966:98); Breukelman (1960:34); Deacon (1961: 379); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316). Notcmigoniis crysoleucas auratus, Breukelman (1940a:370); Jennings (1942:365). Notemigonus chrtjsoleucas auratiis, Breukelman (1940b:380). Golden shiner — Breukelman (1946:63). Fishes of Kansas 77 Body deeply compressed; head small, mouth small and highly oblique; ventruin keeled from pelvic fins to anus; lateral line deeply decurved, with 47-54 scales; scale rows around body 20-25 — 2 — 11-14; dorsal fin high, acutely pointed, originating posterior to insertion of pelvics; dorsal fin-rays 8; anal fin-rays 11-15; pelvic rays usually 9; pectoral rays 15; pharyngeal teeth 0,5 — 5,0; intestine short, peritoneum dusky; vertebrae usually 37-38. Oli\aceous dorsalK , silvery to brassy laterally and ventrally; fins usually colorless, without dark spots near their bases. Length 12 inches or less. The golden shiner is more common in eastern than in western Kansas, but may now be nearly statewide in occurrence. The scarcity of records prior to 1900 suggests than N. cnjsoleucas has increased its abundance in recent years. For several reasons, I think the species now occurs more generally than is indicated by the map above. First, the fish has a decided preference for deep, quiet pools and lakes, especially where aquatic vegetation grows rankly and seining is difficult; furthermore, the golden shiner is an unusually fast, elusive minnow, not easily captured by seining. Second, impoundments throughout the State have provided much new habitat suitable for golden shiners, and frequent use of this species as bait may have facilitated its establishment where the species had been rare or absent. All the records (see map) in northwestern Kansas were obtained from pools below dams. Several lakes in eastern Kansas (Leavenworth and Crawford county state lakes, Wyandotte County Lake, Lone Star Lake, Lake Wabaunsee, Gardner City Lake) have limited populations of golden shiners that attain lengths of 10 inches or more. Some of the golden shiners 78 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. netted from those lakes weigh more than most crappie, bhiegill, and other panfishes in the same lakes. Apart from impoundments, the usual habitat of Notemigonus is in oxbows and in pools of small ereeks that have reasonably clear water. The species seldom is found in streams that are highly- intermittent, or in the mainstreams of our larger rivers. Notemigonns spawns in late spring and summer. The eggs are scattered, often in weed-beds, where they adhere during their development to stems and finely-di\ided leaves. The spawning fish prepare no nests nor do they protect the eggs and young. Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus ( Mitchill ) Semotihis Hammondii Abbott (1860a:474 [orig. descr., based on a tubercu- late male, locality given only as "Kansas"] ). Semotilus corporalis. Cope (1865b:85); Gilbert (1884:15). Semotilis atromaculatus, Graham (1885a:4). Semotilus atromaculatus, Gilbert (1885b:99, 1889:39, 40, 42); Cragin 1885b:109); Graham (1885b:74); Hav (1887:243, 247, 249, 250, 252); Crevecoeur (1908:155); Fowler (1925:396); Breukelman (1940a:370, 1940b:380, 1960:34); Jennings (1942:364); Cross (1954:308); Minck- ley (1956:354, 1959:419); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958: 168); Mincklev and Cross (1959:212); Mincklev and Deacon (1959: 348); Cross and Mincklev (1960:7); Deacon (1961:379); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316); Olund and Cross (1961:341); Metcalf (1966:98). Semotilus atromaculus. Hall (1934:230). Squalius elongatus. Hay (1887:249 [misidentification, a single abnormal specimen reidentified as S. atromaculatus by Hubbs, 1951b: 191-192] ). Body nearly terete; head large, its length 3.2-3.6 in standard length; mouth large, tenuinal, oblique; upper lip expanded medially and dark- pigmented; small, flaplike barbel (sometimes obsolescent) recessed in groove above upper lip, anterior to corner of mouth; fins small and rounded; dorsal fin 8-rayed, originating posterior to insertion of pelvic fins; anal and pelvic fin-rays 8, pectoral rays 15-17; lateral line complete, slightly decurved, with (usually) 55-65 scales; predorsal scales small, crowded; scale rows around body 23-26—2—23-29, around caudal peduncle 11-12—2—10-12; pharyngeal arch large, teeth 2,5 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 42-45. Blue-gray or olivaceous dorsalK-, white ventrally; sides with narrow, dusky Fishes of Kansas 79 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ■ ' J I L 40 39 38 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 longitudinal streak, terminating in small wedge-shaped spot at base of caudal fin; dorsal fin with dark basal blotch anteriorly; mid-dorsal stripe well devel- oped; sides of breeding males rosy with purple iridescence; lower fins yellowish; cleithrum blackened. Breeding males with few large tubercles, aligned in two rows on head — usually four above each eye and a pair before each narial pit; pectoral rays 2-9 with one file of tubercles basally, double file on branched (distal) part of each ray; marginal row of small tubercles on some scales of caudal peduncle; upper rudimentary rays of caudal fin tuberculate. Length 12 inches or less. The creek chub occurs throughout the Kansas River Basin but only at a few locaHties in the Arkansas River System. The species characteristically occupies small tributaries rather than rivers, as its name implies and as nearly all authors have verified in their accounts of Seniotilus. Nevertheless, I have often caught "strays" in the mainstream of the Kansas River near Lawrence. Creek chubs may have unusual vagility under the variable environmental conditions in Plains streams; wandering individuals may account for rapid redispersal of Semotilii.s into tributaries that are ill-suited for creek chubs during droughts. Many streams where Semotilus occurs in the Kansas River System are intermittent and muddy. In contrast, only the clearest, permanently-flowing streams in the Arkansas River System harbor Semotilus. I fail to understand why it is absent from many small streams in southeastern Kansas that appear to provide habitats better than those where creek chubs persist in the Kansas River Basin. Starrett (1950:122) considered Semotilus to be an excep- 80 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. tionally hardy, pioneering fish in Iowa; that description seems applicable to populations of creek chubs in the Kansas River Basin but not to those in the Arkansas River Basin. The species certainly is native to the Arkansas System, judging from Pleistocene evidence and Recent occurrences southwestward across that river basin to the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Creek chubs reproduce early in the year. Most males captured in late March are tuberculate, although not actually spawning. The peak of spawning activity probably occurs in April in most years. Males construct and guard nests that have the form of gravel ridges. The nest is elongated downstream as successive batches of eggs are deposited, fertilized, and covered by addition of stones at the lower end of the nest. The brief spawning period of Semotilus usually occurs at the time when streams are clearest and their waterlevels are most nearly stable. Spring-How in tributaries is strong because vegetation still is dormant, minimizing loss of ground- water through transpiration; and, rains seldom cause high, muddy waters until late spring and summer, after completion of the creek chub's reproductive cycle. Semotilus is an opportunistic carnivore. In Iowa, Dinsmore (1962) reported that fish, annelids, crayfish, mollusks, an assort- ment of insects, and some aquatic vegetation are eaten by creek chubs. After noting the temporary occurrence of large numbers of ground-beetles in diets of creek chubs during floods, Dinsmore suggested, "This adaptability, along with the wide variety of food accepted, perhaps partly explains why the chub is such a wide- ranging fish." Large creek chubs are easily caught by hook-and-line, on live bait or small artificial lures. On light tackle this fish is surprisingly sporty, making fast runs and jumping occasionally, but it lacks endurance. S. atromaculatus sometimes hybridizes in Kansas with Chrosomiis cnjthrogaster, Notropis cornittus, and Campostoma onomahim (Cross and Minckley, 1960). Fishes of Kansas 81 Southern red-bellied dace Chrosomus erythrogaster (Rafinesque) 0 10 25 SOMJIes I J I L 102 100 99 98 95 Chrosomus erythrogaster, Gilbert (1885b:98; 1889:40); Cragin (1885b: 108); Graham (1885b:72); Hav (1887:249); Breukelman (1940a:870); Jennings (1942:365); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167); Minckley and Cross (1959:212); Mincklev (1959:419); Cross and Minckley (1960:4, 7); Metcalf (1966:102). Body terete; head small, conical, its length 3.8-4.2 in standard length; mouth small, nearly terminal, slightly oblique; fins small, rounded; dorsal fin 8-rayed, originating behind insertion of pelvic fins; anal fin-rays 7 or 8; pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays 14 or 15; scales minute, more than 65 in lateral- line row (lateral line incomplete); peritoneum black; intestine long, with several loops crossing midventral line; pharyngeal teeth 0,5 — 5,0; vertebrae 37-39. Olivaceous dorsally, with mid-dorsal dark streak and usually with scattered dark flecks; two dark bands laterally: one originating near parietal spot and terminating in several narrowly-interrupted dark spots on upper part of 6—6169 82 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. caudal peduncle, another (below and wider than the first) extending from front of lips across snout, through eye and across opercle, continuously on sides to base of caudal fin; silvery horizontal band between dark bands; head silvery below eyes and on lower part of operculum; lower sides and venter white; fins colorless except for dark pigment on dorsal and caudal fins near bases. Pattern (as described above) intensified in breeding males by height- ened contrast of hght and dark areas; silvery lateral band yellowish; venter mostly brilliant red; lips red at corners of mouth; chin having red patch extending backward onto gill-membranes; isthmus with triangular yellow spot, surrounded by red pigment; base of pectoral fin silvery, encircled by red pigment; lower sides and breast wholly red, or having ventrolateral red patches separated by midventral white line; ventrolateral red patches extend- ing backward above pelvic and anal fins, attenuated posteriorly; belly, base of anal fin, and midventral line of caudal peduncle bright yellow; pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins yellow; dorsal fin yellow, less brilliant than lower fins, without a basal red spot in Kansas specimens; caudal fin clear or faintly tinged witli yellow, with bright yellow pigment on lower procurrent rays. See Plate 1. Breeding males finely but densely tuberculate; head with numerous tubercles dorsally and dorsolaterally, few tubercles on snout and below eye, none on undersurface; most scales, except in abdominal region, with coalescent tubercles marginally; anterodorsal scales mostly with single tubercles (one point), tubercles on posterodorsal scales with 1-3 points; scales above base of anal fin and on lower part of caudal peduncle having 2-5 points; discrete, callouslike patch of tuberculate scales, peculiar to genus Clirosomus, before base of each pectoral fin (8 or 9 diagonal rows of scales bearing 1-3 tubercles per scale); pectoral fins with large tubercles on rays 2-5; pelvic rays 1-3 tuberculate; dorsal and anal fins with single file of tubercles on anterior ray, other rays sparsely tuberculate; caudal fin not tuberculate. Length 2/4 inches or less. The red-bellied dace now occurs in Cherokee County (Spring River Drainage) and in streams draining the Flint Hills in the Kansas River Basin. Formerly the species was more widespread, if the records of Gilbert (1885b:98, Finney County), Hay (1887: 249, Norton County), and Graham ("Marais des Cygnes River") are valid. Gilbert's record may result from mixing of fishes from "Garden City" with specimens from Snokomo Creek in Wabaunsee County (see account of Etheostoma cragini). The record from Lyon County (Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews, 1958:167) is indefinite as to locality of capture. Chrosomiis is confined to small, clear, permanent streams and is common only near sources of springs. Although the streams occu- pied are mainly rocky, upland brooks, the red-bellied dace usually occurs over bottoms of soft muck where seepage-water emerges from the bases of high stream-banks. Thus a scarcity of per- manent springs, rather than gradient or bottom-type, probably Fishes of Kansas 83 limits the distribution of this species in Kansas. The number of springs has diminished since settlement by European man. Unless the remaining springs are preserved in their natural state, undis- turbed by li\"estock or by cultivation of adjacent lands, this hand- some fish may disappear from Kansas. Red-bellied dace spawn from late March until May, most often in April, when water-temperatures are 50° to 60° F. C. erijthro- gflster sometimes hybridizes with Semotihis atromaculatus, Notropis corniitus, and Campostoma anomaJum in Kansas; the frequency of this hybridization probably indicates a scarcity of suitable habitat (or deterioration of habitat) for Chrosomus in Kansas. Pug-nosed minnow Opsopoeodus emiliae Hay .^« Body stout anteriorly, caudal peduncle slender; head small, its length usually less than Yi standard length; snout blunt, usually shorter than eye- diameter; mouth small, strongly oblique, nearly vertical (posterior extremity anterior to nares); dorsal fin acutely pointed and high, anterior rays equal to or longer than head length; origin of dorsal fin approximately over insertion of pelvics; dorsal rays 9; anal and pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays 15; lateral line slightly decurved, with 36-40 scales; scale-rows around body usually 13 — 2 — 11, around caudal peduncle 5 — 2 — 5; pharyngeal teeth 0,5 — 5,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 37-38. Greenish dorsally, transparent or silvery lateralK' and ventrally; dorsal and lateral scales well outlined by melanophores; mid-dorsal stripe obscure or absent; lateral dark band narrow and dusky, often absent; fins unspotted. Length 2/2 inches or less. The pug-nosed minnow has not been reported from Kansas previously, but one series of four specimens from Woodson County is deposited in the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ 97750). The locaHty of capture is given as Big Sandy Creek, tributary to Verdigris River, 5/2 mi. NE Coyville; the date 84 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. of capture was 6 July 1931. I have collected fishes at the same locality but found no Opsopoeodus. The pug-nosed minnow is mainly southern in its distribution, occurring most commonly in low-gradient streams or swamps on the coastal plain. The existence of this species in southeastern Kansas is not surprising, because records of it have been obtained from southwestern Missouri and eastern Oklahoma (Arkansas River System). Flat-headed chub Hybopsis gracilis (Richardson 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 I I I I I I I I 1 1 102 101 100 99 98 96 95 Platygobio gulonelhis. Cope (1865b: 85 [locality erroneously given as "Platte River, near Fort Riley"; specimens probably from Nortb Platte Ri\er in Wyoming] ) . Platygobio gracilis, Jordan and Meek (1885:13); Gilbert ,^ 885b: 98); Cragin (1885b:109); Graham (1885a:4; 1885b:74); Breukelman (1946:57). Hybopsis gracilis, Fisher ( 1962:427); Metcalf ( 1966: 103). Hybopsis gracilis gracilis, Olund and Cross ( 1961:329). Hybopsis gracilis gulonella, Olund and Cross ( 1961:332). Fishes of Kansas 85 Body terete; liead broad, flattened dorsally, its length about Vi of standard length; snout conical, never turgid, scarcely protruding beyond mouth (Fig. 12A); mouth large, subterminal, slightly oblique; barbels conspicuous; eye small, diameter less than la of head length in adults; lateral line scales 42-56; scale rows around body 30-42, most often 15 — 2 — 17; fins rather high, falcate; origin of dorsal fin over or slightly anterior to insertion of pelvics; dorsal, anal, and pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays usually 16-18; pharyngeal teeth 2,4 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 40-46. Plain brownish dorsally, silvery laterally, without obvious markings; lower lobe of caudal fin darker than upper lobe, fins otherwise colorless. In breeding males, minute tubercles densely distributed on top of head and snout; peripheral rows of tubercles on scales of nape, and rarely on scales of caudal peduncle; rays 2-8 of pectoral fin tuberculate; minute tubercles usually present on dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins. Maximum length about 9 inches. Subspecific characters. — H. g. gracilis: size large; body slender, fins strongly falcate; vertebrae 40-42; lateral line scales usually 50 or more; pectoral fin-rays usually 17 or more. H. g. gulonella (Cope): size smaller; body stout, fins less falcate; vertebrae 36-38; lateral line scales usually fewer than 50; pectoral fin-rays usually fewer than 17. Two subspecies of the flat-headed chub have been recognized in Kansas (Okuid and Cross, 1961). H. g. gracilis occurs in the Mis- souri River, where it Hves in strong currents of the mainstream. H. g. gulonella inhabits the western part of the Arkansas River System, where it is found mainly in pools. Specimens from the Kansas River Basin seem to be intergrades that resemble H. g. gracilis more than gulonella. Bailey and Allum (1962:44) questioned the taxonomic signifi- cance of variation in this species; they suspected that morphological differences result from direct environmental influences, such as difi^erential temperatures during embryonic development. My opin- ion is that northern and southern stocks of the species differentiated genetically prior to formation of the present Missouri Basin in early Pleistocene. Subsequently, northern streams (inhabited by gracilis) were diverted southward by glacial fronts and acquired as tribu- taries several streams that were inhabited by gulonella; gracilis spread southward in the Missouri mainstream, accounting for the disjunct distribution of present stocks of gulonella. That hypothesis was expressed by Metcalf (1966:104), who reviewed evidence of Pliocene drainage systems on the Great Plains and discussed Pleis- tocene changes in the drainage patterns, in relation to the present distribution of this species and several other kinds of fishes in the Kansas River Basin. The reproductive habits of H. gracilis are unknown. Both sub- 86 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. species probably spawn in July and August, because most specimens caught in those months are tuberculate (or gravid) whereas speci- mens caught in other months usually lack these evidences of repro- ductive activity. Tuberculate males have been taken in the Ar- kansas River in Colorado in early September, but females caught with them were spent. At that time, water temperatures in different streams inhabited by H. g. guloneUa varied from 65° F. (in the mainstream of Arkansas River) to 92° F. (in the Purgatoire River); diurnal change in temperature is great in most streams of that area. The late spawning period in this species seemingly coincides with low waterlevels and relati\ ely warm temperatures, following passage of meltwaters and spring runoff from the mountainous headwaters of most Plains streams. The food of this chub consists of insects, a large proportion of which are terrestrial kinds that fall accidentally into the water. Hornyhead Hybopsis biguttata (Kirtland) Ceratichthijs cyclotis, Cope ( lS65b:85). Hybopsis higuttatus, Gilbert (1885b:98; 1886:210; 1889:40, 42); Cragin (1885b:109); Graham (1885a:4; 1885b:74); Hay (1887:250, 252). Hybopsis kentiickiensis, Fowler (1925:411-412). Nocomis biguitatus, Breukelman (1940a:370; 1940b:380; 1946:65); Jennings (1942:365). Hybopsis biguttaia, Cross (1954:308); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167); Metcalf (1959:393); Cross and Mincklev (1960:11), Breukelman (1960:34); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316); iMetcalf (1966:105). Body robust; head large, compressed, its length 3.4-3.8 in standard length; mouth large, oblique, terminal; barbels inconspicuous; eye moderate in size, its diameter 4.0 to 5.0 in head length; lateral-line scales 40-43; scale rows around body 15-16 — 2 — 16-18; fins low and rounded, never falcate; dorsal and pelvic rays 8; anal rays 7; pectoral rays usually 16; pharyngeal teeth usually 1,4 — 4,1; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 35-37. Fishes of Kansas 87 100 99 39 38 37 Olivaceous, white ventrally, sides not silvery; young with dark lateral band, prominent caudal spot, and orange fins ( these markings and mid-dorsal dark stripe obsolescent in adults, except when spawning); dorsolateral scales not dark-outlined. Breeding males with distinctive red spot behind eye; tubercles large and numerous atop head, but absent from snout, sides of head, and body; ijectoral fins bearing tubercles on rays 2-5, sometimes on ray 1; other fins devoid of tubercles. Maximum length approximately 10 inches. The hornyhead is confined to clear, permanent, rocky creeks in Kansas. The species now occurs widely in the Marais des Cygnes System; elsewhere, isolated populations persist in upland streams of the Kansas, Cottonwood, and Spring River drainages. The record from the mainstream of the Neosho River (see map) rests on a single specimen obtained in severe drought. The range and abundance of H. hi<^uttata have decreased in the past century. Graham (1885b:74) listed the hornyhead as "very common" in Kansas. Metcalf (1966:105) reported several speci- mens collected in Big Creek at Fort Hays, Ellis County, in 1871. Hay (1887:250) reported "numerous large specimens" from the Saline River near WaKeeney, Trego County, and obtained others in the Smoky Hill River in Wallace County. Breukelman (1940a: 370) found none at Hay's localities in 1938, despite special efforts to get hornyheads there. My students and I have found none in any western stream in the course of our work — 1952 to 1966. In the Wakarusa Basin of northeastern Kansas, many specimens were taken from 1898 to 1912, but none since 1924 despite frequent col- lecting in that stream. 88 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. The hornyhead spawns in spring, from late May through June according to some reports, and from late April to early June according to others. The time of spawning varies locally, depend- ing on water-temperatures, but probably is of short duration at any one locality. One series of tuberculate males in the KU collections is labeled as having been caught in Rock Creek, Douglas County, on July 14, 1898. That date seems late for reproduction by the species, especially at this latitude in the southern part of its range. Unless the date is erroneous, its lateness may indicate dis- ruption of the normal breeding cycle by unfavorable environmental conditions. The male hornyhead builds and guards a nest that consists of a mound of gravel. One or more females deposit eggs in the nest in an interval of several days. The attendant male enlarges the nest by addition of gravel after successive batches of eggs are laid and fertilized. Old nests may be as large as three feet in diameter and six inches high. Current flowing through the loose gravel provides oxygen necessary for egg-development. I suspect that two factors associated with the reproductive requirements of the hornyhead account for its disappearance from many streams in Kansas. First, siltation in stream-channels may have covered suitable gravelly nest-sites, reducing the amount of habitat available for spawning. Second, frequent intermittency (cessation of flow) and increased turbidity of streams may have caused reproductive failure in places where this species fonnerly occurred. Fishes of Kansas 89 Gravel chub Hybopsis x-punctata Hubbs and Crowe 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 I 1 1 I I I I I 1 1 J I L 102 100 99 98 97 96 95 Hybopsis species. Cross ( 1954:308). Hybopsis x-punctata x-punctata, Hubbs and Crowe ( 1956:4, 7 [orig. descr.] ). Hybopsis x-punctata, Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167); Met- calf (1959:393); Deacon (1961:380). Body slender, terete, somewhat sinuous in shape; head depressed, its length 3.6-4.0 in standard length; snout protruding slightly beyond mouth; barbels short but conspicuous; eye large, its diameter 3.3-3.8 in head length; lateral line straight, with (usually) 40-43 scales; scale rows around body usually 13—2—17 (11-13—2—15-18); dorsal fin slightly falcate, originating sHghdy anterior to insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal and pelvic fin-rays 8, anal rays 7, pectoral rays 15 or 16; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum dark; vertebrae 38-39. Olivaceous dorsally, silvery laterally and ventrally; dark spots or "X-mark- ings" usually present dorsolaterally (outlining adjacent scales); mid-dorsal stripe present but not prominent; no dark lateral band or caudal spot; fi:.s colorless or dusky ( lower lobe of caudal not darker than upper lobe ) . Breeding males with minute tubercles densely distributed on top and sides 90 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. of head; most scales with tubercles, variably situated on much of the exposed surface ( not confined to margin of scale pocket ) ; pectoral fins bearing conical tubercles, larger than those on body, in single file on basal part and distal branches of rays 2-9; other fins lacking tubercles. Length 3/2 inches or less. The gravel chub occupies deep riffles over gravel bottom in the larger streams of the Neosho System. The species is not abundant. The largest numbers that I have collected came from the main- stream of the Neosho River in 1952-1955, when the water was rela- tively low and clear, and flow was continuous throughout the length of that stream. Subsequently, the Neosho dried, except for isolated pools, and the gravel chub almost disappeared from collections. H. x-punctata was one of the last species to re-establish a substantial population after the Neosho regained its normal flow in 1957. Many gravel chubs were again found in the Neosho River in the summer of 1959; the species seemingly became more common there, and in the Cottonwood River, during wet years that followed. Gravel chubs that seemed to be spawning were taken in the Neosho River on April 9, 1953, when the water temperature was 60° F. Adults that freely extruded eggs or milt were concentrated in water two to three feet deep, adjacent to a gravel bar, where the current was swiftest. Presumably, spawning is limited to a brief period in early spring. Big-eyed chub Hybopsis amblops ( Rafinesque 'J^! ^ *\-p y^r- ■■-etaias^ Hybopsis amhiops, Graham (1885b:74); Metcalf (1959:393). Body slender; head long, depressed; snout turgid, protruding slightly beyond mouth; mouth ventral, terminating below anterior margin or orbit; barbels minute; eye large, its diameter 3.0-3.5 in head length; lateral line straight, with 35 or 36 scales; scale rows around body usually 9 — 2 — 11 (breast well Fishes of Kansas 91 scaled); dorsal fin high, its tip acute (anterior rays extending beyond tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed against body ) ; dorsal fin originating slightly behind insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal, anal, and pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays usually 15; pharyngeal teeth usually 1,4 — 4,1; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 36-37. Oli\aceous dorsally, silvery laterally and ventrally; dorsolateral scales large, weakly outlined by melanin, mid-dorsal stripe obsolescent; lateral line marked 1)\ dark dots anteriorly, or sides having dusky band from base of tail forward across opercle and onto snout; fins impigmented (except at edges of dorsal and caudal ra>s ) ; no spot at base of caudal fin. In breeding males, minute tubercles present on crest of head and anterior .scales of nape; rays 1-8 of pectoral fin tuberculate, in single or double file; fins and body otherwise devoid of tubercles. Length 3/2 inches or less. I know of only one definite record of the big-eyed chub in Kansas. That record is based on one juvenile (KU 4215, 36.5 mm. in stan- dard length), obtained from the South Fork of the Cottonwood River at Nhitfield Green, Chase County, by a biology class from Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia. The date of its capture is unknown, but preceded the survey of the South Fork by Cross (1954), when collections from the same locality failed to include H. amhlops. Relic populations in the Flint Hills (including the one designated by Graham as "Neosho River") may have been ex- tirpated. Trautman (1957:303) and Zahuranek (1962:843) have called attention to the dwindling abundance of this species in Ohio. The decline seems attributable to recent accumulations of silt over stream bottoms that were formerly composed of clean sand or gravel. Most often, H. amhlops occupies clear water where cur- rents are not swift, but where sediments are coarse and firm rather than flocculent. Although I have not found the big-eyed chub in the Spring River- Shoal Creek drainage of Cherokee county, future records there seem likely because numerous records exist from the upper parts of the same drainage in Missouri. The species is abundant in many Ozarkian streams. The big-eyed chub spawns between late April and early June. 92 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. \Iiscl. Publ. Silver chub Hybopsis storeriana (Kirtland) 0 10 25 SOMiles J \ L 102 100 99 9S 97 96 95 Hybopsis storerianns, Graham (1885b: 74); Hav (1887:250); Jordan (1891: 17); Hall (1934:230); Breukelman ( 1940a:370, 1940b:380). Hybopsis storeriana, Mincklev (1959:419); Deacon (1961:379); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316); Fisher (1962:427); Metcalf (1966:106). Body slighdy compressed, stovit; head short, rounded, its length 4.0-4.5 in standard length; snout blunt, protruding slightly beyond mouth; barbels short; eye large, its diameter 4.0-4.5 in head length; scales large, 38-40 in lateral line; usually 13 — 2 — 13 scale rows around body; breast fully scaled; fins slightly falcate; dorsal, pelvic, and anal fin-rays 8; pectoral rays 15-19, usually 16 or 17; pharyngeal teeth usually 1,4 — 4,1; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 39-40. Coloration pallid, translucent in life except for white abdomen and narrow silvery lateral stripe; mid-dorsal dark streak obscure, dorsolateral scales faintly dark-outlined; lower lobe of caudal fin dark, but with white lower edge; fins otherwise colorless. Breeding males with tubercles confined to pectoral fin, on rays 2-8 (head bears numerous minute sensory buds but not breeding-tubercles). Largest Kansas specimen approximately six inches in total length. Fishes of Kansas 93 The silver chub inhabits large, sandy rivers; it seems common only in the Kansas and Missouri rivers. In the Kansas River, the number obtained in different collections varies greatly, suggesting that H. storeriana is vagile and perhaps seasonally migratory. The largest series of adults in collections at the University of Kansas were captured in fall or early spring; probably, the species occupies strong currents in the deeper parts of the mainstream during sum- mer, where it is less accessible to capture by seining. The only specimens in our collections from the Blue, Neosho, and Smoky Hill rivers are breeding adults caught in April and early May. I think that the silver chub occurs more widely in the Arkansas River mainstream than records (see map) now indicate, and that this species could be obtained farther west in the Kansas River System than the localities mapped. Metcalf (1966:106) reported H. storeriana from the Republican River in western Nebraska (Dundy County). He verified also that specimens tentatively identified as H. storeriana by Hay (1887:250) are indeed this species, but these specimens (USNM 37938) are labeled as having been taken at Wallace, rather than in the Saline River north of WaKeeney, where Hay reported their capture. The silver chub spawns in April or May, judging from dates on which tuberculate males were taken in the Missouri, Kansas, and other rivers in Kansas. With limited confidence, I associate Kansas records of Notropis hiidsonius (Clinton) with the silver chub. All reports of N. hud- soniits are attributable to I. D. Graham, who reported it (1885a:4) from "Wildcat Creek" (Riley County) and later (1885b: 73) from "Kansas river branches"; Cragin (1885b: 108) repeated Graham's record from ^^ ildcat Creek. Although H. storeriana and N. hiid- sonius differ markedly, their nomenclature was confused prior to the time of Graham's publications (see Jordan and Gilbert, 1882:171 and Jordan and Meek, 1885:24). In his second report, Graham (1885b:74) listed H. storeriana as well as N. hiidsonius, but only from the Osage River; the silver chub must then, as now, have been more abundant in the Kansas River than in the Osage System. One specimen of N. hiidsonius (KSU 2835) is extant in collections of Kansas State University, bearing only the data "I. D. Graham, 1886" (Metcalf, 1966:163). The date indicates that this is not a specimen on which the published records were based; it may have come from Indiana, where Graham obtained other fishes in his collections. The localities nearest to Kansas from which veri- fiable records exist for N. hiidsonius are in northern Iowa, and in the Mississippi River in Missouri. 94 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Sickle-finned chub Hybopsis meeki Jordan and Evermann Hybopsis gelidus, Jordan and Meek (1885:13-14); Graham (1885b:74). Hybopsis 7neeki Jordan and Evermann (1896:317 [orig. descr.; type locality Missouri River opposite St. Joseph, Missouri]); Cross (1953a: 90-91); Bailey and Allum (1962:48-49); Fisher (1962:427); Metcalf (1966:107). Body terete, caudal peduncle slender; head large, bluntly rounded, its length about K of standard length; snout not depressed, protruding slightly beyond mouth; barbels conspicuous; eye small, its diameter 8.0 or more in head length in adults, often partly overgrown by skin; scale pockets studded with taste buds but without fleshy ridges; lateral-line scales 46-50 (given as 44 by Jordan and Evermann, loc.cit.); scale rows around body 17 — 2 — 21, breast mostly scaleless; fins large and strongly falcate; pectoral fins longer than head, and extending beyond insertion of pelvics; dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin-rays 8, pectoral rays 15 or 16; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae usually 43. Coloration pallid, silvery; lower lobe of caudal fin dark-pigmented, with narrow white ventral edge; fins otherwise unpigmented. Longest Kansas specimen 4 inches. Fishes of Kansas 95 The sickle-finned chub inhabits the mainstream of the Missouri River and the Mississippi mainstream below the mouth of the Missouri (Bailey and Allum, 1963:48-49). The only records in any tributary of either of those rivers are from the Kansas River at Lawrence and Eudora, Douglas County. H. meeki lives on smooth, sand-or-gravel bottom in deep water where currents are strong. The species seems so specialized for life in the large, silt-laden Missouri-Mississippi River that its survival may be threatened by impoundments and other modifications of habitat throughout its limited range. Information is lacking on the life history of this peculiar fish. Speckled chub Hybopsis aestivalis (Girard) Hijbopsis tetranemtis Gilbert (1886:208-209 [orig. descr.]); Jordan (1891: 17); Hubbs and Ortenburger ( 1929a: 25). Extrarius (lestimlis, Breukelman (1940b: 377). Extrarius aestivalis: sesquialis X tetranemtis, Breukelman ( 1940b:380). Hybopsis aestivalis, Minckley (1959:419-420); Deacon and Metcalf (1961: 316); Branson (1963). Hybopsis aestivalis tetranemus, Metcalf (1959:365); Kilgore and Rising (1965:139). Hybopsis aestivalis hyostoma, Metcalf ( 1966: 108). Body terete, head depressed; snout fleshy, protruding far forward of hori- zontal mouth; barbels long; eye small; scales smooth, without fleshy ridges; breast mostly scaleless (in front of pelvic fins); scale rows over back, above lateral line, 11-13; 4-7 rows of scales on each side below lateral line; fins large, pointed but not strongly falcate; dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins usually 8-rayed; pectoral fin-rays 12-15, usually 14; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; gut short, peri- toneum silvery; vertebrae 36-38. Coloration pallid, translucent in life; sides with silvery longitudinal stripe; venter white; body with scattered dark speckles; dark spot before each narial pit; diftuse dark blotch near base of each lobe of caudal fin; fins otherwise unpigmented; no chromatic breeding colors. Breeding males having tubercles confined to rays 2-9 of pectoral fins, in single file on basal part and each branch of each ray. The speckled chub is represented by two subspecies in Kansas. One, tentatively identified as H. a. hyostoma by Metcalf (1966: 96 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. 40 39 38 0 10 25 50Miles r . , , , I 37 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 108), inhabits the Missouri River and the eastern part of the Kansas River Basin. Moore (1950: 82, 85) referred to the same fish as Extrarius aestivalis, Phiins subspecies, and Breukehiian (1940b: 380) called it Extrarius aestivalis: sesquialis X tetranemus (but sesquialis is a nomen nudum). The second subspecies, H. a. tetranemus, occurs in the Arkansas River and its western tributaries, westward to about 100° longitude. The type locality of Hybopsis tetranemus was given by Gilbert (1886:209) as "Elm and Spring Creeks, near Medicine Lodge." Elm Creek, a tributary of the Medicine River in Barber County, flows along the east and south sides of the present town of Medicine Lodge. H. a. tetranemus remains common there; the "Spring" creek cited by Gilbert is unknown to me. The two subspecies can be distinguished as follows: H. a. hijo- stoma has one barbel at each corner of the mouth, whereas tetra- nemus has two; the eye diameter usually is more than Vr, the head length in hijostoma, less than % the head length in tetranemus; hyostoma has fewer lateral line scales (35-39) than tetranemus (36-43); and many specimens of hyostoma have a narrow bridge of scales across the breast, in front of the pelvic fins, whereas the breast is entirely naked in tetranemus. H. a. tetranemus commonly attains larger size than hyostoma in Kansas, although neither ex- ceeds a length of three inches. The habitat of both subspecies is limited to the shallow channels of large, permanently flowing, sandy streams. Speckled chubs usually occupy currents over a substrate of clean, fine sand, avoid- ing areas of calm water and silted stream bottoms. Fishes of Kansas 97 The reproductive period of H. aestivalis seems long, inasmuch as tuberculate males and egg-laden females have been taken from late May through August, always when water temperatures exceeded 70° F. The reproductive habits have been described by Starrett (1951:18). Sturgeon chub Hybopsis gelida (Girard) 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 I I I I I I I I I I 102 101 100 98 97 95 Htjbojjsis gehdus, Gilbert (1886:209); Cross (1953a). Hybopsis gelida, Bailey and Allum (1962:46-47); Branson (1963); Metcalf (1966:110). Body slender, with fleshy longitudinal ridges on scale pockets; head de- pressed, with minute sensory buds dorsally and large sensory papillae ventrally; snout long, depressed, and fleshy, extending far forward of horizontal mouth; single barbel at each corner of mouth; eye small, diameter % to % of head length; lateral line scales 39-43; scale rows over back, above lateral line 13 or 14; 4-7 rows below lateral line, venter naked in front of pelvic fins; fins low, not strongly falcate; dorsal, pelvic, and anal rays usually 8; pectoral rays 13-15; pharyngeal teeth 1,4 — 4,1; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 39-40. 7—6169 98 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Coloration pallid, brown dorsally, silvery on lower sides and venter; less transparent in life than, and lacking discrete dark speckles characteristic of H. aestivalis; caudal fin with lower lobe dark-pigniented except along its milky-white ventral margin; fins otherwise unpigmented. Breeding males seemingly lack tubercles except on rays 2-9 of pectoral fins; tubercles small, in single file on basal stem and branches of each ray, best developed distally. Longest Kansas specimen 3^/^ inches. In Kansas, the sturgeon chub is known only from the Kansas River, the lower Smoky Hill River, and the Missouri River. The record of H. gelida by Jordan and Meek (1885:13-14) and probably the record by Graham ( 1885b: 74) are erroneous, having been based on specimens of H. meeki (Jordan and Evermann, 1896:317; Cross, 1953a). The record by Gilbert (1886:209), from the Missouri River at Leavenworth, is valid if the "nuptial tubercles" described by Gilbert are a misrepresentation of the fleshy epidermal out- growths peculiar to H. gelida; in other respects Gilbert's account fits gelida and meeki equally well. The sturgeon chub may occur more widely in the Kansas River Basin than the mapped records indicate, because this species has been found in the Republican River in Nebraska ( Bailey and Allum, loc. cit.; Metcalf, 1966:108). The habitat of H. gelida, as described by Bailey and Allum, is "in the larger streams of the northern Plains" where it "lives in a strong current, usually over a gravel bottom. Thus, though widely distributed . . . it is spotty in occurrence since sand constitutes the predominant bottom material of the region." In the Kansas River I have found sturgeon chubs most often where shallow flow across sandbars causes turbulence, in contrast to the streaming flow in most parts of the channel. Favorable sites occur where the channel divides at the upstream ends of small sand islands; in these places, extensive areas have depths of only two to four inches, and turbulent action of the cur- rent prevents accumulation of fine sands on the substrate. Pre- sumably the sturgeon chub evolved at a time when the prevalent bottom materials in major tributaries of the Missouri River were more coarsely divided than at present. Few fish seem so strikingly adapted as the sturgeon chub for life in turbid rivers on the plains. Currents in shallow water have a considerable downward ( as well as horizontal ) component of force. The depressed head of the sturgeon chub and its slender body, somewhat wedge-shaped in cross-section and tapering tailward, pro- vide minimal resistance to the horizontal flow and make use of the downward force to hold the fish on the bottom. The small eyes. Fishes of Kansas 99 which have limited utility in turbid rivers, are partly shielded against abrasion by sand grains that are borne by the current. Sturgeon chubs have highly developed olfactory structures (Bran- son, 1963); these, and a profusion of taste buds on the head and body ( presumably including the fleshy keels, although the histologic nature of that tissue remains to be demonstrated) may replace vision as the primary means of locating food. The unique dermal keels may serve another purpose, functionally equivalent to the multiple narrow keels that are incorporated into the design of some small, fast boats. The latter keels aid in stabi- lizing and "planing" the boat as it speeds over the water surface; perhaps the chub's keels aid in "planing" the swiftly flowing water over the body of the fish as it rests on the floor of the river. The reproductive habits of the sturgeon chub are unknown. Breeding may be confined to a brief period in late spring or early summer. Males in the University of Kansas collections that have well-developed tubercles were taken from the Smoky Hill River in May (water temperature 73° F. ), and the Powder River in Wyo- ming in late June. Some weakly tuberculate specimens have been obtained from the Kansas River in early June, but those caught in July and August lack tubercles. Sucker-mouthed minnow Phenacobius mirabilis (Girard) Sarcidium scopiferum Cope (1871:440 [orig. descr.]). Phenacobius mirabilis, Gilbert (1884:14, 1885b:98, 1886:210, 1889:39, 40); Cragin (1885b: 109); Graham (1885a: 4, 1885b:74); Hay (1887:243, 249, 250, 252); Jordan (1891:17); Breukelman (1940a:371, 1940b:380); Fowler (1925:405); Hubbs and Ortenburger ( 1929b: 87-88); Jennings (1942:365); Cross (1954:308); Moore and Buck (1955:22); Schelske (1957:45); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:168); Metcalf (1959:372, 1966:111); Minckley (1960:420); Deacon (1961:380); Kilgore and Rising (1965:139). Body slender, fusiform, contours slightly sinuous; head decurved dorsally, straight ventrally, length about }i standard length; eye small, 4.2-5.0 in head length; snout long, nearly twice eye diameter, projecting forward of ventral, 100 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ■ I ' 40 39 38 37 101 100 98 97 96 95 horizontal mouth; Hps thick, with characteristic lateral lobes (see Fig. 12C); barbels absent; fins small, mostly rounded at tips; dorsal fin originating anterior to pelvic insertion; dorsal and pelvic rays 8; anal rays usually 7 (rarely 6); pectoral rays 13-16, usually 14; lateral line nearly straight, with 42-50 scales; scale rows aroimd body 13-16 (usually 15) — 2 — 19-21, scales on venter embedded; scale rows around caudal peduncle usually 7 — 2 — 7; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; \ertebrae usually 38-40. Yellowish to dark olivaceous dorsally, silvery to creamy ventrally; silver lateral stripe underlain by dusky band of variable intensity, terminating in prominent, elongate black spot at base of caudal fin; mid-dorsal diirk streak narrow, indistinct; dorsolateral scales outlined by melanophores but not boldly cross-hatched; no pronounced difference between coloration of breeding and nonbreeding individuals, nor between sexes. In breeding males, minute tubercles densely distributed over top of head and opercles; tubercles lacking on lower part of head, below eyes and nares; dorsolateral scales rimmed by minute tubercles, diminishing posteriorly. Pec- toral rays 2-8 (or 9) having well-developed tubercles in single file basally, dividing into double, then multiple files (4 or 5 rows) on branched parts of anterior rays. Pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins with few small tubercles. Maximum length approximately 3/4 inches. The sucker-mouthed minnow is almost statewide in occurrence. It has been taken in the smallest of upland creeks and the largest of rivers in Kansas, but is most abundant in tributaries that have permanent flow, moderate gradient, and bottoms of mixed sand and small gravel. Phenacohius is adapted for a riffle-existence, but Fishes of Kansas 101 seems more tolerant of fluctuating waterlevels and high turbidity than are other species that inhabit riffles; no other riffle-dwelling minnow except the stoneroller, Campostoma anonuilum, is so wide- spread in Kansas as is P. mirohilis. Judging from the number of specimens in collections, the sucker- mouthed minnow comprises only a minor part of the total fish- population at most localities. But, Phenacohius is abundant in several small, direct tributaries of the Missouri River in extreme northeastern Kansas, and in some tributaries of the Kansas River System. Few other riffle-fishes are found in those streams. Where several species of riffle-dwelling minnows and darters occur, the sucker-mouthed minnow seems scarce. In the Neosho and Marais des Cygnes rivers, Deacon (1961:380) found that the population of sucker-mouthed minnows increased rapidly in the first two years of normal flow, after drought had reduced those streams to intermittency. He also reported (op. cit.: 414, 416, 418) that P. mirohilis is mainly sedentary in habit, although some individuals that he marked were recaptured on riffles upstream from the point of their initial capture and release. Phenacohius mirohilis has a longer reproductive period than does any other riffle-fish in Kansas. Specimens bearing tubercles and having enlarged gonads have been taken in all months from April through August. I think that males remain reproductively active, and females spawn two or more times, in that five-month interval. Most minnows that are widespread in Kansas have long breeding periods — probably as an adaptation to the erratic flow in rivers of the Plains region. The dispersal of reproductive effort over a lengthy interval may, in contrast, be disadvantageous in streams that maintain stable waterlevels. In those streams, the most abundant kinds of fish generally have short reproductive intervals. Local differences in the relative abimdance of P. mirohilis prob- ably are associated with differences in the reproductive habits of this species and its riffle-dwelling competitors. Trautman (1957:323-325) and Zahuranek (1962:842-843) have documented eastward expansion of the range of P. mirohilis in the Ohio River System, correlated with 1) increased stream siltation in recent decades, and 2) a decline of several species that seem to require continuously clear water and firm, rocky bottoms. 102 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides Rafinesque 40 39 38 37 0 10 25 50 Miles 1 ' I ' ' I ' ' ' ■ I J \ L 40 39 -38 37 102 100 98 97 95 Alburnus oligaspis Cope (1864:282 [orig. descr.]; 1865b:85). Alburnelltis percobromus Cope ( 1871:440 [orig. descr.] ). Notrapis dilectus, Cragin (1885b: 109); Graham (1885b: 74); Gilbert (1886:208); Fowler (1910:290). Notropis percobromus, Cragin (1885b:109); Hubbs (1945:16-17); Hubbs and Bonham (1951:94); Greer and Cross (1956:362); Clarke, Breukel- man, and Andrews (1958:167); Metcalf (1959:369-370); Mincklev (1959:420); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316). Notropis atherinoides dilectus, Breukelman (1940b:380); Jennings (1942: 365, erroneously). Notropis atherinoides, Bailev and Allum (1962:56-60); Kilgore and Rising (1965:139); Metcalf (1966:112). Body slender but compressed, greatest depth usually more than 4.0 in standard length; snout rounded, its length about equal to eye diameter and Fishes of Kansas 103 contained more than 1.5 times in postorbital length of head; mouth terminal, obHque; dorsal fin pointed at tip, its origin obviously posterior to insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal fin-rays 8, anterior rays usually extending beyond tips of posterior rays when fin is depressed; anal fin-rays 10 or 11; pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays usually 14 or 15; lateral-line scales 35-38; scale rows around body 13-15 — 2 — 9-11, around caudal peduncle 7 — 2 — 5; pharyngeal teeth 2,4 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 36-40. Coloration pallid, body translucent with a shining silvery lateral stripe; mid-dorsal dark stripe narrow but complete from occiput to base of caudal fin; dorsolateral scales weakly outlined by melanin (scarcely evident in life); fins colorless; breeding males devoid of chromatic pigment (never having rosy pigment, a trait useful in distinguishing this species from N. rubeUus). Breeding males having minute tubercles on pectoral fin-rays 2-10; other fins ( and body ) devoid of tubercles. Length 334 inches or less. I follow Bailey and Allum (1962:56-60) in using the binomial IV. atherinoides for this fish, although Kansas specimens have characters ascribed to N. percohromus by Hubbs (1945:16-17) and Hubbs and Bonham (1951: 93-95). Nomenclatural and taxonomic problems remain in this section of the subgenus Notropis; but, Alburnus oligaspis Cope 1864 has priority over Alburnellus percohromus Cope 1871, and seems applicable to the fish long known by the latter name, which Bailey and Allum ( loc. cit. ) treat as con- specific with (and subspecifically inseparable from) N. atherinoides Rafi- nesque 1818. The emerald shiner is a characteristic, abundant inhabitant of the larger sandy rivers of Kansas. Probably N. atherinoides occurs throughout the mainstreams of the Missouri, Kansas-Republican, and Arkansas rivers. It is common in some western tributaries of the Arkansas River, such as the Ninnescah and Salt Fork rivers. East of the Arkansas mainstream, emerald shiners are found sporadi- cally, only in the lower parts of major tributaries (W^alnut, Neosho, and Spring rivers). The species rarely enters tributaries of the Kansas River, although I suspect that additional collecting may reveal its presence in the Smoky Hill System. Minckley (1959:420) found emerald shiners only in the lowermost part of the Blue River. The species is pelagic in habit, occupying the upper zones of the water both in shallows alongshore and in the deeper parts of the channel, where the current is moderate. Emerald shiners seem to have a protracted reproductive period in Kansas, where spawning occurs mainly in late spring and early summer. Tuberculate males have been taken as early as April (in Cherokee County in 1953, an exceptionally warm, dry year). Most males captured in June and July are tuberculate. 104 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Rosy-faced shiner Notropis rubellus (Agassiz) 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ■ I ■ ■ I 100 99 97 96 95 Notropis ruhrifrons, Graham (1885b:73, perhaps erroneously); Gilbert (1886:208; 1889:40). Notropis rubella, Cross (1954:308); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:168). Notropis rubellus, Minckley and Cross (1959:212); Metcalf (1959:370- 371); Mincklev (1959:420); Deacon (1961:380-381); Metcalf (1966: 114). Notropis atherinoides dilectus, Jennings (1942:365, misidentification ) . Body slender, greatest depth usually more than 4.0 in standard length; snout acute, length greater than eye diameter and contained less than 1.5 times in postorbital length of head; mouth tenninal, oblique; dorsal fin rounded, originat- ing posterior to insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal fin-rays 8; anal rays 10, some- times 9; pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays 12-14; lateral fine scales 36-38; scale rovi's around body 11-15 — 2 — 10-12, usually 13 — 2 — 11; scale rows around caudal peduncle 7 — 2 — 5; pharyngeal teeth 2,4 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 38-41. Olivaceous dorsally, silvery white lateralh' and ventrally, with silvery lateral stripe; body almost opaque (in contrast with translucence of N. atherinoides); dark dorsal stripe narrow but well developed, especially posteriorly, dorso- lateral scales outlined by melanophores; lateral line marked by dark dots Fishes of Kansas 105 anteriorly; fins transparent, imspotted, but base of dorsal fin (viewed vertically) always rosy in life. Breeding males suffused with pink or orange pigment, most intensely on fin bases, lateral line scales, lips, top of head, and snout; bright orange pigment in axil of pectoral fin extending upward narrowly along cleithrum to conjoin with similar pigment atop head; cheeks, opercles, and narrow strip ( 1 to 2/2 scale rows wide) above lateral line mainly siKery; lower sides pink or orange, brighter posteriorly than anteriorly; all fins bright pink or orange proximally, fading to colorless distally. Ripe females with traces of orange pigment in bases of fins, atop head, and ventrally on body. Breeding males ha\ing minute tubercles densely distributed over head and body, except scales of venter; crest of head and snout uniformly tuberculate, underside of head with multiple files of tubercles extending along mandibles, anterior rami of preopercle, and onto interopercle and subopercle; sides of head, behind eye, scarcely tuberculate; pectoral fins with large tubercles in single file (branching distally) on rays 2-5, obsolescent tubercles on 6th ray; dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic fins with minute tubercles. Length 2% inches or less. The rosy-faced shiner is found in upland streams of the Kansas, Osage, and Arkansas river systems, especially where stream beds are composed of limestone and gradients are steep. N. ruhcUus is absent from streams west of the Walnut River in the Arkansas Drain- age, and from streams in the glaciated area north of the mainstream of the Kansas River. A single specimen from Mclntire Creek of the Blue River System (Pottawatomie County) is an exceptional record. In wet years, Mclntire Creek and other small tributaries in the Flint-hills segment of the Blue River Basin appear to provide habitat as suitable for rosy-faced shiners as is the habitat in Mill Creek, on the south side of Kansas River opposite Mclntire Creek, where N. rubelhis abounds. In drought, however, the rocky main- stream of Mill Creek ser\'es as a refugium for N. ruheUus whereas the more turbid, sandy Blue River may not provide a satisfactory refugium. The sand-filled channels of the Kansas and Arkansas rivers are effective barriers to dispersal of the species. This evi- dence casts doubt on the validity of Graham's (1885b: 73) report of N. rtibrifrons from "Kansas and Missouri rivers"; Minckley (1959: 420) assumed that Graham's record applies to N. percobromus (= atherinoides), which was often confused with N. ntbeJhis in Graham's time. On the other hand, specimens reported by Jennings (1942:365) as N. atherinoides dilectus from the Osage River, Osage County (KSU 4940), are instead N. riibeUus (13 specimens) and N. hitrensis ( 1 specimen). In the Arkansas River System, N. rubelhis occurs commonly in the Spring River Drainage (Cherokee County) and in parts of the Caney and Neosho basins. Collections from the Neosho River 106 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. proper indicate that rosy-faced shiners are rare in the lower main- stream except in drought. The rosy-faced shiner usually spawns between late April and early June in Kansas; rarely, tuberculate males and females that retain some eggs are found as late as July. Pfeiffer ( 1955 ) has described the breeding behavior and other aspects of the natural history of N. rubelhis in New York State, and cited other literature pertaining to this species. The following observations, made in Shoal Creek, Cherokee County, on April 2-5, 1959, are indicative of the site and manner of reproduction by N. rubellus in Kansas: Schools of rosy-faced shiners congregated for spawning in eddies adjacent to a deep gravel bar that extended across the channel and sloped abruptly into a large pool. Spawning activity was confined to the shoreward edges of the bar, where flow slackened and eddied back against a swift riffle that coursed over the center of the gravel bed. The substrate where eggs were being deposited consisted of coarse gravel, loosely deposited and free of silt. Throughout the afternoon, intermittent bursts of breeding activity were indicated by sudden agitation of the water surface and by numerous leaping shiners. Silver-banded shiner Notropis shumardi (Girard) Notropis illecebrosus. Cross and Minckley (1958:104-105). Notropis shumardi, Gilbert and Bailey (1962); Metcalf (1966:118). Body moderately compressed, its depth about equal to head length, 4.0 in standard length; snout rounded, shorter than eye diameter; mouth terminal, oblique; eye large, diameter about 3.5 in head length; dorsal fin originating over insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal exceptionally high and acutely pointed, its anterior rays about equal to head length; dorsal fin-rays 8; anal and pelvic rays usually 9, pectoral rays usually 14; lateral-line scales 34-37; predorsal Fishes of Kansas 107 39 38- 37 40 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ' I I 39 38 -37 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 scale rows about 15; scale rows around body 11-14 — 2 — 9-12, total 23-26; rows around caudal peduncle 5 — 2 — 5; pharyngeal teeth, 2,4 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 37-39. Coloration pallid, translucent, with narrow bright-silvery lateral band; mid-dorsal stripe dusky, divided around base of dorsal fin, continuous to base of caudal fin; dorsolateral scales weakly dark-outlined; venter white; fins unpigmented, dorsal and caudal without basal spots; no chromatic breeding colors. Nuptial tubercles of males minute, on upper and lower surfaces of head, concentrated on tip of snout; pectoral rays 1-6 tuberculate. Length 2% inches or less. Except for one specimen from "Topeka" reported by Metcalf (1966:118), the silver-banded shiner has been fomid in Kansas only in the mainstream of the Missouri River, where it is rare. Little is known of the ecology of this species, apart from its restriction to large rivers. Recently, Gilbert and Bailey (1962) comprehensively characterized the silver-banded shiner, mapped its known distribu- tion, and reviewed its nomenclatural history. They substituted the name shumardi for illecehrosus, on the basis of line-priority in Girard's (1856:194) descriptive accounts, and usage of .shunuirdi by Jordan and Gilbert (1882:192-193) (interpreted as first revisers). Previously, most authors had used the name illecehrosus, because no type specimen of shumardi is extant, and because Girard's description of shumardi is not so complete as to be clearly identi- fiable with the silver-banded shiner. 108 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Red-finned shiner Notropis umbratilis (Girard) 40- 39- 38 37 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ■ ■ ■ ■ I 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 Minnilus nigripinnis Gilbert (1884:14 [orig. descr.], 1885a:513-514). Notropis nigripinnis, Gilbert (1885b: 98); Cragin (1885b: 109); Graham (1885b: 73); Hav (1887:249); Jordan (1891:17); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:168); Mincklev and Cross (1959:212); Metcalf (1959:371-372, 1966:116); Deacon (1961:381); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316). Notropis umbratilis umbratilis, Breukelman ( 1940a: 370, 1940b:380); Jen- nings (1942:365); Cross (1954:309); Sclielske (1957:45). Body moderately deep, strongly compressed, its greatest depth 4.0 or less in standard length of adults; head short, snout rounded; mouth terminal, strongly oblique; eye large, diameter equal to or slightly less than snout length and 3.4-4.0 in head length of adults; dorsal fin acute at tip, originating posterior to insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal fin-rays 8; anal rays 9-11 (most often 10); pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays 12-14; lateral line abruptly decurved ante- riorly, with 37-44 (usually 39-42) scales; predorsal scales small; scale rows around body 18-21 — 2 — 12-15, around caudal peduncle usually 7 — 2 — 7, Fishes of Kansas 109 sometimes 7 — 2 — 5; pharyngeal teeth 2,4 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum sil\ery; vertebrae 35-3S. Bkiish-gray dorsally, siKer ventrolaterally; upper sides often with fine chevronhke markings anteriorly; scales not prominently dark-outlined; mid- dorsal stripe narrow anteriorly, obsolescent posteriorly, intensified at origin of dorsal fin and forming diffuse dark spot on and anterior to rudimentary dorsal fin-rays; in young, distinctive row of melanophores on each side of dorsal midline (on nape); mid-sides with scattered large melanophores form- ing diffuse, dusky lateral streak, mostly dorsal to lateral line; fins dusky or colorless. Breeding males dark, with bluish iridescence; fins dark, especially medially, due to saturation of melanin in crotches of branched rays; dorsal, caudal, and anal fins lightly suffused with rosy pigment (appearance of fins reddish-black or purplish-black, never brilliantly red or orange); pelvic fins black, witliout rosy pigment; leading edge of pectoral fin dark, remainder of that fin colorless. Head of breeding males clothed b>' tubercles of uniformly small size (on operculum, branchiostegals, gill membranes, gular area, and mandibles as well as top and sides of head, excluding only lips); most scales of body with minute tubercles, largest and most numerous on nape; tubercles usually absent on ventral scales, often absent on caudal peduncle; pectoral fin tuberculate on rays 1-9, ray 1 with weak single file, other rays with multiple files; leading edges of dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins tuberculate. Length 3 inches or less. The vernacular "redfin" is a misnomer for the Kansas subspecies (N. II. umhratilis) because its fins never are truly red, whereas the fins of some other shiners of this region usually are red. All known occurrences of N. innhmtilis in Kansas are in the eastern part of the State, except for a single record from Norton County by Hay (1887:249) that was recently verified by Metcalf (1966:116). The species is rare or absent in streams that drain glaciated terrain north of the Kansas River, but substantial popu- lations of N. umhratilis occur in most southern tributaries of Kansas River. In the Arkansas and Marais des Cygnes drainages, N. umhratilis is an abundant inhabitant of creeks that drain limestone- uplands. Schools of red-finned shiners, cruising near the surface in the faintly blue-gray waters of deep pools, represent one of the most characteristic faunistic features of the Flint Hills area. Although red-finned shiners rarely occupy rapidly flowing water, the species is abundant only in streams that have high gradients and rocky riffles. The westward distribution of this fish may be limited by siltation of stream-channels, especially by sand, coupled with the high turbidity and fluctuation in volume of flow that characterize most western streams. Spawning occurs mainly in June, at water-temperatures of 70° F. or higher, but extends from May through July. 110 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Dusky-striped shiner Notropis pilsbryi Fowler 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ' ' 102 99 98 97 96 95 Notropis megalops, Graham ( 1885a:4). Notropis zonatus, Cragin (1185b:108); Graham (1885b:74); Minckley and Cross (1959:212). Notropis zonatus pilsbnji, Hubbs and Moore (1940:94); Breukehnan (1946: 57); Metcalf (1959:393). Notropis zonata pilsbryi. Cross (1954:309); CUirke, Breukehnan, and An- drews (1958:168). Notropis cornutus frontalis (misidentifications), Breukehnan (1940b: 380) (part of specimens from Neosho River System); Jennings (1942:365). Notropis pilsbryi, Gilbert ( 1964:133-136). Body shghtly compressed, nearly fusiform; head length 3.6-4.2 in standard length; snout rather sharp, equal to or slightly longer than diameter of eye; eye large, 3.4-4.0 in head length of adults; mouth obHque, jaws equal or lower jaw closing inside upper jaw; dorsal fin triangular, anterior rays extending to or beyond tips of posterior rays in depressed fin; dorsal fin originating nearly over insertion of pelvic fins, both these fins 8-rayed; anal ra>s usually 9; pectoral rays 15 or 16; scales not notably diamond-shaped, nor smaller dorsally than laterally; lateral line slightly decurved, with 40-44 scales; scale rows Fishes of Kansas 111 around body 11-14 — 2 — 12-14, around caudal peduncle usually 7 — 2 — 7; phar\ngeal teeth 2,4 — 1,2; intestine short but peritoneum black or dusky; vertebrae 39-41. Olivaceous dorsalh', with prominent, broad mid-dorsal stripe from occiput to caudal fin, surrounding dorsal fin-base; lower sides silvery, opaque; broad, dusky lateral stripe usually evident, from darkened lips through eye, across upper part of operculum, along mid-sides to base of caudal fin; median caudal rays often darkened, but no discrete basicaudal spot; above dusky lateral band, a fine, dark, longitudinal line usually evident on third or fourth scale row below mid-dorsal row of scales; fins mostly colorless except in breeding season. Breeding males with rich, deep red (not orange) pigment on head, lower sides, and all fins excepting their distal margins; lateral band broad and intensely black in nuptial males. See Plate 1. Breeding males with tubercles of moderate size atop head, scattered or tending toward longitudinal alignment, best developed along dorsal rim of orbit and across front of snout; mandibles with few weak tubercles or none ( in Arkansas River System ) ; minute tubercles occurring in vertical lines on anterior scales, including scales of breast, but best developed dorsolaterally; margins of most scale pockets tlaickened, sometimes with tubercles in single peripheral row; pectoral fins with single file of tubercles on basal parts of rays 2 through 8 (or 10), dividing into double files on branched extremities of rays; other fins not tuberculate, or having few minute tubercles on anterior rays. Length 4% inches or less. The dusky-striped shiner abounds in Shoal Creek and Spring River, Cherokee County, and occurs as a rehc in the upper Neosho River (Chase, Lyon, and Coffey counties). The species seems to require clear, flowing water where the substrate is limestone rubble and gra\el, devoid of silt. At night I have seen N. pihhnji drift into shallow, quiet water alongshore, where it settled to the bottom at rest. N. pilshryi spawns in spring, usually in April and May. I sus- pect that the precise timing is temperature-dependent, hence vari- able from year to \ear in response to prevailing weather each spring. Breeding takes place diurnally, in or immediately below swift, shallow riffles. The earliest records of this fish in Kansas suggest that the bleed- ing shiner, N. zonatus (Agassiz), as well as N. pilshryi, occurred here in the late 1800's; the latter species was not recognized and described by Fowler until 1904. These two fishes closely resemble each other, and were generally regarded as subspecies until Gil- bert ( 1964 ) recommended that they be treated as distinct species, on the basis of allopatry. Both Cragin (1885b: 108) and Graham (1885b: 74) reported "N. zonatus" from the Missouri River System, where only the bleed- 112 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. ing shiner is now known to occur. That species is abundant in Ozarkian tributaries of the Osage River not far to the east of Kansas, and may formerly have existed farther upstream in the Marais des Cygnes, Little Osage, or Marmaton river. However, the manner in which Cragin and Graham reported IV. zonatus suggests that their records were presumptive, based on the fact that the type locality is in the Osage River, Missouri, rather than being based on specimens actually captured in the Missouri River Drainage of Kansas. Graham's report ( \oc. cit. ) of N. zonatus from the Neosho River is an acceptable record for N. pilsbnji, because six specimens collected by him in Rock Greek, Ghase Gounty (Neosho System) in 1885 are that species. The same specimens (KSU 2755) were erroneously listed by Jennings (1942:365) as N. cornutus frontalis. N. zonotus differs from N. pilshryi in having tlie cleitliruni lilackened; the dorsolateral scales better outlined by melanophores, forming striking zigzag lines, converging posteriorly, between adjacent scale rows; the snout blunter, shorter, and more decurved; the interorbital area arched rather than flattened; and the lips flexed abruptly downward posteriorly, rather than nearly straight. Additionally, breeding males of zonatus are less extensively red than males of pilsbryi, red pigment being concentrated on the lips, crest of head, margin of preopercle, axil of pectoral fin, and central part of all fin membranes in zonatus. Males of zonatus have a single file of S-10 well developed tubercles along the full length of the mandibles, whereas mandibular tubercles are absent or poorly developed in pilshryi. Tubercles are larger and more numerous on the snout in zonatus than in pilsbryi. Fishes of Kansas 113 Northern common shiner Notropis cornutus (Mitchill) 0 10 25 50Miles 1 ' I ' J I L 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 Minnilus cornutus, Gilbert (1884:14). Notropis megalops, Gilbert (1885b:98; 1886:210; 1889:40); Cragin (1885b: 108-109); Graham (1885b:73); Hay (1887:243, 247, 249, 250, 252). Notropis cornutus, Fowler (1910:283-284); Minckley (1956:353, 355); Minckley and Cross (1959:212); Gilbert (1961:189, 1964:146); Met- calf (1966:117). Notropis cornuta, Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167). Notropis cornutus frontalis, Breukelman (1940a:370, 1940b:380 in part); Jennings (1942:365 in part); Minckley (1959:421); Minckley and Cross (1960:4-7); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316). Notropis cornuta frontalis. Cross (1954:309). Body compressed; head length about 3.5 in standard length; snout blunt, length about equal to eye diameter (longer than eye in largest adults); eye large, its diameter 4.0 or more in head length of adults, much less than 4.0 in juveniles; mouth terminal, oblique, jaws equal; dorsal fin originating approxi- 8—6169 114 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. niately over insertion of pelvics, both these fins 8-rayed; anal fin-rays usually 9; pectoral rays 14-16; scales on sides high and diamond-shaped, those on nape small, crowded, in 18 or more rows anterior to dorsal fin; lateral line decurved, with 38-41 scales; scale rows around body commonly 16-18 — 2 — 15-16, around caudal peduncle usually 9 — 2 — 7; pharyngeal teeth 2,4 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum black; vertebrae 38-41. Olivaceous dorsally, with broad stripe on mid-line, surrounding base of dorsal fin; sides silvery, sometimes brassy, often with scattered dark crescents; fins colorless or dusky, without basal spots; no fine, dark stripes between dorsolateral scale-rows ( single broad, dusky streak present dorsolaterally in nuptial males). Breeding males blue-gray, with rosy (pink) pigment and purplish iridescence on sides of head and body; gill membranes rosy; fins with ros>' pigment near distal margins; transitory golden stripe dorsolaterally, and mid-dorsal stripe golden. Breeding males with tubercles densely crowded on snout, becoming more scattered posteriorly on crest of head; anterior half of cheek densely tubercu- late (operculum not tuberculate); mandible with one prominent row of tubercles and few scattered tubercles; scales of nape and leading edge of dorsal fin with small tubercles; rays 2-8 of pectoral fins with single file of well-developed tubercles. Maximum length about 7 inches. Eighty years ago the common shiner inhabited most of the Kansas River Basin. Its disappearance from many western streams is persuasive evidence of their deterioration in one or more of the following ways: more frequent intermittency; increasing deposits of fine sediments; and higher temperatures. Although N. cornutiis is a widespread, relatively tolerant species, it "prefers small to medium-sized streams with clear, cool, weedless water, a moderate to swift current, and alternating pools and riffles, the latter with a gravel or rubble bottom" (Gilbert, 1964:149-150). Common shiners persist today in some Plains streams as far south as the Smoky Hill Rixer in W'allace County, but only where flow is per- manent. In eastern Kansas N. cornutiis remains abundant in streams of the Flint Hills, but the species is rare in areas where the terrain is flatter, soils are deeper, cultivation is more extensive, and springs are not constant. The few records of N. cornutiis from the Arkansas River in Kansas (Breukelman, 1940b: 380; Jennings, 1942:. 365) probably are erroneous; those that I have been able to check have been based on misidentifications of other shiners (espe- cially N. pilshriji) or on incorrect citations of localities of capture. Probably the common shiner dispersed westward into the Kansas River Basin in late Pleistocene, after disruption of the Ancestral Plains Stream (Metcalf, 1966), and too late to gain access to the Arkansas River System. Fishes of Kansas 115 Several accounts of the reproductive habits of N. cornutiis ( Raney, 1940; Gilbert, 1964 ) indicate that spawning usually occurs from late May through early July, at water-temperatures higher than 64° F. but lower than 80° F. In Kansas, males near the peak of their reproductive development have been caught as early as 18 April (water-temperature 51° F.) and as late as 14 July. The specimens on which this time-span is based were collected from different streams, and in the period 1898 to 1958. At a single locality in a given year, the reproductive period is much less extensive than the April to July dates might indicate; Raney (1940: 4) stated that spawning usually is completed in a 10-day interval at any one place. Sites where eggs are deposited are always in the current over rubble or gravel bottom, but the common shiner otherwise selects its nest-sites fortuitously. Sometimes it utilizes naturally-occurring patches of clean gravel at the base of strong riffles; on other occasions N. cornutus spawns in crude nests of its own making, or over gravel-nests of other fishes (Htjbopsis higut- tata, Semotihis atromacuJatus) . Hybrids of N. cornutus with Semo- tilus and with N. ruheUus have been taken in Kansas as well as in other parts of the range of the common shiner. Miller (1964) analyzed hybridization of N. cornutus and N. ruhellus, in a detailed study of the reproductive behavior of the common shiner and sev- eral other minnows that spawn concurrently in streams of New York State. N. cornutus feeds mainly on aquatic insects. Central common shiner Notropis chrysocephalus (Rafinesque) Body compressed; head length 3.5 (juveniles) to 4.0 (adults) in standard length; snout blunt, length about equal to eye diameter in juveniles, longer 116 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. than eye in adults; eye large, 3.5 (juveniles) to 4.3 (adults) in head length; mouth terminal, oblique; jaws equal or lower jaw protruding slightly; dorsal fin originating over insertion of pelvics, both fins 8-rayed; anal fin-rays usually 9; occasionally 8, rarely 10; pectoral rays 14-16; scales on sides high, narrowly diamond-shaped; dorsolateral scales not especially small, predorsal scale rows 16 or fewer; lateral line decurved, wdth 37-40 scales; scale rows around body 12-14 — 2 — 12-13, around caudal peduncle 7 — 2 — 7; pharyngeal teeth 2,4 — 4,2; intestine short, peritoneum dark; vertebrae usually 39-40. Color like that of N. cornufus, except upper sides usually marked by 3 or more parallel dark lines extending lengthwise on body, between scale rows; dark pigment usually present on chin and gular area; cleithrum intensely blackened in nuptial males. Tubercles situated as in N. cornutus. Length 8 inches or less. Although no Kansas records of the central common shiner have been published, Dr. Branley Branson has obtained this species from Spring River (personal communication. May 27, 1963, and dupli- cated list of fishes from southeastern Kansas ) . Gilbert ( 1964, Map 5) indicated six localities of occurrence in the Spring River System in southwestern Missouri, and stated that this species "should occur in the extreme southeast corner" of Kansas. I have never found N. chrtjsocephalus in lower Shoal Creek nor Spring River in Cherokee County. The central common shiner inhabits the Osage (Missouri System) as well as the Arkansas River Basin in Missouri, but is restricted to streams that drain the Ozark Plateau in this (westernmost) part of the range. The habitats occupied are described by Gilbert (1964: 165 ) as small to medium sized streams having clear, weedless water and moderate to swift current. Central common shiners are most common near the margins of riffles, over gra\'el- or rubble-bottom. The species seldom enters the swiftest currents on riffles except when spawning, and seemingly avoids the calm water of large pools. The reproductive habits of N. chnjsoceplialiis are generally like those of the common shiner, N. cornutus. These two species closely resemble each other and were long considered to be conspecific. Fishes of Kansas River shiner Notropis blennius (Girard) 117 N. jejimus, Gilbert ( 1889 : 39 ) . Notropis blennius, Metcalf (1959:365, 394; 1966:119). Notropis blennius blennius, Hubbs and Bonham ( 1951:103). Body stout; head large, its length 3.6-4.0 in standard length; eye large, 4.0-4.5 in head length; mouth large, moderately oblique; fins low, dorsal fin originating approximately over insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal and pelvic fin- rays 8, anal rays 7, pectoral rays 14 or 15; lateral-line scales 34-36; scale rows around body 11-13 — 2 — 11-13; pharyngeal teeth 1 or 2,4 — 4,2 or 1; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 34-37. Coloration pallid, light brown dorsally with silvery lateral stripe; no basi- caudal spot; fins plain; mid-dorsal stripe prominent, surrounding dorsal fin base, lateral line not marked by melanophores; dorsolateral scales not well outlined by melanophores. No chromatic breeding colors. 118 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Breeding males having few minute tubercles on front of snout; tubercles otherwise confined to pectoral fins (rays 2-7), where minute, in multiple files on each ray. Length 3/4 inches or less. The river shiner is common only in the Missouri River, but has been taken in both the western and eastern sectors of the Kansas River Basin and in the lower Arkansas River. The species seems to require flowing water over sand bottom; it is found most often in large streams having broad, exposed channels. Specimens in spawn- ing condition have been taken from mid-June to mid-July in Kansas. The earliest known record of the species in Kansas is that of Gilbert (1889:39) from Decatur County. The record from Logan County (Smoky Hill River) was obtained in 1958, and several recent records exist from the Republican River in Nebraska (Met- calf, 1966). Seemingly, these western populations are isolated from populations in the mainstream of the Missouri River by an exten- sive zone in the central part of the Kansas River Basin unoccupied by river shiners. The two records from the Kansas River (at To- peka and Lawrence) consist of one and two specimens, indicative of rarity in view of the numerous collections that have been made in the stream. Records of N. blennius by Evermann and Cox (1896:406) are not applicable to the river shiner, pertaining instead to the sand shiner, N. stramineiis; Evermann and Cox called the river shiner N. jejtiniis. Hubbs and Bonham (1951:103) treat jejiinus as a weakly differentiated subspecies of N. blennius. They refer ma- terial "in the Arkansas and Missouri rivers in Kansas" to N. h. blen- nius. The other subspecies (N. h. jejiinus) is mainly northern in distribution, but extends down the central Mississippi System to Missouri and Arkansas, and westward to the Illinois and Neosho drainages in Oklahoma. Thus, specimens referable to jejunus may sometime be found in southeastern Kansas. Fishes of Kansas 119 Big-eyed shiner Notropis boops Gilbert r *i '.-stiKsassRBwc ^ '~'-; dorsolateral scales weakly outlined; mid-dorsal stripe conspicuous although narrow, divided at dorsal fin-base; lateral line marked by fine, dark punctulations; fins plain, breeding males without bright colors. Breeding males having top and sides of head weakly tuberculate; tubercles granular, best-developed below eye, sparse on opercle, obsolescent on front of snout; scales of nape with few scattered tubercles; rays 2-10 of pectoral fins tuberculate, tubercles small, in multiple files (6 or more rows on most rays). Length 2% inches or less. The southwestern Hmit of the range of the big-mouthed shiner is in extreme northeastern Kansas, where this species inhabits several small, sandy creeks tributary to the Missouri River. N. dorsalis is found also in the mainstream of the Missouri River, but that is not its usual habitat. Tributaries of the Kansas River are not occupied by N. dorsalis, although a single specimen was obtained from the lower mainstream of the Kansas River in 1955, a year of exceptionally low waterlevels. Populations of N. dorsalis in Kansas are referable to the eastern subspecies, N. d. dorsalis, because all specimens have the predorsal area covered by exposed scales. In N. d. piptolepis the nape is naked, or its scales are minute and embedded. That subspecies is prevalent in the larger Plains rivers north of the Kansas River. Kansas populations of N. dorsalis may be relics of stocks that dispersed westward in Wisconsinan time. The small, short streams occupied by N. dorsalis drain highlands on the west side of the broad Missouri mainstream, and represent an "island" environment not readily accessible to kinds of fishes that predominate in prairie streams farther west. This interpretation is supported by occur- rences of other eastern fishes in the same streams where the big- mouthed shiner occurs. Sand shiners and fat-headed minnows in these streams, although intergrades, more closely resemble eastern than western populations of those species {Notropis stra- mineus and Pitnephales promelas) . Apart from its biological interest, the association of N. s. stra- 132 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. mmeus with N. d. dorsaJis has convenience for the beginning student of fishes in that it faciHtates recognition of these species where they coexist. The big-mouthed and sand shiners look ahke, occupy similar habitats, and vary geographically in parallel fashion. Western populations of both species have smaller, more deeply embedded scales than do eastern populations; N. dor sails is more extreme in reduction of scale-size than is N. stramineiis. The number of predorsal and circumferential scales in the western subspecies of the sand shiner (N. s. missuriensis) is about the same as in the eastern subspecies of N. dorsalis. Populations of N. dorsalis in Kansas are nearly surrounded by N. s. missuriensis or intergrades of the eastern and western sand shiners. But in the tributaries of the Missouri River where both species occur, stramineiis has large scales: 13-16 rows before dorsal fin, 24-26 rows around the body. The corresponding counts in dorsalis from these streams are 15-20 rows, 26-33 rows. Consequently scale-size supplements the number of anal fin-rays, shape of head and of dorsal fin, and the size and position of the mouth as a distinguishing character in sympatric populations of these species in Kansas. N. d. dorsalis spawns in June and July. Fishes of Kansas 133 Sand shiner Notropis stramineus (Cope) 0 10 25 SOMiles I .... r 102 99 97 95 Htjbopsis missuriemis Cope (1871:437 [orig. descr.], type locality Mis- souri River "near St. Joseph"). Cliola simminea, Gilbert (1884:12). Notropis deliciosus, Jordan and Meek (188.5:13); Hay (1887:246, 247, 249, 250, 252); Gilbert (1889:38-39); Fowler (1910:274); Hubbs and Greene (1928:375-379); Hall (19.34:230). Notropis deliciosa, Cragin ( 188.5b: 108); Graham (1885b:73); Cross (1954: 310); Greer and Cross (1956:362); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:167). Notropis lineoJatus, Graham ( 188.5b:73). Notropis lineolata, Cragin ( 188.5b: 108). Notropis ? lateralis, Gilbert (1886:207). Notropis deliciosus lineolatus, Gilbert ( 1889:38, 40). Notropis sctjlla, Jordan ( 1891 : 17 ) . Notropis deliciosus missuriensis, Breukebnan (1940a: 371, 1940b: 380); Jen- nings (1942:365); Moore and Buck (19.55:22); Metcalf (19.59:368) Minckley (1959:423). Notropis stramineus, Suttkus (1958); Minckley and Cross (1959:212) Mincklev and Deacon (1959:348); Deacon (1961:383); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:316); Kilgore and Rising (1965:140); Metcalf (1966 124). 134 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Body stout, not compressed, back slightly arched; head short, eyes lateral; snout blunt, not projecting beyond mouth; snout length more than 1.5 in postorbital length of head; mouth subterminal, slightly oblique, maxilla extending only to front of orbit; dorsal fin originating approximately over insertion of pelvics, nearer tip of snout than base of caudal fin; dorsal fin 8-rayed, not high, anterior rays not extending beyond tips of posterior rays in depressed fin; anal rays usually 7; pelvic rays 8; pectoral fins rounded, with 13-18 rays, their tips never reaching insertion of pelvics; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 33-36. Characteristics of the two subspecies in Kansas are as follows. N. s. stra- mineus: lateral-line scales usually 32-35; scale rows around body most often 11 — 2 — 11 (total circumferential scales usually 24 or fewer); predorsal scale- rows 13-15; eye large (diameter usually more than 70% of postorbital length of head); gape narrow. N. s. missuriensis: lateral-line scales usually 34-37; scale rows around body most often 13 — 2 — 13 (total circumferential scales usually more than 26); predorsal scale-rows usually more than 15; eye small (diameter less than 70% of postorbital length of head); body more robust, and head and gape wider, than in A^ s. stramineus. Tawny to olivaceous dorsally, siK'cry laterally and ventrally; mid-dorsal stripe narrow, interrupted at origin and terminus of dorsal fin-base but intensified within base (black dash in base of dorsal fin); anterior lateral-line scales marked by dark flecks near pores (but no dark lateral band); fins color- less, caudal often with small, angular basal spot. N. s. stramineus usually darker than N. s. missuriensis, and more prominently cross-hatched by dark pigment on margins of dorsolateral scales. No cliromatic breeding-colors. In breeding males, granular tubercles cover upper part of head, from front of snout to occiput and, laterally, from snout to edge of preopercle; tubercles best-developed near nares; operculum sparsely tuberculate; underside of head seldom tuberculate in missuriensis, but in stramineus mandibles bearing tubercles; anterior scales of nape sparsely tuberculate; pectoral fin-rays 2-9 with multiple files of tubercles (ray 1 often with single file of tubercles, especially in N. s. stramineus); other fins lacking tubercles. Length 2% inches or less. The sand shiner is one of the commonest fishes in Kansas, inhabit- ing streams throughout the State except those of the Caney, Verdi- gris, and Spring river drainages. The western subspecies (N. s. missuriensis) abounds in shallow, sandy rivers having permanent flow, in both the Arkansas and Kansas river-basins; that subspecies is rare in streams that drain limestone uplands, and rare in highly- intermittent, muddy creeks. The eastern subspecies, N. s. stra- mineus, occupies the Osage River System, and (somewhat diluted by intergradation ) the Neosho River and small, direct tributaries of the Missouri River, at least in Doniphan and Atchison counties. Populations of intergrades that resemble missuriensis more than stramineus occur now in the mainstream of the Missouri River and in some tributaries of the Blue River. N. s. stramineus seems to be restricted, in Kansas, to areas having soils that are derived Fishes of Kansas 135 from limestone and shale; gravels and clays instead of sand pre- dominate in these streams, and they are generally clearer than streams occupied by N. s. missuriensis. The sand shiner has an unusually long reproductive period. Tuberculate males of N. s. missiiiiensis have been taken as early as April; from May through August, males in nearly all collections of that subspecies are tuberculate. I have seen fewer tuberculate males of N. s. stramineiis, most of them in June. A protracted reproductive season may be an important adaptation to life in Plains rivers that fluctuate widely and irregularly in volume of flow. Like N. s. missuriensis, several other fishes that attain great abundance in those rivers have nuptial characteristics throughout the warm part of the year. Arkansas River shiner Notropis girardi Hubbs and Ortenburger y ^' 40- 39 38 37 40 39 38 37 102 Notropis girardi Hubbs and Ortenburger (1929a:32 [orig. descr.], 1929b: 70); Cross (1953c:259); Cross, Dalquest, and Lewis (1955); Metcalf ( 1959: 368 ) ; Kilgore and Rising ( 1965 : 140 ) . 136 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Body thick anteriorly, little compressed, caudal peduncle slender; back arched; head small, flattened dorsally, length 4.0 or more in standard length; snout rounded, length contained more than 1.5 times in postorbital length of head; mouth small, scarcely oblique; eye small, diameter 4.5 or more in head length; dorsal fin high, anterior rays exceeding posterior rays in depressed fin; origin of dorsal fin nearer tip of snout than base of caudal fin; dorsal, anal, and pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays usually 14; pectoral fins long and falcate in males, rounded in females; lateral-line scales 32-37, not higher than scales in adjacent rows; predorsal scale-rows 14-17; scale rows around body 13 — 2 — 11-14 (total circumferential scales usually 28); pharyn- geal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae usually 34-36. Coloration pallid, tan dorsally and silvery laterally; dorsolateral scales scarcely pigmented, not clearly outlined; mid-dorsal stripe obscure anteriorly, distinct dark line in base of dorsal fin; mid-sides with scattered dark dots anteriorly, but lateral line not accentuated by melanophores; minute, chevron- like dark spot often present at base of caudal fin; breeding males without chromatic colors. Nuptial tubercles of males confined to pectoral fins, in 2 or more files on rays 2-8. Length of adults 2 inches. Notropis girardi is endemic to the broad, sandy channels of the major streams of the Arkansas River System. In those streams, the steady, shallow flow forms series of unstable sand-ridges, analogous to dunes in a wind-swept terrestrial environment. Arkansas River shiners commonly lie in the "lee" of these transverse sand-ridges, face into the current, and feed on organisms that are exposed by movement of the sand or are washed downstream. N. girardi is uncommon in quiet pools or backwater, and almost nex'er enters tributaries having deep water and bottoms of mud or stone. The species has not been found east of the Arkansas mainstream in Kansas. N. girardi spawns in late spring or in summer, at whatever time the streams approach flood-stage. The eggs and larvae are found then in swift currents of the open channel, drifting freely near the surface. Development is rapid, in that hatching occurs and the larvae are capable of swimming horizontally within three or four days after spawning (Moore, 1944b). Seemingly, the sex-products are essentially mature by June but are not released until the rivers are filled by runoff from heavy rains. Individuals in spawning condition have been taken in Crooked Creek, Meade Countv, as early as June 14 and as late as August 29 in different years. Met- calf (1959:368) found females distended by eggs in the Arkansas River in late August, 1956, and subsequent collections indicated failure of reproduction in that exceptionally dry year. The unusual reproductive habits of N. girardi seem adaptive to Fishes of Kansas 137 the variability of flow in Plains streams, which normally flood at some time in the warm months, but which approach intermittency at other times. The timing of reproduction insures that the young undergo their development when the amount of water and of food are greatest. Mimic shiner Notropis vohicellus (Cope) 0 10 25 SOMiles i02 99 98 96 95 Notropis volucella, Hubbs and Bonhani (1951:103); Cross (1954:310; 1955: 474); Schelske (1957:45); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958: 168). Notropis volucellus, Metcalf (1959:372, 393, 394); Deacon (1961:382). Body scarcely compressed, chunky; head length 3.5-4.0 in standard length; snout rounded, shorter than eye diameter, which is 3.5 or less in head length; mouth oblique but lower jaw included; fins moderately large; dorsal fin tri- angular, originating almost over insertion of pelvic fins; dorsal, anal, and pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays usually 12 or 13; lateral line nearly straight, scales usually 32-34; anterior lateral line scales notably higher than scales in adjacent rows, but less extremely elevated than in N. buchanani; infraorbital canal complete; 138 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. scale rows around body 9 — 2 — 9-11, around caudal peduncle 5 — 2 — 5; pharyn- geal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae usually 35-37. Coloration pallid; olivaceous dorsally; dorsolateral scales outlined by nielano- phores; mid-dorsal stripe weak, intensified before origin of dorsal fin and in dorsal fin base; sides silvery; lateral line scales with dark pigment adjacent to pores, or faint dusky lateral band; basicaudal spot minute or absent; fins un- pigmented except for fine lines of melanophores alongside anterior pectoral rays and most principal rays of dorsal and caudal fins. No chromatic breeding colors. In breeding males, head invested by tubercles of moderate size, densest on front of snout and below eye, but extending over all bones of opercular series and onto mandibles (no tubercles on branchiostegals or gill membranes); body lacking tubercles except for minute ones on some scales of nape; pectoral fin-rays 2 through 7 tuberculate, in 1 (basally) or 2 (distally) files on each ray; other fins lacking tubercles. Largest Kansas specimens slightly less than 2 inches in total length. The mimic shiner occurs in Kansas only in the eastern part of the Arkansas River System, and is nowhere abundant. Normally the species occupies the larger upland streams that have rocky bottoms. In that respect it differs from N. huchanani, which usually inhabits creek mouths or comparable areas where flow is sluggish in the main channels of rivers. Records of IV. voJiicelhts in the lower mainstream of the Neosho River were obtained in years when most tributaries were dry. The mimic shiner spawns in July and August, later than do most Kansas species. The earliest instance of reproductive development that I have recorded is June 25. On that date in 1964, many mimic shiners were taken in Elk River (Elk County at Howard), which was unusually low and warm (83°) for June. Seemingly, spawn- ing had just begun. Only part of the males were fully tuberculate; these males were scattered on an expansive rocky riffle. Females having abdomens distended by eggs were concentrated in a deep eddy and pool at the foot of the riffle. On other occasions, most often in August, I have found mimic shiners that seemed to be spawning on broad riffles at depths of 6 to 12 inches, where flow was moderate. Ripe specimens were captured singly or in pairs, often adjacent to large stones that littered tlie riffles. The natural history of this species in an Indiana lake has been discussed by Black (1945). Black was unsuccessful in finding the reproductive sites used by mimic shiners, but he thought that spawning occurred nocturnally, in deep water among dense weed beds. Mimic shiners in the Arkansas River System differ moqDhologically from those in the northeastern part of the Mississippi River System, Fishes of Kansas 139 but the taxonomic relationship of these geographic variants has not been estabHshed. Ghost shiner Notropis buchanani (Meek) 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 . I . I I . I I I I 102 100 99 98 96 95 Notrapis vohicellus buchanani, Hubbs and Greene (1928:377). Notropis buchanani. Cross (1955:474); Schelske (1957:45); Clarke, Breu- kelman and Andrews (1958:167); Metcalf (1959:366-367, 1966:123); Minckley (1959:423) Minckley and Deacon (1960:348); Deacon (1961: 382-383); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:317). Notropis volucellus, Fisher (1962:427). Body small, delicate, moderately compressed; head length 3.6-3.9 in standard length; snout short, rounded; mouth low, moderately oblique, lower jaw closing within upper jaw; eye large, diameter 3.5-4.0 in head length; infra- orbital canal interrupted, absent below eye; fins high and fragile; dorsal fin acuteh' pointed, height greater than head length; dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins with 8 rays; lateral line nearly straight, its 32-35 scales conspicuously higher than scales in rows above and below lateral line; scale rows around body usually 9 — 2 — 9, occasionally 11 — 2 — 9; caudal peduncle long, 3.8-4.3 in standard length; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae usually 34-36. 140 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Coloration uniquely pallid, translucent, accounting for vernacular name; dark i^igment limited to top of head, base of dorsal fin, scales of lateral- line series, and mid-ventral line from anus posteriorly; mid-dorsal stripe obso- lescent, except immediately before origin of dorsal fin; dorsolateral scales not dark-outlined; bright, silvery lateral stripe; no chromatic breeding colors. In breeding males, snout and crest of head densely tuberculate; tubercles extending backward onto scales of anterior part of nape; tubercles absent from lower part of head, behind and below eyes; pectoral fins tuberculate, in multiple files on rays 2-7; other fins lacking tubercles. Maximum length less than 2 inches. The ghost shmer occurs in the larger streams of eastern Kansas, attaining its greatest abundance in the Neosho, Verdigris, and Marais des Cygnes rivers. Although rare in the Kansas River Basin, N. huchanani has been taken in the Blue River (Pottawatomie County), Mill Creek (Wabaunsee County), and in the Missouri River in Doniphan County. Fisher (1962:427) reported N. volu- cellus from numerous localities in the Missouri River. I suspect that his specimens from the Kansas segment of that river were huchanani. Ghost shiners usually occupy gentle eddies adjacent to strong currents in the main channels of rivers. I have found this fish most often in two habitats: the exact confluence of small, inter- mittent creeks with large rivers, where the current sweeps past backwater in the creek-mouth; and alongside the lower part of gravel-bars in the mainstream, where the direction of flow is reversed. Sometimes, ghost shiners are the dominant minnow at the lower, silted ends of gravel bars in the Neosho River, but are absent from the upper ends of the same bars. During the drought of the mid-1950's, ghost shiners were abundant in the mainstream of the Neosho River where it flowed shallowly across bedrock. Currents usually are swift at these points of limestone- outcrop, but in drought the flow was slight; ghost shiners rested behind large stones that littered the bedrock, then darted from these retreats for bits of food that were borne downstream by the current. Trautman (1957:387) stated that N. huchanani is found mainly in clear water in Ohio, and that this species has declined as a result of siltation in streams of that State. His statement seems inapplic- able to ghost shiners in Kansas, where they inhabit streams that are frequently turbid. N. huchanani is uncommon in clear, upland streams of southeastern Kansas, where it is replaced by the mimic shiner (N. vohicellus) . The failure of early collectors to report N. huchanani is perplex- ing. Its omission may be attributable to its small size, which Fishes of Kansas 141 permits escape through seines having mesh-sizes of K-inch or larger. Judging from dates when tuberculate males have been found, ghost shiners reproduce between early May and mid-August; thus, the breeding season seems longer and mainly earlier than that of the mimic shiner in Kansas. Black-nosed shiner Notropis heterolepis Eigenmann and Eigenmann 0 10 25 SOMiles ■ ■ I 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 Notropis germanus Hay ( 1887:252-253 [orig. descr.] ). Notropis cayuga, Jordan ( 1891 : 18 ) . Notropis heterolepis, Hubbs (1951a); Metcalf (1966:123). Body slender, not compressed, its depth 5.0 or more in standard length, much less than head length; head elongate, 4.0 or less in standard length; snout rounded; mouth small, oblique but subterminal; eye large, diameter 3.3-4.0 in head length, equal to or greater than snout length; dorsal fin high, acutely pointed, originating slightly behind pelvic insertion; dorsal, anal, and pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays usually 13; lateral line almost straight, with 34-36 scales; scale rows around body 11 — 2 — 11, around caudal peduncle 5 — 2 — 5; pre- 142 Umv. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. dorsal scales large, in about 15 rows; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery or dusky; vertebrae 36-38. Coloration generally dark, brownish or olivaceous dorsally; dorsal scales out- lined by dark pigment; prominent black lateral band, extending forward across opercle, around tip of snout (above lips), and backward onto central rays of caudal fin; within dark lateral band, pigment intensified behind scale margins, forming chevronlike markings with apices directed forward; pallid longitudinal strip above lateral band; many scales below lateral line outlined; scales on venter and lower surface of caudal peduncle having dark pigment; rays of all fins outlined by melanophores. Length 2/2 inches or less. Evidence for the former occurrence of the black-nosed shiner in Kansas consists of two early records that have been discussed by Hubbs (1951a). One of these is a single specimen, collected in 1885 from the Smoky Hill River in Wallace County by Hay (1887: 252-253), and described by him under the name Notropis germanus new species. Hubbs (Joe. cit.) reidentified that specimen (USNM 3749) as a hybrid, Hybognathus hankinsoni X Notropis heterolepis. The second record is based on specimens reported from the Ar- kansas River at Wichita by Jordan ( 1891 : 18 ) as Notropis caijuga; Hubbs (loc. cit.) reidentified those specimens as IV. heterolepis. Jordan listed N. caytiga as "Abundant" in his report upon a col- lection, comprising 27 species, that was provided him by Mr. Sher- man Davis. To my knowledge, this is the only collection by Davis that has received published mention. The number of species is large for any single locality in the vicinity of Wichita. All the species involved except N. heterolepis are ones well-known from Kansas, but eight of them are characteristic of upland creeks rather than large rivers. I suspect that Davis's collection was a composite of samples from streams in the Flint Hills northeast of Wichita as well as the Arkansas mainstream. This record of heterolepis is the only one from the Arkansas River System. The black-nosed shiner still occurs in some tributaries of the Osage River and the Missouri River in central Missouri. Because the westernmost recent records are within 75 miles of the Kansas State-line, past occurrences of black-nosed shiners in eastern Kansas seem plausible. Decimation of this species over much of its original range has been well documented by Hubbs ( loc. cit. ) . The black- nosed shiner seems to require cool, clear, weedy waters — a habitat that has been especially vulnerable to destruction in the course of agricultural development of the prairies. Fishes of Kansas 143 Ozark minnow Dionda niibila (Forbes) Dionda Meeki, Graham (1885b: 73). Dionda nubila. Cross (1955:473-474); Metcalf (1959:393). Body terete, streamlined, having aspect of many species of Notropis; mouth nearly terminal, slightly oblique; barbels absent; intestine long, its loops forming definite coils; peritoneum black; lateral line complete, nearly straight, with 36-38 scales; scale rows around body usually 11 — 2 — 11; dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin-rays 8; pectoral rays 13-15, usually 14; pharyngeal teeth 0,4—4,0; vertebrae 36-39. Dark olivaceous dorsally; thin mid-dorsal stripe from nape through ( not surrounding) dorsal fin-base to base of caudal fin; dorsolateral scales large and dark-outlined; sides with dark dots along lateral line, often having prominent dark lateral band from base of caudal fin forward across opercle, iris, and snout; lower sides and belly silvery white; fins transparent, with- out prominent markings except for tiny wedge-shaped basicaudal spot. In breeding males, ventrolateral scales yellowish- or pinkish-orange, underside of head orange; all fins with yellow or orange pigment basally, fading distally; orange pigment lacking on crest of head, cleithrum above base of pectoral fins, and along lateral-line scales. Females yellowish when spawning. Tubercles in breeding males disposed as follows: scattered over top of head, extending downward on sides of head behind and below eye; tubercles diminishing in size laterally and anteriorly, becoming obsolescent on front of snout; scales (except on venter) with marginal row of 6-10 minute tubercles; rays 1-7 of pectoral fin with single file of large tubercles, double-file on branched part of rays; rays of all other fins with minute tubercles. Spawn- ing females slightly tuberculate. Length 2/2 to 3 inches. In Kansas, Dionda now seems to be confined to Shoal Creek, Cherokee County, although Graham (1885b: 73) reported this species from "Neosho river" without stating a precise locality of capture. Shoal Creek is the only truly Ozarkian stream in Kansas, and Dionda is rarely found west of the Ozark Upland in the 144 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Arkansas River System. In high-gradient, clear, strongly-flowing Ozark streams, D. nitbila often is the predominant minnow. It is abundant in the upper part of Shoal Creek in southwestern Missouri, but that is not the case in the lower course of the same stream in Kansas. Only at times of high water have I found Dionda com- monly in lower Shoal Creek. I doubt that the species now occurs west of Spring River. Ozark minnows in spawning-condition have been taken in Kansas in May, and in Missouri in May and June. Brassy minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni Hubbs Hybognathus michalis, Kay (1887:253, misidentification). Hybognathus hankinsoni, Breukelman (1940a:371); Hubbs (1951a); Bai- ley (1954:290); Metcalf (1966:133). Fishes of Kansas 145 Body stout, little compressed; head short, length 3.8-4.2 in standard length; eye moderate, diameter 1.2-1.5 in snout length, more than % head length; snout blunt; mouth crescent-shaped, without barbels, somewhat oblique (more nearly terminal than in H. placitus and H. nuchalis); posterior process of basioccipital ( Fig. 14 ) moderately broad, muscle-attachments separated by bony space; dorsal fin rounded, originating over pelvic insertion; dorsal, anal, and pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays 13 or 14; scales in lateral line 36-39; scale rows around body usually 12 — 2 — 15-17, around caudal pedimcle 7 — 2 — 7; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0, not hooked; intestine long, peritoneum black; \ertebrae usually 37-39. Oli\aceous dorsally, with well-developed mid-dorsal stripe, continuous through base of dorsal fin; dorsolateral scales not dark-outlined; sides usually brassy, sometimes dull silvery; dusky lateral band usually evident immediately above lateral line (no such band in H. placitus or H. nuchalis); pectoral and dorsal fin-rays prominently outlined by melanophores. No chromatic breeding colors. In breeding males, rays 2-8 of pectoral fins bearing multiple files ( 5 or more rows distally ) of tubercles. Length usually 3 inches or less. The brassy minnow is known only from the headwaters of the Smoky Hill and Republican rivers, from the Missouri River, and from a tributary of the Missouri River in Atchison County. The species is rare at these localities. Its habitat in Kansas is small, clear streams having sluggish current and sandy bottom overlain by organic sediment. Perhaps the brassy minnow was formerly more widespread than at present, but was overlooked by early writers who reported it as H. nuchalis. Hubbs (195la:449) found that specimens ( USNM 38237 ) from Wallace County that were reported by Hay (1887:253) as H. nuchalis are instead H. hankinsoni, and Hay's name Notropis germanus was based on a hybrid having H. hankinsoni as one parent. Seemingly, reproduction occurs in May in Kansas, earlier than in H. placitus. 10—6169 146 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat, Hist. Miscl. Publ. Plains minnow Hybognathus placitus Girard 40 39- 38 37 40 39 38 0 10 25 SOMiles II.. 37 98 96 95 Hybognathus placitus Girard (1856:182 [orig. descr.]; type locality, "sluices of the Arkansas near Fort Makee" [approximately 8 mi. W of Dodge City, Ford Co., Kansas, according to Al-Rawi and Cross, 1964:162]); Girard ( 1858:236); Al-Rawi and Cross (1964); Metcalf (1966:134). Ht/hogmithus placitus placitus, Breukelman ( 1940a:371, 1940b :381); Jen- nings (1942:365). Hybognathus placita, Graham (1885a:4, 188.5b:72); Metcalf (1959:386, 395); Fisher (1962:427). Hybognathus nuchalis, Gilbert ( 1885b: 98, 1886:210, 1889:40); Cragin (1885b:108); Hay (1887:251); Jordan (1891:17); Fowler (1925:391- .392); Hall (19.34:2.30); Minckley (1959:42.3-426); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:317). Hybognathus nuchalis placita, Jordan and Meek ( 1885:13). Body thick, nearly terete; head short, snout blunt; mouth ventral, crescent- shaped (Fig. 12B), without barbels; eye small, less than Ir, head length except in young; posterior process of basioccipital bone rodlike, thickened medially (convex on ventral surface), narrow to its tip, with contiguous muscle attach- ments (Fig. 14A); dorsal fin originating over pelvic insertion; dorsal fin 8-rayed, acutely pointed at tip; anal rays 8; pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays usually 16 or 17; lateral line scales 36-39; scales around body 11-1.5 — 2 — 13-19 (usually 15 or Fishes of Kansas 147 more rows ventral to lateral line); pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0, not hooked; intestine long, coiled; peritoneum black; vertebrae usually 37-39. Brownish dorsalh', with well-developed mid-dorsal stripe, continuous through base of dorsal fin; dorsolateral scales not outlined by melanophores; sides silvery, sometimes with dusky flecks anteriorly but lacking dark lateral band; lateral line canals not outlined by melanophores; ventral surface yellowish or white; fins colorless, pectoral rays not outlined by melanophores. In breeding males, minute tubercles cover top and sides of head; many lateral scales with peripheral row of fine tubercles; pectoral fins with single or double file of tubercles on first ray, double or triple file on each subsequent ray; tubercles near distal ends of branched rays arranged in clusters, suggest- ing possible subdivision of single antecedent tubercles; all other fins sometimes having tubercles on rays, least developed on caudal fin. Length 5 inches or less. The plains minnow abounds in all large streams of Kansas that have broad beds of sand and shallow, braided flow. Within such streams, plains minnows are most numerous where sediments ac- cumulate in shallow backwaters, gentle eddies, and along the deeper edges of sand "waves" that are formed on the shifting substrate by the tumbling action of the current in the mainstream. Plains min- nows are seldom found in small, intermittent creeks, or in rivers where bottoms are mainly rocky or muddy. The long, coiled intestine of H. placitus indicates its herbivorous habit. The crescent-shaped mouth and thin-edged lower lip may be adaptations for scooping up the film of organisms (mainly dia- toms?) that accumulate on the sandy substrate in calm water. In this respect the plains minnow seems to be an ecological counter- part of the river carpsucker, which obtains similar food in deeper parts of the same rivers occupied by H. placitus, and of the stone- roller minnow, which scrapes its food from rocky riffles of small, shallow streams. The reproductive habits of the plains minnow have not been described. Probably eggs are scattered over the substrate, com- munally, by fish that maintain no individual nest-sites or territories. I have found such aggregations of "ripe" plains minnows in shallow backwaters made so muddy by the activity of the concentrated fish that observations of their behaxior were impossible. The breeding season is long, extending from April into August. Because of its great abundance and large size, the plains minnow is one of the most commonly used bait minnows in Kansas. Large plains minnows are most often called "chubs" by anglers who use them as bait, but that name is properly reserved for other species that have barbels. A major disadvantage of H. placitus as bait is its lack of hardiness outside its stream environment. 148 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Silvery minnow Hybognathus nuchalis Agassiz 95 40 39 38 37 40 0 10 25 SOMiles . I J I 39 38 37 102 100 99 98 96 95 Hybognathus nuchalis, Gilbert (1884:11); Graham (1885b:73); Breukel- man (1940b:381); Fisher (1962:427). Hybognathus nuchalis nuchalis, Jennings (1942:365); Metcalf (1966:135). Similar to H. placitus (p. 146) except as follows: posterior process of basioccipital bone flared posteriorly, its ventral surface thin and concave, muscle-attachments distinctly separated by a bony space (Fig. 14B); scale rows ventral to lateral line usually fewer than 15; eye diameter usually more than Yr, head length; anterior profile nearly symmetrical, streamlined ( in H. placitus, ventral contour usually more nearly flat than dorsal contour, back often abruptly arched at occiput ) . Length 6 inches or less. Most early reports of H. nuchalis probably pertain instead to H. placitus and are listed in the account of that species. Five reports are retained under nuchalis because: Gilbert's (1884:11) description indicates that his specimens from Topeka had large eyes, a characteristic of nuchalis; and, the other four authors Fishes of Kansas 149 included both species in their faunal Hsts. Both Gilbert's (1884:11) record and Jennings' (1942:365) from Riley County are farther west than niicJialis is now known to occur in Kansas. Graham (1885b:73) and Breukelman (1940b:381) did not specify precisely where their specimens were caught. At present, the silvery minnow occurs commonly only in the Missouri River and in creeks and backwaters on its floodplain. The preferred habitat seems to be relatively deep water where flow is sluggish and bottoms are silted. The species rarely ascends small tributaries of the Missouri River. In the Kansas River Basin, I have found nuchalis only in the mainstream from Lawrence eastward. Many silvery minnows were taken in the channel of the Kansas River in 1951 and 1952, after protracted floods, but few have been obtained in subsequent years, when flow in the Kansas River was normal or below-normal. All my collections of nuchalis from Kansas have included H. placitiis also, with the latter species predominating in abundance. Tabulations by Fisher (1962:427) indicate that placitus was approximately three times as abundant as nuchalis in his collections from the Missouri River at St. Joseph, Missouri. Fat-headed minnow Pimephales promelas (Rafinesque) Pimephales maciilosiis Girard ( 1856:16 [orig. descr.], 1858:234). Coliscus parietal is CoTpe (1871:437 [orig. descr.]). Pimepiiales confeiiits, Gilbert (1884:11). Pimephales promelas. Cope (1965b:85); Gilbert (1885b:98, 1886:210; 1889: 40); Cragin (1885b:108); Graham (1885a:4, 1885b:73); Evermann and Fordice (1886:185); Jordan and Meek (1885:11); Fowler (1925:395); Breukelman (1940a:371, 1946:56); Minckley (1956:354); Schelske (1957:46); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:168); Minckley and Cross (1959:212); Metcalf (1959:374, 1966:136); Mincklev (1959:426, 432); Deacon (1961:384); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:317, 319); Bur- rage (1962); Fisher (1962:427); Kilgore and Rising (1965:141). Pimephales promelas confertus, Graham (1885a:4, 1885b:73); Hay (1887: 247, 248, 249, 251, 253); Jordan (1891:17); Cross (1954:310-311). Pimephales promelas: confertus X promelas, Breukelman (1940b:381); Jen- nings (1942:365). 150 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. O 10 25 SOMiles ■ ■ I J I L 40 39 36 -37 102 101 100 99 98 95 Body robust; head short, rounded, length 3.4-4.0 in standard length; snout blunt, seldom protruding beyond mouth; mouth small, slightly oblique; eye small, diameter 4.3-5.0 in head length; dorsal fin rounded, originating approxi- mately over insertion of pelvic fins; principal dorsal rays 8; anal rays 7; pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays 15-18; lateral line often incomplete, with 44-48 scales; predorsal scales minute; scale rows around body 18-20 — 2 — 19-23, around caudal peduncle 7-9 — 2 — 7-9, total usually 18 or more; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine long, with several loops crossing ventral midline, peritoneum black; vertebrae usually 36-38. Coloration dark, brown to olivaceous dorsalh', sides sometimes pallid but not glistening silvery; dorsolateral scales not dark-outlined; dark lateral band evi- dent in specimens from clear water, but more often obscure or absent; dark spots on anterior bases of dorsal and caudal fins diffuse or absent; upper sides often having diagonal, chevronlike markings ( blood vessels visible through epidermis ) ; mid-dorsal stripe narrow, uniform in intensity before and behind dorsal fin. Breeding males nearly black, with two broad, pallid, transverse bands — one extending vertically from axil of pectoral fin, and one extending from axil of pelvic fin to dorsal origin; all fins dark, especially medially; basal spots in dorsal and caudal fins intensely dark; pectoral fin darkest along lead- ing edge. Crest of head in nuptial males turgid, nape greatly thickened, extreme for genus; membranes enveloping anterior rays of dorsal fin thickened, sometimes turgid, but leading edge of rudimentary and first principal rays thickened less than in other species of Pimephales (except at pallid, knobby tip of rudi- mentary ray ) . Tubercles aligned in three horizontal rows across snout; number in lower- most row commonly 7 or 8 but highly variable (4-15); number in median row most often 7, in uppermost row usually 4 (counting tubercles between nostril and eye in this row); chin tubercles nearly always present in specimens from Kansas River Basin, usually absent in specimens from Arkansas River Basin; Fishes of Kansas 151 pectoral fin with single file of tubercles on rays 2 through 5 (sometimes also rays 6 and 7), better developed than in other species of Pimepliales. Length 3,'4 inches or less. No other fish seems so widespread nor so nearly nbiquitous in Kansas as the fat-headed minnow. Its abundance is greatest in pools of small, intermittent creeks having bottoms of mud or firm clay. Usually, a few specimens can be obtained in the sandy main- streams of major rivers, and in clear, permanently flowing upland streams of the Flint Hills; but, the species is scarce in these environ- ments. Minckley (1959:432) reported that P. promelas comprised about 29 per cent of all fishes in muddy streams of the Blue River System, whereas it comprised only 4 per cent of fish in gravelly streams, and 1 per cent in sandy streams within the same river system. The fathead is by nature a pioneer, if any fish can be so desig- nated. It is one of the first species to invade intermittent drainage channels after rains, and it commonly progresses upstream into farm ponds via their spillways. It is one of the last species to disappear from small, muddy, isolated pools that remain in stream channels during droughts. This species has other attributes of hardiness that enable it to flourish where few other fishes survive. It seems un- usually tolerant of pollution, in streams having little oxygen as a consequence of sewage influx or barnlot drainage, and in other streams that are saline owing to eflfluents discharged by the petro- leum industry. The reproductive habits of P. promelas reflect adaptations to the variable conditions found in many prairie streams. The spawning season is long; breeding males have been taken in the same stream system in the same year from April through August in Kansas. Elsewhere, Markus (1934) has shown that individuals spawn re- peatedly in the same year, and that some young that hatch in May spawn before autumn. The nesting habits are like those of other species of Pimephales, in which eggs are attached to an object ( usually to its undersurface ) above the stream bottom, and are attended throughout their de- velopment by the male. Eggs of P. promelas have been found on surfaces varying from horizontal to vertical. In western streams, some of the nesting sites used are roots that project through under- cut stream banks, and stems of sunflowers or other plant debris. Ma- terial of this kind commonly enters streams with runoft, or when stream banks collapse due to undercutting. Dineen (1953) re- 152 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. ported that fatheads deposited eggs on vertical stakes that he placed in a pond as depth markers, and male fatheads that I have put in aquaria have accepted vertical overflow pipes as nesting sites. Pre- sumably, surfaces that are nearly horizontal are used most often, but the diversity of objects (and angles) that this species can utilize for its nests may account in part for its ubiquity and abun- dance. The long reproductive season and the rapid attainment of maturity are additional adaptations. The food of fat-headed minnows is diverse, consisting of many kinds of small animals and plants, consumed opportunistically. Starrett (1950:117-118) commented that in Iowa P. promelas was found most abundantly in a stream "peculiar in having emergent vegetation in pools, and a scarcity of other minnows." He stated and credited to Hubbs and Cooper (1936) a belief that P. promelas has limited competitive tolerance of other species. This observa- tion is applicable in Kansas, where the fathead is least common in streams that support numerous other kinds of fish. Such streams normally have a constant flow of clear water. Perhaps the remark- able adaptability of the fathead, so advantageous in erratically fluctuating environments, is a handicap in stable habitats. There, it is replaced by a community of specialists, each one of which seems better equipped than promelas to utilize one persistent niche within the environment. Because variable conditions in many Kansas streams place a premium on adaptability, continued abun- dance of this species seems assured. The fathead is widely cultivated in ponds as a bait minnow. Shingles or short pine boards, floated and spaced by wires or jammed into the mud, suflice as substrates for egg deposition, as do broken sections of ceramic tile that can be placed on the bottom in shallow water. Fertilization of the pond to increase the supply of food generally assures production of several hundred pounds of minnows per acre per year. The fathead will use pelleted feeds that are manufactured for trout, catfish, and farm livestock. P. pro- melas can be raised successfully in combination with channel cat- fish in ponds; the latter fish does not prey heavily enough on min- nows to reduce their abundance severely. Excellent short-term angling for bass can be obtained by stocking fatheads one year, allowing a large population of them to develop, and introducing stocks of bass in the second year. The bass grow rapidly until they deplete the minnow population, as they surely will in clear ponds; then, ponds stocked in this way require renovation by removal of all fish that remain, and repetition of the cycle. Fishes of Kansas 153 Bull-headed minnow Pimephales vigilax ( Baird and Girard ) 40 39 38 37 40 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 . I . I I ... I I 39 38 37 102 99 98 96 95 Cliola vigilax, Graham ( 188.5b:7.3); Gilbert (1886:209); Jordan (1891:18). Ceratichthys taurocephalus, Breukelman (1940b:381). Ceratichthys perspicuus, Hubbs and Black (1947:26-31). Pimephales vigilax perspicuus. Cross (1953b); Moore and Buck (19.55:23); Schclske (19.57:45-46); Metcalf (1959:374); Deacon (1961:383-384). Pimephales vigilax, Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:168); Breu- kelman (I960:. 34). Body stout; head rather large, blunt, length 3.6-4.0 in standard length; eye moderately large, 3.2-4.0 in head length, nearly equal to snout length; snout not protruding; mouth slightly oblique, upper lip expanded medially; dorsal fin rounded, originating almost over (sometimes slightly behind) pelvic insertion; second rudimentary ray of dorsal fin usually prominent and separated from first principal ray; dorsal rays 8; anal rays 7; pelvic rays 8; pectoral rays 15 or 16; lateral line complete, slightly decurved anteriorly, with 38-40 scales; predorsal scales minute, sometimes embedded; scale rows around body 15-17 — 2 — 13-15, around caudal peduncle 7 — 2 — 7; pharyngeal teeth 0,4 — 4,0; intestine short, peritoneum silvery; vertebrae 37-39. 154 Umv. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Coloration pallid, tan dorsally, silver\' laterally; no dark lateral band (but pores of lateral-line scales often indistinctly marked by nielanophores ) ; base of caudal fin with intense, triangular dark spot; anterior base of dorsal fin having prominent dark spot, more conspicuous than in any other species of the genus; dorsolateral scales not clearly outlined by nielanophores (bod>- not cross-hatched); mid-dorsal stripe obscure or absent. Breeding males dark, head nearly black; dark spot on dorsal fin intensely black; crotches of dorsal and caudal rays blackened; lower fins not especially darkened; anterior ray of pectoral fin dark, remainder of fin pale, its pattern opposite that in P. tenellus (but see also Parker, 1964:232-233). Nuptial tubercles in two transverse rows on snout, numbering .5 in lower row, 4 in upper row; tubercles absent elsewhere; top of head and nape thickened, forming rugose pad; membranes surrounding rudimentary dorsal ray thickened, as in P. tenellus. One subspecies, P. v. perspicuus (Girard) in Kansas. Length 3/2 inches or less. Except for a single record from the Osage System that Hiibbs and Black (1947:31) attributed to an introduction, the bull- headed minnow is known only from the Arkansas River System in Kansas. The species occurs mainly in large rivers. Its centers of abundance complement those of the other three species of FimephaJes: promelas mostly in muddy, intermittent creeks, notatus and tenellus mostly in clear, permanent or semipermanent secondary streams, and vigilax mostly in the mainstreams of the Neosho and Arkansas rivers or the lower parts of their largest tributaries. P. vi. ■ ■-■Sir. ., '" Etheostoma stigmaeum, Cross and Minckley (1958:107-108). Etheostoma saxatile, Metcalf (1959:393). Body slender, scarcely compressed; head short, length 3.5-3.9 in standard length; snout blunt, about as long as eye; mouth nearly horizontal, pre- maxillaries protractile; gill membranes joined across isthmus; cheeks naked or with scales embedded; opercles, nape, and breast fully scaled; lateral line nearly straight, incomplete, with 45-53 scales, 23-31 pored; infraorbital and supratemporal canals complete; first dorsal fin with 11 or 12 spines; second dorsal fin with 10-12 soft-rays; anal fin with two spines, 8 or 9 soft-rays; pelvics with 1 spine, 5 soft-ra>'s; pectoral rays 14 or 15; vertebrae 38-40. Brownish; six dorsal saddles, narrower than interspaces — on nape, in spinous-dorsal base, at posterior end of spinous-dorsal base, near middle of soft-dorsal base, immediately behind soft-dorsal base, and on caudal peduncle anterior to rudimentary caudal rays; upper sides with fine, dark zigzag- markings; mid-sides with 9-11 small dark blotches; breast and lower surface of gill membranes finely dotted by melanophores; preorbital bar extending from eye through nares onto premaxillaries, not continuous across snout; suborbital bar obscure, diffuse; fins dusky. General appearance of breeding males dark, with pale blue lateral blotches and a brassy luster; two diffuse, somewhat coalescent bluish spots on head (on suborbital bar and lower part of operculum); lower surface of head with milky bluish sheen, darkened by dense melanophores; lateral blotches on body c^uadrate, blue-green, seemingly suspended from lateral line (on lateral-fine scales and two scale-rows below); 304 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. dorsolateral and lateral scales brassy-orange near their borders; lower sides, breast, belly, and undersurface of caudal peduncle uniformly dark olivaceous; spinous dorsal fin with narrow basal clear strip, broad black band through central part of fin, narrow orange bar above black band, and thin black line along distal margin; soft-dorsal fin with membranes blackened basally, becoming lighter to colorless distally; rays with two to four small orange spots, imparting dark brassy appearance to soft-dorsal fin; caudal fin with scattered small melanophores, rays with few pale-orange spots, appearance almost clear; blue spot at caudal fin-base encroaching onto medial rays; anal fin resembling soft-dorsal in coloration, rays lightly suffused with orange and tuberculate; pelvic fins black proximally, lighter distally; lower surfaces of pelvic rays tuberculate, and their branches suffused with orange; pelvics dark, brassy; pectoral rays with pale yellowish spots, pectoral fins otherwise colorless. Length two inches or less. The speckled darter has been found only in Spring River and Shoal Creek, Cherokee County. The species is southern in its general distribution, occurring from the localities mentioned above (and eastern Oklahoma) eastward through the Ozark region to Kentucky and western Georgia, in the Mississippi and Gulf-coastal drainages (Bailey, Winn, and Smith, 1954:142-143). I have found speckled darters only in rather large, clear streams that have moderate or steep gradients. E. stigmaeum inhabits small pools below swift riffles, often at depths of two feet or more. Males that seemed to be spawning in the mainstream of Spring River in early April, 1956, were concentrated on a broad, shallow riffle over clean rounded gravel of uniformly small size. The repro- ductive habits of speckled darters have been described by Winn (1958a: 197); in a general way, their spawning activity is like that of the orange-throated darter (see page 318). Banded darter Etheostoma zonale (Cope) Etheostoma zonale, var. arcansanum, Graham ( 1885b:76). Etheostoma zonale arcansanum, Metcalf ( 1959:393). Etheostoma zonale arcansum, Schelske ( 1957:49). Fishes of Kansas 305 Bod\- slender, dorsal contour arched, ventral contour nearly straight; head small, length 4.0 or more in standard length in adults; eye-diameter slightly less than snout length; snout short, blunt, rounded; mouth small, almost horizontal; premaxillaries non-protractile, maxillaries free from preorbital (compare E. blennioides) ; gill membranes broadly united across isthmus; cheeks, opercles, nape, and breast scaled; belly fully scaled; lateral line complete, ahiiost straight, witli 51-58 scales; all lateral-line canals on head complete; dorsal fins barely separated; first dorsal with 10 or 11 spines, second dorsal with 11 or 12 soft-rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 6-9 (usually 7) soft-rays; pelvics with 1 spine, 5 soft-rays; pectoral rays usually 14; vertebrae usually 38-39. Females and non-breeding males dark, coarsely mottled by brown pigment on pallid background; head having dark suborbital, postorbital, and opercular spots; preorbital bar extending from eye through nares to premaxillary, not continuous across tip of snout; dorsal surface of body with six or seven dark saddles, longer than interspaces; mid-sides with indistinct band of small blotches; fins having melanophores along rays, otherwise colorless. Breeding males with 9-12 bright green vertical bars; sides of head olivaceous, breast and lower surface of head bright green; spinous dorsal fin having brick-red spot on each membrane basally, broad dark zone of melanophores overlain by green, and narrow colorless band along edge of fin; soft-dorsal fin with red dots at bases of anterior membranes, remainder of membranes pigmented by scattered melanophores, rays suffused with yellow; rays of caudal fin yellowish and outlined by melanophores, membranes clear; upper and lower rudimentary rays of caudal fin green; anal fin green basally, mem- branes heavily dotted by melanophores (often, interspinous membrane and last two interradial membranes green, other membranes clear and rays yellow- ish); pelvic fins green basally, densely melanistic, rays yellowish; membranes of pectoral fins colorless, rays yellowish and with few melanophores. Plate 4. Length 2/4 inches or less. 20—6169 306 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. The banded darter is common in Shoal Creek, Cherokee County, and rare in the mainstream of Spring River. One specimen (KU 3213) was obtained by Schelske (1957:49) in Fall River at Laverty Ford, Wilson County, in 1956. Graham (1885b: 76) reported E. zonale from "Neosho river," a record not indicated on the map above because of the indefinite locality and lack of extant speci- mens. E. zonale probably inhabited the Neosho Drainage under pristine conditions, and may still occur there. Banded darters are found mainly in clear, permanently-flowing streams of moderate size. In Shoal Creek, their principal habitat is in deep, turbulent riffles over a rocky substrate — either rounded rubble, or bedrock littered by angular stones. At many locaHties but not in Shoal Creek, the stones on riffles occupied by E. zonale are overgrown by filamentous algae. Banded darters live also in clumps of algae (or of plant-debris having filamentous texture like that of algae) where water flows slowly over smooth bottoms of fine gravel. Blair (1959:11) pointed out a close association of E. zonale with E. blennioides, the species that zonale resembles most among Kansas darters. Both occupy algal growths and deep riffles. In Blair's studies of streams in northeastern Oklahoma, blennioides occurred in two-thirds of all collections that contained zonale, and zonale was taken in 82 percent of the collections that con- tained blennioides. Banded darters in Shoal Creek spawn in April or May. Green-sided darter Etheostoma blennioides Rafinesque Diplesion hlennoides, Graham ( 1885a:4). Diplesion blennioides, Cragin (1885b:110); Graham (1885b:76). Etheostoma blennioides, Metcalf ( 1959:393, 1966: 164 ) . Body stout; head rounded, length 4.0 or more in standard length; snout blunt, length usually greater than eye-diameter; mouth ventral, cleft broad, maxillary groove ending blindly below nares (maxilla adnate to preorbital Fishes of Kansas 307 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 ■ I 102 101 100 98 97 96 95 bone); premaxillaries protractile; gill membranes broadly united across isthmus; nape, opercles, and cheeks scaled (scales sometimes embedded); breast scaleless, belly fully scaled; lateral line complete, with 55-66 scales in specimens from Osage River System, 69-80 in specimens from Arkansas River System; infraorbital and supratemporal canals complete; scale rows around caudal peduncle 19-23 in Osage River, 22-28 in Arkansas River; dorsal spines 12-14, soft-rays 12-14; anal fin with 2 spines, 6-9 soft-rays (usually 8); pectoral rays 14-16; vertebrae usually 39-42. Brownish-olive dorsally; 6 or 7 dark dorsal saddles, shorter than or equal to spaces separating them; scattered brownish flecks on upper sides; 6 to 8 prominent W-markings on sides; ventral surface yellowish or white. Breeding males almost wholly green ( in Arkansas System ) or having vertical green bars through the last (posterior) five W-markings (in Osage System); upper sides with scattered red dots; spinous dorsal fin with reddish-brown basal spots, % height of fin; remainder of fin dark green except for thin colorless marginal band; soft-dorsal fin with reddish basal spots, membranes mostly green (color fading distally), heavily dotted with melanophores; caudal fin green in specimens from Arkansas River; in Osage River, upper and lower edges of caudal fin bright green, central interradial membranes sometimes also green, remainder of fin yellowish; anal fin bright green basally; pelvic fins green, especially basally, densely flecked by melanophores; pectoral rays yellow. Breeding male from Cherokee County (Arkansas Basin) shown on Plate 4. Total length 4 inches or more; smaller in Osage than in Arkansas Drainage. Two subspecies of green-sided darters inhabit Kansas: one, E. b. newmani (Agassiz) in the Spring River System of Cherokee County, the other (as yet unnamed) in the Osage River Drainage of Rour- bon County. Graham's (1885a, 1885b) records from Wildcat Creek, Riley County (Kansas River Drainage) probably represent the latter subspecies. 308 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Green-sided darters usually occupy moderately deep, swift riffles having a rubble-substrate. The species requires permanent flow, and is most abundant where the water is clear enough, and its level stable enough, that the riffles are overgrown by filamentous algae (often Cladophora). The algal tufts provide the principal spawning-site for green-sided darters, which commonly deposit their eggs near the bases of dense strands of Cladophora. The reproductive period is short, usually in April in Kansas. Accounts of the life-history and ecology of this species have been published by Fahy (1954), Winn (1958a), and Lachner, Westlake, and Handwerk (1950). The western extent of the range of E. hlennioides is limited by instability of stream-flow, and especially by intermittency of streams. I suspect that habitat suitable for green-sided darters formerly existed farther west than at present; probably the species has declined in abundance in Kansas. Green-sided darters are now scarce at the few localities where they are known to persist. Red-finned darter Etheostoma whipplei (Girard) Etheostoma whipplei, Graham (1885b; 76). Poecilichthys lohipplii whipplii, Hubbs and Black ( 1941:1, Map 1). Etheostoma tcliipplei ichipplei, Bailey and Gosline ( 1955:17). Etheostomu whipplii, Metcalf (1959:393). Body robust, moderately compressed; head large, length 2.8-3.5 in standard length; snout acute, as long as or longer than eye; mouth oblique, premaxillaries not protractile; gill membranes narrowly united across isthmus; cheeks and breast usually scaleless; opercles, nape, and belly scaled, but scales often embedded; lateral line incomplete, with usually 59-65 scales, 40 or more pored; infraorbital and supratemporal canals complete; first dorsal fin with 10-12 spines, second dorsal with 13-15 soft-rays; anal fin with 2 spines, 7-9 soft-rays; pelvics with 1 spine, 5 soft-rays; pectoral rays 12 or 13; vertebrae 36-39. Olivaceous brown, dark, densely tesselated; without prominent dorsal saddles or dark blotches on sides; sides with scattered pale flecks, often red in males; dorsal, caudal, and anal fins banded by aggregations of melanophores on rays and adjacent membranes; pectoral and pelvic fins unpigmented; preorbital and Fishes of Kansas 309 suborbital dark bars narrow; dark humeral spot present above pectoral fin- base; caudal base with small dark blotches, sometimes merging and forming weak vertical bar were fin joins body. In breeding males, spinous dorsal fin, soft dorsal fin, and caudal fin bordered by red, white, and blue bands (blue distally); dorsal fins dusky basally, with reddish flecks; caudal with two orange- red spots at base, central area of fin bluish; anal fin red basally, with white submarginal band and blue border; pelvic and pectoral fins suffused with blue, pelvics melanistic basally; cheeks blue below eye; sides having scattered red spots, variable in number; belly orange-yellow. See Plate 4. Length 2% inches. The red-finned darter now occurs commonly only in the Sprmg River Drainage, Cherokee and Crawford counties. Records farther west in Kansas indicate the persistence of limited, residual popula- tions in most of the eastern part of the Arkansas River System. The lone record (map above) from the Neosho mainstream in Neosho County is of three specimens obtained in 1957, at the close of a protracted drought. The record from the Verdigris River, Wilson County, is based on one specimen found on a shallow riffle below a low dam in 1954, a drought-year. A. L. Metcalf obtained several specimens from Cedar Creek, Cowley County, in 1959 ( a wet year ) , but found none in other collections annually made by him from 1956 through 1965 in Cedar Creek. That stream is a small, clear brook that flows intermittently in dry years. In 1961, after four years of relatively heavy rainfall in southeastern Kansas, W. L. Minckley took E. ivhipplei in the Elk River, Montgomery County, and the headwaters of Caney River, Elk County. E. whippJei inhabits riflEles in streams having moderate gradient or low gradient, where the bottom consists of small gravel or mixed sand and gravel. Reproduction normally occurs in April. 310 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Stippled darter Etheostonia punctulatum (Agassiz) Etheostoma punctulatum, Cragin (1885b: 11); Bailev and Gosline (1955: 18); Metcalf (1959:393). Body stout; head large, length about 3.2 in standard length; snout conical, length equal to or greater than eye diameter; premaxillaries not protracticle; gill membranes separate; cheeks, opercle, and breast scaleless or nearly so; nape well scaled; belly fully covered by normal scales; lateral line incomplete, with 58-68 scales, more than 30 pored; infraorbital canal complete, with 8-10 pores; dorsal fins with 10 or 11 spines, 13-15 soft-rays; anal fin with 2 spines, 7-9 soft-rays; pectoral rays usually 13; vertebrae 36-37. Mottled brown; four dark dorsal saddles extending downward onto sides across nape, between dorsal fins, near center of base of second dorsal fin, and on caudal peduncle anterior to procurrent caudal fin-rays; side usually having dark blotch behind head (coalescent with anterior dorsal saddle), and two blotches on caudal peduncle (coalescent with third and fourth dorsal saddles); suborbital dark bar prominent; underside of head and breast coarsely spotted. In breeding males, underside of breast and head densely melanistic; gular area, gill membranes, and lower part of abdomen orange; spinous dorsal fin of breed- ing males having 1 ) orange spot on base of each interradial membrane, 2 ) broad black band through lower part of fin, 3) orange band distal to black band and equal to it in width, 4) narrow marginal black line; second dorsal fin mostly dark, suff^usion of orange through outer third of fin, distal edge dark, rays yellowish and barred by melanophores; caudal fin with colorless mem- branes, rays blackened basally and across their branched tips (barred in non- breeding adults), and with diffuse submarginal orange bar; anal fin black basally, colorless distally, its rays tuberculate; pelvic fins black with white lateral margins, tips of anterior rays and spine unpigmented, membranes tiugid; pectoral fins black basally, membranes colorless distally, rays suffused with orange and weakly barred by melanin. Females flecked by black pig- ment over plain, dark brown background, and with all fins prominentK' barred. Length 3/2 inches or less. The stippled darter has been recorded definitely only in Spring River and its tributaries in Cherokee County. Cragin (1885b: 111) listed this species from "Osage R. (Agassiz)," but I suspect that he merely assumed that the stippled darter occurred westward into Fishes of Kansas 311 Kansas; the type locality is in the Osage River in Missouri. The range of E. piinctiihitiim is strictly Ozarkian, extending from the Osage and Gasconade drainages of Missouri southward to north- western Arkansas and northeastern Oklahoma, east of Grand River. The stippled darter is found mostly in brooks near sources of springs. It inhabits small, clear pools or recesses beneath cut-banks, where it conceals itself near large stones, in vegetation, or in organic detritus. Less often, I have taken E. punctulatum in oxbows ad- jacent to rivers. Adults sometimes invade strong riffles in the spawn- ing season. The reproductive habits of this species are unknown; breeding probably occurs in April in Kansas. Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini Gilbert Etheostoma cragini Gilbert (1885b:99 [orig. descr.]; 1887:62-63); Cragin (1885b: 111); Bailey and Gosline (1955:18); Distler and Metcalf (1962: 559-561); Kilgore and Rising (1965:142); Metcalf (1966:167). Poecilichthys cragini, Moore and Cross (1950:144). 312 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Body stout, arched anteriorly; head large, length about 3.2 in standard length; snout blunt, no longer than eye; mouth slightly oblique, preniaxillaries not protractile; gill membranes separate; cheeks and opercles usually naked, or with scales embedded; nape scaled, scales sometimes embedded; belly covered by ordinary scales; lateral line incomplete, with 46-54 scales, fewer than 25 pored; supratemporal canal incomplete, infraorbital canal complete; first dorsal fin usually with 9 spines, second dorsal with 11-13 soft-rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 6-8 soft-rays; pelvic fins with 1 spine, 5 soft-rays; pectoral rays 11-13; vertebrae 33-36. Olivaceous brown dorsally, abruptly paler (yellowish-white) ventrally; back with 6-9 dusky saddles, often obscure; upper sides vaguely blotched by brown pigment; young having longitudinal row of 12-15 dusky bars on mid-sides, adults lacking dark lateral band; dorsal and caudal fins banded (5-7 dark bars on caudal); suborbital and preorbital bars usually prominent, preorbital bars extending forward onto lips without conjoining. Breeding males orange on gill membranes, lower sides, and ventral surface of caudal peduncle; spinous dorsal fin with diffuse submarginal orange band; rays of soft-dorsal, caudal, and anal fins tinged by orange. Tuberclelike dermal thickenings present on anal fin-rays, ventral scales, and sometimes on pelvic rays of nuptial males. Length 2/2 inches or less. Etheostonia cragini is endemic to the Arkansas River Basin, from southwestern Missouri and northeastern Oklahoma westward to Colorado. Gilbert's report (1887:63) of "a single specimen . . . taken in Snokomo Creek, Wabaunsee County, Kansas" probably re- sulted from mixing of specimens that were collected at Garden City (Arkansas Basin) with others caught in Snokomo Creek in the Kansas River Basin. Collections from both localities were deposited at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, and submitted to Gilbert for his identification. The Arkansas darter inhabits small springs and seeps that are partly overgrown by watercress or other aquatic plants. Because such habitat is now rare in the Arkansas Basin, populations of this species persist only in isolated colonies. I have found E. crap,ini abundantly only in Meade County. There, in small tributaries of Crooked Creek, some adults occur in clear, flowing water at depths of a few inches to three feet, over bottoms of sand or fine gravel. Most adults and nearly all young occupy shallow, densely-vegetated pools alongside the stream-channels. The pools are maintained by seepage, and are floored by soft organic sediment. E. cra^ini seems to have been extirpated at its type locality, given by Gilbert (1885b: 99) as "a small brook leading from the 'Lake' at Garden City to the Arkansas River." The brook and lake no longer exist. According to Blair (1959:6-7) the specialized habitat of E. crogini renders it especially vulnerable to extirpation in time of extreme Fishes of Kansas 313 drought. I agree, and suspect that much local extirpation of Arkan- sas darters has occurred in the past century. But, their capacity to withstand unfavorable en\'ironments, at least temporarily, is indi- cated by my capture of an adult male (in breeding condition) from the mainstream of the Arkansas River below a low dam in Sumner County, in 1955. That year was the fourth year of the most severe drought in the history of weather-records in Kansas. To my knowl- edge, no other specimens of E. crap,ini have been taken in the Arkan- sas mainstream. Evidence as to the site, mode, and time of reproduction by E. cragini is scanty. All specimens having breeding coloration that I have seen were caught in April or May. Ellis and Jaffa (1918) described the habitat and colors of Arkansas darters that seemed to be spawning at the time of their capture in Colorado on March 25, 1918. Iowa darter Etheostoma exile (Girard) ^^^^c^^. Etheostoma jmiformis, Graham (1885b: 76). Poecilichthys cxilis; Hubbs and Cannon (1935:48); 373). Etheostoma exile. Cross (1955:478-479). Breukelman (1940a: Body slender, slightly compressed, caudal peduncle long; head length 3.3-3.7 in standard length; snout rounded, length 0.9-1.2 in eye-diameter; mouth oblique, premaxillaries not protractile; gill membranes separate; cheeks and opercles usually scaled (cheek-scales sometimes few and embedded); nape scaled (scales embedded in some); breast scaleless or nearly so; belly covered by ordinary scales; lateral line incomplete, with 46-60 scales, pored scales fewer than 35; infraorbital canal complete, supratemporal canal incomplete; dorsal spines usually 9 (8-10), soft-rays 10 or 11; anal fin with 2 (rarely 1) spines and 7 or 8 soft-rays; pelvic fins with 1 spine and 5 soft-rays; vertebrae 37-40. Coloration of breeding males pale olivaceous dorsally, with about 8 subdued dark saddles; laterally, about 10 vertically-elongate dark blotches overlain by bluish-green, interspaces brownish-red; lower sides dull red, ventral midline white or creamy; red crescent in axil of pectoral fin; lower surface of caudal peduncle tinged with green, especially on procurrent caudal rays; genital papilla 314 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. green; breast cream-colored, gill membranes clear. Head dark, olivaceous brown dorsally, creamy with dark blotches ventralK'; prominent suborbital dark bar, and less distinct preorbital bar extending onto premaxillaries; front of mandibles dark. Spinous dorsal fin opaque basally (black overlain by greenish sheen ) ; distally, discrete red bar and narrow opaque marginal band (black overlain by green). Soft-dorsal fin with proximal half of membranes dark (black with green), colorless distally; rays with some brown blotches, otherwise colorless. Caudal fin yellowish, with 5 or 6 irregular brown bars across rays. Anal fin bluish-green basally; membranes with black speckles basally, less dense than on dorsal fins ( hence green pigment appears brighter ) . Pelvic fins having medial membranes streaked by black pigment, overlain by green, appearance being green centrally and basally, fading to colorless periph- erally. Membranes of pectoral fins colorless, rays yellowish and bordered by fine lines of nielanophores. Length 2/2 inches or less. Although the Iowa darter occurs as far west as the Platte River System in Colorado, Wyommg, and Nebraska, and has been re- ported as far south as Arkansas ( Hubbs and Lagler, 1958:108-109), the evidence for its occurrence in Kansas consists of a single speci- men in the U. S. National Museum (USNM 1830, collected by H. P. Hoy). That specimen probably was taken by Hoy on May 30, 1854, from Sugar Creek in northern Linn County or southern Miami County, Kansas. In his journal, Hoy (1872:436) gave his location on the night of May 28 as three miles north of Harrisonville, Cass County, Missouri. From that point he proceeded on May 29 across the (South) Grand River, travelled southwestward approximately 25 miles, and stopped overnight at the "residence of Mr. Clymer, near the State line. . . ." Under date of May 30, the journal reads as follows : "Drove directly west six miles into Kansas, until we came to Sugar river, a branch of the Marie des Cygne [sic]. . . . We caught a number of fish, notwithstanding the stream was rather large and flushed by the recent rains for our small nets to do good service. We were told this stream was cele- brated for the large number of fine fish its waters afford. Turkeys and deer were abundant. This locality seems to be the only one at which Hoy collected fish in Kansas. His journal mentions previous fish-collections, mostly from western Missouri but extending northeastward to Rock River in Illinois. Hoy's account indicates (1872:437) that the collections were packed and sent to the Smithsonian Institution from Lexing- ton, Missouri, on June 2, 1854. Hubbs and Cannon (1935:43) first called attention to this speci- men of the Iowa darter, recording it from "Marais des Cygnes, Kan- sas," and adding, "records ... of Etheostoma fusiforme by Fishes of Kansas 315 Graham, 1885:76, and of BoleicJitliys fiisiformis by Evermann and Cox, 1896:366 and 423, probably refer also to P. exili.s' [= E. exile]. None of the many collections that have subsequently been made in Sugar Creek, other tributaries of the Marais des Cygnes, and else- where in Kansas, has included E. exile. Where I have taken them in Wyoming, Iowa darters occupied clear streams having much aquatic vegetation, firm clay bottom, slow current, and moderate depth (3 feet). In Iowa, Harlan and Speaker (1956:152) report the species most commonly in natural (glacial) lakes, and in lowland lakes and ponds adjacent to major ri\'ers. Orange-throated darter Etheostoma spectabile (Agassiz) Poecilichthys coeruleus, Gilbert ( 1884:16). Etheostoma variatum, Gilbert (1885:99); Cragin (1885b: 111). Etheostoma varietum, var. spectabile, Graham (1885b:76). Etheostoma coeruleum, Evermann and Fordice (1886:186). Etlieostoma coeruleum lepidum, Gilbert (1886:209). Etheostoma lepidum. Hay (1887:248, 250, 252); Jordan (1891:18). Etheostoma caeruleum, Gilbert (1889:43). Etheostoma arcus-celestis, Crevecoeur ( 1903, orig. descr. ). Etheostoma arcuscelestis, Crevecoeur (1908:157). Poecilichthys coeruleus spectabilis, Hubbs and Ortenburger (1929b: 104). Poecilichthys spectabilis pulchellus, Breukelman (1940a: 373); Jennings (1942:365). Etheostoma spectabile pulcheUum, Cross (1954:313); Bailey and Gosline (1955:18); Schelske (1957:49); Metcalf (1959:379-380); Minckley (1959:430); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:318). Etheostoma spectabile, Moore and Buck (1955:26); Minckley (1956:355- 356); Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:169); Mincklev and Cross (1959:212); Deacon (1961:401); Metcalf (1966:161). Body moderately robust; head large, its length 3.2-3.6 in standard length; snout blunt, decurved, scarcely longer than eye; premaxillaries not protractile; gill membranes slightly to moderately joined across isthmus; infraorbital canal interrupted below eye, supratemporal canal often incomplete; nape usually scaled, breast naked, head variably scaled (see below); belly covered by ordinary scales; lateral line incomplete, with (usually) 45-55 scales, more than 316 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. 40- 39 38 37 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 I [ I I I I I I J I 102 100 95 20 pored; dorsal fin-spines usually 9 or 10, soft-rays 12-14; anal fin with 2 spines, 7 soft-rays; pelvics with 1 spine, 5 soft-rays; pectoral rays usually 12; vertebrae 34-36. Mottled brown to olivaceous; 6-8 dorsal saddles; upper sides marked by scattered dark dots, or streaked by short longitudinal lines; lower sides with dark vertical bars, especially posteriorly; ventral surface dusky or white; sub- orbital and preorbital bars usually faint. In breeding males, head and sides suffused with orange, body with vertical blue bars; gill membranes orange; both dorsal fins having orange pigment and blue borders ( narrow, colorless or opaque-white line usually separating orange and blue areas on fins ) ; caudal fin blue along dorsal and ventral edges, colorless or tinged by orange medially, two orange spots at fin-base; anal and pehic fins dark basally, bright blue in life; pectoral fins colorless or rays yellowish. See Plate 4. Subspecies differing as follows: E. s. spectabile — opercle scaled; body prominently lined; breeding males with blue pigment predominant in spinous dorsal fin, chin and cheeks blue, lower abdomen red, blue bars well-de\eloped only posteriorly. E. s. ptilcliellum (Girard) — cheeks and opercles naked; body not prominently lined; breeding males with orange predominant in spinous dorsal fin, little or no blue pigment on head, blue bars equally developed on trunk and caudal regions, abdomen not red. E. s. subspecies (undescribed, from Spring River) — cheeks and opercles scaled; color mainly as in E. s. ptdcheUiim. Length 2^4 inches or less. The orange-throated darter is represented by three subspecies in Kansas: the typical subspecies in the Osage River System, in- tergrading with E. s. piilchelhnn in the eastern Kansas River Basin; an unnamed Ozarkian subspecies in some tributaries of Spring River (Cherokee County), intergrading with E. s. ptilcJielhim in Spring River and adjacent parts of the Neosho Basin; and E. s. Fishes of Kansas 317 ptilchcUum elsewhere. The fish ilkistrated above is the unnamed subspecies. Orancfe-throated darters occiu' mainly in small streams, on shallow riffles having bottoms of fine gravel or mixed gravel and sand; but, the young occupy calm water or sluggish currents, and adults with- stand intermittency in streams that dry in late summer or autumn. A high tolerance of fluctuating waterlevels and moderate turbidity probably accounts for the fact that E. spectabiJe is the most wide- spread of Kansas darters. Despite the abundance of orangethroats in many streams, I often meet persons who have lived, fished, and seined minnows along these same streams "all their lives" without ever having seen this species (or any other kind of darter), and who are amazed that such pretty fish occur in places with which they considered them- selves thoroughly familiar. The unrecognized prevalence of the orangethroat is indicative of the general lack of awareness, among many people, of the great diversity of fish-life that inhabits most free-flowing streams. Having discovered that such fish exist, people frequently ask how to catch darters, and whether they can be kept in aquaria. Most darters are caught easily by holding a short seine in the current and disturbing gravel upstream from the net by shuffling one's feet over the bottom; the fish dislodged wash downstream into the seine, which must be lifted quickly to retain them. Orangethroats adapt well to aquaria, but remain brightly colored only if the temperature in the aquarium does not exceed 70° F., and the water is well- aerated; furthermore, they require live food. Orangethroats are not active fishes, either in nature or in an aquarium. They tend to conceal themselves beneath stones or other objects if protective cover is available. But, in aquaria, orangethroats become tame as they adjust to confinement, and eventually will dart to the front of the tank to meet an approaching visitor. In the absence of con- cealing cover, darters roam slowly over the bottom, darting for- ward a few inches and then perching on their pectoral and anal fins. When at rest, darters are not wholly quiescent, having a peculiar habit of cocking their heads to one side or the other in response to activity nearby. E. s. spectabile remains more "wild" in confinement than does E. s. pulchelhim; therefore, the latter is the better fish for use in aquaria. Flowing water seems unnecessary for reproduction by this species, because it readily spawns in cool, well-aerated aquaria, and orange- 318 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. throats occur commonly alongshore in some lakes where wave- action washes the bottom free of fine sediment. On the other hand, I have observed spawning only in shallow riffles of streams; cer- tainly the most favorable sites for reproduction have moderate cur- rent and are less than one foot deep. Male orangethroats congregate on shallow riffles in early spring, and are then most brilliantly adorned by blue and orange hues. Few species are more handsome than E. spectabile at the height of its breeding season, which normally extends from March through May, when water-temperatures are between 60° and 70° F. The less colorful (mottled brownish) females are found most abundantly in shallow water adjacent to the turbulent small riffles that are occupied by males. When ready to deposit eggs, a female enters the riffle and buries her eggs in gravel by vigorous vibrations against the substrate while she is attended by one spawning male. No fixed territory or nest is established by orangethroats, and no parental attention follows deposition of the eggs. After hatching, the young swim upward from the gravel and drift downstream into pools. There they feed on small crustaceans and immature insects as they grow to maturity in one year. Most breeding-groups of E. spectabile are composed of one- and two-year-old fish; few sur- vive more than three years. In Kansas streams, the food of adult orangethroats consists mainly of blackfly larvae, bloodworms, and caddisfly larvae, with a generous mixture of other larval insects and fish eggs. Fan-tailed darter Etheostoma flabellare Rafinesque Etheostoma flabellare Uncolatum, Cross (1954:313, 1955:477-478); Metcalf (1959:393). Etheostoma flabellare, Clarke, Breukelman, and Andrews (1958:169); Minckley and Cross ( 1959: 212 ) ; Deacon ( 1961 :400 ) . Body compressed, caudal peduncle short and deep; head length about 3.5 in standard length; snout acute, nearly as long as eye; mouth strongly oblique, jaws equal or lower jaw protruding; premaxillaries nonprotractile; gill mem- branes broadly united across isthmus; head, nape, and breast scaleless; belly Fishes of Kansas 319 covered by ordinary scales or naked anteriorly; lateral line incomplete, with (usually) 45-55 scales in Osage Drainage, 51-57 in Spring River Drainage; pored scales usually 17-25 in Osage System, 25-36 in Spring River; infraorbital canal incomplete, with four pores anteriorly and usually two posteriorly; supra- temporal canal complete or narrowly interrupted at midline; first dorsal fin low, with 7-10 (usually 8) short spines; soft-dorsal fin usually with 13 or 14 soft- rays; anal fin with 2 spines, 8 soft-rays; pectoral rays usually 13 in Osage, 12 in Spring River; vertebrae 32-35. Mottled brown; sides with longitudinal streaks formed by dark dots, one near center of each lateral scale; caudal fin strongly barred; juveniles and some adults with obscure dorsal saddles and 8 or more ill-defined vertical bands on sides, especially in Spring River. In breeding males, head almost wholly black or dark gray; stripes on sides, caudal fin, and soft-dorsal fin black; spinous dorsal fin black basally, colorless distally except for yellowish or amber "beads" (swollen membranes) at tips of spines; ventral fins dusky; no chro- matic colors. Length 2/8 inches. The fan-tailed darter occupies shallow riffles in small, clear trib- utaries of the Spring, Osage, and Cottonwood rivers. The record from the Neosho Mainstream (Map above, and Deacon, 1961:400) rests on one specimen found in extreme drought, when the Neosho barely sustained flow and most of its tributaries were dry. Probably E. fiabellare cannot tolerate intermittency, being forced to move or perish when flow ceases. The fantail is abundant at most of the localities where it is known in Kansas, but its occurrences remain localized. Clarke, Breukel- man, and Andrews (1958:169) reported after decades of study of the fishes of Lyon County that this species had been recorded "Only from Jacob's Creek, but taken in large numbers there." 320 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. The reproductive habits of E. flahellare have been described by Lake (1936) and Winn (1958a: 207-209). Males estabHsh nesting- territories in spaces beneath stones. The lower surface of the stone (roof of the nest) is rubbed clean by the soft edges of the dorsal fins and the thickened skin atop the head of the nuptial male. A female enters the nest, turns upside down, and deposits eggs ( aver- age number 34) that adhere in a single layer on the underside of the stone. She is routed by the male, which remains to guard the eggs, rubbing them with his dorsal fins as they develop. This at- tention, together with the fanning action of the pectoral fins of the attendant fish, probably serves to aerate and clean the eggs. I suspect that mucus from the guardian male may have a bactericidal and fungicidal effect, protecting the eggs from disease. Fantails seem especially "slimy" when spawning, whereas the males of most other darters that I have caught felt unusually "dry" during their breeding-seasons. Reproduction by E. fJabellare in Kansas normally occurs in April and May. Slouch darter Etheostoma gracile (Girard) Etheostoma gracile, Cross (1955:478-479); Metcalf (1959:393); Collette (1962:145, 148). Body slender, arched anteriorly, caudal peduncle long; head length 3.5-3.9 in standard length; snout blunt, length about /s eye-diameter; mouth small, slightly oblique, premaxillaries non-protractile; gill membranes slightly joined across isthmus; cheeks and opercles scaly, nape and breast naked; belly covered by ordinary scales, or naked only anteriorly; lateral line conspicuously arched anteriorly; lateral line incomplete, with 46-52 scales, usually fewer than 21 pored; infraorbital canal complete; first dorsal fin with 7-10 spines, second dorsal with 9-12 soft-rays; anal fin with 2 spines, 6 or 7 soft-rays; pelvics with 1 spine, 5 soft-rays; pectorals 12-rayed; vertebrae 37-38. Fishes of Kansas 321 Olivaceous-brown, sides reticulated; 9 or 10 indistinct dorsal saddles; pre- orbital and postorbital dark bars prominent, suborbital bar faint; ventral sur- face nearly immaculate; base of caudal fin usually with 3 small dark spots, vertically aligned, median one nearer lower spot than upper spot; soft-dorsal and caudal fins barred by several lines of brown pigment. In breeding males, lateral blotches pale blue-green, oval, higher than long; 3 basicaudal spots blue-green; dorsal saddles tinged with blue, less prominently than lateral blotches; venter uniformly dusky; head dark, densely freckled by nielano- phores laterally and ventrally; iris red; spinous dorsal fin black for more than half height; distally, each membrane having brilliant red spot, serially fomiing narrow submarginal red bar; edge of spinous dorsal dusky; soft- dorsal fin obscurely barred by patches of melanophores on membranes; caudal fin barred by melanophores on rays, membranes colorless; membranes of anal and pelvic fins speckled by melanophores but not dark; pectoral rays outlined by melanophores, fins otherwise colorless. Tubercles well-developed on chin and on rays of pelvic and anal fins of nuptial males. See Plate 4. Length 2/8 inches or less. The slough darter is known from three streams in Kansas: Cow Creek, tributary to Spring River, in Crawford County; Fly Creek, tributary to Neosho River, in Cherokee County; and the Elk River in Montgomery County. Unlike most darters, this species occupies lowland pools having muddy bottoms, rather than streams where currents sweep the channel free of silt. I have found E. gracile in both the mainstream of Cow Creek, where aquatic vegetation is absent, and in a nearby, densely-vegetated oxbow that sometimes 21—6169 322 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. dries. According to Collette (1962:146), E. gracile is tolerant of muddy water but not of current. The only darter commonly as- sociated with E. graciJe is E. chlorosomiim. I expect that the slough darter will be found more widely in southeastern Kansas when small streams and backwaters in that area are investigated thoroughly. Wallen (1958:49) reported E. gracile from several tributaries of the Verdigris River in Oklahoma, and from a tributary of Caney River less than 10 miles south of the Kansas state line. Slough darters spawn in April or later in Kansas. Least darter Etheostoma microperca Jordan and Gilbert Etheostoma microperca, Branson (1964:746). Body stout anteriorly, caudal peduncle slender; head bluntK- rounded, length about 3.3 in standard length; snout length less than eye-diameter; mouth oblique, premaxillaries not protractile; gill membranes narrowly joined across isthmus, sometimes separate; cheeks, opercles, and breast naked, nape naked or with embedded scales; belly normalb' scaled before vent; lateral-line scales 31-35, entirely lacking pores or with 1-3 pored scales anteriorly; infra- orbital canal incomiplete, with four pores anteriorly, posterior segment lack- ing; supratemporal canal interrupted medially; dorsal fins with 6 or 7 spines, 9 Fishes of Kansas 323 or 10 soft-rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 4-6 soft-rays, enlarged in males; pelvic fins with 1 spine, 5 soft-rays; peKics large, median ray much the long- est, and with anterior membranous flap (before spine) in males; pectoral rays 10 or 11; vertebrae 31-34. Coloration dark; sides coarsely punctulated, brownish-black; dorsal saddles indistinct or absent; 9 or 10 indistinct blotches along mid-sides, but no dis- crete lateral band; ventral surface speckled by melanophores on creamy white background; suborbital bar prominent, black. In breeding males, spinous dorsal fin black basally and distally, with orange spot near middle of each interradial membrane; soft-dorsal and caudal fins strongly barred; anal and pelvic fins dusky, overlain by dull orange, their rays tuberculate; pectoral fins plain or nearly so; body without chromatic colors. Breeding females having yellowish anal, pelvic, and pectoral fins. Maximum length VA inches. The least darter is known from a single locality in Cherokee County, where it was taken by Branson (1964:746) in a backwater- pool alongside Shoal Creek. This species usually occurs near the headwaters of streams or in springs, where the water is calm and densely-vegetated, and the bottom is covered by organic sediment or detritus. Least darters are locally common in the Ozark region of Missouri. The interesting reproductive habits of E. microperca have been described by Petravicz (1936) and Winn (1958a: 201-202; 1958b). Eggs are deposited singly, on stems or leaves of plants above the stream-bottom, while the paired fish maintain a nearly-vertical posture. The peculiarly modified pelvic fins of males are adapted for adhesion to the back of the female while spawning. The speci- mens reported by Branson {loc. cit.) were in breeding condition when caught on May 25, 1963, but reproduction often begins earlier (KU 8039 from Osage Fork of Gasconade River, Webster Co., Missouri, April 5, 1964, water temperature 55° F. ). The food of least darters consists of crustaceans and other small aquatic animals (Petravicz 1936:77, 81). 324 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Drums FAMILY SCIAENIDAE Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque ' y^A- '/>^. 40- ; 39- 38- 37 40 0 10 25 SOMiles 1 i I . . I . . . . I 39 3S 102 101 100 97 95 Haploidonotus grunniens, Wheeler ( 1879:33). ApUdonotus grunniens, Graham ( 1885a:4). Aplodonat us grunniens, Graham (1885b:77). Aplodinotus grunniens, Cragin (1885b:lll); Jordan and Meek (1885:14); HaU (1934:231); Breukehnan ( 1940b: 382, 384); Jennings (1942:366); Greer and Cross (1956:361); Cbrke, Breukehnan, and Andrews (1958: 170); Cross, Deacon, and Ward (1959:163-164); Metcalf (1959:383; 1966:161); Minckley (1959:430); Breukehnan (1960:26, 34); Deacon (1961:401); Deacon and Metcalf (1961:318); Hastings and Cross (1962:10); Fisher (1962:428). Drum — Schoonover and Thompson (1954:175-176). . Fishes of Kansas 325 Body compressed, ventral line nearly straight, back highly arched; snout blunt, rounded, protruding slightly beyond horizontal mouth; lateral-line canals on head ca\ernous; dorsal fin long, single but deeply notched, with 10 spines and 31 or 32 soft-rays; caudal fin rounded; anal fin with 2 spines, 7 or 8 soft-rays; pelvic fins with 1 spine and 5 soft-rays, first ray having filamentous extension; pectoral fins pointed, 16 or 17-rayed; lateral line de- cumbent, with about 50 scales to caudal base, and extending onto median interradial membrane of caudal fin; vertebrae 25. Gray dorsally shading to silver laterally and white ventrally; median fins dark-outlined in young, uniformly dark in adults; paired fins immaculate white. See Plate 2. Maximum weight 50 pounds or more; largest Kansas specimen 37 inches long, weight 27 pounds [Kansas Fish and Game, 23( 1 ) : 11, 15]. Drum occur commonly in rivers of eastern Kansas, and in im- poundments in the central and western parts of the State. Small drum have been taken in nearly all collections from the lower Kan- sas River, where the species has some importance as a sport fish. In the Missouri River drum are valuable commercial fish. Fisher- men on both these rivers often use the name "white perch" rather than drum in reference to this species. Many of the lakes that have been studied by personnel of the State Biological Survey contain drum, but the species does not contribute significantly to the angling catch in all of these lakes. In Herington City Lake, for example, growth by drum was so slow that few attained sizes large enough to interest anglers; most 4-year- old drum were less than 7 inches long. When El Dorado City Lake was "renovated" in 1954, about one-fourth of the fish found were drum, but only three percent of these drum exceeded the 12- inch size thought minimal for use by anglers. Among lakes where we have netted fish, Lake Wabaunsee seemed to produce the highest angling catch of drum. In that clear lake, which contained an unusual abundance of fingernail clams, snails, and larval may- flies, drum attained a 12-inch-length in their third year of life. Most drum caught there in the 1950's weighed one to two pounds. Our studies have indicated that populations of drum and their growth-rates are highest in clear lakes having rocky shorelines. Houser (1960) reported that growth-rates of drum in Oklahoma generally are much faster in small impoundments (less than 500 acres) than in large reservoirs, and better in reservoirs than in streams. In cognizance of the large size potentially attained by drum, one wonders why so few big ones are found. Some reports suggest that larger drum formerly were caught than at present. Witt 326 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. (1960) explored this possibility by examining otoliths (ear-stones) obtained in archaeological work on Indian middens. In aboriginal times the bony otoliths were sometimes retained by Indians, as otoliths are today by fishermen who regard them as "lucky stones" or as curiosities. The size and annular laminations of otoliths re- veal the approximate size and age of the fish that bore them. Witt's findings did not support the hypothesis that drum once attained sizes much larger than at present. Differences in the sizes of otoliths in middens of varying antiquity did suggest considerable variation in growth-rate, however, that may be indicative of changes in stream-size and water-temperature during the past 5,000 to 10,000 years. Such studies have much biological interest, and also contribute evidence toward a fuller understanding of past climatic conditions. The drum gets its name from its ability to make booming sounds by contractions of muscles against the walls of its air-bladder. Schneider and Hasler (1960) reported that drum in Lake Winne- bago, Wisconsin, begin producing the sounds in early May. The intensity of booming was greatest in June, then diminished gradu- ally to cessation in late August. Sounds that they noted were produced only in the daytime, most actively in the afternoon. The function of booming was thought by Schneider and Hasler to be communication during spawning. Fishes of Kansas 327 Species Withdrawn from the List of Fishes Ascribed to Kansas The literature on fishes in Kansas mentions several species that do not now inhabit the state, and probably did not occur here at the time they were re- ported. Erroneous records have resulted from inaccurate citation of localities where specimens were captured, misidentifications of specimens, incorrect interpretation of reports by anglers, or other causes. Valid species that have been wrongly ascribed to Kansas, in my judgment, are listed below with ex- planatory comments or references to other species-accounts in this handbook. Lepisosteus spatula Lacepede, alligator gar. — See the account of L. ossetis, the long-nosed gar. Alosa sapidissima (Wilson), American shad. — Introduction of this anadromous fish was reported by Cragin (1885b: 109) and Graham (1885b:78); both authors used the name Chipea sapidissima. Although Cragin wrote that this species was "occasionally taken by fishermen" in subsequent years, the intro- duction eventually proved unsuccessful. Sahno clarki Richardson, cutthroat trout. — See the account of Salnio gairdneri, the rainbow trout; that account mentions other species of trout that have been introduced in Kansas, as well as discussing Cope's (1865:85) report of the cutthroat, from "Fort Riley." Umbra limi (Kirtland), central mudminnow. — Although "Kansas" has been in- cluded in the region in which this species is said to occur ( Eddy and Surber, 1943:183; Moore, 1947:72; Hubbs and Lagler, 1958:92), I have found no direct evidence of its existence in this State. Cila robiista Baird and Girard, bonytail. — This is one of several species ob- tained in 1856 by an exploratory party that travelled across an extensive area now within the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado; the expedition departed from and returned to Fort Riley. Fishes collected along the route were delivered by Dr. W. A. Hammond to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Abbott (1860a:474) described and named as Gila affinis a single specimen of the bonytail in Hammond's col- lections, recording its locality of capture as "Kansas." Subsequently, Cope (1864, 1865a, 1865b, 1871) reported G. affinis and others of Hammond's fishes as having been taken near Fort Riley. These records were accepted as applicable to Kansas by Cragin (1885b) and Graham (1885b), and by some authors at later times. The type of G. affinis undoubtedly was taken in the Green River Basin, Wyoming ( Metcalf, 1966:165-166). Rhinichthijs cataractae (Valenciennes), long-nosed dace. — All published reports of this species in Kansas stem from Cope's (1864:278-279) account of Rhinichthys maxillosus, based on specimens obtained by Hammond. Those specimens probably came from the Platte River System in Wyoming or Nebraska, where the long-nosed dace still occurs (see discussion of Gila Tobusta, above ) . Clinostomus elangatus (Kirtland), red-sided dace. — Hay (1887:249) reported as Squalius elongatus a specimen that Hubbs ( 1951b:191-192) later identi- fied as an aberrant creek chub (see account of Semvtilus atromaculatus). 328 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Hay's specimen represented the only e\idence for the occurrence of Clino- stomus in Kansas. Notropis Imdsonins (Chnton), spot-tailed shiner. — See the account of Hyhopsis storeriana. Notropis heterodon (Cope), black-chinned shiner. — Evermann and Cox (1896: 402) wrongly referred to N. heterodon the specimen that Hay (1887:252- 253) described as Notropis germanus (new species). The identity of N. ger- mamis was the subject of later discussion by Hubbs ( 1951a); see the account of N. heterolepis. Ericymha hiiccata Cope, silver-jawed minnow. — In the thirteenth edition (and other editions) of his "Manual of the Vertebrates," Jordan (1929:86) indi- cated that E. huccata occurs in Kansas. Hubbs and Lagler (1947:74) likewise included Kansas in their statement of range of the silver-jawed minnow. Seemingly no foundation exists for either record; the species prob- ably does not occur west of the Mississippi mainstream. Erimijzon oblongus (Mitchill), creek chubsucker, and Erimijzon sucetta (La- cepede), lake chubsucker. — Chubsuckers were reported from Kansas by Snow (1875:141), Cragin (1885b:l()8, on authority of Snow), and Graham (1885b:72). No specimens of either species are e.xtant in their collections, and none has since been taken from the Missouri River Basin or from the Arkansas River System near to Kansas. Probably the records by Snow, Cragin, and Graham were based on misidentifications of other suckers known from Kansas; each author omitted from his list one or more species which, as young, might be mistaken for chubsuckers. Fundulus diaphamis (LeSueur), banded killifish, and FiinduUis zebriniis Jordan and Gilbert, Rio Grande killifish. — See the account of Fundulus kansae. Culaea inconstans (Kirkland), brook stickleback. — As Gasterosteus micropus. Cope (1865b:81) reported a stickleback obtained by Hammond "Near Fort Riley, Kansas; from the Platte River." Relic populations of brook stickle- backs have since been found in the Platte Drainage, but not in Kansas. See the discu.ssion of Gila ajfinis, above, and Olund and Cross (1961:331-332) for comments on Hammond's itinerary. Lepomis auritiis (Linnaeus), red-breasted sunfish, and Lepomis gibhosus (Lin- naeus), pumpkinseed. — See the account of Lepomis megalotis. Although I interpret published records of these two species as misidentifications of long- eared sunfish, both L. auritus and L. gibbosus may have been introduced in Kansas in the past. One recent introduction of pumpkinseeds into a pond in Johnson County is known ( represented by specimens catalogued as KU 10274). Neither species has become established in the State. Percina uranidea (Jordan and Gilbert), stargazing darter. — Fowler (1945:354) wrongly gave the type locality of this species, which he reported as Cotto- gaster uranidea, as "Washita River, Arkadelphia, Kansas." Arkadelphia is on the Ouachita River in south-central Arkansas. Etheosioma caertdetun Storer, rainbow darter, and Etheostonm variatum Kirt- land, variegated darter. — See the account of Etheostonm spectahile, with which these two species were confused at the time records of them origi- nated in Kansas. Fishes of Kansas 329 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES Permits are re(iuired for collectidn of fislies other than tliose olitained legally under terms of an ordinary fishing license. For information about collecting- permits, which are available for scientific purposes only, write the Director, Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission, Pratt, Kansas. The following instructions are intended for the serious student of fishes, who wishes to derive a maximum of information from his collecting effort. The amateur collectors whose interests are mainly in keeping a few fishes for casual observation, or in obtaining an identification of some species unknown to liim, may lack the time or facilities for following all these recommendations. Al- though he should read fully these instructions and follow them insofar as possible, he can do a certain amount of collecting quickly, easily, and econom- ically. The essentials are formaldehyde ( obtainable in many drugstores ) and a jar to contain the specimens. The formaldehyde, as purchased, must be di- luted with approximately nine parts of water before it is used. The specimens can be left permanently in this solution if it is buffered by addition of one teaspoon of borax per half-gallon of diluted formaldehyde. If the collector has arranged with the Curator at the Museum to send his fishes to the Musevmi for identification, they may be sent in the following way: Wrap the specimens in soft cloths moistened with dilute formaldehyde; place these packets in a plastic bag and tie the open end of the bag tightly to prevent drying of the specimens; and pack the plastic bag carefully in a paint-can or other tight, friction-sealed can for shipment. The specimens should, of course, always have labels stating where they were caught, when, and by whom. Methods of Collecting Fishes may be collected by a variety of devices. Hook-and-line, seines, gill nets, trammel nets, hoop- or fyke-nets, traps, poison, and electrical shockers are devices commonly used in fresh water. Each of these devices is selective, in some degree, of certain kinds or sizes of fishes. Therefore it is desirable to employ several methods to obtain a representative sample of the total fauna from any given locality. Poison, such as powdered Derris root or Cube root mixed with water, so as to make a soupy solution, is used to best advantage in backwater areas along streams or in small bays of lakes, where dispersal of the poison can be restricted. Portable electric shockers are the most effective devices for sampling clear, fast-flowing, rocky streams. Gill nets, hoop nets, and traps are most useful for sampling large, deep lakes or sluggish streams, although hoop nets may also be used effectively in relatively fast-flowing, deep water. All such nets are made in several mesh sizes. Gill nets are highly selective of limited kinds and sizes of fishes unless a series of different mesh sizes is used. For qualitative surveys most collectors rely on seines, of one-quarter-inch mesh, in lengths of 10 feet to 25 feet. A heavily-leaded seine 4 feet or 6 feet long, made from small-mesh woven nylon, is especially useful for collecting along brushy shores or in riffles in streams. Bag seines, with a long pocket of netting in the middle, are good for effective sampling of lakes or large rivers. Stretch all linen or cotton nets to dry as soon as possible after use. Rapid drying greatly reduces the rate of deterioration of these nets. The life of such nets can be prolonged by treatment with a preservative such as copper nap- 330 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. thenate. Nets made wholly of nylon need not be dried or treated, but are weak- ened by prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. Field Containers The most satisfactory field containers are wide-mouthed, galvanized cans or plastic containers with lids and wire bails. The can need not be large, but should be tall enough to contain the largest specimen likely to be included in the sample. Wide-mouthed glass "pickle" jars in gallon size, or half-gallon fruit-canning jars, also make suitable and inexpensive containers, but are sub- ject to breakage and consequent loss of the collection, especially in fast-flow- ing, rocky streams. Collecting and Preserving Fishes should be killed immediately upon capture in a preservative mixture consisting of nine parts water and one part concentrated formalin (aqueous solution containing 36 to 40 percent formaldehyde gas ) . All specimens may be placed in the same container. Those more than six inches long should be slit open along the right side of the abdomen to facilitate penetration of the preservative. Smaller fishes, or extremely slender ones, need not be incised or otherwise prepared for fixation. Fishes placed in preservative while still ali\e make much the best specimens. The largest specimens thus preserved should be removed for incision after they have been killed, and then placed back in the preservative. The collector should overlook no available habitats in any bod\' of water he works. He should thoroughly investigate shallow riffles, undercut banks, and the depths of pools in proportion to their occurrence in the situation being studied. Kicking or dislodging large stones or submerged debris often yields species whose presence would not be discovered if these methods were ne- glected. Just as some fishes are selective as to habitat, others are active and susceptible to capture at different times of day. For this reason dual collec- tions obtained from the same locality at night and in the daytime are desirable. The time interval in which the sample was taken always should be stated in the field notes. The collector should strive to obtain a representative sample of the various species and size groups constituting the population, and should preserve a fixed percentage of the total number of individuals of each species captured. Because nearly all collectors deviate from the practice just described in order to secure adequate series of rare species, the degree to which the abundance was biased by the collector's selectivity should be indicated on the sheet of field data. This may be done in a general sense by assigning to each species a number corresponding to its position in descending order of abundance, or by application of one of the terms, "abundant," "common," "frequent," "scarce," or rare. Labels and Field Notes Immediately after the collection is completed, prepare field notes and a label for the container of specimens. These should be written in Higgins Eternal Ink or Higgins Engrossing Ink, the latter having the advantage that it need not be washed before being placed in the preservative solution. The labels used must be made from a good quality paper having a high Fishes of Kansas 331 rag-content, such as "L. L. Brown Resistal Linen Ledger, Substance 36"; ordi- nary papers made from pulpvvood soon disintegrate if inunersed in the preserva- tive solutions used for fishes. Data on tlie label should include the state, county, section, township, and range (or comparable information where these categories are not applicable), the name of the stream or lake from whicli the sample was taken, the date of capture, and the names and field numbers of the collectors. The field notes should be more comprehensive. The collector's field number, the date, and the time interval in which the collection was made should be entered at the top of the sheet. The locality, the method of capture, and the temperature of the air and water should then be recorded. Additional data will vary de- pending upon the type of habitat being studied. Desirable notes of collec- tions from streams include: Turbidity and evidence of pollution; average width, average depth, and maximum depth of stream; ratio of riffles to pools, and the average length of each; rate of flow in feet per second (this may be estimated by recording the time required for twigs thrown into the water to traverse a measured length of stream); volume of flow in cubic feet per second (rate of flow X average depth X average width ) ; type of stream-bottom materials in- cluding the proportions made up by bedrock, boulders, rubble, gravel, sand, or mud; kinds and abundance of aquatic plants and macroscopic invertebrate animals; and the extent and nature of streamside cover. Finally, a list of the species taken should be recorded, together with notes on the habitat occupied by each species, and any special notes on coloration, spawning activity, etc., observed in individual specimens. Detailed notes have not been made on some of our commonest fishes. Descriptions of coloration, especially of colors de- veloped during the spawning season, are important, because the fishes fade in formaldehyde or alcohol, and are best described from living or freshly-pre- served specimens. Subsequent Handling of Specimens After the specimens have been in the preservative solution for three days to a week (depending upon the size of the individuals), soak them thoroughly in water for two to four days. Change water several times in this interval. Trans- fer specimens to 70 percent ethyl alcohol, or 40 percent isopropyl alcohol. Change this alcohol or restore it to the proper strength, before the specimens are placed in permanent storage. Thereafter, check the solutions at regular intervals and maintain proper strength. If this is not done, evaporation from the jars eventually will reduce the percentage of alcohol and the specimens will become soft. The collection may be sorted, separating the species represented, at any time after washing. Consult the field notes and correct the list of species, if necessarv', during the sorting process. It is usually desirable to reserve a single container for all specimens of each species obtained in a single collection, and to catalogue the species by "lots," rather than individually. Large specimens should be placed in containers tail-first. Suitable storage containers include fruit-canning jars in one-half pint to one-half gallon sizes, patent-lip vials in 4-dram and 8-dram sizes, and tanks, made of monel metal or stainless steel, which have been designed for zoological specimens. All containers should be tightly sealed. Screw-type, metal-lid jars are undesirable, but may be used if 332 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. new lids with gaskets are a\ailable for replacement as the old ones become rusty. A label, written with Higgins Eternal Ink, or Engrossing Ink, stating the name of the species, the catalogue number, the number of specimens, the locality, the collector, and the date of capture should be placed in the container witli each lot of specimens. Space may be saved by utilizing vials for short series of small specimens, and placing in a larger jar several vials of the same species, taken at different times or localities. Each vial must contain its own label and alcohol, and its mouth must be tightly plugged with cotton. Ef- ficient use of space may also require storage of large specimens from several collections in the same container. Such specimens must be catalogued indi- vidually and a label of tin, plastic tape, or tough paper of high rag content must be attached securely to each specimen by sewing the label to the caudal peduncle. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Dr. WiUiam Ralph Taylor, now of the U. S. National Museum, made his ex- tensive records of fishes in Kansas available to me when my studies were begun about 15 years ago. Subsequently, the following persons have ofi^ered distribu- tional records or access to specimens in their care: Dr. John Breukelman, Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia; Dr. Branley A. Branson, formerly of Kansas State College at Pittsburg; Dr. D. J. Ameel, Kansas State University, Manhattan; and Mr. Roy Schoonover, Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Com- mission, Pratt. Illustrations of fishes were drawn by Messrs. Victor Hogg (pp. 30, 46, 49, 76, 78, 92, 95, 99, 102, 104, 108, 120, 123, 125, 139, 141, 144, 146, 148, 153, 155, 157, 159, 232, 238, 240, 243, 245, 248, 250, 252, 2.56, 258, 263, 266, 272, 274, 277, 282, 285, 291, 293, 302, 303, 304, 306, 315, 318, and 320); Gene Pacheco (pp. 40, 43, 53, 56, 74, 86, 89, 94, 97, 106, 110, 119, 130, 133, 135, 137, 143, 149, 175, 179, 183, 209, 226, 230, 241, 269, 289, 295, 296, 299, 308, 310, 311, 313, 327, 328, most color-plates, and numbered figures reproduced as halftones); F. A. Carmichael (pp. 34, 36, 38, 51, 58, 60, 62, 72, 81, 84, 113, 115, 117, 128, 166, 169, 171, 173, 177, 181, 184, 187, 189, 191, 193, 198, 201, 203, 205, 213, 216, 218, 219, 221, 222, 224, 227, 235, 287, 324, and dusky-striped shiner and Topeka shiner on Fishes of Kansas 333 Color Plate 1); and Thomas H. Swearingen (pp. 33, 42, 83, 90, 231, 261, 298, 322, and numbered figures reproduced as line-engravings. Some species were redrawn from figures in other publications, as follows: from "Iowa Fish and Fishing," published by the Iowa Conservation Commis- sion— Esox lucius, Pijlodictis oliiaris, Roccus chrysops, R. mississip))iensis, Microptcrus dolomieui, Clmenobnjttiis gulosiis, Lepomis Immilis, Ambloplites rupestris, Pomoxis annularis, Stizostedion vitreum, and S. canadense; from "The Fishes of Illinois," published by the Natural History Survey Division, State of Illinois — Sca})1ur]u/nc1}us pJatonjnchiis, S. albiis, Pohjodon spatlnda, Chrosomtis erijthrogastcr, AnguiUu rostrata, and Labidestlies s-iccidus; from "The Conserva- tionist," published b>- the New York State Department of Conservation — Pomoxis t^igromaculatiis; from the Annual Report (for 1891) of the State Geological Sur\ey of Arkansas — Acipenser fidvescens. Figures 6 and 9 are modified from drawings in "Iowa Fish and Fishing," and Figure 13 is adapted from "Le Jeune Naturaliste" ( published by the Office of Biology, University of Montreal). For permission to use their drawings as a basis of some pre- sented here, I am grateful to officials of the agencies mentioned. Other illus- trations of fishes are drawn from specimens in the collection of the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History. Dr. Milton B. Trautman kindly author- ized my frequent references to and quotations from his book, "The Fishes of Ohio," published by the Ohio State University Press. Other keys for identification of fishes were utiUzed in construction of mine; the keys by Bailey (1956) and Moore (1957) especially warrant mention. On the other hand, characters used in keys and descriptive paragraphs in species- accounts are based on specimens from Kansas if such specimens exist ( as indi- cated by solid dots or plain circles on distributional maps). Man>- of my students have contributed to this book through their collecting efforts, suggestions, or other assistance: Douglas Albaugh, James Booth, Marvin Braasch, Fred Busey, Roy Carpenter, Jackson Da\'is, James Deacon, Donald Distler, Claude Hastings, Delbert Kilgore, Art Metcalf, W. L. Minckley, Bernard Nelson, Leonard Olund, William Pflieger, James Rising, Bill Simco, John Van- dermeer, and Martin Wiley. Most of the vertebral counts were made b\' Wiley. I am grateful to Dr. E. R. Hall for his encouragement and for his editorial review of the manuscript, and to Dr. Gerald R. Smith for many helpful suggestions. 334 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. LITERATURE CITED Abbott, C. C. 1860a. Descriptions of four new species of North American Cyprinidae. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Pliiladelphia, 12:473-474. October 16. 1860b. Descriptions of two new species of Pimelodus from Kansas. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 12:568-569. October 16. Adams, C. C, and Hankinson, T. L. 1928. The ecology and economics of Oneida Lake fish. Bull. New York State Col. Forestry, Roosevelt Wildlife Annals, 1:235-548. Al-Rawi, a. H. and Cross, F. B. 1964. V'ariation in the plains minnow, Hybognathus placitus Girard. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 67:154-168. June 12. Bailey, R. M. 1954. Distribution of the American cyprinid fish, Hybognathus hankin- soni with comments on its original distribution. Copeia, 4:289-291. October 29. 1956. A revised list of the fishes of Iowa, with keys for identification (pp. 326-377 in Iowa Fish and Fishing, by J. R. Harlan and E. B. Speaker). Iowa Cons. Comm., Des Moines. Bailey, R. M., et al. 1960. A list of the common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. Amer. Fish. Soc, Spec. Publ. 2 (second edition): 1-102. Bailey, R. M., and Allum, M. O. 1962. Fishes of South Dakota. Mus. Zool., Univ. Michigan, Misc. Publ. 119:1-131, pi. 1. June 5. Bailey, R. M., and Cross, F. B. 1954. River sturgeons of the American genus Scaphirhijnchus: Characters, distribution, and synonymy. Papers Michigan Acad. Sci., Arts, Let., 39:169-208. Bailey, R. M., and Gosline, W. A. 1955. Variation and systematic significance of vertebral counts in the American fishes of the family Percidae. Mus. Zool., Univ. Michigan, Misc. Publ. 93:1-44. September 28. Bailey, R. M., Winn, H. E., and Smith, C. L. 1954. Fishes from the Escambia River, Alabama and Florida, with eco- logic and ta.xonomic notes. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 106:109-164. December 17. Bean, T. H. 1880. Description of a new species of Amiurus (A. ponderosus) from the Mississippi River. Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus., 2 ( forl879 ): 286-290. March 25. B.\ndel, E. 1932. Frontier life in the armv, 1854-1861 [edited bv R. P. Bieber]. Southwest Historical Series, 2:1-330. Arthur H. Clark Co., Glen- dale, California. Black, J. D. 1945. Natural history of the northern mimic shiner, Notropis voIuccUus volucellus Cope. Inv. Indiana Lakes and Streams, 2:449-469. Blair, A. P. 1959. Distribution of the darters (Percidae, Etheostomatinae) of north- eastern Oklahoma. Southwestern Naturalist, 4(1):1-13. June. Branson, B. A. 1962. Observations on the distribution of nuptial tubercles in some catosto- mid fishes. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 64(4):360-372. January 5. Fishes of Kansas 335 1963. The olfactory apparatus of Hybopsis gelida (Girard) and Ilybopsis aestivalis (Girard) ( Pisces :Cyprinidae). Jour. Morphology, 113: 215-229. September. 1964. Additions to the known Kansas fish fauna. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 66(4):745-746. February 25. Branson, B. A., and Hartmann, R. 1963. Lepisosteus octiJattis (Rafinesque) in Kansas. Copeia, 3:591. September 25. Breukelman, J. 1940a. The fishes of northwestern Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 43:367-375. 1940b. A collection of Kansas fishes in the State University Museum. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 43:377-384. 1946. A review of Kansas ichthyology. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 49:51-70. August 6. 1960. What have I caught? Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Comm., Bull. 7:1-36. Fifth printing, February, 1960. Browx, B. E., and Dendy, J- S. 1962. Observations on the food habits of the flathead and blue catfish in Alabama. Proc. 15th Conf., Southeastern Assoc. Game and Fish Comm. (for 1961 ) :219-222. Brown, L. 1942. Propagation of the spotted channel catfish (Ictalurus Lacustrus Punctatus). Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 45:311-314. BUCHHOLZ, M. 1957. Age and growth of river carpsucker in Des Moines River, Iowa. Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 64:589-600. December 12. Burrage, B. R. 1962. Notes on some captive minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 64:357-359. January 5. Cahn, a. R. 1936. Observations on the breeding of the lawyer. Lota maculosa. Copeia, 3:163-165. November 15. Call, L. E. 1961. Agricultural research at Kansas State Agricultural College (KSU) before enactment of the Hatch Act ( 1887). Agric. Exp. Sta., Kansas State Univ., Bull. 441:1-43. October. Carlander, H. B. 1954. A history of fish and fishing in the upper Mississippi River. Upper Miss. R. Cons. Comm., pp. 1-96. Carranza, J., and Winn, H. E. 1954. Reproductive behavior of the blackstripe topminnow, Fundulus notatiis. Copeia, 4:273-278. October 29. Carufel, L. H. 1963. Life history of saugers in Garrison Reservoir. Jour. Wildlife Mgmt. 27(3):450-456. July. Clarke, R. F., Breukelman, J., and Andrews, T. F. 1958. An annotated list of the vertebrates of Lyon County, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 61(2) :165-194. July 30. COKER, R. E. 1930. Studies of common fishes of the Mississippi River at Keokuk. Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., 45 ( 1072) : 141-225. COLLETTE, B. B. 1962. The swamp darters of the subgenus Hololepis (Pisces, Percidae). Tulane Studies in Zool., 9(4) :115-211. March 30. 336 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Cope, E. D. 1864. Partial catalogue of the cold-blooded vertebrata of Michigan (Part 1). Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 16:276-285. De- cember. 1865a. Partial catalogue of the cold-blooded vertebrata of Michigan ( Part 2). Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 17:78-85. May. 1865b. Note on the fishes brought from the Platte River, near Fort Riley, bv Dr. Wm. A. Hammond. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 17:85-87. May. 1869. On the distribution of fresh-water fishes in the Allegheny region of southwestern Virginia. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 6:207- 247, 3 pis. January. 1871. Recent reptiles and fishes. Report on the reptiles and fishes ob- tained bv the naturalists of the expedition. 7/i Preliminarv report, U. S. Ge'ol. Survey Wyoming, 8:432-442. Cragin, F. W. 1885a. Note on the chestnut lamprey. Bull. Washburn Lab. Nat. Hist., 1:99-100. April 4. 1885b. Preliminarv list of Kansas fishes. Bull. Washburn Lab. Nat. Hist., 1:105-111.' May 2. Crevecoeur, F. F. 1903. A new species of fish. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 18:177-178. 1908. A new species of Campostoma? Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 21(1): 155-157. Cross, F. B. 1953a. Occurrence of the sturgeon chub, Hybopsis gelida (Girard) in Kan- sas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 56:90-91. March 21. 1953b. Nomenclature in the Pimephalinae, with special reference to the bullhead minnow, Piniephales vigilax perspicuus ( Girard ) . Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 56:92-96. March 21. 1953c. A new minnow, Notropis bairdi huccula, from the Brazos River, Texas. Texas Jour. Sci., 5(2): 252-259. June. 1954. Fishes of Cedar Creek and the South Fork of the Cottonwood River, Chase County, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 57:303- 314. October 21. 1955. Records of fishes little-known from Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 57:473-479. January 8. Cross, F. B., Dalquest, W. W., and Lewis, L. 1955. First records from Texas of Hybopsis gracilis and Notropis girardi, with comments on geograjihic variation of the latter. Texas Jour. Sci., 7(2):222-226. June. Cross, F. B., Deacon, J. E., and Ward, C. M. 1959. Growth data on sport fishes in twelve lakes in Kansas. Trans. Kan- sas Acad. Sci., 62: 162-164. July 24. Cross, F. B. and Hastings, C.E. 1956. Ages and sizes of 29 flathead catfish from the Kansas River, Douglas County, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 59:85-86. April 12. Cross, F. B. and Metcalf, A. L. 1963. Records of three lampreys (Ichtliyomyzon) from the Missouri River System. Copeia, 1:187. March 30. Cross, F. B., and Minckley, W. L. 1958. New records of four fishes from Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 61(1):104-108. April 23. 1960. Five natural hybrid combinations in minnows (Cyprinidae). Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist., 13:1-18. June 1. Fishes of Kansas 337 Grossman, E. J. 1966. A taxonomic study of Esox americanus and its subspecies in eastern North America. Copeia, 1: 1-20. March 22. Davis, W. J. 1959. Management of channel catfish in Kansas. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist.; Misc. Publ. 21:1-56. November 2. Deacon, J. E. 1961. Fish populations, following a drought, in the Neosho and Marais des Cygnes rivers of Kansas. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist., 13(9):359-427. August 11. Deacon, J. E., and Metcalf, A. L. 1961. Fishes of the Wakarusa River in Kansas. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist., 13(6):309-322. Febniary 10. DiNSMORE, J. J. 1962. Life history of the creek chub, with emphasis on growth. Iowa Acad. Sci., 69:296-301. DisTLER, D. D., and Metcalf, A. L. 1962. Etheostoma pallididorsum, a new percid fish from the Caddo River System of Arkansas. Copeia, 3:556-561. September 28. Doze, J. B. 1925. The barbed trout of Kansas. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 55:167-183. Dyche, L. L. 1914. Ponds, pond fish, and pond fish culture. Kansas Dept. Fish and Game, Bull. 1:1-208. June. Eddy, S. 1957. How to know the freshwater fishes. Wm. C. Brown Co., Cbuque, Iowa. 253 pp., illustrated. Ellis, M. M., and Jaffa, B. B. 1918. Notes on Cragin's darter, Catonotus cragini (Gilbert). Copeia, 59:73-75. Evermann, B. W., and Cox, U. O. 1896. Report upon the fishes of the Missouri River Basin. Rept. U. S. Comm. Fish., ( 1894): 325-429. November 27. Evermann, B. W., and Fordice, M. W. 1886. List of fishes collected in Harvey and Cowlev counties, Kansas. Bull. Washburn Lab. Nat. Hist., 1:184-186. July 5. Fahy, W. E. 1954. The life histor>' of the northern greenside darter, Etheostoma hlen- nioides blennioides Rafinesque. Jour. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc, 70 ( 2 ) : 139-205. December. Fisher, H. J. 1954. Fishing the wild Missouri. Missouri Conservationist, 15(4): 10-12. April. 1962. Some fishes of the lower Missouri River. Amer. Midi. Nat., 68(2): 424-429. October. Forbes, S. A., and Richardson, R. E. 1920. The fishes of Illinois (second edition). Division of Natural History Survey, State of Illinois, Springfield, cxxxvi -f- 357 pp. Forney, J. L. 1955. Life history of the black bullhead, Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque), of Clear Lake, Iowa. Iowa State Col. Jour. Sci., 30( 1 ) :145-162. August 15. 22—6169 338 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Fowler, H. W. 1910. Xotes on the variation of some species of the genus Notropis. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 62:273-293. 1925. Notes on North American cyprinoid fishes. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 76:389-416. 1945. A study of the fishes of the southern Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Monogr. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 7:1-408, 313 figs. Frye, J. C, and Leonard, A. B. 1952. Pleistocene geology of Kansas. Univ. Kansas Publ., State Geo!. Survey, 99:1-230, 2 pis. November. Gerkixg, S. D. 1945. The distribution of the fishes of Indiana. Inv. Indiana Lakes and Streams, 2(1):1- 137. GiBBS, R. H., Jr. 1957. Cyprinid fishes of the subgenus Cyprinella of Notropis. II. Dis- tribution and variation of Notropis spilopterus, with the descrip- tion of a new subspecies. Lloydia, 20(3): 186-211. September. 1961. Cyprinid fishes of the subgenus Cyprinella of Notropis. IV. The Notropis galacturus-camurus complex. Amer. Midi. Nat., 66(2): 337-354. October. Gilbert, C. H. 1884. Notes on the fishes of Kansas. Bull. Washburn Lab. Nat. Hist., 1:10-16. Septembers. 1885a. Description of three new fishes from Kansas. Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus., 7 (32): 512-514. January 26. 1885b. Second series of notes on the fishes of Kansas. Bull. Washburn Lab. Nat. Hist., 1:97-99. April 4. 1886. Third series of notes on Kansas fishes. Bull. Washburn Lab. Nat. Hist., 1:207-211. December 15. 1887. Descriptions of new and little known etheostomids. Proc. U. S. Natl. xMus., 10:47-64. May 17. 1889. Fourth series of notes on the fishes of Kansas. Bull. Washburn Lab. Nat. Hist., 2:38-43. February 15. Gilbert, C. R. 1961. Hybridization versus intergradation: an inquiry into the relation- ship of two cyprinid fishes. Copeia, 2: 181-192. June 19. 1964. The American cyprinid fishes of the subgenus Luxilus (geniLS Notropis). Bull. Florida State Mus., 8(2):95-194. June 2. Gilbert, C. R., and Bailey, R. M. 1962. Synonymy, characters, and distribution of the American cyprinid fish Notropis shumardi. Copeia, 4:807-819. December 31. Gill, T. 1862. Descriptions of new species of Pimelodinae. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., 8:42-46. 1864. (untitled description of Percopsis hammondii). Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 16:151. June 7. Glrard, C. 1856. Researches upon the cyprinoid fishes inhabiting the fresh waters of the United States, west of the Mississippi Valley, from specimens in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 8:165-213. September. 1858. Fishes (in general report on zoology). U. S. Pacific Railroad Surveys, 10(4): 1-400. Fishes of Kansas 339 Gr.\ham, I. D. 1885a. Some Kansas fishes now in the college museum. The Industrialist, 10(30):4. 1885b. Preliminary list of Kansas fishes. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 9:69-78. Greer, J. K., and Cross, F. B. 1956. Fishes of El Dorado Citv Lake, Butler County, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 59:358-363. October 31. Greenwood, P. H., Rosen, D. E., Weitzman, S. H., and Myers, G. S. 1966. Phvletic studies of teleostean fishes, with a provisional classifica- tion of living forms. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist, 131(4) :339-456. April 18. Gunning, G. E. 1959. The sensory basis for homing in the longear sunfish, Lepomis megalotis megalotis (Rafinesque). Inv. Indiana Lakes and Streams, 5:103-130. September. Gunning, G. E., and Shoop, C. R. 1963. Occupancy of home range by longear sunfish, Lepomis m. megalotis (Rafinesque), and bluegill, Lepomis m. macrochirus Rafinesque. Animal Behaviour, 11:325-330. Hall, H. H. 1934. An ecological study of the fishes of Mineral Lake, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 37:225-233. Harlan, J. R., and Spe.-vker, E. B. 1956. Iowa fish and fishing (third edition). Iowa Cons. Comm., Des Moines, 324 pp. Harms, C. E. 1960a. Checklist of parasites from catfishes of northeastern Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 62:262. January 6. 1960b. 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List of fishes collected in Iowa and Missouri in August, 1884, with descriptions of three new species. Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus. 8(1): 1-17. April 20. Keleher, J. J. 1961. Comparison of largest Great Slave Lake fish with North American records. Jour. Fish. Res. Board, Canada, 18(3) :417-421. KiLGORE, D. L., and Rising, J. D. 1965. Fishes from southwestern Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 68(1): 137-144. May 14. Knapp, F. T. 1953. Fishes found in the freshwaters of Texas. Ragland Co., Bruns- wick, Georgia. 166 pp., lithographic process. September. 342 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat, Hist. Miscl. Publ. KOSTER, W. J. 1948. Notes on the spawning activities and the young stages of Plan- cterus kansae (Garman) . Copeia, 1:25-33. April 15. Lachner, E. a., Westlake, E. F., and Handwerk, P. S. 1950. Studies on the biology of some percid fishes from western Pennsyl- vania. Amer. Midi. Nat., 43(1) :92-l 11. January. Lake, C. T. 1936. The life history of the fan-tailed darter, Catonotus flabellaris flabelloris (Rafinesque). Amer. xMidl. Nat., 17(5):816-830. Larimore, R. W. 1957. Ecological life history of the warmouth ( Centrarchidae ) . Bull. Ilhnois Nat. Hist. Surv., 27 ( 1 ) : 1-83. August. Magnuson, J. J., and Smith, L. L. 1963. Some phases of the life history of the trout-perch. Ecology, 44( 1 ) : 83-95. Markus, H. C. 1934 Life historv of the blackhead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Copeia, 3:116-122. October 31. Maupin, J. K., Wells, J. R., and Leist, C. 1954. A preliminary survey of food habits of the fish and physico-chemical conditions of the water of three strip-mine lakes. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 57:164-171. August 2. Metcalf, a. L. 1959. Fishes of Chautauqua, Cowlev and Elk counties, Kansas. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist., il(6):345-400. May 6. 1966. Fishes of the Kansas River System in relation to zoogeography of the Great Plains. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist., 17:23-189, 4 figs., 51 maps. March 24. Meyer, W. H. 1962. Life history of three species of redhorse (Moxostoma) in the Des Moines River, Iowa. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 91(4) :412-419. October. Miller, R. J. 1962. Reproductive behavior of the stoneroller minnow, Campostoma anomahim pulhim. Copeia, 2:407-417. July 20. 1964. Behavior and ecology of some North American cvprinid fishes. Amer. Midi. Nat., 72( 2 ) :313-357. October. Miller, R. R. 1950. A review of the American clupeid fishes of the genus Dorosoma. Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus., 100( 3267) :387-410. 1955. An annotated list of the American cyprinodontid fishes of the genus Ftindtihis, with the description of Funduhis persimilis from Yucatan. Occ. Papers Mus. Zool., Univ. Michigan, 568:1-27. August 1. 1960. Systematics and biology of the gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedi- antim) and related fishes. U. S. Fish and \\'ildlife Service, Fishery Bull. 173:371-392. 1961. Man and the changing fish fauna of the American Southwest. Papers Michigan Acad. Sci., Arts, Letters, 46:365-404. MiNCKLEY, W. L. 1956. A fish survey of the Pillsbury Crossing area. Deep Creek, Riley County, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 59:351-357. October 31. 1959. Fishes of the Big Blue River Basin, Kansas. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist., 11(7) :401-442. May 8. Fishes of Kansas 343 MiNCKLEY, W. L., and Cross, F. B. 1959. Distribution, habitat and abundance of the Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka (Gilbert) in Kansas. Amer. Midi. Nat., 6( 1 ) :210-217. 1960. Taxonomic status of the shorthead redhorse, Moxostoma aureolum (LeSueur) from the Kansas River Basin, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 63:35-39. April 6. MiNCKLEY, W. L., and Deacon, J. E. 1959. Biology of the flathead catfish in Kansas. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 88:344-355. MOEN, T. 1964. Feeding young flathead catfish. Prog. Fish-Cult., 26(1 ):26. January. Moore, G. A. 1944a. The retinae of two North American teleosts, with special reference to their tapeta lucida. Jour. Comp. Neur., 80(3) :369-379. June. 1944b. Notes on the early life of Notropis girardi. Copeia, 4:209-214. December 26. 1950. The cutaneous sense organs of barbeled minnows adapted to life in the muddy waters of the Great Plains Region. Trans. Amer. Micro. Soc, 69:69-95. 1957. Fishes. In Vertebrates of the United States. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, pp. 31-210. Moore, G. A., and Buck, D. H. 1955. The fishes of the Chikaskia River in Oklahoma and Kansas. Proc. Oklahoma Acad. Sci., 34:19-27. Moore, G. A., and Cross, F. B. 1950. Additional Oklahoma fishes with validation of Poecilichthijs par- vipinnis (Gilbert and Swain). Copeia, 2:139-148. June 30. Netsch, N. F., and Witt, A. 1962. Contributions to the life history of the longnose gar {Lepisosteus osseus) in Missouri. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 91(3):251-262. Olund, L. J., and Cross, F. B. 1961. Geographic variation in the North American cyprinid fish, Hybopsis gracilis. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist., 13(7) :323-348. February 10. Parker, H. L. 1964. Natural history of Pimephales vigilax ( Cyprinidae ) . Southwestern Nat., 8(4):228-235. February 5. Petravicz, J. J. 1936. The breeding habits of the least darter, Microperca punctulata Putnam. Copeia, 2:77-82. July 31. Petravicz, W. P. 1938. The breeding habits of the black-sided darter, Hadropterus mac- uJatus Gixdxd. Copeia, 1:40-44. March 31. Pfeiffer, R. a. 1955. Studies on the life historv of the rosyface shiner, Notropis ruhellus. Copeia, 2:95-104. May 20. Pflieger, W. L. 1965. Reproductive behavior of the minnows, Notropis spiloptenis and Notropis whipplii. Copeia, 1: 1-8. March 18. POLSON, J. 1964. New reservoirs — new fish species. Kansas Fish and Game, 21(3): 3-6. 344 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. PURKETT, C. A. 1961. Reproduction and early development of the paddlefish. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 90( 2 ) : 125-129. April. Raney, E. C. 1940. The breeding behavior of the common shiner, Notropis cornutus ( Mitchill ) . Zoologica, 25 ( 1 ) : 1-14. March 18. Raney, E. C, and Lachner, E. A. 1946. Age, growth, and habits of the hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (LeSueur), in New York. Amer. Midi. Nat., 36( 1 ) :76-86. July. Roberts, N. J., and Winn, H. E. 1962. Utilization of the senses in feeding behavior of the johnny darter, Ethcostoma nigrum. Copeia, 2:567-570. September 28. Robins, C. R., and Deubleb, E. E., Jr. 1955. The life history and systematic status of the burbot. Lota lota laciistris (\\'albaum), in the Susquehanna River System. New York State Mus., Circ. 39:1-49. August 30. Ross, R. D. 1958. Races of the cyprinid fish Campostuina anomalum pullum (Agassiz) in eastern United States. Virginia Agric. Exp. Sta., Tech. Bull. 136:1-20. September. ROSTLUND, E. 1952. Freshwater fish and fishing in native North America. Univ. Cali- fornia Publ. in Geography, 9:1-314, 1 fig., 47 maps. January 24. Schelske, C. L. 1957. An ecological study of the fishes of the Fall and V'erdigris rivers in ^^'ilson and Montgomery counties, Kansas, March, 1954 to Feb- ruary, 1955. Emporia State Research Studies, 5(3) :31-56. March. Schneider, H., and Hasler, A. D. 1960. Laute und lauterzeugung biem Siisswassertrommler Aplodinottis gntnniei^s Rafinesque ( Sciaenidae, Pisces). Zeitschrift fur ver- gleichende Physiologic 43:499-517. SCHOFFMAN, R. J. 1944. Age and growth of the smallmouth buffalo in Reelfoot Lake. Rept. Reelfoot Lake Biol. St., 8:3-9. ScHOONOVER, R., and Thompson, W. H. 1954. A post-impoundment study of the fisheries resources of Fall River Reservoir, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 57:] 72-179. August 2. SiMCO, B. A., and Cross, F. B. 1966. Factors affecting growth and production of channel catfish, Ictalums punctatus. Univ. Kansas PuIjL, Mus. Nat. Hist., 17(4) : 191-256. June 6. Simon, J. R. 1946. Wyoming fishes. Bull. Wyoming Game and Fish Dept., 4:1-129. Snow, F. H. 1875. The fishes of the Kansas River, as observed at Lawrence. State Board of Agric, Annual Rept., 4:139-141. Starrett, W. C. 1950. Distribution of the fishes of Boone County, Iowa, with special reference to the minnows and darters. Amer. Midi. Nat., 43(1): 112-127. 1951. Some factors afi^ecting the abundance of minnows in the Des Moines River, Iowa. Ecology, 32(l):13-27. January. Fishes of Kansas 345 Stewart, N. H. 1926. Development, growth, and food habits of the white sucker, Cato- stamus commersonii LeSueur. Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., 42:147-184. SUTTKUS, R. D. 1958. Status of the nominal cyprinid species Mvniana deliciosu Girard and Cyprinella texana Girard. Copeia, 4:307-318. December 22. Swingle, H. S. 1957. Revised procedures for commercial production of bigmouth buffalo fish in ponds in the southeast. Proc. Southeastern Assoc. Game and Fish Comm., 10:162-165. TiEMEIER, O. W. 1962. Increasing size of fingerling channel catfish by supplemental feeding. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 65:144-153. November 5. TiEMEIER, O. W., and Elder, J. B. 1960. Growth of .stunted channel catHsh. Prog. Fish-Cult., 22(4) : 172-176. TiEMEIER, O. W., Deyoe, C. W., and Weardon, S. 1965. Effects on growth of fingerling channel catfish of diets containing two energv and two protein levels. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 68:180-186. May 14. Todd, B. 1962. Explosive new fish in Kansas. Kansas Fish and Game, 20(l):3-5. Trautmax, M. B, 1957. The fishes of Ohio. Ohio State Univ. Press, 683 pp. Trautman, M. B., and Martix, R. G. 1951. Moxostorna aureolum pisolahrum, a new subspecies of sucker from the Ozarkian streams of the Mississippi River System. Occ. Papers Mus. Zool., Univ. Michigan, 534:1-10, pi. 1. November 12. Vanicek, D. 1961. Life historv of the quillback and highfin carpsuckers in the Des Moines River. Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 68:238-246. Wall, R. 1948. The contemplative angler. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 215 pp. Wallex, G. H. 1958. Fishes of the Verdigris River in Oklahoma. Oklahoma State Univ., Dept. Zool., 57 pp. May. ( Processed hterature. ) Westman, J. R. 1938. Studies on the reproduction and growth of the blunt-nosed minnow, Hyhorhijnchus notatus (Rafinesque). Copeia, 2:57-61. June 30. Wheeler, W. 1879 A partial list of the fishes of the Marais des Cygnes, at Ottawa. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 6(for 1877):33-34. Wilson, W^ D. 1957. Notes on cestodes in paddlefish, Polyodon spathula (Walbaum), from the Missouri River. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 59(4) :459-460. February 6. WiNX, H. E. 1953. Breeding habits of the percid fish Hadropterus copelandi in Michi- gan. Copeia, 1:26-30. February 26. 1958a. Observations on the reproductive habits of darters ( Pisces-Percidae ) . Amer. Midi. Nat., 59( 1 ) :190-212. January. 1958b. Comparative reproductive behavior and ecology of fourteen species of darters (Pisces-Percidae). Ecol. Monogr., 28:155-191. April. 346 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Witt, A., Jr. 1960. Length and weight of ancient freshwater drum, Aplodinotus griin- niens, calculated from otoliths found in Indian middens. Copeia 3:181-185. September 26. Witt, A., Jr.., and Marzolf, R. C. 1954. Spawning and behavior of the longear sunfish, Lepotnis megalotis megalotis. Copeia, 3:188-190. July 29. Zahuranec, B. J. 1962. Range extensions of some cvprinid fishes in southeastern Ohio. Copeia, 4:842-843. December 31. Transmitted September 30, 1966. I Fishes of Kansas 347 INDEX Acipenser fulvescens, 32, 33 maciilosus, 33 rubricundus, 33 Acipenseridae, 24, 32 aeneolus, Notropis, 128 aeneus, Ambloplites, 272 aestivalis, Extrarius, 95 Hybopsis, 64, 65, 95 affinis, Gambusia, 238 Gila, 327 albidus, Amiurus, 203 Alburnellus percobromus, 102 Alburnus oligaspis, 102 albus, Scaphirhyncluis, 32, 36 Alligator gar, 45, 327 Allotis humilis, 266 Alosa chrysochloris, 51 sapidissima, 327 alosoides, Amphiodon, 56 Hiodon, 56 Hyodon, 56 alveoides, Hyodon, 56 Alvordius aspro, 290 phoxocephalus, 291 Ambloplites aeneus, 272 rupestris, 246, 257, 272 amblops, Hybopsis, 65, 90 Anieiurus catulus, 198 natalis, 203 nebulosus, 198, 201 melas, 198 American eel, 49 American shad, 327 americana, Lucioperca, 285 Perca, 287 americanum, Stizostedion, 282, 285 americanus, Esox, 63 Amia calva, 46 Amiidae, 24, 46 Amiurus, albidus, 203 atrarius, 198 cragini, 198 cupreus, 213 melas, 198 natalis, 203 nebulosus, 201 nigricans, 209 ponderosus, 212 vulgaris, 201 Ammocoetes niger, 30 Ammocrvpta clara, 280, 298 pellucida, 298 Amphiodon alosoides, 56 anagallinus, Lepomis, 266 Lepiopomus, 266 Anguilla bostoniensis, 49 rostrata, 49 Anguillidae, 24, 49 annularis, Pomoxis, 246, 274 Pomoxys, 274 anomalum, Campostoma, 70, 101, 159 Aplidonotus grunniens, 324 Aplites salmoides, 252 Aplodinotus grunniens, 324 Aplodonatus grunniens, 324 Apomotus cyanellus, 258 arcansanum, Etheostoma, 304 arcansum, Etheostoma, 304 arcuscelestis, Etheostoma, 315 argenteus, Petromvzon, 30 Arkansas darter, 281, 311 Arkansas River shiner, 69, 135 aspro, Alvordius, 290 Hadropterus, 289 Atherinidae, 26, 240 atherinoides, Notropis, 67, 102, 104, 125 Atlantic salmon, 60 atrarius, Amiurus, 198 atromaculatus, Semotilis, 78 Semotilus, 64, 68, 78 atromaculus, Semotilus, 78 auratus, Carassius, 64, 75 Notemigonus, 76 aureolum, Moxostonia, 187, 189 aiuitus, Lepomis, 328 Pomotis, 269 bairdi, Cottus, 242 Banded darter, 281, 304 Banded killifish, 328 Banded sculpin, 241 Bass, largemouth, 246, 252 rock, 246, 272 smallmouth, 246, 248 spotted, 246, 250 white, 243 yellow, 245 beckwithi, Cyprinella, 125 Big-eyed chub, 65, 90 Big-eyed shiner, 68, 119 348 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Big-mouthed buffalo, 164, 169 Big-mouthed shiner, 69, 130' biguttata, Hybopsis, 65, 86 biguttatus, Hybopsis, 86 Nocomis, 86 billingsiana, Cyprinella, 125 Notropis, 125 bison, Carpoides, 177 Black buffalo, 164, 171 Black bullhead, 197, 198 Black crappie, 246, 277 Black redhorse, 166, 183 Black-chinned shiner, 328 Black-nosed shiner, 69, 141 Black-sided darter, 280, 289 Black-striped topminnow, 229, 232 Bleeding shiner, 67, 111 blennioides, Diplesion, 306 Etheostoma, 280, 306 blennius, Notropis, 69, 117 blennoides, Diplesion, 306 Blue catfish, 196, 209 Bluegill, 247, 263 Blue sucker, 164, 166 Blunt-faced shiner, 67, 120 Blunt-nosed darter, 280, 302 Blunt-nosed minnow, 64, 70, 157 Boleichthys fusiformis, 315 Boleosoma brevipinne, 299 maculatum, 299 mesaea, 299 mesaeum, 299 mesotum, 299 nigrum, 299 olmsteadi, 299 olmstedi, 299 Bonytail, 327 boops, Notropis, 68, 119 bostoniensis, Anguilla, 49 Bovvfin, 46 Brassy minnow, 70, 144 breviceps, Lepomis, 269 Moxostoma, 187 brevipinne, Boleosoma, 299 Brindled madtom, 197, 224 Brook silverside, 240 Brook stickleback, 328 Brook trout, 60 Brown bullhead, 197, 201 Brown trout, 61 Bryttus longulus, 258 Bubalichthys bubalus, 173 niger, 171 bubalina, Notropis, 125 bubalinus, Notropis, 125 bubalus, Bubalichthys, 173 Icthvobus, 173 Ictiobus, 164, 173 buccata, Ericymba, 328 bucco, Ptychostomus, 184 buchanani, Notropis, 69, 139 Buffalo, 31 big-mouthed, 164, 169 black, 164, 171 small-mouthed, 164, 173 Bullhead, black, 197, 198 brown, 197, 201 yellow, 196, 203 Bull-headed minnow, 70, 153 Burbot, 227 caerulescens, Ictalurus, 205 caeruleum, Etheostoma, 315, 328 calva, Amia, 46 Campostoma anomalum, 70, 101, 159 phunbeuni, 159 pullum, 159 camura, Notropis, 120 camurus, Notropis, 67, 120, 124 canadense, Stizostedion, 279, 285 caprodes, Etheostoma, 293 Percina, 279, 293 Carassius auratus, 64, 75 carbonaria, Percina, 293 carinatum, Moxostoma, 166, 187 carinatus, Placopharynx, 187 carolinae, Cottus, 241 Carp, 31, 64, 72 carpio, Carpiodes, 164, 177 C>'prinus, 64, 72 Ictiobus, 177 Carpiodes carpio, 164, 177 c>'prinus, 164, 175 damalis, 177 forbesi, 175 velifer, 164, 179 Carpoides bison, 177 Carpsucker, high-finned, 164, 179 ri\'er, 164, 177 castaneus, Ichthyomyzon, 30 Petromyzon, 30 cataractae, Rhinichthys, 327 Catastomus commersonnii, 193 catenatus, Fundulus, 230 Catfish, blue, 196, 209 channel, 196, 205 flathead, 196, 213 Fishes of Kansas 349 Catostomidae, 26, 164 Catostomus cliloropteron, 193 chloropteruni, 193 commersoni, 165, 193 coniniersonnii, 193 nigricans, 191 sucklii, 193 teres, 193 catulus, Ameiurus, 198 cayuga, Notropis, 141 Central common shiner, 67, 115 Central mudminnow, 327 Centrarchidae, 28, 246 cepedianum, Dorosoma, 53, 244 cepidanum, Dorosoma, 53 Ceratichthys cyclotis, 86 perspicuus, 153 taurocephalus, 153 tenellus, 155 Chaenobryttus coronarius, 256 gulosus, 247, 256 Channel catfish, 196, 205 Channel darter, 280, 296 Chestnut lamprey, 30 Chinook salmon, 60 chloropteron, Catostomus, 193 chloropteruni, Catostomus, 193 chlorosomum, Etheostoma, 280, 302, 321 Chrondrostoma puUum, 163 Chrosomus erythrogaster, 70, 81 chrysocephalus, Notropis, 67, 115 chrysochloris, Alosa, 51 Clupea, 51 chrysoleucas, Notemigonus, 76 chrysoleucus, Notemigonus, 76 chrysops, Labrax, 243 Roccus, 55, 243 Chub, big-eyed, 65, 90 creek, 64, 68, 78 flat-headed, 65, 84 gravel, 65, 89 sickle-finned, 65, 94 silver, 65, 92 speckled, 64, 65, 95 sturgeon, 65, 97 Chubsucker, creek, 328 lake, 328 clara, Ammocrypta, 280, 298 clarki, Salmo, 327 Clinostomus elongatus, 327 Cliola gibbosa, 125 straminea, 133 topeka, 128 vigilax, 153 Clupea chrysochloris, 51 Clupeidae, 26, 51 coeruleum, Etheostoma, 315 coeruleus, Poecilichthys, 315 Coliscus parietalis, 149 commersoni, Catostomus, 165, 193 commersonnii, Catastomus, 193 commersonnii, Catostomus, 193 common shiner, 67, 113, 115 confertus, Pimephales, 149 congestum, Myxostoma, 184 copelandi, Hadropterus, 296 Percina, 280, 296 corporalis, Semotilus, 78 cornuta, Notropis, 113 comutus, Minnilus, 113 Notropis, 67, 110, 113, 116, 123 coronarius, Chaenobryttus, 256 Cottidae, 28, 241 Cottogaster uranidea, 328 Cottus bairdi, 242 carolinae, 241 cragini, Amiurus, 198 Etheostoma, 281, 311 Poecilichthys, 311 Crappie, black, 246, 277 white, 246, 274 Creek chub, 64, 68, 78 Creek chubsucker, 328 crysoleucas, Notemigonus, 66, 76 Culaea inconstans, 328 cupreus, Amiurus, 213 Cutthroat trout, 327 cyanellus, Apomotus, 258 Lepomis, 247, 258 Cycleptus elongatus, 164, 166 cyclotis, Ceratichthys, 86 Cylindrosteus platystomus, 40 Cyprinella, beckwithi, 125 billingsiana, 125 cyprinella, Ictiobus, 169 Megastomatobus, 169 cyprinellus, Ictiobus, 164, 169 Cyprinidae, 26, 64 Cyprinodontidae, 28, 229 Cyprinus carpio, 64, 72 cyprinus, Carpiodes, 164, 175 Dace, long-nosed, 327 red-bellied, 70, 81 red-sided, 327 350 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. damalis, Carpiodes, 177 Darter, Arkansas, 281, 311 banded, 281, 304 black-sided, 280, 289 blunt-nosed, 280, 302 channel, 280, 296 fan-tailed, 281, 318 green-sided, 280, 306 Iowa, 281, 313 johnny, 280, 299 least, 281, 322 orange-throated, 281, 315 rainbow, 328 red-finned, 281, 308 river, 280, 295 slender-headed, 280, 291 slough, 281, 320 speckled, 280, 303 stargazing, 328 stippled, 281, 310 variegated, 328 western sand, 280, 298 deliciosa, Notropis, 133 deliciosus, Notropis, 133 diaphanous, Fundulus, 235 diaphanus, Fundulus, 235, 328 difformis, Ictiobus, 177 dilectus, Notropis, 102, 104, 125 Dionda meeki, 143 nubila, 70, 143 plumbea, 163 Diplesion blennioides, 306 blennoides, 306 dolemieu, Micropterus, 248 dolomieu, Micropterus, 248 dolomieui, Micropterus, 246, 248 dorsalis, Notropis, 69, 130 Dorosoma cepedianum, 53, 244 cepidanum, 53 petenense, 55 Drum, freshwater, 324 duquesnei, Moxostoma, 166, 183, 184 Dusky-striped shiner, 67, 110 Eel, American, 49 elongatus, Clinostomus, 327 Cycleptus, 164, 166 Squahus, 78, 327 Emerald shiner, 67, 102 emiliae, Opsopoeodus, 68, 83 Ericymba buccata, 328 Erimyzon melanops, 181 oblongus, 328 sucetta, 328 erythrogaster, Chrosomus, 70, 81 erythrurum, Moxostoma, 166, 184, 187, 189 Esocidae, 26, 62 Esox americanus, 63 lucius, 62 Etheostoma arcuscelestis, 315 blennioides, 280, 306 caeruleum, 315, 328 caprodes, 293 chlorosomum, 280. 302, 321 coeruleum, 315 cragini, 281, 311 eulepis, 300 exile, 281, 313 flabellare, 281, 318 gracile, 281, 320 fusiforme, 314 fusiformis, 313 lepidum, 315 lineolatum, 318 microperca, 281, 322 nigrum, 280, 299 phoxocephalum, 291 pulchellum, 315 punctulatum, 281, 310 saxatile, 303 spectabile, 281, 315 stigmaeum, 280, 303 variatum, 315, 328 varietum, 315 whipplei, 281, 308 whipplii, 308 zonale, 281, 304 eulepis, Etheostoma, 300 Eupomotis gibbosus, 269 exile, Etheostoma, 281, 313 cxilis No'turus, 197, 219 Poecilichthvs, 313 Schilbeodes, 219 Extrarius aestivalis, 95 sesquialis, 95 tetranemus, 95 Fan-tailed darter, 281, 318 Fat-headed minnow, 70, 149 flabellare, Etheostoma, 281, 318 Flathead, 196, 213 Flat-headed chub, 65, 84 flavescens, Perca, 279, 287 flavus, Noturus, 197, 221 folium, Polyodon, 38 fontinalis, Salmo, 60 Salvelinus, 60 forbesi, Carpiodes, 175 Freckled niadtom, 197, 218 Freshwater drum, 324 Fishes of Kansas 351 frontalis, Notiopis, 110, 113, 123 fulvescens, Acipenser, 32, 33 Fulton, 210 Fundulus catenatus, 230 diaphanous, 235 diaphanus, 235, 328 kansae, 230, 235 notatus, 229, 232 sciadicus, 229, 231 zebrinus, 235, 328 furcatus, Ictalurus, 196, 205, 209 fusiforniis, Boleichthys, 315 Etheostoma, 313 Gadidae, 24, 227 gagei, Ichthyomyzon, 32 gairdneri, Salmo, 60 galacturus, Notropis, 122 Gambusia affinis, 238 Gar, alligator, 45, 327 long-nosed, 40, 43 short-nosed, 40 spotted, 40, 42 Gasterosteus micropus, 328 gelida, Hybopsis, 65, 97 gehdus, Hybopsis, 94, 97 germanus, Notropis, 141, 145 Ghost shiner, 69, 139 gibbosa, Cliola, 125 gibbosus, Eupomotis, 269 Lepomis, 269, 328 Gila affinis, 327 robusta, 327 girardi, Notropis, 135 Gizzard shad, 51, 53, 244 Golden redhorse, 166, 184 Golden shiner, 66, 76 Goldeye, 56 Goldfish, 64, 75 gracile, Etheostoma, 281, 320 gracilis, Hybopsis, 65, 84 Platygobio, 84 Grass pickerel, 63 Gravel chub, 65, 89 Green-sided darter, 280, 306 Green sunfish, 247, 258 grunniens, Aplidonotus, 324 Aplodinotus, 324 Aplodonatus, 324 Haploidonotus, 324 gulonella, Hybopsis, 84 gulonellus, Platygobio, 84 gulosus, Chaenobryttus, 247, 256 guttatus, Percopsis, 226 gyrinus, Noturus, 197, 216 Hadropterus aspro, 289 copelandi, 295 maculatus, 289 phoxocephalus, 291 shumardi, 295 hammondii, Pinielodus, 205 Percopsis, 226 Semotilus, 78 hankinsoni, Hybognathus, 70, 142, 144 Haploidonotus grunniens, 324 Helioperca incisor, 263 heterodon, Notropis, 328 heterolepis, Notropis, 141 hexacanthus, Pomoxys, 274 High-finned carpsucker, 164, 179 Hiodon alosoides, 56 tergisus, 58 Hiodontidae, 26, 56 Hogsucker, 165, 191 Hopladelus limosus, 213 olivaris, 213 Hornyhead, 65, 86 hudsonius, Notropis, 93, 328 humilis, Allotis, 266 Lepomis, 247, 266 Huro salmoides, 250, 252 Hvbognathus 'hankinsoni, 70, 142, 144 nuchalis, 71, 144, 146, 148 placita, 146 placitus, 71, 146 Hyborhynchus notatus, 157 Hybopsis aestivalis, 64, 65, 95 amblops, 65, 90 biguttata, 65, 86 biguttatus, 86 gelida, 65, 97 gelidus, 94, 97 gracilis, 65, 84 gulonella, 84 hyostoma, 95 kentuckiensis, 86 meeki, 65, 94, 98 missuriensis, 133 storeriana, 65, 92 storerianus, 92 tetranemus, 95 x-punctata, 65, 89 Hyodon alosoides, 56 alveoides, 56 tergisus, 58 turgisus, 58 hyostoma, Hybopsis, 95 352 Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Hypentelium nigricans, 165, 191 hypsisomatus, Notropis, 123 Ichthyomyzon castaneus, 30 gagei, 32 unicuspis, 32 Ictaluridae, 24, 196 Ictalurus caerulescens, 205 furcatus, 196, 205, 209 lacustris, 205 lacustrus, 205 melas, 197, 198 natalis, 196, 203 nebulosus, 197, 201 nigricans, 209 notatus, 205 punctatus, 196, 205 sinipsonii, 205 Icthyobus bubalus, 173 Ictiobus bubalus, 164, 173 carpio, 177 cyprinella, 169 cyprinellus, 164, 169 clifFomiis, 177 niger, 164, 171 urus, 171 velifer, 177, 179 illecebrosus, Notropis, 106 incisor, Helioperca, 263 inconstans, Culaea, 328 insignis, Schilbeodes, 219 interruptus, Roccus, 245 Iowa darter, 281, 313 irideus, Salmo, 60 Johnny darter, 280, 299 jejunus, Notropis, 117 jugalis, Moniana, 125 kansae, Fundulus, 230, 235 Plancterus, 235 kentuckiensis, Hybopsis, 86 Killifish, banded, 328 plains, 230, 235 Rio Grande, 328 Labidesthes sicculus, 240 Labrax chrysops, 243 lacustris, Ictalurus, 205 lacustrus, Ictalurus, 205 Lake chubsucker, 328 Lake sturgeon, 32, 33 Lake trout, 60 Lamprey, chestnut, 30 Largemouth, 246, 252 lateralis, Notropis, 133 Least darter, 281, 322 Lepidosteus osseus, 43 otarius, 43 platystomus, 40 lepidum, Etheostoma, 315 Lepioponius anagallinus, 266 Lepisosteidae, 24, 40 Lepisosteus oculatus, 40, 42 osseus, 40, 41, 43 oxyurus, 43 platostomus, 40 spatula, 45, 327 Leponiis anagallinus, 266 auritus, 328 breviceps, 269 cvanellus, 247, 258 gibbosus, 269, 328 humilis, 247, 266 niacrochirus, 247, 263 megalotis, 247, 269 niegalotus, 269 microlophus, 246, 261 pallidus, 263 Leptops olivaris, 213 lewisi, Trutta, 60 limi. Umbra, 327 limosus, Hopladelus, 213 lineolata, Notropis, 133 lineolatum, Etheostoma, 318 lineolatus, Notropis, 133 Litholepis tristoechus, 45 Logperch, 279, 293 Longear, 247, 269 Long-nosed dace, 327 Long-nosed gar, 43 longulus, Bryttus, 258 Loptops olivaris, 213 Lota lota, 63, 227 maculosa, 227 lota. Lota, 227 Lucioperca americana, 285 lucius, Esox, 62 luna, Pomotis, 263 lutrenis, Notropis, 125 lutrensis, Notropis, 67, 68, 105, 125 machrochirus, Lepomis, 263 niacrochirus, Lepomis, 247, 263 macrolepidotum, Moxostoma, 166, 189 macrostoma, Notropis, 125 maculata, Percina, 280, 289 maculatum, Boleosoma, 299 niaculatus, Hadropterus, 289 maculosa. Lota, 227 maculosus, Acipenser, 33 Pimephales, 149 Fishes of Kansas 353 Madtom, iM-indlcd, 197. 224 freckled, 197, 218 Neosho, 197. 222 slender. 197. 219 tadpole. 197, 216 maxillosus. Rhiniclitliys. 327 meeki, Dionda, 143 Hybopsis, 65, 94, 9S megalops, Notropis, 110. 113 megalotis, Leponiis, 247. 269 niegalotus. Leponiis, 269 Megastomatobus cyprinella. 169 melanops. Erimvzon. 181 Minytrenia, 165, 181 melas, Anieiurus, 198 Amiurus, 198 Ictalurus, 197, 198 niesaea, Boleosonia, 299 mesaeum, Boleosonia, 299 niesotum. Boleosonia, 299 niicrolophus, Leponiis, 246, 261 niicroperca, Etheostonia, 281, 322 Micropterus doleniieu, 248 doloniieu, 248 doloniieui, 246. 248 nigricans, 252 punctulatus, 246, 250 salnioides, 246. 252 velox, 248 niicropus, Gasterosteus, 328 Mimic shiner, 69, 137 Minnilus cornutus, 113 nigripinnis, 108 minnow, blunt-nosed, 64. 70, 157 brassy, 70, 144 bull-headed, 70, 153 fat-headed, 70, 149 ozark, 70, 143 plains, 71, 146 pug-nosed, 68, 83 silver- jawed, 328 silvery, 71, 148 slim, 70, 155 sucker-mouthed, 69, 99 Minytrenia melanops, 165, 181 mirabilis, Phenacobius, 69, 99 niississippiensis, Roccus, 245 niissuriensis, Hybopsis, 133 Notropis, 133 niiurus, Noturus, 197, 222, 224 Schilbeodes, 224 MooncNc. 56. 58 Moniana jugalis, 125 Mosquitofish, 238 Moxostoma aureolum, 187, 189 breviceps, 187 carinatum, 166, 187 duquesnei, 166, 183, 184 erythruruni, 166, 184, 187, 189 niacrolepidotuni, 166, 189 pisolabrum, 189 niudniinnow, central, 327 Myxostonia congestum, 184 namaycush, Salvelinus, 60 natalis, Anieiurus, 203 Amiurus. 203 Ictalurus, 196, 203 nebulosus, Anieiurus, 198, 201 Amiurus, 201 Ictalurus, 197, 201 Neosho madtom, 197, 222 niger, Ammocoetes, 30 Bubalichthys, 171 Ictiobus, 164, 171 nigricans, Amiurus, 209 Catostomus, 191 Hvpentelium, 165, 191 Ictalurus, 209 Micropterus, 252 nigripinnis, Minnilus, 108 Notropis, 108 nigroniaculatus, Pomoxis, 246, 277 nigrum, Boleosonia, 299 Etheostonia, 280, 299 Nocomis biguttatus, 86 nocturnus, Noturus, 197, 218 Schilbeodes, 218 Northern common shiner, 67, 113 Northern pike, 62 Northern redhorse, 166, 189 Northern studfish, 230 notatus, Fundulus, 229, 232^ Hyborhvnchus, 157 Ictalurus, 205 Pimelodus, 205 Pimephales, 64, 70. 157 Zygonectes, 232 Notemigonus auratus, 76 chrysoleucas, 76 chrysoleucus, 76 crysoleucas, 66. 76 23—6169 354 Univ. Kansas xVIus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. Notropis aeneolus, 128 atherinoides, 67. 102, 104, 125 billingsiana, 125 blennius, 69, 117 boops 68, 119 bubalina, 125 bubalinus, 125 buchanani, 69, 139 camura, 120 caiiiurus, 67, 120, 124 cayuga, 141 chrysocephalus, 67, 115 cornuta, 113 cornutus, 67, 110, 113, 116, 123 deliciosa, 133 deliciosus, 133 dilectus, 102, 104, 125 dorsalis, 69, 130 frontalis, 110, 113, 123 galacturus, 122 gernianus, 141, 145 girardi, 69, 135 heterodon, 328 heterolepis, 69, 141 hudsonius, 93, 328 hypsisoniatus, 123 illecebrosus, 106 jejunus, 117 lateralis, 133 lineolata, 133 lineolatus, 133 lutrenis, 125 lutrensis, 67, 68, 105, 125 macrostoma, 125 megalops, 110, 113 missuriensis, 133 nigripinnis, 108 mix, 119 percobromus, 102 pilsbryi, 67, 110 piptolepis, 131 rubrifrons, 104 rubella, 104 rubellus, 67, 104 seylla, 133 ^ shuniardi, 67, 106 spilopterus, 68, 123 straniineus, 69, 118, 120, 131, 133 topeka, 69, 128 umbratilis, 67, 108 volueella, 137 volucellus, 69, 137, 139 zonata, 110 zonatus, 67, 110, 111 Notunis exilis, 197, 219 flavus, 197, 221 gyrinus, 197, 216 miuriis, 197, 222, 224 noeturnus, 197, 218 species (undescr.), 197, 222 niibila, Dionda, 70, 143 nuelialis, Ihbognathus, 71, 144, 146, 148 mix, Xotropis, 119 oblongus, Eriinyzon, 328 oculatus, Lepisosteus, 42 oligaspis, Albvirnus, 102 oli\aris, Hopladelus, 213 Leptops, 213 Loptops, 213 Pilodietis, 213 Pylodictis, 196, 213 olmsteadi, Boleosoma, 299 olmstedi, Boleosoma, 299 omiscomayeus, Pereopsis, 226 Oncorlnnchus tchawytcha, 60 tshawytscha, 60 Opsopoeodus emiliae, 68, 83 Orange-spotted sunfish, 247, 266 Orange-throated darter, 281, 315 osseus, Lepidosteus, 43 Lepisosteus, 43 otarius, Lepidosteus, 43 oxyurus, Lepisosteus, 43 Ozark minnow, 70, 143 Paddlefish, 31, 38 Pallid sturgeon, 32, 36 pallidus, Lepomis, 263 parietalis, Coliscus, 149 pellueida, Ammocrypta, 298 Perca amerieana, 287 flavescens, 279, 287 Perch, white, 325 yellow, 279, 287 Percidae, 28, 279 Percina caprodes, 279, 293 carbonaria, 293 copelandi, 280, 296 maculata, 280, 289 phoxocephala, 280, 291 shuniardi, 280, 295 uranidea, 328 percobromus, Alburnellus, 102 Notropis, 102, 105 Percopsidae, 24, 226 Pereopsis guttatus, 226 hammondii, 226 omiscomayeus, 226 perspicuus, Ceratiehthys, 153 Pimcpliales, 153 Fishes ok Kansas 355 petenense, Dorosoma, 55 Pctromyzon argenteus, 30 castaneus, 30 Petroniyzontidae, 24, 30 Plienacobius iniiabilis, 69, 99 plioxocepliala, Peicina, 280. 291 plioxocephaluin, Ethcostoma, 291 pho.\ocei:)h alu s , Alvordius, 291 Hadroptt'ius, 291 Pickerel, grass, 63 Pike, northern, 62 Pilodictis olivaris, 213 pilsbryi, Notropis, 67, 110 Piniclodus hamniondii, 205 notatus, 205 Piniephales confertus, 149 niaculosus, 149 notatus, 64, 70, 157 perspicuus, 153 promelas, 70, 131, 149 tenellus, 70, 155 vigilax, 70, 153 piptolepis, Notropis, 131 pisolabrum, Moxostoma, 189 placita, Hybognathiis, 146 placitus, Hybognathns, 71, 146 Placopharvnx carinatus, 187 Plains killifish, 2^30, 235 plains minnow, 71, 146 Plains topminnow, 229, 231 Plancterus kansae, 235 Plat>'gobio gracilis, 84 gulonellus, 84 platorhynchus, Scaphirhynchus, 34 platorynchus, Scaphirhynchus, 32, 34 platostomus, Lepisosteus, 40 platyrhynchus, Scaphirhynchus, 34 platyrrh\'nchus, Scaphirrlnnchops, 34 platystomus, Cylindrosteus, 40 Lepidosteus, 40 plumbea, Dionda, 163 plunibeum, Campostoma, 159 Poecilichthys coeruleus, 315 cragini, 311 exilis, 313 mesaeus, 299 pulchellus, 315 spectabilis, 315 whipplii, 308 Poeciliidae, 28, 238 Polydon spathula, 38 Polyodon folium, 38 spathula, 38 Polyodontidae, 24, 38 I'oniotis auritus, 269 luna, 263 Pomoxis anmdaris, 246, 274 nigromacidatus, 246, 277 sparoides, 277 Pomoxys annularis, 274 hexacanthus, 274 sparoides, 277 ponderosus, Amiurus, 212 promelas, Piniephales, 70, 131, 149 psplatyrhynchus, Scaphirhyncho, 34 Ptychostomus bucco, 184 Pug-nosed minnow, 68, 83 pulchellum, Etheostoma, 315 pulchellus, Poecilichthys, 315 puUum, Campostoma, 159 Chondrostoma, 163 punctatus, Ictalurus, 196, 205 punctulatum, Etheostoma, 281, 310 punctulatus, Micropterus, 246, 250 Pumpkinseed, 328 purpuratus, Salmo, 61 Pylodictis olivaris, 196, 213 Quillback, 164, 175 Rainbow darter, 328 Rainl)ow trout, 60 Red shiner, 67, 68, 125 Red-bellied dace, 70, 81 Red-breasted sunfish, 328 Redear, 246, 261 Red-finned darter, 281, 308 Red-finned shiner, 67, 108 Redhorse, 31 black, 166, 183 golden, 166, 184 northern, 166, 189 river, 166, 187 Red-sided dace, 327 Rhinichthys cataractae, 327 maxillosus, 327 richardsoni, Uranidea, 241 Rio Grande killifish, 328 River carpsucker, 164, 177 River darter, 280, 295 River redhorse, 166. 187 River shiner, 69, 117 robusta, Gila, 327 Roccus chrysops, 55, 243 interruptus, 245 mississippiensis, 245 Rock bass, 246, 257, 272 rostrata, Anguilla, 49 Rosy-faced shiner, 67, 104 rubella, Notropis, 104 rubellus, Notropis, 67, 104 356 U.Mv. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Miscl. Publ. lubricundus, Acipenser, 33 rubrifrons, Notropis, 104 rupestris, Ambloplites, 246, 272 salar, Salmo, 60 Salmo clarki, 60, 327 fontinalis, 60 gairdneri, 60 irideus, 60 purpuratus, 61 salar, 60 stomias, 60 trutta, 61 salmoides, Aplites, 252 Huro, 250, 252 Micropterus, 246, 252 Sahnon, Atlantic, 60 chinook, 60 Salmonidae, 24, 60 Salvelinus fontinalis, 60 namaycush, 60 Sand shiner, 69, 133 sapidissima, Alosa, 327 Sarcidium scopiferum, 99 Sanger, 279, 285 saxatile, Etheostoma, 303 Scaphirhynchus albus, 32, 36 platorhynchns, 34 platorynchns, 32, 34, 37 platyrhynchus, 34 Scaphirhyncho psplatyrhynchus, 34 Scaphirrhynchops platyrrhynchus, 34 Schilbeodes exilis, 219 insignis, 219 minrns, 224 noctnrnus, 218 species (nndescr.), 222 sciadicus, Fundulus, 229, 231 Sciaenidae, 28, 324 scopiferum, Sarcidium, 99 Sculpin, banded, 241 scylla, Notropis, 133 Semotilis atromaculatus, 78 Scmotilus atromaculatus, 64, 68, 78 atromaculus, 78 corporalis, 78 hammondii, 78 Serranidae, 28, 243 sesquialis, Extrarius, 95 Shad, American, 327 gizzard, 51, 244 Shiner, Arkansas Ri\er, 69, 135 big-eyed, 68, 119 big-mouthed, 69, 130 black-chinned, 328 black-nosed, 69, 141 bleeding, 67, 111 blunt-faced, 67, 120 common, 67, 113, 115 dusky-striped, 67, 110 emerald, 67, 102 ghost, 69, 139 golden, 66, 76 mimic, 69, 137 red, 67, 68, 125 red-finned, 67, 108 river, 69, 117 rosv-faced, 67, 104 sand, 69, 133 silver-banded, 67, 106 spot-finned, 68, 123 spot-tailed, 328 Topeka, 69, 128 white-tailed, 122 Short-nosed gar, 40 Shovel-nosed sturgeon, 32, 34 shumardi, Hadropterus, 295 Notropis, 67, 106 Percina, 280, 295 sicculus, Labidesthes, 240 Sickle-finned chub, 65, 94 Silver-banded shiner, 67, 106 Silver chub, 65, 92 Silver-jawed minnow, 328 Silverside, brook, 240 Silvery minnow, 71, 148 simpsonii, Ictalurus, 205 Skipjack, 51 Slender-headed darter, 280, 291 Slender madtom, 197, 219 Slim minnow, 70, 155 Slough darter, 281, 320 Smallmouth, 246, 248 Small-mouthed buffalo, 164, 173 Southern red-bellied dace, 81 sparoides, Pomoxis, 277 Pomoxys, 277 spathula, Polvdon, 38 Polyodon, 38 spatula, Lepisosteus, 327 Speckled chub, 64, 65, 95 Speckled darter, 280, 303 spectabile, Etheostoma, 281, 315 spectabilis, Poecilichthys, 315 spilopterus, Notropis, 68, 123 Spoonbill, 38 Fishes of Kansas 357 Spot-finned shiner, 68, 123 Spot-tailed shiner, 328 Spotted bass, 246, 250 Spotted gar, 40, 42 Spotted sucker, 165, 181 Squahus elontjatus, 78, 327 Stargazing darter, 328 Stickleback, brook, 328 stigmaeuni, Etheostoma, 280, 303 Stippled darter. 281, 310 Stizostedion americanuni, 282, 285 canadense, 279, 285 vitreum, 279, 282 stomias, Salnio, 60 Stonecat, 197, 221 Stoneroller, 70, 159 storeriana, Hybopsis, 65, 92 storerianus, Hybopsis, 92 straminea, Cliola, 133 stramineus, Notropis, 118, 120, 131, 133 Studfish, northern, 230 Sturgeon, lake, 32, 33 pallid, 32, 36 shovel-nosed, 32, 34 Sturgeon chub, 65, 97 sucetta, Erimyzon, 328 Sucker-mouthed minnow, 69, 99 Sucker, blue, 164, 166 spotted, 165, 181 white, 165, 193 sucklii, Catostomus, 193 Sunfish, 31 green, 247, 258 orange-spotted, 247, 266 red-breasted, 328 Tadpole madtoni, 197, 216 taurocephalus, Ceratichthys, 153 tchawytcha, Oncorhynchus, 60 tenellus, Ceratichthys, 155 Pimephales, 70, 155 teres, Catostomus, 193 tergisus, Hiodon, 58 H\'odon, 58 tetranemus, Extrarius, 95 Hxbopsis, 95 topeka, Cliola, 128 Notropis, 128 Topeka shiner, 69, 128 Topminnow, black-striped, 229, 232 plains, 229, 231 tristoechus, Litholepis, 45 Trout, brook, 60 brown, 61 cutthroat, 327 lake, 60 rainbow, 60 Trout-perch, 226 Trutta lewisi, 60 trutta, Salmo, 61 tshawytscha, Oncorhynchus, 60 turgisus, Hyodon, 58 Umbra limi, 327 umbratilis, Notropis, 67, 108 unicuspis, Ichthyomyzon, 32 Uranidea richardsoni, 241 uranidea, Cottogaster, 328 Percina, 328 urns, Ictiobus, 171 variatum, Etheostoma, 315, 328 Variegated darter, 328 varietum, Etheostoma, 315 velifer, Carpiodes, 164, 177, 179 Ictiobus, 179 velox, Micropterus, 248 vigila.v, Cliola, 153 Pimephales, 70, 153 vitreum, Stizostedion, 279, 282 volucella, Notropis, 137 volucellus, Notropis, 137, 139 vulgaris, Amiurus, 201 Wallexe, 279, 282 Warmouth, 247, 256 Western sand darter, 280, 298 whipplei, Etheostoma, 281, 308 whipplii, Etheostoma, 308 Poecilichthys, 308 White bass, 243 White cat, 210 White crappie, 246, 274 White perch, 325 White sturgeon, 36 White sucker, 165, 193 White-tailed shiner, 122 x-punctata, Hybopsis, 65, 89 Yellow bullhead, 196, 203 Yellow perch, 279, 287 zonale, Etheostoma, 281, 304 zonata, Notropis, 110 zonatus, Notropis, 67, 111 zebrinus, Fundulus, 235, 328 Zygonectes notatus, 232 n 31-6169 3 2044 093 361 590 Date Due krf^BIMII^ m-\ ^r\~?r\