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Ohio State Academy of Science

4 BM BM Special Papers No. 4. M BM #

The Fishes
of Ohio #&

BY

RAYMOND C. OSBURN, M. Sc.

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Published by the Academy of Science
with the Emerson McMillin
Research Fund.

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x « May, 1901 x x

Monograph

Ohio State Academy of Science.
SPECIAL PAPERS, No, 4.

The Fishes of Ohio.

BY

RAYMOND C. OSBURN, M. Sc.

PUBLISHED BY THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

WITH THE EMERSON McMILLIN RESEARCH FUND.

Pye? 1007.

COLUMBUS:
PRESS OF SPAHR & GLENN,
Igor. :

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NOTE.

The investigations upon which this paper is based were
made under two grants of fifty dollars each from the Emerson
McMillin Research Fund, and the results are now published by

the further aid of the same fund.
F. M. WEBSTER,
H. C. BEARDSLEE,
WILLIAM R. LAZENBY,
Trustees.

DEDICATION.

To the memory of my dear friend and teacher, the late
Professor David Simons Kellicott.

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Dit FISHES“OF OHLO,

An Authenticated List, with Especial Reference to Occurrence

and Distribution.

INTRODUCTION.

HE purpose of this work is to bring together the results of
53 the investigations on the fishes of Ohio, which have from
time to time been made in various localities within the
state, and to compile an authenticated list of the fishes of
Ohio, which shall include only such species as have been defin-
itely reported for the state by some collector. An attempt has
also been made to show the distribution in the state, of each
species, by citing all the records of occurrence which could be
obtained. ‘The results show that many species are so widely dis-
tributed and so abundant that they have been taken by every
collector in the state ; some are widely distributed, but nowhere
common; others have been taken commonly in one or two locali-
ties, but not elsewhere; and still others are so rare that only
single individuals have been recorded.

Before proceeding with the list it may be of interest to glance
at the work of some of the collectors of Ohio fishes, as shown by
their publications.

The work in the Ohio Valley was begun by C. S. Rafinesque,
in a paper dated at Louisville, Kentucky, July 20, 1818. This
paper was followed by a number of others in rapid succession,
and in December, 1819, to November, 1820, Rafinesque pub-
lished in a series of articles in the ‘‘ Western Review and Miscel-
laneous Magazine,’’ his ‘‘ Ichthyologia Ohiensis,’’ which, as Dr.
Call says, ‘‘laid the literary foundation of American Ichthyologi-
cal Science.’’ As Rafinesque’s paper covered the Ohio River
System, it is not definitely known how many species he took
within the limits of Ohio, but he mentions about twenty-five

6 | THE FISHES OF OHIO.

species as occurring in the streams of the state, Muskingum,
Hocking and Miami Rivers and the Ohio River “‘as far as Pitts-
burgh.’’ Rafinesque makes mention of one hundred and eleven
species as occurring in the Ohio and its tributaries, but of this
number, as Dr. Jordan says, ‘‘ upwards of forty-three are either
spurious or redundant.’’ Of the one hundred and thirty-four
native species now recorded for Ohio, Rafinesque described thirty-
four. Further comment on Rafinesque’s work is unnecessary, as
it has been reviewed by various later writers, especially by Dr.
Jordan. -Dr. R. E. Call has recently published an edition of
the Ichthyologia Ohiensis in the original text, accompanied by a
biographical sketch.

The first paper to appear, ene entirely with the fishes of
the state, was that by Dr. Jared P. Kirtland, published in the
Second Annual Report of the Geological Survey of Ohio, and
bearing date of November 1, 1838, at Cincinnati. In this paper
Dr. Kirtland gave a list of seventy-two species belonging to Ohio.
Of this number, at least twelve are redundant. In the ‘‘ Family
Visitor,’’ of 1850, however, Kirtland gave a corrected list, in
which seven doubtful species of his former list were omitted, and
two other species added, thus reducing his list to sixty-seven
species, of which number at least sixty-one are good. Kirtland
published other papers on Ohio fishes, his most important work
being ‘‘ Descriptions of the Fishes of Lake Erie, the Ohio River
and their Tributaries,’? which appeared in the ‘‘ Boston Journal
of Natural History,’ as a serial, in 1840-46. Hight species of
our present list were described by Dr. Kirtland, and his careful
work resulted in many valuable contributions to ichthyological
knowledge.

‘The next work of importance on Ohio fishes was that of Mr.
John H. Klippart, of the State Fish Commission, published in
the first and second annual reports of the commission. The first
report, for the years 1875-76, contains descriptions of twenty-five
species ‘‘ copied and arranged from the manuscript of Prof. D. 5S.
Jordan, by his assistant, Chas. H. Gilbert,’’ with comments and
notes by Klippart, and with plates of nineteen species drawn by
Miss Josephine Klippart. The same report also contains a list of
one hundred and eighty-five species of fishes “‘ supposed to occur

INTRODUCTION. 7

in Indiana, and therefore in Ohio.’’ In regard to this, Klippart
remarks, ‘‘ Messrs. Jordan and Gilbert’s Catalogue of the Fishes
of Indiana is here given, under the belief that the same species of
fishes found in Indiana south of the watershed may be found in
the waters of Ohio.’’ The list contains many species not recorded
for Ohio after the lapse of a quarter of a century, and some that,
owing to peculiarities of distribution, probably never will be
taken. ‘The second report contains descriptions of twenty-four
species “‘ arranged from manuscript of Prof. D. S. Jordan, by his
assistant, Mr. Ernest Copeland,’’ with plates of sixteen species.
As a whole the reports contain much that is good.

By far the most important paper on Ohio fishes is that by
Prof. David Starr Jordan, published in the fourth volume of the
Report on the Geology of Ohio, entitled a ‘‘ Report on the Fishes
of Ohio,’’ and bearing date of December 10, 1878. Dr. Jordan
was at that time connected with Butler University, in Indiana,
and his services in the preparation of the report were engaged by
Prof. J. S. Newberry, the State Geologist of Ohio. This report
contains, besides the synonymy and many valuable notes in regard
to habits, careful descriptions of a hundred and sixty-five species
of fishes supposed to occur in Ohio. Of this number, nine have
since proved to be redundant, while three others have been
reduced to varietalrank. Of the remaining number described,
more than fifty had not at that time been taken within the limits
of the state, but were included because their range was such as
made their occurrence within the state probable. Many of these
have since been noted, but at the time of publication of Jordan’s
Report only about one hundred species had been recorded for the
state.

Following Jordan’s Report, in more recent years have
appeared a number of papers dealing with investigations more
local in their nature, but all contributing materially to our knowl-
edge of the occurrence and distribution of Ohio species. The
first of these of which I have any knowledge, appeared in the
Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History, for July-
October, 1888, under the title, ‘‘ Contributions to the Ichthyology
o Ohio. No. 1,” by. Dr. J. A. Henshall, and gave a list, with
occurrence notes, of seventy species noted in Hamilton County.

8 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

This was followed in January, 1889, by a second paper, more
general in its nature, adding forty species noted at various points
in the state, and making a state list of a hundred and ten species
noted by himself. Localities were given for all the species
mentioned.

_In 1892 appeared ‘‘ A Descriptive List of the fishes of Lorain
County, Ohio,’’ as ‘‘ Laboratory Bulletin No. 2,’’ of Oberlin
College, by Mr. L. M. McCormick. This list includes eighty-
eight species “‘ resting upon specimens preserved in the museum,’’
with brief descriptions, and notes on occurrence and habits, and
with plates of eighteen species.

In 1893, Dr. Philip H. Kirsch, at that time Fish Commis-
sioner of Indiana, investigated the Maumee River and its tribu-
taries, under the direction of the U. S. Commission of Fish and
Fisheries. Kirsch’s paper, ‘‘ Report upon Investigations in the
Maumee River Basin During the Summer of 1893’’ (Bull. U.S.
Fish Com., 1894), includes a list of eighty-seven species of fishes,
with descriptions of the streams and lakes of the system, and
many interesting notes. The report includes the unpublished
notes of a small collection of fishes made in Defiance County by
Prof. S. E. Meek, in 1887. Although the investigations covered
portions of the Maumee Basin in Indiana and Michigan as well as
in Ohio, the occurrences for each locality are definitely noted,
and eighty-two of the eighty-seven species mentioned by Kirsch
are recorded for localities in Ohio.

In the summer of 1897, Mr. E. B. Williamson and the writer
investigated the streams of Franklin County, and published the
results in a paper entitled ‘‘A List of the Fishes of Franklin
County, Ohio, with a description of a new species of Etheostoma,
by R. C. Osburn and FE. B. Williamson’’ (Sixth Annual Proceed-
ings of the Ohio State Academy of Science, 1898). ‘The list
includes sixty-nine species, with occurrence notes, and some color
notes on the rarer species, together with see breeding dates,
and a table showing distribution.

A somewhat similar investigation was carried on in the sum-
mer of 1898, by Messrs. J. B. Parker, E. B. Williamson and the
writer, and the results appeared in the Seventh Annual Proceed-
ings of the Ohio State Academy of Science, 1899, under the title,

INTRODUCTION. on

‘‘A Descriptive List of the Fishes of Big Jelloway Creek, Knox
County, Ohio.’’ Many color descriptions of species in high.
breeding coloration are given, and some interesting breeding and
occurrence notes.

Prof. E. B. Williamson has kindly furnished the author with.
an unpublished list of twenty-six species taken by him in the.
vicinity of Salem, Columbiana County.

During the summers of 1899 and 1goo, aided by a portion of ©
the Emerson McMillin fund of the Ohio Academy of Science, the -
writer was enabled to investigate some parts of the state not
before studied, and, as the general distribution of the food fishes
was already quite well known, attention was turned more directly
to the smaller and less conspicuous species. As a result of the
investigation, several species not previously noted have been
added tothe list for the state, and a number of rare species.
recorded for new localities and their range extended, while the-
knowledge of the distribution of many of the more common
species in the state has been considerably furthered. Ten days.
spent in the vicinity of Ironton, seining in the Ohio River and
Ice Creek, a small tributary of the Ohio, and in Johns Creek, a.
tributary of Symmes Creek, gave some interesting results. The
Ohio River, with its tributaries, Wheeling Creek and McMahon
Creek, was also seined in the vicinity of Bellaire. The shallow
waters of Sandusky Bay were hauled in many places and /Votvopis
heterodon was added to the state list. "The Huron River, with.
one of its small tributaries, was seined in the vicinity of Milan,
and fifty species, nearly all common, were taken. Ashtabula
Creek, in Ashtabula County, was seined, but yielded only a
meager list, due to the fact that the stream flows for nearly its.
whole course over a solid shale bo‘tom. The small streams form-
ing the headwaters of the Wabash River, in Mercer County,
yielded a good representative list, forty-nine species being taken.
Stillwater and Wolf Creeks, tributaries of the Miami, near Day-
ton, were hauled, and Exoglossum maxillingua taken—a most |
unexpected find. The Cuyahoga River and its tributary, Break-
neck Creek, were seined near Kent, and the Cuyahoga again at_
Hawkins; Grand River, with its small tributaries, was hauled
for some distance above Painesville, and the Chagrin River was .

Zh© THE FISHES OF OHIO.

“touched at Willoughby ; Chippewa Lake, near Medina ; Summit
Lake, at Akron, and Pippin Lake, near Kent, were investigated,
and some time was also spent at Buckeye Lake, better known as
‘the Licking Reservoir; and the North Fork of Licking River,
with some of its small tributary streams, was seined near Newark.
The results of these investigations will be found embodied in the
occurrence notes of the following list.

No attempt was made to collect the parasites of fishes, but in
a few cases these were common enough to attract the attention of
even the casual observer. In Ashtabula Creek a species of leech
was found attacking the catfish. The largest of the leeches were
about one and one-half inches in length. They were found
usually attached to the lower jaw among the barbels, which in
color they closely resembled. Not a catfish was taken in this
stream but what bore the evidence of the work of this parasite,
aud frequently a half dozen leeches would be found on a single
small catfish. In the headwaters of the Wabash River, in Mer-
cer County, a species of crustaceous parasite was found in great
numbers attacking especially the suckers and minnows. So
numerous were they that it was difficult to find individuals of
Catostomus commersonit and Campostoma anomalum, the species
most affected, without at least one of these parasites. The points
of attack were chiefly the regions immediately behind the pectoral
and ventral fins, probably because they were most protected in
such position. A Myxosporid parasite attacking /Votropis cornutus
was noted for a number of localities in central and northern Ohio.
This species has been partially described by Linton ( Psorosperm
of Notropis megalops | cornutus|, Linton, Bull. U.S. Fish Com.
for 1889 (1891), IX, pp. 459-61, pl. 120, figs. 1-3), from speci-
mens taken by Mr. L. M. McCormick, in Black River, Lorain
County, September 1, 1890, and again on October 5, 1891; and
Gurley mentions it with additional notes (‘‘ The Myxosporidia
or Psorosperms of Fishes,’’?’ by R. R. Gurley, Report of the

Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries for 1892 (1894), 12. Genus:

et sp. incert., pp. 182-3, pl. 7, figs. 1-3). This Psorosperm has
been noted by the writer on JV. cornutus from Franklin County,
and from Licking Reservoir in the Ohio River drainage, and from
Huron River, Cuyahoga River, Grand River, and Chagrin River,

INTRODUCTION. II

tributary to Lake Erie. The species is evidently not, as believed
by McCormick, ‘‘ restricted to a very narrow geographical range.”’
The cysts formed by this parasite reproducing in the subcutan-
eous tissue may reach a diameter of one-third inch, and as many
as eleven cysts have been noted on a single fish. It would seem
‘that in some cases they must inevitably cause the death of the
host.

Specimens of all the species of fishes recorded by Kellicott,
Williamson, Parker and the writer are deposited in the museum
of the Ohio State University.

In the preparation of this paper free use has been made of
tthe works of the various writers on Ohio fishes, of ‘‘’ The Fishes
of North and Middle America’’ (Bulletin 47,.U. S. National
Museum), by Drs. David Starr Jordan and Barton W. Evermann ;
of Dr. O. P. Hay’s ‘‘ Lampreys and Fishes of Indiana’’ (19th
Annual Geol. Rept. of Ind.), and of the reports and bulletins of
ithe U. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. The classification
is that adopted by Jordan and Evermann in Bulletin 47, U.S.
Natl. Mus. The keys for the separation of families, genera and
‘species have, for the most part, been taken from the same work,
but modified and abridged to meet the requirements of the more
limited scope of this paper. The descriptions have been drawn
largely from the same source, but as far as possible these have
been verified for Ohio specimens, and modified as occasion
demanded to make them apply more closely to the species as
found in Ohio.

While it is not the purpose to discuss in this paper the gen-
‘eral anatomy of the fish, such as may be found in any good
laboratory guide on zoology, a few hints to the beginner in
regard to methods of procedure and to some particular points of
structure may here finda place. The teeth in some species are
borne on nearly all parts of the mouth and pharynx—premaxil-
laries, maxillaries, mandibles, vomer, palatines, tongue, hyoid
‘apparatus, pterygoids and pharyngeals, but may be wanting from
‘any or allof them. ‘The examination of all but the last men-
tioned can usually be satisfactorily made through the open mouth
‘by using a blunt dissecting needle or the head of a pin as a
“‘*feeler.’’ It is the determination of the number and arrange-

12 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

ment of the lower pharyngeal teeth that constitutes the particular
‘‘béte noire’’ of the uninitiated, but this must be mastered or
many identifications will be impossible. The lower pharyngeal
bones form the fifth pair of gill arches and usually bear teeth on
their inner surfaces, and to examine these it is necessary to
remove the bones. ‘This is most easily done in the case of the
minnows and other small species by lifting the opercle and insert-
ing a small hook behind the gills. In the sunfish and suckers.
and other larger forms it is best to run a scalpel around them
before attempting to remove them. ‘The teeth when removed are
usually covered, more or less, with broken tissues, which can be
removed by cleaning carefully with a fine-pointed needle, or with
a soft brush under water. Incase the teeth have been broken
off, as frequently happens, the bases can be distinguished. A
good hand lens is essential. In native minnows the pharyngeal
teeth are in one or two rows, and their number and arrangement
is expressed by a formula—thus 1,4-4, 2, meaning that on one
side the small, inner row consists of one tooth, and on the oppo-
site of two, while the teeth of the outer row are the same on both
sides. The fins are composed of stout spines, or soft rays or sf
both. In the fin formula the number of spines is expressed by
Roman characters, and the rays by the Arabic figures. Thus the
formula, ‘‘D. X, 14,’’ indicates that the dorsal fin is composed of
ten spines and fourteen rays. If the dorsal fin were in two parts
the formula would read ‘‘D. X-14.’’ In counting the number
of rays the undeveloped rudimentary ones are not usually consid-
ered except in the case of the catfish. A little allowance may be
made for variation in number of rays. In small specimens where
the rays are not always easy to count, a good way to determine
the number is to draw the point of a pin forward over the fin
near the base of the rays. A good lens is also useful. The
dorsal fin is usually referred to in descriptions as simply the
dorsal, and other fins in like manner. They are further abbrevi-
ated by using D., A., C., V. and P. to stand for dorsal, anal, caudal,
ventral and pectoral fins respectively. The scal:s are counted
along the lateral line (a longitudinal row of scales each with a
small pore in most fishes) from behind the opercle to the base of
the caudal fin, and the transverse rows are counted from the front.

INTRODUCTION. 13

of the dorsal fin to the lateral line and from the lateral line to the
middle of the belly. Thus the formula, ‘‘ 6—-45-4,’’ means that
there are forty-five scales in a longitudinal row, and that there are
six rows above the lateral line and four below it. If the lateral
line were absent the formula would read, ‘‘45-10.’’ Variations,
sometimes considerable, may be looked for in the scale formula.
The gill membranes (free folds of skin below the opercles, sup-
ported by one or more branchiostegal rays) may be ‘‘ connected,’’
that is, united together in a fold below the ‘‘isthmus’’ or space
between the throat and breast, they may be ‘‘joined to the
isthmus’’ along their lower edges, or they may be ‘‘ free’’ from
the isthmus and from each other. The pre-maxillaries are ‘‘ pro-
tractile’’ when they are separated in front from the skin of the
forehead by a transverse groove, and ‘‘not protractile’’ when
such transverse groove is incomplete or wanting. In some fishes,
as in the bass and many sunfishes there is a ‘‘ supplemental max-
illary’’ bone lying along the upper side of the maxillary. In
taking body measurements the depth is taken at the deepest
place, and the head is measured from point of snout to the end of
the opercle, except that in sunfishes the soft flap is not measured.
Depth and length of head are compared with the length of the
whole body exclusive of the caudal fin. Thus, ‘‘ head 4’’ means
that the length of the head is contained four times in the length of
the body. - The eye is measured to the full width of the orbit.
‘The writer desires to express his gratitude to the Depart-
ment of Zoology of the Ohio State University for the use of a seine
and other collecting apparatus, to Prof. Herbert Osborn for
kindly advice and assistance in many ways, and to the Trustees
of the Ohio State Academy of Science for pecuniary aid, through
the Emerson McMillin fund, in carrying on the work of seining.
Special acknowledgment is also due to Messrs. J. S. Hine, W. R.
ihoades, Chas: Carter, F. L. Landacre, J]. H. Pumphrey, S. E.
Rasor, Chas. Osburn, and others, who by kindly assistance in
various ways have so materially aided in the pursuit of the work.

tie FISHES. OF OHTO..

A. Body long and slender, eel-like ; skin smooth and slippery, wholly devoid of scales ;-
no paired fins; no lower jaw; the mouth placed in or near the center of a large,
circular and sucker-like disc ; a single median nostril; skeleton Cartilaginous.—

Class: MARSIPOBRANCHII (Cyclostomes).

AA. Body variously developed, scales usually but not always present; paired fins pres-—
ent ; lower jaw always present; nostrils never median.—
Class: Pisces (True Fishes).

Ofrss; . MARSIPOBRANCHITI.

Order: HYPEROARTII.

Family : PETROMYZONIDAE (Lampreys).
Key to Genera.

A. Sucker large, and furnished with numerous teeth which are in rows radiating from.
the mouth ; horny plate above the mouth short and provided with 2 or 3 teeth,
which are placed close together.— ICHTHYOMYZON.

AA. Sucker relatively small, and with few teeth; mouth overhung with a crescent—
shaped, horny plate, which terminates at each end ina distinct tooth; tongue
armed in front with a crescentic, serrated, horny plate.— LAMPETRA.

Genus: ICHTHYOMYZON.
Ichthyomyzon concolor (Kirtland). SILVER LAMPREY.

Sucking disk large, moderately fringed ; teeth strong and nearly uni--
form; two teeth on supraoral plate; seven in the transverse row below
mouth, the remaining teeth arranged in about four concentric circles. Dorsal
fin arising midway from snout to end of tail, broadly notched, continuous.
with caudal; anal fin also continuous with caudal. About fifty-two muscu-
lar grooves between gills and vent. General color bluish, sometimes.
blotched with black ; a dark blue spot above each gill opening. Length
about 12 inches.

This species appears to be distributed throughout the state,
though nowhere very common. It ascends small brooks in spring-
to breed. McCormick mentions finding females with ripe eggs
on May 22, in Vermillion river. The breeding date must be-
considerably earlier in central Ohio, as Messrs. Parker, William-
son and the writer took young larvze a couple of inches long in
Big Jelloway creek, Knox County, during the latter part of May,
1898. On the same date a large larva seven inches long was.
taken, so the species must continue in the larval stage something

_*It has been thought best to include here also the Lampreys (Marsipobranchi1) of
Ohio, for the reason that, in the popular idea, a lamprey is a “‘ fish.”

“16 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

~more than a year. One large larva, seven inches in length,
-showed the following colors: dull yellow, pigmented above with
fine, brown specks, giving to the back a brownish cast ; this is
interrupted in the mid-dorsal line, leaving a yellow, vertebral
‘line ; fins yellowish, brightest at base. Young larve, two and
one-half inches long, were light olive brown, with fine brown
specks above ; dark around base of anal fin. Eyes very slightly
developed. The young larvze were taken froma mass of sand
-and mud seined from the bottom of Sawmill Run.

The species was first taken by Dr. Kirtland in Big Miami
river, and described by him. He afterward recorded it from the
Mahoning and Scioto rivers. Vermillion river, McCormick, 1892 ;
Big Jelloway creek, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Hen-
-shall mentions one which passed through a hydrant in Cincinnati ;
-and Dr. Jordan says, ‘‘I have obtained several specimens with
Perch from Lake Erie, both external, feeding on the Perch, and
-internal, having been devoured by the fish.”’

Genus: WLAMPETRA..
Lampetra wilderi (Gage). SMALL BLACK LAMPREY;
BROOK LAMPREY.

Sucking disk smaller than in the preceding, the fringes longer. Dorsal

“fin arising midway from snout to end of tail, not continuous with caudal
~except during breeding season, when it is deeply notched. Below the mouth
is a transverse row of blunt, horny teeth, 5 to gin number. On each side
of the disk is a plate with three bicuspid teeth; supraoral plate with a
tooth at either end; remaining teeth few and weak. About 65 muscular
grooves between gills and vent. Color bluish black, lighter on disk and
“belly. Length’6 to g inches. :
Although from its range we might expect this species to occur
throughout the state, it has, I believe, been recorded for but one
‘locality. Mr. J. B. Parker has observed it to be common on the
‘ripples of small tributaries of Big Jelloway creek, in Knox
‘County, about the middle of April. Four specimens were cap-
tured at one dip of an insect net, and specimens taken by him are
tin the State University collection. The Ammocwtes bicolor, or
Blind Lamprey, ‘which Kirtland records from the Mahoning river
smay have been'the larva of either this or the preceding species,
cas the immature forms are so similar as to be almost indistin-

guishable. — it ay , ;

KEY TO FAMILIES. I7

Class: PISCES:

Sub-Class: ‘TELEOSToMI (True Fishes).
| Artificial Key to the Families of Fishes.
I, VENTRAL FINS PRESENT—ABDOMINAL.

A. Back with an adipose fin behind the single, rayed darsal fin.

B. Head with barbels about mouth and nostrils, body scaleless; a single spine in
each pectoral and in dorsal fin.— SILURID2.
BB. Head without barbels ; body scaled.
c. Dorsal, anal and ventral fins each with a small but distinct spine; scales
ctenoid.— PERCOPSID®.

CC. Dorsal, anal, and ventrals without distinct spine; scales not ctenoid.—
SALMONIDZ.
AA. Back without adipose fin.
DE Dorsal fin single, composed of rays, and not preceded by a series of free spines.
EB. Tail evidently strongly heterocercal.
F. Body naked; snout with a spatulate blade; mouth wide, without
barbels.— POLYODONTID&.
FF. Body with scales or bony plates or shields.
G. Body with 5 series of bony shields; mouth inferior, tooth-
less, preceded by four barbels.— ACIPENSERID2.
GG. Body scaly.
jek Seales cycloid; a broad, bony, gular plate; dorsal fin
many rayed.— AMIID2.
HH. Scales ganoid ; no gular plate ; dorsal fin short.—

LEPISOSTEID2.
EE. Tail not evidently heterocercal.

Ie Gill membranes broadly joined to the isthmus; head naked; no
teeth in jaws.
Me Lower pharyngeal teeth very numerous, in one row like the
teeth of a comb.— CATOSTOMID.
JJ. Lower pharyngéal teeth few, fewer than 8, in 1 to3 rows.—
CYPRINID.
II. Gill membranes free, not attached to the isthmus.
K. Head scaly, more or less.
L. Upper jaw not protractile, its lateral margins formed by
the maxillaries.
M. Jaws depressed, prolonged ; lateral line present.—

LUCID.
MM. Jaws short; no lateral line.— UMBRID.

LL. Upper jaw protractile, its margin formed by premaxil-
_laries alone; no lateral line.— POECILIIDZ.

KK. Head naked.
N. Lateral line well developed; mouth large, teeth all
pointed, some of them canine.— HIODONTID2&.
NN. Lateral line wanting.
O. Mouth small, inferior, toothless; stomach gizzard-

like.— DOROSOMATID2:.
OO. Mouth moderate, terminal; stomach not gizzard-
like.— CLUPEIDA:.

| 18 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

DD. Dorsal fin not asin D.
P. Dorsal fin single, preceded by free spines ; body scaleless.—
GASTEROSTEID®.
PP. Dorsal fins, two ; the first small, composed entirely of spines; body very
slender, covered with scales.— ATHERINID®.

II. VENTRAL FINS PRESENT—THORACIC OR SUB-JUGULAR.

A. Body covered with scales.
B. Rays of the ventral fins, I, 5.

c Lateral line extending on caudal fin to tip of middle rays.—SCIAENID2..
cc. Lateral line not extending beyond base of caudal fin.
D. Pseudobranchie or false gills on under side of opercles well devel-

oped; head scaled forward to between nostrils.—SERRANID®.
DD. Pseudobranchiz wanting or covered by skin.
E. Anal spines, 3 to 10; body more or less deep and compressed.—
CENTRARCHID.

EE. Anal spines, 1 or 2; body usually elongate.— PERCID.
BB. Rays of the ventral fins not I, 5.
F. Dorsal fin single, with 3 or 4 spines.— APHREDODERID. ©
FF. Dorsal tin divided into 2 distinct parts, spines wanting.— GADID®.
AA. Body naked ; dorsal fin with 6 or 7 spines.— COTTID.

III. VENTRAL FINS ENTIRELY WANTING.

A. Body long and snake-like; skin cov red with lonz imbedded scales at right angles.
to each other ; lower jaw projecting. — ANGUILLID®.

Serzes: GANOIDEI.
CHONDROGANOIDEA (THE CARTILAGINOUS GANOIDS).
Order : BEEACHOSTOMI.

Family: POLYODONTIDA.

Genus: POLYODON.

Polyodon spathula (Walbaum). PADDLE-FISH ; SPOON-BILL CAT.

A very peculiar looking fish, recognizable at once by its long, paddle-
shaped snout, which is about % the length of the body and is thin and flexi-
ble. The eyes are small and placed near the base of the snout ; opercular
flap long, reaching back as far as to the ventral fins. Caudal fin large,
forked, the lobes about equal. Color olivaceous, paler below. This singular
fish attains a length of 5 or 6 feet, but is of little or no economic importance.

c¢

Taken in the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, Kirtland; ‘‘ one
was taken in a pound net (in Lake Erie) near Vermillion in
1874,’ McCormick; ‘‘common in the Ohio river,’’ Henshall;
1888.

ACIPENSERIDA. IQ,

Order: CHONDROSTEI.

family: ACIPENSERIDA.

Key to Genera.

A. Spiracles present ; snout subconic; rows of bony shields distinct throughout ; the
tail not depressed nor mailed.— ACIPENSER.

AA. Spiracles obsolete ; snout subspatulate ; rows of bony shields confluent behind dor-
sal so that the depressed tail is completely mailed.— SCAPHIRHYNCHUS.

Genus: MACIPENSER.

Acipenser rubicundus Le Sueur. LAKE STURGEON;
OHIO STURGEON ; ROCK STURGEON.

Body elongate, terete, tapering towards snout and tail. Snout long and
slender in young, becoming more blunt with age. Body covered with large,
rough, strongly hooked shields, which become smoother with age. Color
dark olive above, sides paler or reddish, with sometimes irregular dark spots.
Length 6 feet. ©

This species occurs both in Lake Erie and the Ohio river.
Those from the Ohio, formerly considered as belonging to a
separate species, 4. maculosus, are now regarded as the young of
A. rubicundus. ‘‘’The Ohio river as far as Pittsburg,’’ Rafin-
esque (Rafinesque made six species out of this and Scaphirhyn-
chus platorynchus, which he included in the same genus); Lake
Erie and Ohio river, Kirtland ; Lorain County, very common,
McCormick, 1892; abundant in the Ohio river, Henshall, 1888 ;
Lake Erie (west end), Kirsch, 1893.

Genus: SCAPHIRHYNCHUS.

Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Rafinesque).
SHOVELNOSE STURGEON.

Body slender, head broad, becoming suddenly broader just behind the
eyes. Snout flat and pointed. The body tapers gradually backward from
the head to the tail, the upper lobe of which ends ina long, slender filament.
Body protected by five rows of bony shields, which are keeled and hooked.
Color olive, paler below. Length 5 feet.

‘“Very common in the Ohio, but seldom reaching as high as
Pittsburg,’’ Rafinesque ; ‘‘common in the waters of the Ohio,’’
Kirtland ; ‘‘ common in the Ohio,’’ Henshall, 1888.

20 THE FISHES: OF SOETO:

HOLOSTEI (THE Bony GANoIDs).
Order: RHOMBOGANOIDEA.
Family ; VEPISOSTEIDA.
Genus: LEPISOSTEUS.

Key to Species.

A. Large teeth of upper jaw in I row on each side.
B. Beak long and slender, snout more than twice the length of head.— __ osseus.
BB. Beak shorter and broader, little longer than the rest of the head.—p/atostomus.
AA. Large teeth of upper jaw in 2 rows on each side; beak short and broad, not longer
than rest of head.— tristechus.

Lepisosteus osseus (Linnaeus). COMMON GAR PIKE;
BILLFISH ; GAR.

Snout at least twice as long as the rest of the head, and quite slender,

its least width being contained I5 or 20 times inits length. Color olivaceous

above, paler below. Young with round, black spots on vertical fins and
posterior part of body, these becoming less distinct with age. Very young
with black, lateral band. Length 5 feet.

A voracious, good-for-nothing fish, but interesting to the
naturalist on account of its structure and habits. A common

and widely distributed species, being found in Lake Erie and

Ohio river, and in all the larger streams of the state. They are
very common in the Scioto river below Columbus, where the river

in summer is rotten with filth from the sewers of the city. They

thave a peculiar habit of lying motionless in schools at the top of
the water. Dr. Kirtland records the species for the state as
““found in most of the larger tributaries of the Ohio;’’ Lorain
County, Lak2 and lower part of larger streams,’’ McCormick,
a892; Ohioriver and Lake Erie, Henshall, 1889 ; Maumee river,
Blanchard river, Auglaize river, Hoaglin creek and Beaver creek,
Kirsch, 1893; Scioto river at Columbus, Williamson and Osburn,
1897; Ohio river at Ironton, John’s Creek at Waterloo, Huron
river at Milan, and Sandusky Bay, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Ohio
River at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque. SHORT-NOSED GAR.

Distinguished from ZL. osseus chiefly by the snout, which is only a little
longer than the rest of the head—never more than 134 times the léngth of

LEPISOSTEIDAY—AMIIDA. 2f

the head. The snout is also comparatively broader than in Z. osseus, its
least width being contained only 5 or 6 times in its length. Coloration much
as in LZ. osseus.

Rare in Lake Erie and its tributaries, more common in the
Ohio and its tributary rivers. Ohio, Miami and Scioto rivers,
Rafinesque; Maumee river at Toledo, ‘‘a single specimen,’’
Kirsch, 1893; Lorain county, ‘‘very rare,’?’ McCormick, 1892 ;
Sandusky Bay, one specimen, and Ohio river at Ironton, R. C.
Osburn, 1899.

Lepisosteus tristcechus (Bloch and Schneider). ALLIGATOR GAR.

Snout shorter than in either of the preceding members of this genus,
being usually shorter than the head. It is also comparatively much broader,
its least width being contained in its length 3% times. Length 8 or Io feet.
‘‘ 4 huge, muscular, voracious fish, useless as food, remarkable for its arma-
ture of enameled scales.’’

This species is included on the authority of Dr. Kirtland,
who says (Rept. on the Zool. of Ohio, 1838): .‘‘A specimen is
to be seen in the Cincinnati Museum, said to have been taken
within the bounds of our state.’’ Jordan and Evermann (Bull.
47, U. S. Natl. Mus.) give its range as far as Cincinnati, whether -
on added evidence I do not know.

Orch -CY CLOGANOIDEA.
Family: AMIIDA.

Genus: AMIA.

Amia calva Linnaeus. DOGFISH; BOWFIN ; GRINDLE.

Head 3% in length ; depth 4 to 4%; D. 48; A. Ioto 12; V. 7; scalesim
lateral line 67 ; lateral line nearly median, directed slightly upward at either
end. Color dark olive or blackish, paler below; lower jaw usually with
round, dark spots ; fins somewhat mottled. Male with a round, black spot
at base of caudal above, surrounded by a yellowish or orange shade. Length,
male 18 inches ; female 2 feet.

Lake Erie, Kirtland; Lake Erie and Ohio river, Jordan ;
Lorain County, ‘‘ Rare, once in a great while one is brought in
from the pounds, and I have taken one in Black river,’’ McCor-
mick, 1892; Lake Erie, Henshall; one specimen from the
Maumee river at Toledo, Kirsch, 1893; Huron river and San-
dusky Bay, R. C. Osburn, 1899.

22 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Series: “TERBOS TET
Order: NEMATOGNATHI.

Family: SiLuRipa} (The Catfishes).
Key to Genera.

A. Adipose fin, with its posterior margin free.
B. Premaxillary band of teeth truncate behind; not produced backward at the
outer angles.

C. Supraoccipital bone continued backward from the nape, its notched tip
receiving the bone at base of dorsal spine, so that a continuous bony
bridge is formed under the skin ; caudal fin forked.— IcTALURUS.

CC. Supraoccipital not reaching as far as dorsal fin, the bony bridge more or
less incom plete.— AMEIURUS.

BB. Premaxillary band of teeth with a lateral backward extension on each side;
lower jaw projecting.— LEPTOPS.
AA. Adipose fin keel-like, adnate to the back.
Be Band of teeth in upper jaw, with a backward extension at its outer posterior
angle as in Lepfops.— NOTURUS. .
BB. Band of teeth in upper jaw without backward extension, as in Amefurus.—
‘“SCHILBEODES.

Genus: ICTALURUS.

Key to Species.

PX Anal fin very long, its rays 32 to 35.— Jurcatus,
AA. Anal fin shorter, its rays about 26.— punctatus.

Ictalurus furcatus (Le Sueur). CHUCKLE-HEADED Cart.

Head 4% ; depth 4 in adults to 5% in young. Anal fin long, of 32 to 35
rays. Eye small, wholly anterior, the middle of the head being behindsits
posterior margin. Humeral spine not reaching middle of pectoral spine.
Color silvery, sometimes spotted with darker. Sometimes reaching a weight
of over 40 pounds.

‘“T have seen one or two specimens taken at Cincinnati,’
Jordan ; ‘‘common in the Ohio river,’’ Henshall, 1888. Not
recorded elsewhere in the State.

Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque). CHANNEL CAT; BLUE CAT;
WHITE CAT; LADY CAT.

Head 4; depth 5; anal fin of 25 to 30 rays, usually 27 in Ohio speci-

‘mens. Eye large, the middle point of the length of the head being near its

posterior margin. Barbels long, those of the maxillary reaching beyond

gill opening. Humeral process long, more than % the length of pectoral

spine. Color light olivaceous, becoming silvery or pale on sides and belly ;
the sides usually with distinct round, dark spots, these becoming less dis-
tinct with age. Young specimens usually have a gaunt, faded-out, ‘‘con-

sumptive’’ look. It reaches a weight of about 25 pounds.

SILURID&. 23

Distributed throughout the state, but more abundant in the
Ohio and tributaries. Rafinesque records it under the name
Pimelodus (Silurus) maculatus, ‘‘ as far as Pittsburg.’’ Kirtland
mentions it under the name Pimelobus coerulescens, as ‘‘ common
to the Ohio and lake waters,’’ and as P. pallidus, ‘‘ common. in
the Ohio at Cincinnati.’’ The latter is identical with the former.
Abundant in Ohio and Little Miami rivers, Henshall, 1888 ;
Lorain County, common, McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at
Toledo and Grand Rapids, Kirsch, 1893; Muskingum river at
McConnellsville, Prof. D. S. Kellicott, 1895 ; Franklin County,
““common in all larger streams, especially in Big Walnut creek,’’
Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Ohio river and Ice creek at
Ironton, Wabash river at Celina, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Chippewa
lake, Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1g00.

Genus: AMEIURUS.
Key to Species.

A. Caudal fin forked.— lacustris
AA. Caudal fin not forked.
B. Anal fin long, of 24 to 27 rays (counting rudiments).— nata’ts.
BB. Anal fin shorter, of 17 to 22 rays.
C. Lower jaw projecting. Anal rays 20.— vulgaris.

CC. Lower jaw not projecting.
D. Pectoral spines long, 2to 2% in head ; anal rays 20 to 23.—nebulosus.
DD. Pectoral spines shorter, 2% to 3 in head; anal rays 17 to 19.—melas.

Ameiurus lacustris (Walbaum). MISsISsIppI CAT; GREAT
FORK-TAILED CAT.

Head 4, low, broad and depressed, its upper surface quite flat, its width
2 its length. Depth 5; D. 1-5; A. 25 to 32, base of the fin as long as head.
Humeral process short, only a little over % the length of pectoral spine.
Body stouter than in the preceding genus. Caudal fin deeply forked. Color
dark olivaceous or slate, growing darker with age; belly pale, no dark spots
on sides. Our largest catfish, said to reach a weight of 150 pounds or more.

In Ohio this species is well distributed, being found in the lake,
Ohio river and larger streams. Kirtland does not record this
species, probably confusing it with his P2melobus coerulescens
(Ictalurus punctatus). Common in the Ohio river, Henshall,
1888 ; Lorain County, common in the lake and lower parts of
the rivers, McCormick, 1892; Franklin County, two specimens
taken in Big Darby creek; one of these, a female weighing 4%
pounds, contained eggs, June 21, 1897, Williamson and Osburn.

24 THE FISHES OFPVOHIO:

Ameiurus natalis (Le Sueur). YELLow Cart.

Head broad and short; upper jaw slightly projecting. Body stoutish ;
the back low, not arched. Anal fin long, its base contained in length of
body 3% to 3% times; its rays 24 to 27. Color usually brownish or yellow-
ish, sometimes black ; belly pale or yellowish. Length about a foot. Ohio
specimens seem to fall into the nominal variety cupreus, as indicated by the
longer upper jaw.

This is a common species in most parts of Ohio, occurring in
nearly all streams and lakes. ‘‘ The yellow catfish I have only
seen in the Cincinnati markets, where it is comparatively rare,’’
Kirtland ; Lake Erie, Henshall, 1889 ; Lorain County, .‘‘ common
in the ponds, streams and lake,’’? McCormick, 1892; Maumee
river at Antwerp, Defiance, Grand Rapids and Waterville, Tiffin
river at Brunersburg, Sugar creek at Lima, Lost creek at Lima,
Blanchard river at Findlay and Ottawa, Beaver creek at Grand
Rapids, ‘‘ seemingly scarce at all of these points,’’ Kirsch, 1893;
Franklin County, Scioto river, Olentangy river,-Big Walnut,
Little Walnut and Darby creeks, and Hell Branch, Williamson
and Osburn, 1897; Ohio river at Ironton, John’s creek at Water-
loo, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash
river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks at Dayton, North Fork
of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Chippewa lake,
Summit lake, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1goo.

Ameiurus vulgaris (Thompson). LONG-JAWED CATFISH.

Head 3% to 4, a little longer than broad, considerably narrowed forward
when viewed from above, lower jaw distinctly projecting. Body somewhat
elongate and compressed, the back somewhat elevated. Analrays 20. Color
dark brownish or black, becoming white rather abruptly on the belly.
Length 18 inches.

The Long Jawed Catfish is not common in Ohio, but seems to
be widely distributed. Jordan mentions it as ‘‘taken in Lake
Erie and occasionally in the Ohio’’ ; Henshall in 1889 records it
for ‘Lake Ene;. Lorain) County," Martin's. rim, yonlyeome
recorded,’’ McCormick, 1892; two specimens from the Ohio
canal at Columbus, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Pippin lake,
R: €:.Osburn, 1900:

ee

SILURIDA. 25

Ameiurus nebulosus (Le Sueur). COMMON BULL-HEAD ;
HORNED Pout.

Head broad and flattened, upper jaw noticeably the longer. Body rather
elongate, depth 4 to 4%. Anal fin with 20 to 22 rays, its base contained 4
times in length of body. Humeral process more than % the length of the
rather long pectoral spine. Color dark brown or brownish yellow, usually
somewhat clouded, sometimes nearly black. Length 18 inches.

A very common species in the lake and its tributaries, less
common in the Ohio river drainage, but found in all larger
streams. ‘‘ Occasionally seen in the Cincinnati markets,’’ Kirt-
land ; Lake Erie, Henshall, 1889 ; Lorain County, ‘‘common in
all streams,’’ McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at Cecil and
featervine, Bish creek at Edgerton, St. Mary’s river at St.
Mary’s, Gordon and Lost creeks near Cecil, Tiffin river at West
Unity and Brunersburg, Auglaize river at Wapakoneta, Clover-
dale, Oakwood and Defiance, Sugar creek at Cloverdale and Lima,
Lost creek at Lima, Blanchard river at Findlay and Cloverdale,
Hoaglin creek at Oakland, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County,
Scioto river, Olentangy river, Mason’s run, Big Walnut, Little
Walnut, Big Darby and Alum creeks, Williamson & Osburn,
1897 ; Huron river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, Ashtabula creek at
Ashtabula, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Pippin lake, Summit lake, R. C.
Osburn, I900.

Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque). BLACK BULL-HEAD.

Body stout, short and deep, back high, the profile nearly straight to base
of dorsal fin. Head broad, rounded in front, jaws about equal. Pectoral
spine short, its length contained 2% to 3 times in length of head. Anal fin
short and deep, its base 4% to 5 in length of body, rays 17 to 19, the light
colored rays contrasting sharply with the dark membranes. Color almost
black, sometimes brownish or yellowish, the belly pale or yellowish. This
species shares with the three next preceding the name of Bull-head, the
ordinary fisherman not drawing very fine distinctions in regard to species.

The Black Bull-head is the most abundant species of catfish in
the state, found in nearly all streams and ponds of whatever size,
and especially in the Ohio river drainage. It is less abundant in
the lake drainage. Itis a mud loving speciesand is less likely to
be found in clear, swift streams than in muddy, stagnant bayous.
A, xanthocephalus Rafinesque is now recorded as synonymous

£26 THE FISHES OR ZOMIO:

‘with A. melas. Recorded by Kirtland as A. xanthocephalus, and
by Jordan as A. melas and szanthocephalus. ‘‘ Very common in
‘Ohio and Little Miami rivers and Mill creek,’’ Henshall, 1888 ;
‘Lorain County, ‘‘common in all streams and ponds,’’ McCor-
mick, 1892; Maumee tiver at Cecil and St. Mary's tiveamar
Rockford, Kirsch, 1893 ; Franklin County, in nearly all streams,
Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek at Howard,
Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898; Ohio river at Ironton,
Huron river at Milan, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and
Wolf creeks at Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at Newark,
R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Sandusky, Prof. D. S. Kellicott, Williamson
and Osburn, 1896; Niggermill run at Salem, E. B. Williamson,
1900 ; ‘Sandusky bay at ‘‘ Black Channel,’’ Breakneck creek and
Cuyahoga river near Kent, and Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn,
1900; June 22 is given as a breeding date by Williamson and
Osburn.

Genus: LEPTOPS.
Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque). Mup Cart.

Body slender, depressed forward, the head extremely flat, the lower jaw
the longer. Dorsal spine very weak, only % the height of the fin ; caudal
fin slightly emarginate ; anal short, its base about 4 the length of body, its
rays12to15. Yellowish, much mottled with brown and greenish, whitish
below. Size large, reaching a weight of 50 to 75 pounds.

Jordan says, ‘‘ This species abounds in the Ohio river and its
larger tributaries,’’ but it is probably common nowhere in Ohio
except in the southwestern part of the state. Henshall records
it for White Oak creek and the Ohio river, 1889; and in 1892
McCormick mentions the occurrence in Lake Erie, Lorain
County, as ‘‘quite rare; I have seen but one specimen! fresh)
though I have noticed heads on the beach.’’

Genus: NOTURUS.
Noturus flavus Rafinesque. YELLOW STONE CAT.

Head broad and flat, much depressed, 4 in length of body. Body terete,
‘tail compressed. Soft dorsal fin keel-like, separated from caudal by a deep
notch. Dorsal spine very short, only % as long as pectoral spine ; caudal
‘rounded ; anal short, itsrays about 16. Brownish yellow, varying into bluish
-or blackish. Length 1 foot.

SILURID.. 27

Widely distributed and generally common in suitable locali-
ties. It is found most abundantly on stony ripples of the larger
streams, and on sandy and gravelly bottoms of rivers and lakes.
‘Occasionally found beneath stones in the Mahoning river,’’
Kirtland ; ‘‘ much more abundant in the Ohio and its immediate
tributaries than in the streams of the interior,’ Jordan ; ‘‘ abun-
dant in Little Miami river, Mill creek and nearly all streams’”’
(Hamilton County), Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ larger
streams and the lake,’’ McCormick. 1892; Maumee river at
Defiance, Grand Rapids and Waterville, Fish creek at Edgerton,
St. Mary’s river at Rockford, Auglaize river at Cloverdale and
Defiance, Blanchard river at Ottawa, Hoaglin creek at Oakland,
and Blanchard river and Sugar creek at Cloverdale, Kirsch, 1893 ;
Franklin County, ‘‘abundant in all larger streams, Scioto and
Olentangy rivers, Big Walnut, Little Walnut, Alum, Big and
Little Darby creeks, Black Lick and Hell Branch,’’ Williamson
and Osburn, 1897; Knox County, Big Jelloway creek, Parker,
Williamson and Osburn, 18¢8; John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron
diver at Milan, North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C.
Osburn, 1899; Lake Erie at Sandusky, frequently thrown up
dead on the beach by the waves; not noticed in Sandusky bay,
few@ecime creck ‘at Bridgeport, Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C.
Osburn, 1900.

Genus: SCHILBEODES.
Key to Species.

BS, Pectoral spine entire or grooved behind, never retrcrsely serrate; adipose fin high
and continuous, not separated by a notch from the caudal.— ZyvvInus.
AA. Pectoral spine distinctly serrate behind.

B. Adipose fin nearly or quite free from caudal; color nearly plain brownish,
saddle-like blotches faint, everywhere pigmented with fine dots; anterior
edge of pectoral spine retrorsely serrate.— eleutherus.

BB. Adipose fin not quite free from caudal; color much variegated, back with dis-
tinct saddle-like blotches ; pectoral spine strong, its anterior edge with few
serrations.— MiUrUus.

Schilbeodes gyrinus (Mitchill). CHUBBY STONE CaT;
TADPOLE CAT.

Head large, broad and depressed, 314 to 4 in length; mouth wide, jaws

( about equal. Body short and stout, pot-bellied, shaped much like a tadpole.
Caudal peduncle comparatively long and compressed. Pectoral spine not
serrated behind, but grooved instead. Anal fin with 13 rays. Soft dorsal

28 THE FISHES OF OBTO:

continuous with caudal, scarcely notched. Color yellowish brown or brown-
ish olive, nearly uniform ; a distinct narrow, black line along lateral line.
Length 5 inches.

Rather irregularly distributed, but common in suitable locali-
ties. Dr. Jordan (Ohio Rept.) says of this species and .S. mezurus
that ‘‘ their habits are similar, they are usually found together
and are about equally abundant in Ohio,’’ but in the writer’s.
experience .S. #ezurvus has been found much more generally dis-
tributed, occurring in the open water of streams, usually on
gravelly or stony bottom, while gy7vzmzus seems to prefer the
quiet of lakes and ponds, and in the course of several years col-
lecting the two species have never been taken together. 5S.
gyrinus was observed by Prof. D.-S. Kellicott, Mr. E. B. Will-.
iamson and the writer to be common among the decaying vegeta-
tion in shallow water in Sandusky Bay in 1896; ‘‘ Ross lake,’’
Henshall, 1889; Lorain County, ‘‘ Common on mud banks in
the lower parts of streams entering the lake,’’ McCormick, 1892;
Maumee river at Toledo, St. Mary’s river at St. Mary’s, ‘“‘every—
where scarce,’’ Kirsch, 1893 ; Franklin County, Mason’s run and
Big Darby creek, rare, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Sandusky
Bay, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Summit lake, Licking reservoir, R. C..
Osburn, 1900.

Schilbeodes eleutherus (Jordan).

Head broad and flat, much depressed, narrowed anteriorly, 33/ in body ;
upper jaw much longer than the lower, which is included. Body much of
the same form as that of S. mzurus, but with the back somewhat higher ;
depth 4% in length. Soft dorsal free from caudal, or only very slightly con-
nected. Color nearly uniform brown above, lighter below, flecked every-.
where except on middle of belly, with black dots. Distinguished from
S. miurus, which it most nearly resembles, by the free adipose fin, the longer
upper jaw and the absence of distinct, black, saddle-like blotches on the back.
Length 4 inches.

I know of but one specimen of this very rare species taken
within the limits of the state. This was taken in Big Walnut.
creek, Franklin County, by Mr. E. B. Williamson and the writer,,
Junees rao07%

SILURIDA. 29

Schilbeodes miurus (Jordan). CROSS-BARRED STONE Cart.

Head very much depressed, rounded anteriorly, 334 in length; upper
jaw longer but not so much so as in the preceding species. Depth about
5 in length; back scarcely elevated ; adipose fin connected with caudal, but
more or less deeply notched. Conspicuously mottled with gray and blackish,
with 3 or 4 definite black blotches across the back. Length, 4 inches.

A rather common and widely distributed species. Ohio river
at Raccoon I., Henshall, 1889; Lorain County, quite rare, Ver-
million and Black rivers, McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at
Antwerp, St. Joseph river at Edgerton, St. Mary’s river at Rock-
ford, Tiffin river at West Unity and Brunersburg, and Auglaize
river at Cloverdale, Oakwood and Defiance, ‘‘In an old mill race
which empties into Tiffin river near West Unity large numbers
were caught, common in Hoaglin creek near Oakwood, rather
scarce at all other points,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, gen-
erally common, abundant in Big Walnut, taken also in Scioto
river, Olentangy river, Black Lick, Little Walnut, Big Darby
and Alum creeks, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Ohio river at
Ironton, John’s creek at Waterloo, Sandusky Bay, Ashtabula
creek at Ashtabula, Wabash river at Celina, North Fork of Lick-
ing river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Ohio river at Bellaire,
R. C. Osburn, 1900. Females were observed with ripe eggs from
June 25 to July 6, 1897, by Mr. Williamson and the writer.

30 THE FISHES OF (OHIO:

Order: PLECTOSPONDYLI.
Sub-Order: EVENTOGNATHI.
Family: Catostomipa (The Suckers).

Key to Genera.

A. Dorsal fin elongate, developed rays 25 to 50, air bladder in 2 parts.

B. Fontanelle present, body ovate, scales large.
c. Mouth large, more or less terminal, protractile forward; pharyngeal
bones and teeth moderate, large species of dark color.— ICTIOBUS.

cc. Mouth smaller, inferior, protractile downward; pharyngeal bones nar-
row, the teeth thin and weak ; smaller species, pale in color.—

CARPIODES.
BB. Fontanelle obliterated by union of parietal bones; body elongate; scales.
rather small; lips thick and papillose.— CYCLEPTUS.

AA. Dorsal fin short, to to 18 developed rays.
D. Air bladder in 2 parts.
15), Lateral line present, complete and continuous; scales small, more than
50 in lateral line.— CATOSTOMUS.
EE. Lateral line interrupted or wanting, scales large, less than 50 in lat. line.
F. lateral line entirely wanting.— ERIMYZON.
FF. Lateral line more or less developed, especially in the adult.—
MINYTREMA.
DD. Air bladder in 3 parts; scales large; lateral line complete.
G. Mouth normal, the lower lip entire or merely lobed, the upper lip pro-
tractile.
H. Pharyngeal bones moderate, the teeth compressed, not molar-like,
increasing in size gradually downward.— MoOxXOSTOMA.
HH. Pharyngeal bones very strong, the lowerteeth very much enlarged,
cylindrical and truncate, molar-like.— PLACOPHARYNX.
GG. Mouth singular, the upper lip not protractile, greatly enlarged, the lower
lip developed as two separate lobes.— LAGOCHILA.

Genus: ICTIOBUS.
rey to Species.

A. Mouth large, terminal, protractile forward ; lips very thin, lower pharyngeals and
teeth weak.— cyprinella.

AA. Mouth smaller, more or less inferior, and with thicker lips; pharyngeal bones.
stronger ; the teeth comparatively coarse and large. ‘
B. Back scarcely elevated, depth 3 to 3% in length.— uUrus.
BB. Back elevated and compressed, depth 2% to 234.— bubalus.

Ictiobus cyprinella (Cuvier and Valenciennes). COMMON BUFFALO FISH ;.
RED-MOUTHED BUFFALO.

Head very large and thick, 3% inlength ; depth 2% to3%. Developed
rays of dorsal fin 27 to 29; anal g; ventrals 10. Scales 7-37 to 41-6. Body
robust, moderately compressed, the outline somewhat elliptical, but the back
rather more curved than the belly. Opercular apparatus very strong, the
operculum forming nearly % the length of the head. Color dull brownish
olive, not silvery, fins dusky. Length nearly 3 feet.

CATOSTOMID AS. 31

According to Jordan, the Red-mouthed Buffalo Fish abounds
in the Ohio river and its larger tributaries, and Henshall reports
it ‘‘ very common in Ohio river.’’ Not reported for any other
locality.

Ictiobus urus (Agassiz). MONGREL BUFFALO; RAZOR-BACKED BUFFALO.

Head very stout, strongly transversely convex, thicker, larger and less
pointed than in /. dubalus, about 4 in length. Eye about equal to snout, 5%
in head, much smaller than in /. dubalus. Mouth large, considerably
oblique, approaching that of /. cyfrinella. Body much less elevated and
compressed than in /. dubalus, the back not at all carinated ; 3 to 34% in
length. D. 30; A. 10; scales 8-41-7. Longest ray of dorsal scarcely ¥% the
length of base of fin; anal rounded. Colors very dark, fins all black. ‘‘ Not
always separable from /. cyprinella, and perhaps not really different.’’

Ohio river at Cincinnati, Henshall, 1889. Not mentioned by-
any other collector.

Ictiobus bubalus (Rafinesque). BUFFALO FISH; SMALIL-MOUTHED
BUFFALO ; RAZOR-BACK ; SUCKER-MOUTHED BUFFALO.

Hlead moderate, triangular in outline when viewed from the side, 4 in.
length, mouth quite small: Body considerably elevated and compressed
above ; the dorsal region sub-carinate, the belly thicker ; depth 2% to 23f.
Highest dorsal ray reaching much beyond middle of fin; D. 29; A. 10;
V. 10; scales 8-39-6. Color brownish olive, paler below, the lower fins
slightly dusky. Length 30 inches.

Recorded by Rafinesque for the Ohio, ‘‘as far as Pittsburg.’’
Also recorded for the state by Kirtland. ‘‘ Abundant in the Ohio.
river,” Henshall, 1888. Not recorded for any other point of the-
state.

Genus: CARPIODES.
Key to Species.

A. Body sub-fusiform, depth about 3in length. Dorsal with about 30rays.— carpio.
AA. Body ovate oblong, the back eleva’ed, depth about 2% in length.
B. Lips thin, silvery white, the halves meeting in a wide angle.
& Head large, snout blunt ; eye large, 3% to 4.— difformis.
CC. Head small and pointed, the snout projecting, eye small, 5 to 5% in.
head.— thompson.
BB. Lips full, thick, reddish in life, the halves of lower lip meeting in an acute -
angle.— velifer.

Carpiodes carpio (Rafinesque). BIG CARP SUCKER.

Head comparatively short, 4 to 5 in body. Body more fusiform than in_
Others of the genus, compressed, but not much arched, depth 2% to 3..

32 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Anterior rays of dorsal short, much thickened and osseus at base, especially
in adults, the longest ray a little more than ¥% the base of the fin, which con-
sists of 30 rays; caudal moderately forked. Eye medium, anterior, 4% in
head. Muzzle short, but projecting beyond mouth. 36scales in lateral line.

Limited in its distribution to the Ohio and its larger tribu-
taries. ‘‘ The commonest species of its genus in the Ohio river,
and it is often found in the streams of the interior,’’ Jordan.
Very abundant in the Ohio river, Henshall, 1888; Ohio river at
Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Carpiodes difformis Cope.

Snout very blunt, the maxillary reaching to front of pupil. Nostrils
very near tip of snout. Lips thin, silvery colored in life, the lower q-shaped.
Head 4% in body; depth 2% to 234, the back considerably elevated. Eye
quite large, 3% to 4 in head. D. 24, its first rays very high; A. 8; V. 9;
scales, 6-35-4.

Recorded for the state by Jordan, under the name of C,
cutisanserinus (Cope), as ‘‘ abundant in the Ohio.’’ C. cutisan-
serinus 1s now regarded as identical with C. difformzs. ‘* Abund-
ant in Ohio river, young common in Little Miami river,’’ Hen-
shall, 1888. Klippart, in his first report, says of this species,
that it ‘‘abounds in Lake Erie, but this must be a mistake, prob-
ably in regard to the species, as C. difformts is not, I believe,
known to occur in the St. Lawrence System.’’

Carpiodes thompsoni Agassiz. LAKE CARP.

Body stout, short, the back much elevated, depth 2% in length. Head
small, 4 to 4% in length, the snout pointed; lips thin, white, meeting at a
wide angle. Eye small, 5 to 5% in head. Tip of lower jaw much in advance

-of nostrils ; maxillary reaching line of orbit. Dorsal of about 27 rays, aris-

ing about midway from snout to base of caudal, its anterior rays high, % as
long as base of fin. A.7; V. 10; scales rather closely imbricated, 8-39 to

-Ao-6.

‘Abundant in Lake Erie. I have examined many specimens

‘from Sandusky ' Bay,’’ Jordan; Lake Hrie, Henshall, 1ééo)

Lorain County, ‘‘not very common,’’ McCormick, 1892; Lake
Erie at Toledo, Jordam-and ‘Hvermann (Bull.-47,°U:-S. Navi

Mus. ).

CATOSTOMIDA. a2

Carpiodes velifer (Rafinesque). Qui_L BACK; SPEARFISH.

Head 33/ to 4; lips thick, full, flesh-colored in life, the halves of the
lower meeting at an acute angle; muzzle projecting, conic; eye 4 to5in
head. Back much arched ; depth 2% to 3. Dorsal fin of about 27 rays, the
anterior rays very long and filamentous, sometimes as long as the base of the
fin. Caudal deeply forked, its lobes slender, the upper lobe the longer.
Scales 7-35-5.

Recorded by Rafinesque for the Ohio river as far as Pittsburg.
‘‘Quite common in Ohio river, young ones common in Little
Miami river and tributaries,’’ Henshall, 1888; Maumee river at
Antwerp, Defiance, Grand Rapids and Toledo, Tiffin river at
Brunersburg, Auglaize river at Cloverdale, Oakwood and Defi-
ance, Blanchard river at Ottawa and Cloverdale, Hoaglin creek
near Oakland, Beaver creek at Grand Rapids, ‘‘ rather common
at all these points,’’ Kirsch, 1893 ; Scioto river, Scioto Big Run,
Mason’s Run and Hell Branch, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ;
Scioto river at Ironton, Wabash river at Celina, Wolf creek near
Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn,
1899; Breakneck creek and Cuyahoga river near Kent, Chippewa
lake, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMahon’s
Run at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Cycleptus elongatus (Le Sueur). BLACK HORSE ;
MISSOURI SUCKER.
Depth 4 to 5; head 6 to 8%; eye small, 6 to 7in head. D. 30, its long-
est ray a little longer than head; A. 7 or 8; scales 9-56-7. Color very dark,
males in spring almost black. Length 2% feet.

Apparently confined in this state to the Ohio river. ‘‘ As faras
Pittsburg,’’ Rafinesque. Recorded for the Ohio by Kirtland and

by Jordan, and Henshall in 1888 mentions it as ‘‘ not uncommon
in the Ohio river.

34 THE, SELSERE S SOE ORO.

Genus: CATOSTOMUS.

Key to Species.

AC Head transversely convex above, the orbital rim not elevated, scales in lateral line
60 or more.
Be Scales in lateral line about roo.— catostomus.
BB. Scales in lateral line 64 to 70.— COMLMEYSONI1.
AA. Head broad, depressed, and transversely convex between the orbits; scalesin lateral
line, 48 to 55. NIZVICANS.

Catostomus catostomus (Forster). NORTHERN SUCKER.

This species can at once be distinguished from the others of the genus
occurring in Ohio, by the great number of scales in the lateral line, 95 to 114.
About 29 cross rows between dorsal and ventrals. Head broad above, pointed
in front ; snout a little longer than remainder of head and much overhang-
ing the mouth. Body rather slender and somewhat terete. D. 10; A. 7.
Color, above, smoky gray; below, white. Length 2% feet.

This species is one of northern distribution, probably not
occuring in the tributaries of the Ohio. ‘‘ Quite abundant in
Lake Erie,’’ Jordan (Ohio Rept. ), 1878; Lake Erie, Henshall
1889.

Catostomus commersonii (Lacepede). COMMON SUCKER ;
FINE-SCALED SUCKER.

Head rather conical, 44 in length of body, flattish above, but not con-
cave between the eyes. Body moderately stout, terete or sub-terete, becom-
ing heavier at the shoulders with age, depth 4 to 5 in length. D. 11 or 12;
scales small, 10-64 to 70-9. Color olivaceous, tending toward blackish on
‘back and lateral line. Length 18 inches.

One of the commonest species in the state, found in abund-
ance in nearly every stream. Recorded for the state by Kuirt-
land for the Big Miami, and small brooks of northern Ohio ;
‘Swarming in every pond and stream in Ohio,’’ Jordan (Ohio
Rept.); Hamilton County, ‘‘ Everywhere abundant,’’ Henshall,
1888; Lorain County, ‘“‘ Very common in all our waters,”
McCorinick, 1892 ; recorded by Kirsch for nearly every locality
seined in the Maumee River System, 1893; taken by Mr. Wil-
hamson and myself in every stream in Franklin County, 1897;
in every stream of the Big Jelloway Creek System in Knox
County, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898; taken by myself
in 1899, at the following places: Ohio river and Ice creek at

CATOSTOMIDA. SS

Ironton, John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at Milan, Ashta-
bula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and
Wolf creeks near Dayton, and North Fork of Licking river at
Newark ; and in 1900 in the Cuyahoga river at Hawkins, Break-
neck creek near Kent, Chippewa lake, Grand river at Painesville,
Chagrin river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio
river and McMahon’s Run at Bellaire, and Licking reservoir.

Catostomus nigricans Le Sueur. Hoc SucCKER; STONE ROLLER.

Head large, concave between the eyes, 44% in length. Body -nearly
terete, depth 4% to5. D.10 or 11; scales 48 to 55 in lateral line. Color,
olive, becoming brownish on the back, which is crossed by several dark,
irregular blotches ; belly white. Length 2 feet.

This Sucker is very widely distributed over the state, being
found in all suitable localities. Its especial haunts are clear,
stony ripples and rock-bottomed pools. Not taken in lakes.
Kirtland records it as two species, //ypentelium macropterum and
Catostomus nigrans; “extremely abundant in every running
stream in Ohio,’ Jordan (Ohio Rept.); Hamilton County,
““everywhere abundant,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County,
McCormick, 1892; Kirsch, 1893, records it for the streams at
nearly all points investigated in the Maumee River System, ‘‘ none
taken “in the lakes’’; Franklin County, Scioto river, Olentangy
river, Scioto Big Run, Grant’s Run, Big Walnut creek, Rocky
Fork, Black Lick, Alum creek, Big and Little Darby creeks and
Hell Branch, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; every stream in the
Big Jelloway Creek System, Parker, Williamson and Osburn,
1898 ; Ohio river and Ice creek at Ironton, John’s creek at Water-
loo, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash
river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton and
North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ;
Cuyahoga river at Hawkins, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin
river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river
and McMahon’s creek at Bellaire, and the outlet of Licking

eservoir into Licking river, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

36 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: HRIMYZON.
Erimyzon sucetta oblongus (Mitchell). SWEET SUCKER ;
CHUB SUCKER.

Head 4 to 44% in length; snout not projecting ; eye 4% to 43¢ in head.
Body stout, compressed ; depth in adults about 3, but younger specimens.
much more slender ; back arched, old specimens becoming quite gibbous at
the nape. Lateral line entirely wanting. Scales about 4o, closely imbri-
cated and somewhat crowded anteriorly, sometimes showing irregularities of
arrangement. Length 1oinches. Color varying with age, in adults brown
or brownish olive above, with a tendency to brassy on sides and belly ;
younger specimens are plain olivaceous, occasionally bright, ‘‘ gold-fish
yellow’’ ; very young with a distinct, black lateral band, which breaks up-
into blotches a little later. Ohio specimens show some variations between
the typical Z&. sucet/a and the variety oblongus, but seem to agree more
closely with the variety than with the typical form.

The Chub Sucker, or Sweet Sucker, is widely distributed over
the state, but its occurrence is irregular. At some points itis an
abundant species, at others rare. ‘‘ Common in Little Miami and
Ohio rivers,’’ Henshall, 1888 ; ‘‘ not common, I have taken a few
in the lower part of Beaver creek,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Maumee
river at Toledo, St. Joseph river at Edgerton, St. Mary’s river at
St. Mary’s, Tiffin river at West Unity, Lost and Gordon creeks
near Cecil, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Scioto river, Scioto:
Big Run, Grant’s Run, Big Darby, Little Darby and aie
Branch, Osburn and Williamson, 1897; Ohio river at Ironton,,
Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton,
R. C. Osburn, 1899; Licking reservoir, K. B. Williamson ; San--
dusky Bay, very common in Black Channel, Grand river at:
Painesville, Chagrin river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at
Bridgeport, and Ohio river and McMahon creek at Bellaire, R. C.
Osburn, Igoo.

Genus: MINYTREMA.
Minytrema melanops (Rafinesque). WINTER SUCKER ; SPOTTED SUCKER}
STRIPED SUCKER.

Head 4Y ; snout round, a trifle projecting. Body elongate, somewhat
terete, back somewhat arched in front of dorsal fin; depth about 4. D. 127
A. 7. Scales about 46. Lateral line wanting in young, present but more or
less interrupted in adults. Coloration dusky olive above, each scale with a.
more or less distinct black spot at its base, these forming rows along the
rows of scales. Length about 18 inches.

CATOSTOMIDAS, 37

Not usually a common species, though widely distributed.
Recorded by Kirtland, 1838; Hamilton County, Little Miami
and tributaries, Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ Rare, Ver-
million river and Beaver creek,’’ McCormick, 1892; Maumee
river at Grand Rapids, St. Joseph river at Edgerton, Fish creek
at Edgerton, St. Mary’s river at St..Mary’s and Rockford,
Auglaize river at Wapakoneta and Cloverdale, Blanchard river at
Findlay, Kirsch, 1893 ; Franklin County, Scioto river, Olentangy
river, Black Lick, Little Walnut and Big Darby, Williamson and
Osburn, 1897 ; Stillwater creek near Dayton, and Wabash river
near Celina, R. C. Osburn, 1899. At the latter place, in a series
of pools formed by the outlet of St. Mary’s reservoir, the species
was taken in abundance, the only time I have ever taken more
than a few individuals in one locality.

Genus: MOxXOSTOMA.

Key to Species.

A. Dorsal fin of 15 to 18 rays; lower lip V-shaped.— anisurum.
AA. Dorsal fin of less than 15 rays; lower lip truncate behind, not evidently V-shaped.
B. Head rather large, 4 to nearly 5in length, snout little projecting.—aureolum.
BB. Head smalland conic, about 5% in length, the snout much projecting beyond
the small mouth.— breviceps.

Moxostoma anisurum (Rafinesque). WHITE-NOSED SUCKER.

Head short and broad, flattened above, 3% to 44% in length, eye midway
ain head, 4 to 5 in its length. Body compressed; back high, considerably
amore arched than in J7, aureolum, depth 3% in length. Fins all large.
Color bright olivaceous to smoky above, white or silvery on sides and belly.
Most easily distinguished from other species of the genus occurring in Ohio,
by the long dorsal fin, containing from 15 to 18 rays.

This species is found in both the Lake and Ohio river drain-
age, but is not usually very common, and is confined to the larger
streams. Ohio river, ‘‘as far as Pittsburg,’’ Rafinesque. Given
by Jordan (Ohio Rept.) as three species—J7/. anisurum, of which
he says, ‘‘I have seen a few specimens, obtained in the Cincin-
nati market’’; MZ. velatum, ‘‘ frequently taken in the Ohio river
and its tributaries,’’.and JZ, carpio, from Lake Erie and the Ohio
at Cincinnati and Marietta. These three are now regarded as
synonymous (See Bull. 47, U. S. Natl. Mus.). Hamilton County,

38 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

not uncommon in Ohio river, Henshall, 1888; Lorain County,
McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at Antwerp, Defiance and
Toledo ; Tiffin river at West Unity and Brunersburg, Auglaize
river at Cloverdale, Oakwood and Defiance; Blanchard river at
Ottawa, Hoaglin creek near Oakwood, Beaver creek at Grand
Rapids, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Scioto river, Olentangy
river and Alum creek, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Ohio river
at Ironton; Huron -river at “Malan R. "°C." Osburn, 1860. 7@me
river at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn; 1900.

Moxostoma aureolum (Le Sueur). RED-HORSE ; MULLET;
WHITE SUCKER.

Head 4 to 5, flattened above ; snout slightly projecting ; eye 43/ in head.
Body rather stout, somewhat compressed ; back, little elevated; depth 4 in
length. D. 13. or more rarely 12 or 14; A. 7; scales about 45. Coloroliva-
ceous above, sides silvery ; lower fins reddish, especially during the breed--
ing season.

Until very recent years this has been recorded as two species,
the short-headed, small-mouthed form as JZ. auveolum, and the
more ordinary form as J7. macrolepidotum duquesnii (Ie Sueur).
This matter is cleared up by Jordan and Evermann (Bull. 47,
U.S. Natl. Mus.). It is very probable that some collectors have
confused the short-headed form with JZ. breviceps (Cope), as I
can find no record of AZ. breviceps for Ohio 1n any paper preceding
Bull. 47, U. S. Natl. Mus., in which 1t is recorded as ‘abimdamt
in some portions of the state. However, as I have no direct evi-
dence of any such error, I include all records for J. aureolum
and JZ. macrolepidotum dugquesnit under AZ. aureolum. Ohio
river, ‘‘ as far as Pittsburg,’ Rafimesque ; recorded forthe stare
by Kirtland as Catostomus aureolus, C. Duguesnit and C. ery-
thurus ; Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in all streams explored,”’
Lake Erie, Henshall, 1888-89; Lorain County, McCormick,
1892; Maumee river at Defiance, Grand Rapids and Waterville,
St. Mary’s river at Rockford, Auglaize river at Oakwood, Sugar
creek at Lima, St. Joseph river at Edgerton, west. end of Lake
Erie, Kirsch, 1893 ; Franklin County, ‘‘abundant,-taken in alk
but the smallest streams,’’ Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Knox
County, Big Jelloway creek system, ‘‘ abundant, the young fry

CATOSTOMID A. 39

ascending even the smallest brooks,’’ May 26 given as a breeding
date, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Ohio river and Ice
creek at Ironton, John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at Milan,
Sandusky Bay, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash river at
Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork of
Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run
at Salem, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Cuyahoga river at Hawkins,
Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at Willoughby, Wheel-
ing creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMahon creek at
Wheeling, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Moxostoma breviceps (Cope).

Form of a Coregonus, with deep, compressed body, small head, and a
conic snout, which overhangs the very small mouth. Caudal fin, with the
‘upper lobe falcate, much longer than the lower. Dorsal fin short, high,
falcate, the anterior rays 114 to 1% times base of fin, the free border much
concave. Depth 3% inlength. Head5to5%. D.120r13. Scales 6—45-5.
Lower fins bright red.

‘Abundant in Lake Erie; our specimens from Sandusky,
Toledo and Cincinnati,’’ Jordan and Evermann (Bull. 47, U. S.
Natl. Mus. ).

Genus: PLACOPHARYNX.

Placopharynx duquesnii (Le Sueur).

Head 4; snout rounded, projecting ; lower jaw somewhat oblique when
closed ; eye 4% in head. Body rather stout, somewhat compressed, in form
like that of J7. aureolum,; D. 13; A. 7 (not 9, as is usually given, in any
Ohio specimens I have seen); scales 6-45-6. Lower pharyngeal bones very
strong, the lower teeth on these bones very strong and molar-like, little
compressed, and having broad grinding surfaces. ‘

This species so closely resembles 7, aureolum that it can be
positively distinguished only by the appearance of the lower
pharyngeal teeth, and it has no doubt been much overlooked.
Recorded by Jordan (Ohio Rept.) on the strength of a skeleton
found by Dr. J. M. Wheaton in the Scioto river at Columbus, one
of the very few specimens known at that time. The species has
since proved to be well distributed over the state, though not
usually abundant. Hamilton County, not rare in the Ohio, Hen-
shall, 1888; Lorain County, Lake Erie, common with other

40 THE FISHES OF (OHIO.

mullets, McCormick, 1892; Franklin County, Scioto river, Olen-
tangy river and Big Darby creek, Williamson and Osburn, 1897;
Ohio river at Ironton, Wabash river at Celina, R. C. Osburn,
1899 ; Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Génus: AVACOCHIELA.

Lagochila lacera Jordan and Brayton. HARE-LIP SUCKER;
CuT-LIPS.

Head short, conical, with lengthened snout, the region between the eyes
flattened and with prominent mucous ridges. Cheeks and lower part of head
rather swollen. Opercle much reduced, its greatest length scarcely greater
than diameter of eye. Head 4% in length. Eye 4% in head, 2 in length of
snout. Body rather slender, depth 474. Dorsal fin rather low, its rays 12 ;
A. 73 V.9; scales 5-45-5. Mouth very singular ; the upper lip is broad and
fleshy, not separated from the skin of the forehead by a crease ; at each side
of the mouth a sharp fold of skin is formed, which descends to the mid line
below, passing under the lower jaw, but is separated from that of the oppo-
site side by a longitudinal crease; in front of these the fleshy lower lip is
split into two large depending lobes.

This species has been recorded for but three localities in the
state. Its rare occurrence in the state was first noted by
Dr. Jordan in Klippart’s ‘‘Second, Annual Report of the Ohio
State Fish Commission for 1877,’’ where he says: ‘‘ Mr. Klip-
part finds it very abundant in the Scioto, where it has been over-
looked by all the collectors from Rafinesque and Kirtland down,’’
and Mr. Klippart further comments: ‘‘ The fisherman assured
me that he had taken them several years in succession.’’ Twenty
years later, the investigations on the fishes of Franklin County, |
carried on by Mr. Williamson and the writer, and extending over
a period of several years, failed to bring to light a single speci-
men of this species, though the Scioto river was hauled in many
places. The species has been taken in the state by Kirsch, in
1893, in the Auglaize river at Cloverdale, and in the Blanchard
Tiver at Ottawa.

KEY TO GENERA.—CYPRINIDA. 4I

Family: Cyprinipa (The Minnows).
Key to Genera.

I. (Dorsal fin long, with 2 or 3 spines, and 18 or 2orays ; introduced species.

A. Teeth in 3 rows, I, I, 3-3.1, 1, all molar; 4 barbels.— CYPRINUS.
AA. Teethin 1 row, 4-4, molar, but compressed ; barbels wanting.— CARASSIUS.)

II. Dorsal fin short, without developed spine.

A. Air bladder surrounded by many convolutions of the very long alimentary
canal.— CAMPOSTOMA.
AA. Air bladder above the alimentary canal, not surrounded by convolutions of the
intestine.
B. Alimentary canal more than twice the length of body; teeth in 1 row?
peritoneum usually black.
ec. Teeth 5-5 or 4-5; scales minute.— CHROSOMUS.
CC. Teeth 4-4; scales larger.
D. A small barbel present at base of maxillary ; color silvery.—
‘ HYBOGNATHUS.
DD. Barbel wanting; color olivaceous, little silvery.—PIMEPHALES.
BB. Alimentary canal less than twice the length of body; peritoneum usually
silvery.
E. Lower jaw normally formed, dentary bones free from each other
except at the symphysis.
F. ‘Teethin main row 5-5 or 4-5.
G. Abdomen rounded behind ventral fins, not compressed
into a scaleless ridge; anal basis short.
H. A minute barbel present on maxillary at a little

distance above its base.— SEMOTILUS.
HH. Maxillary without barbel.
I. Teeth in 2 rows, 2, 4-5, 2.— LEUCISCUS.
II. TYeethinzrrow, 5-5. Mouth extremely small.—
OPSOPCODUS.
GG. Abdomen compressed behind ventral fins into a sharp,
scealeless ridge; anal basis longer.— ABRAMIS.

FF. Teeth in main row 4-4.
Tie Maxillary without barbel.
K. No cavernous lymph spaces visible in pene
sub-opercle and inter-opercle.
re. First (rudimentary) ray of dorsal detached
from the first developed ray and connected
to it by a membrane; a conspicuous black
spot at base of caudal and dorsal.—CLIoLa.
LL. First (rudimentary) ray closely attached to
first developed ray.— NOTROPIS.
KK. Mandible, sub-opercle and inter-opercle, with con-
spicuous, externally visible, cavernous lymph
chambers.— ERICYMBA.
JJ. Maxillary barbel present.
M. Premaxillaries not protractile, connected to skin of
‘ forehead in the median line without a cross
groove; teeth 2, 4-4, 2. RHINICHTHYS.
MM. Premaxillaries protractile, a cross groove separat-
ing them from the skin of forehead in front; only
1 tooth in lesser row.— HYBOPSIS.
“EE. Lower jaw singularly formed, the dentary bones parallel and united
for their entire length ; a conspicuous, fleshy lobe on each side at
base.— EXOGLOSSUM.

A2 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: CYPRINUS.

Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus. THE CARP.

The Carp may be readily distinguished from any of our native Cyprinid@ by the
presence of four long barbels, and by the very long dorsal fin—about 20 rays—preceded by
a stout spine, which is serrated behind. Anal fin short, of about 5 rays, also preceded by
aspine. The lower pharyngeal teeth, unlike those of any native American Minnow, are
in 3 rows, I, I, 3-3,1, 1. The lateral line is complete. Many varieties have resulted from
cultivation. Chief among these are the ‘‘ Full-scale,”’ in which the body is covered with
strong scales, after the formula, 6-40-5; the “‘ Half-scale’ or ‘‘ Mirror,” characterized by a
few rows of very large scales; and the ‘‘ Leather Carp,’’ in which the scales are entirely
absent.

The Carp was first introduced into the state to stock ponds and lakes,
but, escaping from cultivation, has become generally distributed over the
state and occurs in streams as well as ponds and lakes. Recorded for the
state by Henshall, 1889, in Ross lake and Little Miami river; Lorain County,
occasionally taken in the rivers, McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at Toledo
(abundant), St. Marys river at Rockford, Tiffin river at West Unity, and
west end of Lake Erie (abundant), Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, ‘of
general distribution throughout the county,’’? Williamson and Osburn, 1897;
Knox County, Big Jelloway creek, ‘‘ very common,’’ Parker, Williamson
and Osburn, 1898; very common in Sandusky Bay, R. C. Osburn, 1899;.
Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river at Bellaire, and Licking reservoir,.
RR. CoOsbiirn oo;

Genus: CARASSIUS.

Carassius auratus (Linnaeus). GOLDFISH.

The Goldfish may be distinguished from our native Minnows by the very long dorsal’
fin, preceded bya stout, serrated spine; the anal of 7 rays, witha similar spine. From.
the Carp it is distinguished by the absence of the barbels about the mouth, and by the
teeth, which are 4-4. Asin the Carp, cultivation has produced many varieties.

It has escaped from cultivation in some parts of Ohio, and has been
reported by Henshall, 1888, as ‘‘ not rare in the canal basin near Elmwood,
Hamilton County.

Genus: ‘TINCA.

Tinca tinca (Linnaeus). TENCH.

In the spring of 1898 afreshet carried away the banks of an artificial
lake on the grounds of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and many
of the Tench, with which the lake was stocked, escaped into the Olentangy
river. In September of the same year specimens were taken at the mouth.
of the small stream flowing from the lake to the river. Whether the Tench.
will hold its own in the streams of Ohio yet remains to be seen.

CYPRINIDS. 43

Genus: CAMPOSTOMA.

Campostoma anomalum (Rafinesque). STONE-ROLLER;.
STEEL-BACKED CHUB; MAMMY : DOUGH-BELLY.

This species is most easily distinguished by an examination of the intes-
tine, which is very long and is wound in many convolutions about the air-
bladder. This arrangement is peculiar to this genus among all known fishes.
Head 4; depth 42; eye 5 to 5% in head; D. 8; A. 7; scales 7-48-6; teeth 4-4.
Body stoutish. Snout somewhat decurved, mouthinferior. Color brownish,.
almost black in adult breeding males; sides brassy, irregularly mottled with
dark olivaceous or brown; fins usually plain, in breeding males the dorsal is
tinged with orange, a black bar through its middle, other fins more or less
tinged with orange. Entire dorsum of breeding males covered with tuber-
cles. Young with a dark lateral band extending onto gill covers and between.
eye and tip of snout. Length 6 to 8 inches.

A very abundant and widely distributed species, generally
most abundant in small streams and on ripples of larger ones..
First recorded for the state by Kirtland under the name Exog/os-
sum lesueurianum ; given by Jordan as ‘‘extremely abundant in
every stream in the state’’; Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in
every stream explored,’’ Henshall, 1888 ; Lorain County, ‘‘ com-.
mon in most of our streams,’’ McCormick, 1892; Franklin
County, ‘‘ very abundant everywhere,’’ Williamson and Osburn,
1897 ; Big Jelloway creek system, ‘‘ apparently the most abund-
ant species,’ Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898; recorded
for many places in the Maumee river system (not taken in St.
Mary’s river) by Kirsch, 1893; Ohio river and Ice creek at
Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula,
Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton,
Hob fork of Ticking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn,: 1899;
Niggermill Run at Salem, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Cuyahoga
river at Kent and Hawkins, Breakneck creek at Kent, Chippewa.
lake, Summit lake, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at
Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and
McMahon creek at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn,,
1900. :

44 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: CHROSOMUS.
Chrosomus erythrogaster Rafinesque. RED-BELLIED DACE.

Head 4; depth 4; eye 34%. D:. 8; A. 8; teeth 5-5; scales 16-85-10:
Body rather elongate, the head pointed; mouth small, terminal, somewhat
oblique. Lateral line developed backward about as far as the dorsal fin.
Color above, brownish; a black vertebral line, bordered on either side by a
row of black dots; sides creamy white, bordered above and below with a
black band, the lower the wider and extending forward through eye; under
parts white, in breeding males entirely suffused with vermillion; fins all
bright sulphur yellow, the dorsal with a bright red spot at its base, anteriorly;
females and young less brilliantly colored. Length 2 to 3 inches.

The Red-bellied Dace is widely distributed and is generally
abundant where found, but it is strictly a ‘‘ brook species,’’ being
confined to small clear streams and spring runs. Recorded for
the state by Dr. Kirtland ; Lorain County, ‘‘ I have found them
in but one stream, Spring brook,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; ‘‘ collected
by Prof. Meek in Lost: creek, “mear Defiance,” Kirsehireeae
Franklin County, Grant’s Run and Plum Run, tributaries of the
Scioto river, in abundance, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Knox
County, Parker’s Run, a tributary of Big Jelloway creek, “in
considerable numbers,’’ Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ;
Licking County, occurring in abundance in spring runs tributary
to North Fork of Licking river near Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899;
Niggermill Run at Salem, E. B. Williamson, 1goo.

Genus: YBOGNATHUS.
Hybognathus nuchalis Agassiz. SILVERY MINNOW.

Head 4% to 5; depth 4%; ‘eye 4; D. 8; A. 7; teeth 4-4; scales 5-38-4.
Body elongate, comparatively slender. Head moderate, the profile evenly
‘curved; upper jaw heavy, lower thin. Scales large and silvery, 12 to 14 in
front of dorsal. Lateral line decurved. Intestines very long, 7 to Io times
the length of body. Color olivaceous green above, translucent in life; sides
-clear silvery; fins plain. Length 4 to 7 inches.

This species seems'to be confined to the southwestern part of
the state. Jordan, in his Ohio Report, gives it as abundant in
small streams flowing into the Ohio river, but Dr. Henshall
records it for only White Oak creek and the Ohio river, and in
my work at Ironton and Bellaire I failed to find it. This species
is not mentioned by any other collector.

CYPRINIDS. 45

Genus: PIMEPHALES.

Key to Species.
7. Lateral line more or less incomplete; body very short and stout.— promelas.

AA. Lateral line complete; body moderately elongate.-- notatus.

Pimephales promelas Rafinesque. FAT-HEAD.

Head 4; depth 33 to 4; eye 4. D.I, 7; A. 7; scales 7 or 8-43 to 47-5 or-
6. Body very short and deep. Head short, everywhere convex, almost
globular in adult males. Scales deep, closely imbricated; lateral line incom-
plete. Color dark olivaceous above, paler below; a dark lateral band and
caudal spot; dorsal fin with a dusky shade through it at the middle, Breed-
ing males with the head nearly black, with tubercles on snout and lower
jaw. Length 2% inches.

Recorded by Kirtland. Given by Jordan as most abundant
in small streams flowing into the Ohio ; Hamilton County, ‘‘ very
abundant everywhere,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ not
common, but found in most of the streams,’’ McCormick, 1892 ;
Maumee river at Cecil, Lost and Gordon creeks near Cecil, Sugar
ereek at Lima, Kirsch, 1893; Knox County, Big Jelloway creek,
rare, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Ohio river at Iron-
ton, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near
Dayton, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run at Salem, E. B.
Williamson, 1900; Pippin lake, Cuyahoga river at Hawkins,
Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, rgoo.

;

Pimephales notatus (Rafinesque). BLUNT-NOSED MINNOW.

Head 4°34; depth 4% to 5; eye 4. D.I, 7 or 8; A. 7; scales 6—45-4, 22 in
front of dorsal, much crowded and irregularly arranged anteriorly. Body
rather elongate. Head moderate, the snout very blunt and convex; top of
head depressed; mouth small, inferior, horizontal. Color olivaceous, some-
times very dark; a black spot at base of dorsal fin in front. Males in breed-
ing season with the head black or nearly so, and with about 16 large tuber-.
cles on the snout. Length 4 inches.

This species is much more abundant than the preceding.
‘Swarms in all the streams of the state,’’ Jordan; Hamilton
County, ‘‘ the most abundant minnow,’’ Henshall. 1888; Lorain
County, ‘‘ very abundant in small streams,’’ McCormick, 1892 ;
Kirsch records it for every stream of the Maumee river system
explored in Ohio; Franklin County, ‘‘ our most abundant minnow,

46 THE FISHWS (On O10:

in great numbers in every stream,’’ Williamson and Osburn,
1897 ; Knox County, abundant in every stream of the Big Jellow-
way creek system, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Ohio
river and Ice creek at Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Sandusky
Bay, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula,* Wabash river at Celina,
Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork of Licking
river near Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run at
Salem, Mahoning river, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Pippin lake,
Chippewa lake, Summit lake, Cuyahoga river at Kent and Haw-
kins, Breakneck creek at Kent, Grand river at Painesville, Cha-
grin river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio
river and McMahon’s creek at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R/€.
Osburn, 1900.

Genus: SEMOTILUS.

Semotilus atromaculatus (Mitchill). HorNED DACcE; CHUB.

Head 334; depth 43; eye 5 to5%. D.7; A. 8; scales 9-55 to 60-6, about
30 in front of dorsal; teeth 2, 5-4, 2. Head large and heavy, broad and
rounded above; snout broad; mouth broad, oblique; a small barbel on the
maxillary some distance above its posterior end, not evident in young speci-
mens. Body stout, arched in front of dorsal. Dorsal inserted behind ven-
trals. Color dusky olivaceous or bluish above, paler below; sides with a
brassy luster; an indistinct lateral band and caudal spot (these markings
distinct in young). Dorsal with a black spot at its base anteriorly. Sides
of head and lower fins rosy in breeding males. These have also the snout
covered with tubercles. Length ro inches.

A widely distributed species, occurring abundantly in brooks
throughout the state, less commonly in the larger streams, and
rarely in lakes. In seining up stream the increase in number of
individuals of this species as the headwaters are approached is
very noticeable. Kirtland, following Rafinesque, recorded it for
the state as two species, S. dorsalis and \S. cephalus. Both are
synonyms of S. atvomaculatus. Hamilton County, “‘abundant in
all streams,’’ Henshall, 1888 ; Lorain County, ‘“‘ abundant in most
of the streams,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; generally distributed
throughout the Maumee river basin,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin
County, abundant in all streams, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ;
Knox County, Big Jelloway creek system, Parker, Williamson

ce

CYPRINID. 47

and Osburn, 1898; Ice creek at Ironton, John’s creek at Water-
loo, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash
river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North
Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Nigger-
mill Run at Salem, Mahoning river, E. B. Williamson, 1900 ;
Sandusky Bay, Cuyahoga river at Kent and Hawkins, Breakneck
creek at Kent, Chippewa lake, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin
river at Willoughby, R. C. Osburn, rIgoo.

Genus: LEUCISCUS.

Leuciscus elongatus (Kirtland). RED-SIDED DACE.

Head 4; depth 5; eye 4to 4%. D.8; A. 9; scales 10-70-5; teeth 2, 5-4,
2. Body elongate, compressed; head long, pointed; mouth very large,

_ oblique, the maxillary extending to middle of orbit ; lower jaw projecting,

with a small knob at its symphysis. Color above varying froma dark blu-
ish to greenish, sides somewhat paler and mottled; a dark vertebral line;
along the side isa broad band, bright blood red anteriorly, black posteriorly,

the two colors shading into each other imperceptibly at about middle of

body; above this band is a narrow brassy band; belly silvery white. In
breeding males the belly and lower fins are tinged with rosy; in females and
young the bright colors are subdued or wanting. Length 5 inches.

The Red-sided Shiner is certainly one of the most elegant of

fishes. It is, generally speaking, a brook species, inhabiting
clear deep pools of brooks and spring runs, though Dr. Kirtland,

who described the species, records it for Lake Erie. It is found
in the tributaries of the Ohio and of the Lake, but has not been
noticed in the western part of the state. Mahoning river in -

armen County, and Lake Erie near Cleveland, Kirtland ;

Lorain County, ‘‘common in Spring brook, but not found else-

where,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Knox County, Little Jelloway creek,

Black Run, Parker’s Run, Joe Sapp Run, Shadly Run and Doudy

‘creek, tributaries of Big Jelloway creek, common, Parker, Will-

iamson and Osburn, 1898; Wilson’s Run, a small tributary of
the North Fork of Licking river near Newark, R. C. Osburn,
1899; Niggermill Run at Salem, EK. B. Williamson, 1900; a

-small tributary of the Grand river at Painesville, R. C. Osburn,
Igoo. .

48 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: OPSOPGODUS.

Key to Species.

A. Lateral line complete or very nearly so; dorsal fin with black blotch on anterior

rays, usually none on the posterior.— emtlta@.
AA, Lateral line always incomplete; dorsal usually with a conspicuous black spot on
posterior rays.— megalops.

Opsopceodus emiliz Hay.

Head about 4%; depth 42; eye 3. D.9; A. 8; scales 5-40-3; teeth 5-5,
very slender, strongly hooked, and deeply serrate. Body rather elongate,
moderately compressed, not elevated. Head short and slender. Muzzle
blunt and rounded. Mouth very small and very oblique, smaller than in
any other of our Cyprinidae, with scarcely any lateral cleft. Caudal peduncle
long and slender, caudal deeply forked, Breast naked; 16 scales before
dorsal. Jateral line complete or very nearly so. Yellowish; sides silvery;.
scales above dark edged; usually a dark lateral band from snout to caudal, |
above and below which are series of black dots; anterior rays of dorsal dark,
no black spot on the posterior rays.

Given by Jordan and Evermann (Bull. 47) for Lake Erie ;
‘‘ two small specimens from the St. Mary’s river at St. Mary’s,”’
Karsch,-1893.

Opsopceodus megalops (Forbes).

Head 434; depth 4 to 5; eye 23. D.7o0r8; A. 7 or 8; scales 5-39-4, 15
before dorsal. Teeth 5-5, hooked and crenate. Lateral line always incom-
plete, sometimes on 4 or 5 scales only; sometimes extending with interrup-
tions to middle of caudal peduncle. Body slender, fusiform; mouth small,

terminal, oblique, so much so in old specimens as to appear almost vertical,
the chin projecting beyond mouth, in younger specimens the mouth is less.

- oblique. Top of head covered with prickles in old males. Fins large, caudal

deeply forked. Breast partly naked. Yellowish brown, sides silvery; scales
above dark-edged. Dorsal fin with a black blotch on 4 anterior rays; a
second black blotch usually present on 3 posterior rays. Length 2% inches.

I have given above the separation of O. emzli@ and O. mega-
lops as given by Jordan and Evermann (Bull. 47, U.S. Natl.
Mus.) ‘hey suggest in regard to O. megalops that it 1s ‘‘ per-
haps not a distinct species.’? A comparative study of these forms
confirms this belief. A dozen specimens taken by the writer in
the headwaters of the Wabash river at Celina, August, 1899, and
two from Summit lake at Akron, July 30, 1900, are referable to
O. megalops as given above, but so many variations between

CYPRINIDAS. 49

O. emilie and megalops exist among these specimens that it is
possible to establish a graduated series between the two species,
and none of the characters given in the above separation are found
to be constant. The lateral line in some cases ceases in front of
the dorsal fin, and in others is continuous to within two or three
scales of the caudal. The second dorsal spot is also subject to
great variation, for, while in old males it is distinct, in some cases
it is very indistinct or wanting altogether. The fin formule and
squamation of the breast also vary. Recently, through the
kindness of Dr. S. EK. Meek, I have been permitted to examine
specimens of O. emzlze from Indian Territory, Arkansas and
Illinois, in the Field Columbian Museum at Chicago. These
specimens show much the same variation as that given for O.
megalops. AsI have had no opportunity to compare with the
type specimens, I hesitate to reduce O. megalops to synonymy,,
although the two species, as determined by Dr. Meek and myself,
undoubtedly intergrade.

Genus: ABRAMIS.

Abramis crysoleucas (Mitchill). GoLDEN SHINER ;
GOLDEN BREAM; ROACH.

Head 4%; depth 3. D. 8; A. 13; scales 10-46 to 55-3; teeth 5-5. Body
strongly compressed, the belly behind ventrals compressed into a sharp keel,
over which the scales do not pass. Color, greenish above, the sides silvery,
with bright golden reflections. Length about a foot.

The Golden Bream is an abundant resident of the state in
suitable localities, being found chiefly in ponds, quiet pools and
weedy bayous, apparently more common in the northern part of
the state. Given by Rafinesque under the name WVoftemigonus
auratus for the Ohio and Miami rivers; recorded by Kirtland
under the name ARutulus crysoleucas,; given by Jordan as ‘‘ex-
tremely abundant in every pond, lake or bayou’’; Hamilton
County, ‘‘common in Bloody Run and Clear creek,’’ Henshall,
1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ very common in still waters,’’ McCor-
mick, 1892; Maumee river at Cecil, Grand Rapids, Waterville
and Toledo, St. Mary’s river at St. Mary’s and Rockford, Tiffin
river at West Unity, Auglaize river at Oakwood and Defiance,
Sugar creek and Lost creek at Lima, Blanchard river at Findlay,

50 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Scioto river, Scioto Big Run,
Big Walnut creek, Mason’s Run, Big Darby creek, Hell Branch,
Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Knox County, Big Jelloway
creek, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898; Sandusky Bay,
Ashtabula creek at Ashtabnla, Wabash river at Celina, R. C.
Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run at Salem, E. B. Williamson,
1900 ; Chippewa lake, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Genus: CLIOLA.
Cliola vigilax (Baird and Girard).

Head 44%; depth 4%; eye 3%. OD.8; A. 7; scales 8-42-6, about 28
before dorsal; teeth 4-4, with grinding surface and slight hook. Superfici-
ally, much resembling Pimephales notatus, but the form is more stout, the
mouth more terminal, and the alimentary canal less than twice the length
of the body. Caudal peduncle quite deep. Color, greenish, sides pale,
darker above, the scales above dark-edged; a dark lateral band ending ina
distinct caudal spot; a well defined black spot on anterior rays of dorsal.
Length 3 inches.

This minnow has, to the best of my knowledge, been recorded
from but two localities in the state. It has been taken by Hen-
shall in Hamilton County, ‘‘ common in O’ Bannon creek,’’ and a
single specimen was taken in Big Walnut creek, Franklin County,
by Mr. E. B. Williamson and the writer in 1897. It is probably
common nowhere in the state except in the southwestern part, as
its range is for the most part farther south and west.

=
PA

CYPRINIDAS. aE

Genus: NOTROPIS.

Key to Species.

A. Teeth 4-4, I, 4-4, 0, or I, 4-4, 1-(sometimes 2 teeth in one or both inner rows in JV.
hudsonius and NV. heterodon).
B. Scales not very closely imbricated, not notably deéper than long; dorsal in-
serted nearly over the ventrals; no black spot on dorsal fin.

(on Teeth one-rowed, 4-4 (sometimes 2, 4-4, 2 in JV. heterodon).
D. Lateral line usually more or less incomplete; small species, usually
with a dusky lateral band.

E. Mouth very small, chin pale.— cayuga.
EE. Mouth moderate; chin black.— heterodon.

DD. Lateral line always complete; small, weak species.
F. Fins all small and low, pectorals not reaching ventrals.—

blenntius.

FF. Fins high, pectorals reaching ventrals.— volucellus.

CC. Teeth two-rowed, 1, 4-4, 0; I, 4-4, I; or I, 4-4, 2, the grinding surface more
or less developed.

G. No distinct dark spot at base of caudal.— shumardt.
GG. A distinct dark spot present at base of caudal fin.— hudsontus.

BB. Scales deeper than long, closely imbricated along side of body. Usually a dis-
tinct black spot on last rays of dorsal.— whipplit.

AA. Teeth 2, 4-4, 2 (2, 4-4, 1in JV. jejunus).

H. Anal fin short, of 7 to 9 developed rays.
if Teeth with the grinding surface developed.

Ue Seales closely imbricated along the sides, no dark spot at base of
caudal.— cornutus.
JJ. Scales not closely imbricated, a dark spot at base of caudal at least
in young.
K. 13 scales before dorsal fin.— heterodon.
KK. 18 scales before dorsal.— hudsontus.
Il. Teeth without evident grinding surface, scales not closely imbricated.
1G; Eye very large, 22 in head; teeth 2, 4-4, 2.— ariommus.
Pi Eye gs, in head: teeth 2, 4-4, 1.— jJejunus.

HH. Anal fin long, of 11 or 12 rays; dorsal inserted behind ventrals.
M. Scales not closely imbricated on sides, not crowded anteriorly.
N. Eye very large, 2% to 3.—_ arge.
NN. Eye smaller, 3¥ to 4.
QO. Front of dorsal midway between snout and base of caudal fin;

eye 34— atherinoides.

OO. Front of dorsal nearer to base of caudalthan to snout; eye 4.—
rubrifrvons.

MM. Scales small and crowded auteriorly, closely imbricated; a black spot at
base of caudal.— unebratilts.

Notropis cayuga Meek.
Head 4 or a little over; depth 4%; eye 3%. D. 8; A. 8; scales in lateral

‘line about 36, 14 before dorsal; teeth 4-4. Close to WV. heterodon, from
which it can be distinguished most readily by the absence of any black on
the chin. Lateral line wanting onsome scales. Jawsnearlyequal. A black
band along lateral line, continued forward along sides of head and around
-snout on upper jaw. Length 2% inches.

52 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

First recorded for the state by Kirsch, 1893, ‘‘a few specimens:
from the Maumee river at Toledo’*; Franklin County, ‘‘ rare in
Big Walnut and Little Darby creeks, common in Mason’s Run,”’
Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Sandusky Bay and Ashtabula
creek at Ashtabula, common in both places, R. C. Osburn, 1899.
This species seems to have been overlooked or confused with
some other species by the earlier investigators, as its occurrence
in both the Lake and Ohio river drainage at the points above
noted would indicate a pretty general distribution over the state
in suitable localities.

* Notropis heterodon (Cope).

Head 4; depth 4; eye 3, longer than snout. D. 8; A. 8; scales 5-36-3,
13 in front of dorsal. The lateral line incomplete, extending usually about
to dorsal fin, but varying greatly; teeth 4-4 (sometimes 2, 4-4, 2). Body
moderate; the back slightly elevated. dorsal inserted nearer the snout than
base of caudal. Coloration olivaceous, darker on the back; a distinct lateral
band, which passes forward through eye and on both jaws; chin distinctly
black. Said to be an exceedingly variable species.

Taken by the writer in Sandusky Bay, July, 1899, and again
in Sandusky Bay at Cedar Point and Black Channel, Igoo.

Notropis blennius (Girard). STRAW-COLORED MINNOW.

D. 8; A. 8; scales 5-36-4, 14 1n front of dorsal; teeth 4-4. Head 4;
depth 4 to 5; eye large, 3in head. Body moderately stout, but little com-
pressed. Head rather broad; mouth small, inferior, horizontal. Lateral
line complete. Dorsal fin low, its longest ray 34 of head. Coloration, pale
or yellowish olive; sometimes with a dark lateral band, and edges of mouth
dark. Length 2% inches. An exceedingly variable Minnow.

This insignificant looking species occurs widely and abundantly
throughout the state and has been recorded by all the recent
writers upon the fishes of the state, beginning with Jordan (Ohio.
Rept. ), under various names—ZJV. dblenntus, N. deliciosus and LV.
stramineus. Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in Little Miami river
and Clough creek,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, given as
two species, JV. deliciosus, very abundant in all the streams, and
NV. stramineus, not common, McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at

* Notropis anogenus Forbes and JV. /retensis (Cope), two small species closely re-
sembling WV. heferodon and JN. cayuga, respectively, have been taken almost on our borders.
in streams flowing into the state. They may be looked for in north-western Ohio. J.
anogenus may be known from JV. heterodon by the usually complete lateral line and the
included lower jaw. JV. fretensis is separated from JV. cayuga (with which it is perhaps.
identical), by the complete lateral line and the presence of 17 scales in front of the dorsal..

CYPRINIDA:, 53
Antwerp, Cecil, Defiance and Waterville, Tiffin river at Bruners-
burg, Auglaize river at Cloverdale, Sugar creek at Lima, Blanch-
ard river at Ottawa, Beaver creek at Grand Rapids, Kirsch, 1893 ;
Franklin County, common in almost every stream, females with
eggs, July 16, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Knox County, Big
Jelloway creek system, ‘‘abundant, females with ripe eggs on
May 25,’ Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Ice creek at
Ironton, John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at Milan, San-
dusky Bay, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash river at
Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork of
Licking river at Newark, abundant in most places, R. C. Osburn,
1899 ; Pippin lake, Cuyahoga river at Hawkins, Grand river at
Painesville, Chagrin river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at
Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMahon’s Run at Bellaire, Licking
reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Notropis volucellus (Cope).

Head 334; depth 4; eye 3%. D. 8; A. 8; scales 4-34-3; teeth 4-4. Fins
more elongate than in related species, the pectorals reaching ventrals. Very
similar to WV. dlennius, but distinguished especially by the noticeably higher
fins. Length 2% inches.

The only record I am able to find of the occurrence of this
species in Ohio is that given by Kirsch in his ‘‘ Report upon
Investigations in the Maumee River System,’ in which he men-
tions the fact that specimens from Gordon creek, taken by Prof.
S. EH. Meek, are given him as JVotropsis deliciosus var. volucella
Cope. Cope’s volucellus is now regarded as a distinct species.

Notropis shumardi (Girard).

Head 334; depth 44; eye very large, 24% to 3 in head. D. 8; A. 7 or 8;
scales 4 or 5-36-2 to 4, 13 in front of dorsal; teeth I, 4-4, 1, with deep grind-
ing surface, and the edge strongly crenate. Body compressed, the back
elevated; tail slender. Head compressed, flattened above, below and on the
sides; snout short, obtuse; mouth very oblique, terminal, lower jaw included.
Fins large. Lateral line complete, decurved. Color, olivaceous above, pale
below; a dark lateral band, and vertebral line; scales above dark-edged.
Length 3 inches.

Recorded by Kirsch as JV. doops Gilbert, ‘‘common in the
Maumee river at Grand Rapids,’’ and ‘“‘ five specimens from the

54 THE FISHES OF OHIO.
Blanchard river at Findlay,’’ 1893. Rare in Big Walnut creek,
Franklin County, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; a single speci-
men from Stillwater creek near Dayton, R. C. Osburn, 1899.

Notropis hudsonius (De Witt Clinton). SpoT-rair—ED MINNOW;
SHINER.

Head 434; depth 4; eye 3. D. 8; A. 8; scales 5-39-4, 18 before dorsal;
teeth I, 4-4, 0 or 1 or 2. Body elongate, considerably compressed in adult.
Head short; muzzle blunt, decurved, shorter than the very large eye; mouth
moderate, nearly horizontal, jaws sub-equal. Lateral line nearly straight,
slightly decurved anteriorly. Coloration very pale, with a broad silvery
band along side, this frequently underlaid with a dusky band. A dark spot
at base of caudal, most distinct in young. Length 4 to 6 inches.

This species is apparently confined to the most northern por-
tions of the state, in Lake Erie and its larger tributaries. Lorain
County, ‘‘ common in the lake and at the mouth of the rivers,”’
McCormick, 1892 ; ‘‘ very common in the Maumee river at Grand
Rapids, a single specimen at Toledo,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Lake Erie
near Sandusky, abundant, R. C. Osburn, 1900; Sandusky Bay,
Morse and Herbert T. Osborn, 1goo.

Notropis whipplii (Girard). SILVER-FIN.

Head 4%; depth 4 in adult males, females and young much slenderer;
eye 4%. D. 8; A. 8 org; scales 5 or 6-38 to 40-3 or 4; teeth 1, 4-4, 1. Body
moderately elongate, compressed, the back and belly about equally arched.
Head rather short and deep. Scales closely imbricated (much higher than
wide) and of a very regular pattern, about 18 in: front of. dorsal. Color
leaden or steel-blue, the sides silvery; a dark vertebral line; a black spot
covering the posterior 3 membranes of the dorsal fin, this sometimes very
much reduced in young and females, but always present. Breeding males.
have the fins tipped with creamy white, and the top of head and dorsal
region in front covered with small prickles. Length 4 inches.

This elegant little fish is widely distributed throughout the
state, and is usually quite common in all suitable localities.
Recorded by Kirtland under the name Luxzlus kentukzensis.
Given by Jordan in his Ohio Report under the name Audsonzus
analostanus, which he here confuses with WV. whipplit. Notropis
(Hudsonius) analostanus is an eastern form, possibly not specific-
ally distinct from JV. whipplii (see Jordan and Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Natl. Mus.) Hamilton County, common in all streams
explored, Henshall, 1888 ; Lorain County, all streams examined,

CYPRINIDA. 55

but not very common, McCormick, 1892; taken throughout the
Maumee river basin in Ohio, except in Gordon creek and the west
end of Lake Erie, Kirsch, 1893 ; Franklin County, occurs abund-
antly in all the larger streams, females with ripe eggs June 28,
Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Knox County, Big Jelloway creek
and tributaries, not rare, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ;
Ohio river at Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, Ash-
tabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater
and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at
Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Mahoning river, E. B. William-
son, 1900; Cuyahoga river at Hawkins, Chippewa lake, Grand
river at Painesville, Chagrin riverat Willoughby, Wheeling creek
at Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMahon’s Run at Bellaire,
Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Notropis cornutus (Mitchill). ComMMOoN SHINER ; SILVERSIDES.

Head 3% to 4%; depth about 3 (2% to 3%); eye 4-53. D. 8; A.9;
scales 6—-41-3 or 4, closely imbricated, 18 or 20 before dorsal; teeth 2, 4-4, 2,
with narrow grinding surface. Body varying much with age, in young
slender, in adult short, deep and compressed. JLateral line decurved. Color
above, dark olive green to steel-blue, sides silvery, with a brassy lateral
band; a brassy vertebral line (this color showing only in fresh specimens,
sometimes appearing as a dark line when out of water). Fins all plain,
rosy tipped in breeding males. Females and young plainer. One of the
most variable of our Minnows, varying with age, sex and season. Length
about Io inches.

One of the most abundant of fishes all over the state. Given
by Kirtland as Rutulus compressus and Luxulus chrysocephalus ;
by Jordan as Luxulus cornutus. Hamilton County, as Votropis
megalops, ‘‘abundant everywhere,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain
County, ‘‘very common everywhere,’’ McCormick, 1892;
Maumee river system, ‘‘every stream,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin
County, ‘‘taken in every stream, generally abundant, females
with eggs on July 6,’’ Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Knox
County, taken in every stream of the Big Jelloway creek system,
Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Ohio river and Ice creek
at Ironton, John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at Milan, San-
dusky Bay, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater
and Wolf creeks at Dayton, and North Fork of Licking river at

56 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Newark, R:'C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run and Mahoning
river, E. B.° Williamson, 1900; Cuyahoga river at Kent and
Hawkins, Breakneck creek at Kent, Summit lake, Chippewa
lake, Licking reservoir, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river
at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and
McMahon's creek at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, rgoo.

Notropis ariommus (Cope).

Head 33( to 44%; depth 4% to 5. D.8; A. 9; scales 6-39-2, large, 15
before dorsal; teeth 2, 4-4, 2. Body stout, moderately elevated, somewhat
compressed. Head heavy, broad above; snout moderate, somewhat decurved;
mouth moderate, oblique, jaws equal. Eye very large, 2? in head, much
longer than snout, larger than in any other Ohio Cyprinid. Lateral line
much decurved. Color olivaceous, scales above dark-edged; sides and below
bright silvery. Length 5 inches.

Two specimens from the Maumee river at Antwerp, Kirsch,
1893.

*Notropis jejunus (Forbes).

Head 4; depth 474; eye 3% in head, equal to snout, less than inter-
orbital space. D. 8; A. 7; scales 5-37-3; teeth 2, 4-4,1. Body moderately
slender; head flattish above; snout blunt and rounded. Dorsal over ven-
trals; about 16 scales before dorsal. Color, pale olivaceous above, pale on
sides and below, with a broad silvery band overlying a plumbeous shade.
Length 3 inches.

The range of this species in the state seems to be limited to
the Ohio river and the lower portions of its tributaries. Hamil-
ton County, ‘‘common in Little Miami river and Bloody Run,
Henshall, 1888 ; common in the Ohio river and Ice creek at
Ironton and in John’s creek at Waterloo, R. C. Osburn, 1899.

Notropis atherinoides Rafinesque.

Head 424; depth 5%; eye 34%. D. 8; A. 11; scales 5-38-3, 15 before
dorsal; teeth 2, 4-4, 2. Body long and slender, compressed, back not ele-
vated. Head blunt, conic, shorter than in related species. Mouth moder-
ate, very oblique, upper lip on a level with upper part of pupil. Eye large,
rather longer than snout. Fins low, front of dorsal midway between point
of snout and base of caudal. Lateral line decurved. Color above clear,
translucent olive-green, a yellow, iridescent vertebral line in life, which
becomes darker in spirits; sides bright silvery, with sometimes a brassy
lateral shade ; breeding males with snout rosy. Length 4 to 6 inches.

* Notropts scabriceps, given by Jordan in the Ohio Rept., is confused probably with JV.

shumardt. NN. scabriceps has not been noticed outside of the Kanawha river. (See Bull.
47, U. S. Natl. Mus.)

CYPRINIDA. 57

An elegant and graceful species, common and widely distrib-
uted, found in all larger streams, usually on gravelly or sandy
bottom, and in lakes under the same conditions. Recorded for
the state by Kirtland as A/znnzlus dinemus. ‘‘ Exceedingly com-
mon in Lake Erie, and throughout the state one of the most
abundant of minnows,’’ Jordan (Ohio Rept.); Hamilton County,
“common in Clough creek,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County,
‘‘very abundant at times,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Maumee river at
Cecil, Grand Rapids and Toledo, St. Joseph river at Edgerton,
‘Tiffin river at Brunersburg, Auglaize river at Wapakoneta and
Cloverdale, ‘‘ not common at any of these places,’’ Kirsch, 1893 ;
Franklin County, common in all of the larger streams, William-
son and Osburn, 1897 ; Knox County, ‘‘abundant in Big Jello-
way creek,’’ Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Ohio river
at Ironton, Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie at Sandusky, Ashtabula
creek, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater creek at Dayton, North
Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Cuyahoga
river at Hawkins, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at
Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and
McMahon creek at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn,
I9oo.

Notropis arge (Cope).

Head 44%; depth 6; eye 23 to3. D. 8; A. 11; scales 5-39-3. Close to.
iV. atherinoides, but the eye very large, longer than snout; lateral line
nearly straight, head large, the snout not very blunt; mouth large, chin pro-
jecting. Color pale-greenish olive; a dark vertebral line; belly and sides
pale; a broad, silvery lateral band bounded by a dark line. Length 3%
inches. ‘‘Apparently varying into JV. atherinoides, hence of doubtful
validity.”’ ;

This species has been taken at such points in the state as to
indicate a wide distribution, but it is not generally common.
Hamilton County, ‘‘common in east fork of Mill creek,’’ Hen-
shall, 1888 ; Lorain County, ‘‘in company with JV. atherinoides,
but not nearly as common,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Maumee river
at Grand Rapids, St. Joseph river at Edgerton, Tiffin river at
Brunersburg, scarce, Kirsch, 1893 ; Cuyahoga river at Hawkins,
hare, ik. C, Osburn, June 25, 1900.

58 THE FISHES (OF OHIO.

Notropis rubrifrons (Cope).

Head 4 to 5’ depth 43 to 5%. D. 8; A. 10; scales 5 or 6-39 or 40-3, I5;

to 17 before dorsal (Ohio specimens run a little higher, some having as high
as 20 before the dorsal); teeth 2, 4-4, 2. Body moderately elongate, back

scarcely elevated, head conic and rather pointed. Eye moderate, usually
shorter than snout. Resembling WV. atherinoides, from which it can be

readily told, in Ohio specimens at least, by the position of the dorsal fin,

which is inserted nearer to base of caudal than to point of snout. Above

clear olive, each scale dark-edged; sides and under parts silvery; a narrow,

coppery lateral band in life, overlying dark pigment; a narrow vertebral

line; a row of black dots on either side of anal fin. Males in spring with

head and anterior parts reddish, and sometimes the bases of dorsal, ventral

and pectoral fins red. Length 23¢ inches.
4

A common and widely distributed species, found in company
with NV. atherinoides, but much more common. Kirsch and

McCormick record it under. the name WV. dilectus (Girard), but
NV. dilectus, as now restricted, is found farther southwest, so I
include these records under WV. vubrifrons. Possibly the two may
not be distinct. Given by Jordan as abundant in southern Ohio ;
Hamilton County, ‘‘common in east fork of Mill creek,’’ Hen-

shall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘common in the lake and lower

parts of all streams entering it,’ McCormick, 1892; St. Joseph
river at Edgerton, Blanchard river at Findlay, Beaver creek at
Grand Rapids; ‘‘common at these places,’’ Kirsch; sag;
Franklin County, ‘‘all larger streams with JV. atherinotdes,
abundant where found,” Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Knox

County, Big Jelloway creek and several of its tributaries, occa-

sionally observed in large schools over clear, gravelly places in
ripples, females with ripe eggs on May 24, Parker, Williamson
and Osburn, 1898; Ohio river at Jronton, Huron river at Milan,
Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie at Sandusky, Ashtabula creek, Wabash
river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks at Dayton, North Fork

of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Niggermill

Run and Mahoning river, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Cuyahoga
river at Kent and Hawkins, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin

river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river
and McMahon’s Run at Bellaire, outlet of Licking reservoir,

R. ©. Osburn; 1960)

CYPRINIDAS. 59

Notropis umbratilis lythrurus (Jordan). REDFIN.

D. 7; A. 11; teeth 2, 4-4, 2; scales 9-45-3, crowded anteriorly. Head
pointed, about 4 in length; body moderately elongated, compressed, depth
4to 5. Eye 3%. Color bright steel-blue above, pale below. Dorsal fin
with a conspicuous black spot at base in front. Breeding males have the
lower fins bright red. Females and young paler. Length 3 inches.

An exceedingly handsome species, especially during the
breeding season. Widely distributed and generally common.
Recorded for the state by Kirtland as Semotilus diplema. Jordan
gives it under the name Lythrurus diplaemius as ‘‘ abundant
throughout the state, especially in the southern part ’’’; Henshall,
Kirsch and McCormick record it under the name JW. ardens ;
‘““abundant in all streams examined,’’ in Hamilton County,
Henshall, 1888; ‘‘ found at all points explored in Maumee river
system in Ohio except Maumee river at Cecil and Toledo, St.
Joseph river at Edgerton and St. Mary’s river at Rockford,
Kirsch, 1893; Lorain County, ‘‘not very common, Black river
and Vermillion river near Klipton,’’ McCormick, 1892; Franklin
County, ‘‘all streams but the smallest, abundant,’’ June 15 given
as a breeding date, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Ice creek at
Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula,

- Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks at Dayton,

North Fork of Licking river at Newark ; exceedingly abundant in
a small tributary of Ashtabula creek, in company with Adbramis
crysoleucas, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run at Salem, E. B.
Williamson, 1900; Breakneck creek near Kent, Grand river at
Painesville, Chagrin river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at
Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMahon creek at Bellaire, R. C.
Osburn, Ig00.

Genus: ERICYMBA.
Ericymba buccata (Cope). SILVERY-JAWED MINNOW.

Head 8% to 4; depth 4% to 5; eye 4 to4%. D.8; A. 7; scales 4 or 5-
34-3, about 15 in front of dorsal; teeth 1, 4-4, I or I, 4-4, 0, the inner slender
and without grinding surface. Body rather elongate, little compressed, back
not elevated. Head long, depressed above, with broad and prominent
muzzle. Mouth small, horizontal, sub-inferior, lower jaw the shorter.
Interopercle, suborbital and dentary bones containing mucous cavities,

60 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

which are visible externally. Color olivaceous above, pale and silvery on
sides and below; a dark vertebral line and sometimes an indistinct, dark
lateral band. Fins all plain. Length 3 to 5 inches.

Distributed throughout the state, a very common species, less
abundant in the lake than in the Ohio river drainage. ‘‘ Abund-
ant in most streams tributary to the Ohio,’’ Jordan’s Report ;
Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in Little Miami river and tribu-
taries,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘“‘ taken once in Black
river,’’ McCormick, 1892; the Maumee river system in Ohio
except at the following places: Maumee river at Cecil, Tiffin
river at West Unity and Brunersburg, Auglaize river at Wapa-
koneta and Lost creek at Lima, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County,
every stream, generally abundant, June 15 given as a breeding

date, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek system,

Knox County, ‘‘taken in every stream, abundant,” Parker,
Williamson and Osburn, 1898; Ohio river and Ice creek at
Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater
and Wolf creeks at Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at
Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run and Mahoning
river, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Cuyahoga river at Hawkins,
Chippewa lake, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at
Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and
McMahon’s Run at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn,
IQOO.

Genus: RHINICHTHYS.

Key to Species.

A. Snout long and prominent, projecting much. beyond the mouth, barbei evident, no
distinct, black lateral band.— cataracteé.

AA. Snout shorter, little projecting, barbel small, but always present; a distinct, black
lateral band.— atronasus.

Rhinichthys cataractz (Cuvier and Valenciennes).
LONG-NOSED DACE.

Head-4; depth 5; eye 2 in snout, 5 in head. D. 8; A. 7; scales small,
14-65-8; teeth 2, 4-4, 2. Resembling 7. atronasus, from which it is dis-
tinguished by the longer head, by the prominent overhanging muzzle, much
longer than in a/ronasus, by the longer barbels and by the absence of a dis-
tinct, dark lateral band. Color dark-brownish olive above, sometimes
slightly mottled; paler below; a dark spot on opercle, but no distinct band
through eye or along side. Length 5 inches.

——

CYPRINIDA. 6r

Apparently a rare species in Ohio. Dr. Jordan (Ohio Rept. )

says: ‘‘ It is found in the tributaries of Lake Erie and even in
the lake itself. It also occurs in the southeastern part of the
state.’’ Since then it has not been noticed by any other collector,

and the writer has taken it but once, a single specimen from a
small tributary of the Grand river near Painesville, August 2,
IgOo.

Rhinichthys atronasus (Mitchill). BLACK-NOSED DACE.

Head 4; depth 4%; eye 1% in snout, 4% in head. D. 7 or 8; A. 7:
scales 10-65-6; teeth 2, 4-4, 2. Body moderately elongate, little compressed.
Head moderate, rather broad and flattish above; snout moderate; mouth
horizontal, lower jaw included; barbels well marked in all Ohio specimens.
examined. Color above dark-yellowish olive, much blotched with black; a
black lateral band passing forward through eye to snout; breeding males
have the lateral band and the lower fins bright orange or crimson. All color
markings less evident in females and young, but the lateral, dark band
always present.

Distributed over the state and generally common or even
abundant in suitable localities. It is essentially a ‘‘ brook ’’
species, being rarely found in larger streams, but swarming in
clear, cold spring runs, in company with Chrosomus erythrogaster.
Hamilton County, ‘‘ common in all the streams,’’ Henshall, 1888 ;
Lorain County, ‘‘Spring brook and Chance creek, not common,”’
McCormick, 1892; Maumee river system, ‘‘several from Lost
creek near Cecil, by Prof. Meek, found nowhere else’’ (in Ohio),
Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Grant’s Run and Plum Run,
common, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Knox County, Little
Jelloway creek, Parker’s Run, Joe Sapp Run and Shadley Run,
tributaries of Big Jelloway creek, common or abundant, May 24
given as a breeding date, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1808 ;
Ohio river at Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Wabash river at
Celina, Wolf creek at Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at
Newark, in all of these cases the species has been taken in small
nameless tributaries rather than in the main stream, with the
exception of Wolf creek and the Ohio river, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ;
Cuyahoga river at Kent and Hawkins, and Breakneck creek near
Kent, kK. €. Osburn, 1900.

62 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: HYYBOPSIS.

Key to Species.

oe Mouth inferior, horizontal, color silvery.
B. Teeth one-rowed, 4-4.
(Se Eye 3% in head; no plumbeous blotches along lateral line.—hyostomus.

CC. Eye very large, 24; an interrupted plumbeous lateral band.—dissimilzs.
BB. Teeth two-rowed, I, 4-4, I, or I, 4-4, 0.

D. Sides with a dusky lateral band.— amblops.
DD. Sides silvery, no lateral band.— stover1anus.
AA. Mouth large, nearly terminal; eye small; not silvery.— kentucktensts.

Hybopsis hyostomus (Gilbert).

Head 4; depth 5%; eye 34%. DD! 6; A. 8; scales in lateral line sey
before dorsal. Body and head very slender; snout long, acute, projecting
beyond mouth for half its length; mouth short, wide, inferior; barbels long.
‘Color silvery, everywhere dusted with fine, dark specks. Length 2% inches.

Very rare in the state, and, as far as my knowledge goes,
confined to the Ohio river. Dr. Henshall recorded it first from
the Ohio river at Raccoon Island, 1889, and the writer has taken
it twice in the Ohio, at Ironton, May 31, 1899, and at Bellaire,
August 31, 1900.

Hybopsis dissimilis (Kirtland). SPOTTED SHINER.

Head 4% . depth 5. D.8; A. 7; teeth 4-4; scales 6-40 to 47-5, about 20
in front of dorsal. Body long and slender, little compressed, with long
caudal peduncle. Head long, flattish above; snout somewhat bluntly
decurved, a little projecting; mouth small, horizontal, lower jaw included;
barbel smaller than in A. amblops; eye about 3 in head, somewhat directed
upward. Color above dusky or olivaceous, somewhat mottled; sides silvery,
with a bluish lateral band, which is sometimes widened into several blackish
blotches. In full coloration, one of the most striking of our Minnows.

This species has been taken in a number of localities in Ohio,
and in both the lake and Ohio river drainage, but is nowhere com-
mon. Recorded by Kirtland for the Mahoning river and Lake
Erie near Cleveland; Hamilton County, ‘‘rather common in
Little Miami river and O’ Bannon creek,’’ Henshall, 1888 ; Frank-
lin County, ‘‘ Big Walnut creek, rare,’’ Williamson and Osburn,
1897 ; Stillwater creek near Dayton, rare, R. C..Osburn, 1899 ;
Cuyahoga river at Hawkins, R. C. Osburn, 1g00.

CYPRINIDA. 63

Hybopsis amblops (Rafinesque). SILVER CHUB.

Head 4; depth 4% to 5; eye 3. D.8; A. 7 or 8; scales 5-38-4, about 14
before dorsal; teeth 1, 4-4, 1. Body rather slender, little compressed, rather
heavy anteriorly. Head large, flattened and broad above; mouth subinferior,
horizontal; barbel evident. - Lateral line somewhat decurved. Color above
clear translucent green, scales dark-edged; sides with a broad, silvery lateral
band, overlying dark pigment, which sometimes appears as a dark lateral
band; a dark band through eye around snout. Fins all plain. Length
about 3 inches.

Common or abundant throughout the state, found in nearly
all streams, but not taken in lakes. Recorded by Kirtland.
Given by Jordan as abundant in tributaries of the Ohio ; Hamil-
ton County, ‘‘common in Little Miami river,’’ Henshall, 1888 ;
Lorain County, ‘‘common in some of the streams,’’ McCormick,
1892; Maumee river system, ‘‘all the smaller tributaries,’’
Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, common in all but the smallest
streams, Williamson and. Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek,
Knox County, abundant, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ;
Ohio river at Ironton, John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at
Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash river at Celina,
Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork of Licking
Fiver near Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Cuyahoga river at
Hawkins, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at Wil-
loughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMa-
hon’s creek at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Hybopsis storerianus (Kirtland).

Head 4%; depth 4; eye 3, equal to snout. D. 8; A. 8; scales 5-42-4.
Body elongate, somewhat compressed, the back somewhat elevated. Head
short, compressed; preorbital bone large and silvery; mouth horizontal,
lower jaw included; barbels conspicuous. Lateral line somewhat decurved.
Dorsal inserted over ventrals, ventrals not reaching vent, caudal long, deeply
forked. The teeth are said to be usually 1, 4-4, 0, but all Ohio specimens
examined have the teeth I, 4-4, 1. Translucent greenish above; elsewhere
bright silvery, sides with a slight plumbeous lateral band, no caudal spot.
Length 5 to Io inches.

Apparently not well distributed over the state, though occur-
ring in both the Lake Erie and the Ohio river drainage. Lake
Erie, Kirtland; ‘‘ abundant in Lake Erie,’’ Jordan; Hamilton

64 CYPRINIDA.

County, ‘‘common in Little Miami river and Clough creek,”’
Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, Beaver creek and Lake Erie,
McCormick, 1892; Lake Erie near Sandusky, R. C. Osbuaine
1900. Dead ones are frequently thrown upon the beach by the
waves at Sandusky ; not noticed in Sandusky Bay.
Hybopsis kentukiensis (Rafinesque). HORNY-HEAD;
RIVER CHUB; JERKER; INDIAN CHUB.

Head 3% to 4; depth 4 to 44%; eye 54%. D.8; A. 7 or. 8; scales 6—-41-5,.
about 18 before dorsal; teeth I, 4-4, I or I, 4-4, 0, sometimes 4-4, in all Ohio.
specimens examined they are I, 4-4, 1. Body rather robust, little elevated,
little compressed. Head large, broadly rounded above; snout conical, blunt-
ish; mouth large, nearly terminal; barbel evident. Dorsal inserted slightly
behind ventrals. Color dusky or bluish or greenish olive above, sometimes.
with brassy luster, pale but not silvery below; sometimes with a clear, grass
green lateral band in life; fins all plain, tinged with dull orange. Breeding
males have the belly tinged with rosy, and a crimson spot on side of head
behind eye, and have the top of the head swollen into a crest which is cov-
ered with tubercles. Young with dark caudal spot. Length 6 to g inches.

Well distributed over the state and generally common. Re-
corded by Kirtland. ‘‘ Every stream in the state of Ohio,”’
Jordan: Hamilton County, “‘Little Miami river,’’ Henshall
1888 ;° Lorain County, ‘“‘ very common in larger streams,”
McCormick, 1892; Maumee river system in Ohio, ‘‘ every point
in every stream examined,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County,
common in larger streams, July 16 given as breeding date, Will-
iamson and Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek system, Knox
County, abundant, May 23 noted as a breeding date, Parker,
Williamson and Osburn, 1898, Ohio river at Ironton. Huron
river at Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, Wabash river at
Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks at Dayton, North Fork of
Licking River at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Cuyahoga river
at Kent and Hawkins, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river
at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river at
Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Genus: ExXOGLOSSUM.

Exoglossum maxillingua (Le Sueur). Cumi-LIps; NIGGER CHUB.

Head 4; depth 4%. D. 8; A. 7; scales 8-53-5; teeth 1,°4-4, 1.7) Body,
rather stout, little compressed. Head broad and flattish above, with tumid
cheeks. Mouth peculiar, the mandible being contracted and incurved, its.

ANGUILLIDA. 65

outline 3-lobed; this appearance is due to the fact that the dentary bones lie
‘close together, parallel, and are united throughout their length, instead of
forming an arch as in all other Cyfrinide ; lower lip represented by a broad,
fleshy lobe on either side of the mandible. Color olivaceous, smoky or dark
above; a blackish bar behind opercle, and a dusky shade at base of caudal
in young. Finsall plain. Length 6 inches.

Rare in Ohio. Six specimens were taken by the writer in
stillwater creek near Dayton, Aug. 15, 1899. The range of the
‘species is to the eastward. West of the Alleghenies it has here-
tofore been known only from the Kanawha river, West Virginia.

Order: APODES.
S2b-Order- ENCHELYCEPHALI.
Family: ANGUILLIDA.

Genus: ANGUILLA.

Anguilla chrysypa Rafinesque. AMERICAN EEL;
FRESHWATER EEL.

Body elongate, compressed behind; appearing scaleless, but covered
with fine, imbedded scales. Head long, conical, moderately pointed.
Dorsal and anal fins confluent with caudal. Color brown, often tinged with
yellowish; paler below, the color quite variable. Length 4 or 5 feet.

The Eel appears to be nowhere very common in Ohio, but is
widely distributed throughout the state, and probably occurs in
every lake, reservoir and large stream. Rafinesque mentions its
occurrence in the Ohio ‘‘as far as Pittsburg ;’’ Kirtland records
it for the Ohio river drainage ; Lake Erie and Ohio river, Hen-
shall, 1889 ; Lorain County, ‘‘ occasionally taken in the pounds,”’
MeCormmick, 1892; Matumee river at Defiance, “said to inhabit
all waters of the Maumee basin,’” Kirsch, 1893 ; Franklin County,
‘observed in Big Walnut creek, reported by fishermen as ‘‘ not
rare,’’ Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Pippin lake and Chippewa
lake, R. C. Osburn, 1900. I have seen specimens taken in Lick-
ing reservoir, Licking river and North Fork of Licking river.
According to Kirtland the Eel did not formerly inhabit the Lake
Erie drainage, but if not, it has found its way there through the
‘canals.

66 THH FISHES OF OHIO;

Order: TSOSEONDNUK.
Family: WHIODONTIDA.

Genus: HH Iopon.

Key to Species.
A. Belly in front of ventrals carinated; dorsal with 9 developed rays.— alosoides..
AA. Belly in front of ventrals not carinated; dorsal of 11 or 12 developed rays.—/ergisus.

Hiodon alosoides (Rafinesque).

Head 4%; depth 3%; eye3%. D.9; A. 32; scales6-56-7. Body-closely
compressed, becoming deep in the adult, the ventral edge everywhere carin-
ated. Maxillary reaching middle of eye. Caudal peduncle rather stouter
than in 47. fergzsus, and the fin not so deeply forked; also, the pectorals are
longer and the ventrals shorter than in AH. fergisus. Color bluish, sides.
silvery, with golden luster. Length 12 inches.

Rare in Ohio, the range of the species being farther to the

west. <A single specimen, taken in a fisherman’s net in the Ohio.
river, was recorded by Henshall for Hamilton County, 1888.

Hiodon tergisus Le Sueur. MOON EvE; TOOTHED HERRING.

Head 4%; depth 3; eye 3. D.12; A. 28; scales 5-55-7. Body oblong,

moderately compressed. Eye large, the maxillary barely reaching its mid-
dle. Pectoral fins not reaching ventrals, the latter just short of vent. Belly
somewhat carinated behind ventrals only. Color brilliantly silvery, olive-
shaded above. Length 12 inches.

This species is confined to Lake Erie and the Ohio river, and
the lower courses of their larger tributaries, but it is common
where found. Rafinesque made four species of it, and reported
two of them for the Ohio as far as Pittsburg. Three of these
nominal species, 47. clodalus, FH, vernalis and H/. tergisus, were
recognized by Kirtland in his 1838 report, but he afterward
dropped all but A. ¢ergzsus. ‘“ Common in the Ohio,’’ Henshall,
1888; Lorain County, ‘‘common in the lake, ascending the
streams sometimes,’’ McCormick, 1892; ‘‘ below the dams in the
Maumee river at Defiance and Grand Rapids, at both places they
were very abundant,’’ Kirsch, 1893 ; Ohioriver at Bellaire, R. C.
Osburn, 1900.

DOROSOMIDAX—CLUPEIDA. 67

family: DOROSOMIDAS.
Genus: DOROSOMA.

Dorosoma cepedianum (Le Sueur). GIzzARD SHAD.

Head 4%; depth 2%; eye4%. D. 12, its last ray prolonged and filifornr,,
about as long as head; scales 56-23. Body deep, compressed, the back ele-
vated in adult; belly compressed to an edge, serrated and covered by scutes,
17 in front of vent, 12 behind. Meuth small, inferior, noteeth. An adipose
eyelid. No lateral line. Stomach short, muscular, like the gizzard of a
fowl. Caudal fin widely forked, lower lobe the longer. Color silvery-bluish
above; young with a round, dark spot at shoulder; tips of ventrals and edge
of anal often dusky. Length 15 inches.

This handsome, worthless species is now well distributed over
the state in the lake and larger streams, although it is said that
previous to the opening of the canals it was not found in the
lake drainage. The form resident in the Mississippi valley is
known as var. heturum. Given by Kirtland as Chatoessus ellip-
tecus. Olio river, Lake Erie and Licking reservoir, Jordan’s
Report ; Hamilton County, ‘‘ very common in the Ohio river,’’
Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ quite common in the lake and
ascending the rivers,’ McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at
Defiance and Grand Rapids, St. Mary’s river at St. Mary’s and
Rockford, Tiffin river at Brunersburg, Auglaize river at Clover-
dale, Oakwood and Defiance, Hoaglin creek near Oakland and
Gordon creek near Cecil, Kirsch, 1893 ; abundant in St. Mary’s
reservoir and in the wasteway of the St. Mary’s reservoir into the
headwaters of the Wabash river at Celina, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ;
Chippewa lake, Ohio river at Bellaire and Licking reservoir, very
abundant at the last place, R. C. Osburn, Igoo.

family: CLUPEIDA.
Genus: POMOLOBUS.

Pomolobus chrysochloris Rafinesque. SKIPJACK; BLUE HERRING.

Head 334; depth 33/; eye shorter than snout, large, well covered by an
adipose eyelid, 44% in head. D. 16, its posterior ray not prolonged; A. 18;
about 52 scales in lateral line. Body elliptical, much compressed; belly
compressed to an edge which is covered with scutes, 20 before vent, 123

68 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

behind. Head slender and pointed; lower jaw strongly projecting; upper
jaw emarginate. Color, brilliant blue above, sides silvery with golden
reflections; no dark spot behind opercle. Length 15 inches.

This is a deep water species, common in the Ohio river, and
it has made its way through the canals into Lake Erie, where it
is now said to be common. Ohio river, ‘‘ seldom as far as Pitts-
burg,’’ Rafinesque; ‘‘ very rare, two specimens seen in Cincin-
nati market,’’ Kirtland, 1838; Hamilton County, ‘‘abundantin
Ohio river,’’ Henshall, 1888.

family: SALMONIDA.

Key to Genera.

A. Mouth not deeply cleft; dentition feeble or incomplete, scales large.

B. Lower jaw short and more or less included, cleft of mouth short.—
COREGONUS.
BB. Lower jaw long, projecting beyond upper, cleft of mouth rather long.—
ARGYROSOMUS.
AA. Mouth deeply cleft; dentition strong and complete, scales small.
Cc Vomer with raised crest, which is armed with strong teeth; hyoid bone witha
broad band of strong teeth; no bright colors.— CRISTIVOMER.
CC. Vomer without raised crest; hyoid with weak teeth or none; spotted with
red.— SALVELINUS.

Genus: COREGONUS.

Coregonus clupeiformis (Mitchill). COMMON WHITEFISH.

Head 5; depth 3 to 4; eye 4 to 5. D, 11; A. 11; Seales S=74Ntose=—o
Body oblong, compressed, always elevated, especially so in adult. Head
comparatively small and short; the snout obliquely truncated. Gill rakers
numerous, long and slender. Color olivaceous above; sides white, but not
silvery; lower fins sometimes dusky. Length 2 feet or more.

In Ohio the Whitefish is found only in Lake Erie, where it
occurs in great numbers. It does not ascend streams. Recorded
first by Kirtland. ‘‘ The most important fish of Ohio, both as to
quantity taken and quality as food,’’ Jordan’s Report; L. Erie,
Henshall, 1889; ‘‘common in the lake,’’ McCormick, 1892;
‘west end of Lake Erie,’’ Kirsch, 1893. Great quantities from
various parts of the lake are brought into the fish houses at San-
dusky.

SALMONIDAS. 69

Genus: ARGYROSOMUS.

Key to Species.
A. Lower jaw projecting; depth in length 4%4.-- artedt.
AA. Jaws about equal; depth in length 3 to34.— tullibee.

| Argyrosomus artedi (Le Sueur), Cisco; LAKE HERRING.

4 Head 4%; depth 414; eye 4 to 4%. D. 10; A. 12; scales 8-75 to 90-7.
Body elongate, compressed, not elevated. Head compressed, rather long;
distance from occiput to snout usually a little less than half the distance
from occiput to insertion of dorsal fin. Dorsal fin high, its rays rapidly
shortened. Bluish black or greenish above; sides silvery, with dark specks;
fins mostly pale, the lower dusky-tinged. Length 1 foot.

In Ohio taken only in Lake Erie, where it is very abundant.
Recorded by Kirtland, Jordan and Henshall. Lorain Co., ‘‘ very
abundant, sometimes filling the pound nets almost solid with
fish,’ McCormick, 1892; ‘‘ west end of Lake Erie,’’ Kirsch, 1893.
Brought into Sandusky fish houses in enormous numbers.

Argyrosomus tullibee (Richardson). TULLIBEE ; MONGREL
WHITEFISH.

Head 4 to 4%; depth 3 to 33; eye 4%, as long as snout. D. 11 or 12;
A. 11; scales 8 or 9-67 to 74-8. Body short, deep, compressed, shad-like,
dorsal and ventral curves similar. Head conic, compressed; distance from
occiput to tip of snout half the distance from occiput to insertion of D.
Color bluish above; sides white, punctate with fine dots; each scale with a
silvery area, these forming a series of distinct longitudinal stripes. Length
18 inches.

I have seen but one record of this species in Ohio, as follows:
“I once received a photograph of a Tullibee from Dr. E. Ster-
ling, of Cleveland. ‘The specimen had been taken in Lake Erie,’’
Jordan’s Report.

Genus: CRISTIVOMER.

Cristivomer namaycush (Walbaum). MACKINAW TROUT;
GREAT LAKE TROUT; NAMAYCUSH.

Head 4%; depth 4; eye large, 4%. D.11; A. 11; lateral line 185 to 205.
Body elongate. Head very long and pointed, its upper surface flattened.
Mouth very large, the maxillary extending much beyond eye; teeth strong.
Caudal fin well forked; adipose fin small. General color dark gray, varying
from pale to nearly black; everywhere with rounded, paler spots, which are
often reddish tinged; dorsal and caudal reticulate with darker. Length 3
ieet:

VAS

70 TEE BISEHS OF VOTO.

In Ohio taken only in Lake Erie, does not ascend streams.
Kirtland records it for Lake Erie, ‘‘a few stragglers are taken.”’
Jordan and Henshall also recordit. McCormick says of its occur-
rence in Lorain County, ‘‘ very rare, it is almost unknown to the
fishermen here, though common in the eastern part of the lake.’’

Genus: SALVELINUS.
Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill). SPECKLED TRouT; BROOK TROUT.

Head 4%; depth 4%. D. 10; A. 9; scales 37-230-30. Body oblong,
moderately compressed, not much elevated. Head large, but not very long,
the snout bluntish; mouth large, the maxillary reaching more or less beyond
eye; eye large. Color above more or less mottled with dark olive or black‘
sides in life with many red spots; dorsal and caudal mottled or barred with
dark; belly in males often more or less red.

The Brook Trout now probably occurs in but one stream in
the state, Castalia creek, near Sandusky. In 1838 Kirtland
recorded the species as found ‘‘in only two streams, a small creek
in Ashtabula County, and a branch of the Chagrin river in
Geauga County.’’ In 1889 Henshall recorded it for Castalia
creek. It still occurs there in numbers under the protection of a
fishing club, which, I understand, introduces young fry to keep
up the supply.

Onder: 7 AP LON.
family: UMBRIDA.

Genus: UMBRA.

Umbra limi (Kirtland). Mup MINnNow.

Head 334; depth 44%. D.14; A. 8; scales 35-15, soft and leathery; no
lateral line. Body oblong, compressed. Head large, shortish, cheeks and
opercles and top of head forward to between the eyes, covered with scales.
Caudal fin conspicuously rounded. Color dull olive green, with a dark
dorsal band and about 14 light vertical bars, less distinct in young. A dark
bar at base of caudal. Length 4% inches.

This species is rare in the Ohio river drainage, but is reported
as very common in the northern part of the state. Recorded for
streams of northern Ohio by Kirtland ; abundant in the northern
part of Ohio, Jordan’s Report ; Lorain County, ‘‘ very common
in sloughs and bayous,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Fish creek at Hdger-

LUCIID AR. a

ton, Lost and Gordon creeks near Cecil, ‘‘ very common on soft
muddy bottom,’’ Kirsch, 1893; a single specimen was taken
April 3, 1897, in a small tributary of the Olentangy river at
Columbus by Mr. E. B. Williamson and the writer ; Niggermill
Run at Salem, EK. B. Williamson, 1900 ; abundant in the ‘‘ Black
Channel’’ in Sandusky Bay, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

family: Tucipaé.
Genus: Iucrus:
Key to Spectes.

A. Opercles entirely scaled, scales in lateral line 105.— vermiculatus.
AA. Opercles with the lower half bare of scales.
B. Cheeks entirely scaled, scales in lateral line about 123.— luctus.

BB. Cheeks with the lower half bare of scales, scales in lateral line about 150.—
: MASQUINONLY.

Lucius vermiculatus (Le Sueur). LirtLE PICKEREL; GRASS PIKE.
Head long, 3% to 334 in length of body; depth 5 to 6; eye 6 in head,
large. D. 11 or 12; A. 11 or 12; scales 105. Body elongate, somewhat com-
pressed. Opercles and cheeks entirely covered with scales. Color greenish

or grayish olive, everywhere reticulated with irregular, light markings; the
color extremely variable. Length about a foot.

aie Wittle Pickerel, or ‘‘ Grass Pike,’’ as it is sometimes
called, is common throughout the state in suitable localities. Its
favorite haunt is the weedy pond or backwater or overflow pool
of some stream, and in such places it is sometimes very abund-
ant. Jordan in his Ohio Report gives it as more abundant in the
Ohio river drainage than in that of the lake. ‘‘ Lake Erie and
Maumee river,’ Henshall, 1889; Lorain County, ‘‘common,”’
McCormick, 1892 ; ‘‘common throughout the Maumee basin, all
waters examined (in Ohio) except Hoaglin creek,” Kirsch, 1893 ;

Franklin County, ‘‘of general distribution, abundant in Hell

Branch,’’ Williamson and Osburn, 1897; John’s creek at Water-
loo, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek at Ashtabula, R. C.
Osburn, 1899; Sandusky Bay, Breakneck creek near Kent. Lick-
ing reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

Lucius lucius (Linnaeus). PICKEREL; PIKE.

Head 3%; depth 5; eye 6% in head. Developed rays of dorsal 16 or 17,
of anal 13 or 14; scales 123. Body moderately elongate, back little elevated.
Head rather long. Cheeks scaly; the lower half of opercle bare. Color

72 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

bluish or greenish gray, with many whitish or yellowish spots arranged’
somewhat in rows. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins with roundish or oblong,
black spots. Length 4 feet. .

The Pickérel is said to have been very abundant at one time
in all the streams flowing into Lake Erie and somewhat less.
common in the Ohio river drainage. In the latter it has now, as.
far as Ohio is concerned, become quite rare, and in the lake
drainage, and even in the lake itself, it has noticeably diminished
in numbers. Kirtland gives it as ‘‘common both to the waters.
of the Ohio and the lake.” “Wake Hrie and Sandusky seigems
Henshall, 1889; Lorain County, Lake Erie’ and Black river,
‘“often killed in the ponds and channels of the snipe ground
when they are spawning,’’ McCormick, 1892; St. Joseph river at:
Edgerton, Tiffin river at West Unity and Brunersburg, Auglaize
river at Cloverdale, Kirsch, 1893 ; Sandusky Bay, R. C. Osburn,
1899 ; Licking reservoir, a single specimen, 1% feet in length.
RC Oshima, peo,

Lucius masquinongy (Mitchill). MuSKALLUNGE.

Head 3%; depth 6; eye 4 to6Gin snout. D. 17; A. 15; scales 150) Gen=
eral form of Z. /ucius; the head proportionately longer. Cheeks and oper-.
cles both naked below. Color dark gray, sides in the typical form, mas-
guinongy, with round or squarish, blackish spots of varying size on a ground
color of grayish silvery; belly white; fins spotted with black. Length 4 to.
8 feet.

This magnificent Pike is represented in Ohio by two varieties,
as follows: JL. masguinongy var. masquinongy, the typical form,.
confined to Lake Erie and its tributary rivers, and Z. Masgut-
nongy ohiensis (Kirtland), confined to the Ohio river and its
tributary streams. The variety ofzensts is separated from the
typical form by the presence of narrow irregular crossbars,
formed by the coalescing of spots on the sides. Kirtland records.
the former for Lake Erie and the Ohio canal near Massilon,
1838, and the latter for the Mahoning river, 1854; Ohio river
and Lake Erie, Henshall, 1889 ; McCormick records the species.
for Lorain County, and states that it is growing rare, being
seldom taken in the pounds; Kirsch, in 1893, speaks in the same
strain of their diminishing numbers in Maumee river and the
west end of Lake Erie.

PQ{CILIIDA. 1%

family: PasciLirp as.
Genus: FUNDULUS.

Key to Spectes.
A No broad, black lateral band.

B. Dorsal fin of 12 or 13 rays.— diaphanus.
BB. Dorsal fin of 7 rays.— dispar.
AA. A broad, black lateral band, its ed es notched; dorsal fin of 9 rays.— notalus.

Fundulus diaphanus menona (Jordan and Copeland).

Head 3%; depth 5. D.12; A. 10; scales 48-12. Body rather slender,
not elevated, compressed posteriorly. Head flattened above. Fins rather
small and low. General color olivaceous, below pale, sides somewhat silvery;
back always spotted; sides with about 16 distinct, irregular, dark bands,
these often replaced by the same number of shining, silvery bands narrower
than the interspaces. Length 3% inches.

Taken only in the northern part of the state, wherein suitable
places itis common. ‘‘ Taken once near Lorain, common near
Pafonand Put-in-Bay;,’ McCormick, 1892; ‘‘ Maumee river at
Toledo, abundant,’’ Kirsch, 1893; noted commonly by Prof.
D. S. Kellicott, E. B. Williamson and the writer in Sandusky
Bay in 1896, and again by the writer in 1899 and 1goo.

Fundulus dispar (Agassiz).

Head 33%; depth 3%. D.7; A. 9; scales 35-10. Body short and deep,
much compressed. Head short and very broad, the distance between the
eyes above greater than the distance between them below. Snout broadly
rounded. Dorsal fin much smaller than anal. Color pale olive, bluish in
life; about to longitudinal, wavy, brown stripes along sides formed by the
dark edges of the scales. Males have these stripes interrupted and have
about 9 dark crossbars; a black blotch below eye. Length 2% inches.

Given for Ohio by Jordan (Ohio Rept.), and Jordan and
Evermann (Bull. 47, U. S. Natl. Mus.) Dr. B. W. Evermann,
in a recent letter regarding this species, says: ‘‘I learned of its
occurrence in the Celina reservoir through students of mine who
seined there. No record was published, however.’’

Fundulus notatus (Rafinesque). Tor Minnow.

EieadA; dept 4%; eye 3. D.9; A. Il or 12; scales 24-11. Body
slender, compressed posteriorly. Head depressed, rather long, the snout
somewhat produced; interorbital space half the length of head. Color oliva-
ceous or brownish olive, with a broad, blackish lateral band from tip of

7A THE FISHES OF OHIO.

‘snout to caudal, this band usually notched above and below, giving it a
‘serrated appearance. A light, translucent spot is conspicuous on the top of
‘the head when the fish is swimming at the surface. Length 2 to 3% inches.

The Top Swimmer is a common species in suitable localities
in the Ohio river drainage, but is rather rare in the tributaries of

‘the lake. Hamilton County, very abundant in Ross lake, Hen-

shall, 1888 ; Maumee river at Grand Rapids, St. Mary’s river at
St. Mary’s and Rockford, Tiffin river at West Unity and Bruners-
burg, Auglaize river at Wapakoneta, Cloverdale, Oakwood and

Defiance, Blanchard river at Ottawa, Hoaglin creek at Ottawa,

‘“seemingly scarce at all these points,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin

‘County, of general distribution, abundant in places, Williamson
-and Osburn, 1897 ; Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater creek near

Dayton, very common, R. C. Osburn, 1899.

Order; AE MIUB RANCH IT.
Family: GASTEROSTEID.

Genus - TAUCALIA:

Eucalia inconstans (Kirtland). BRooK STICKLEBACK.

Head 3%; depth 4. D.IV-I, 10; A. I, 10. Body moderately elongate,

‘little compressed; caudal peduncle slender, not keeled. Dorsal spines low,

subequal, 4 or 5 in number in a right line; a cartilaginous ridge along base

-of fin; ventral spines short and sharp, serrated. Color, males in spring jet

black, tinged with red anteriorly; females and young, olivaceous, mottled
and dotted with black. Length 2% inches.

This species is probably confined to the central and northern
parts of Ohio. It is said to be abundant in some localities. Kaurt-
land described the species in 1841, from brooks of Trumbull
County ; Jordan gives it as ‘‘abundant in many streams in
northern part of Ohio’’; ‘‘ Castalia creek’’ near Sandusky, Hen-
shall, 1889; Lorain County, ‘‘I have found sticklebacks in but
two places,’’ McCormick, 1892; Mr. E. B. Williamson writes me
that he has found the species in Niggermill Run at Salem, Col-

uumbiana County, 1899.

PERCOPSIDA#. rhs

Order: ACANTHOPTERI.
Swb-Order : SALMOPERCA.
Family: PERCOPSIDA:.
Genus: PERCOPSIS.

Percopsis guttatus Agassiz. TRouT PERCH.

Head 3% to4; depth 4to4%. D.II,9; A. I, 7; scales about 50, strongly
¢etenoid. Head rather long, slender and conical, mouth subinferior. Body
rather slender; caudal peduncle long and slender. A small but distinct
adipose fin behind dorsal. Color, pale olivaceous on back, colorless and
somewhat translucent below; about 11 small, dark spots along lateral line,
and another row of smaller dots between this and mid-dorsal line. Length
4 to 6 inches.

Jordan and-Evermann (Bull. 47, U.S. Natl. Mus.) in dis-

cussing the range of this species give it as ‘‘ rare in streams south
of Lake Erie.’’ ‘his statement does not seem to hold good for
the State of Ohio, for in suitable localities the species is common
as far as the southern limits of the state, and in some places is
very abundant. Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in Little Miami |
fiver below the dam at Loveland,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain
‘County, ‘‘ common in Lake Erie, Black river and Beaver creek,’’
McCormick, 1892 ; Franklin County, taken in most of the streams
of the county, abundant in streams west: of the Scioto, after
some hauls in Scioto Big Run the seine contained more of this
than all the other species combined, Williamson and Osburn,
1897 ; John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at Milan, common
menor places, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C.
Osburn, 1900.

Sub-Order: XENARCHI.
Family: APHREDODERID.
Genus: APHREDODERUS.

Aphredoderus sayanus (Gilliams). PIRATE PERCH.

i Peddeq depth 3..°D: III, 11 to lV, 10; A. Il, 6; scales 45°to' 6o. Body
| oblong, elevated at base of dorsal, compressed behind. Head thick, de-
pressed; mouth moderate, lower jaw projecting. Lateral line imperfect or
wanting. The position of the anus is peculiar, being always anterior; it

76 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

varies in position with age from just behind the ventrals in the young, to
below the preopercle in the adult. Color, dark olive, profusely speckled
with dark points, which may form streaks along the rows of scales; 2 black-
ish bars at base of caudal. Length 5 inches. The Ohio form is the variety
tsolepts.

The Pirate Perch seems to be a rather rare species in Ohio,
and thus far it has been taken only in Lake Erie and the Maumee
river system. ‘‘Lake Erie,’’ Henshall, 1889; Maumee river
system, ‘‘only two small specimens were taken, one by Prof.
Meek in Gordon creek near Cecil, and one by us in warm slug-
gish water in St. Mary’s river at Rockford,’’ Kirsch, 1893.

Sub-Order: PERCESOCES.
family: ATHERINIDA.
Genus: JABIDESTHES.

Labidesthes sicculus Cope. BROOK SILVERSIDES.

Head 44% to 4%; depth 6; eye large, 3%. D. IV-—I, 11; A: I, 23) Seales
75. Body very long and slender, compressed. Head long, flattened above;
snout long, slender and conic; mouth very large, the jaws produced into a
sort of beak. First dorsal very low, inserted well back; caudal forked.
Color pale olive green, translucent, dotted above with fine, dark specks; a
broad, distinct, silvery lateral band, bounded above by a dark line. Length
3% inches.

This peculiar and interesting little fish is widely distributed
over the state and is generally common. Quiet pools of streams.
and shallow waters of lakes on sandy or gravelly bottom are its
favorite haunts. Hamilton County, ‘‘ one specimen from Bloody
Run, common in Ross lake,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County,
‘“ quite common in the lake and in the larger streams below the
dams,’’ McCormick, 1892; ‘‘ generally distributed in the waters
of the Maumee basin,’’ Kirsch, 1893 ; Franklin County, generally
distributed, abundant, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Huron
river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater

creek near Dayton, very abundant on sandy bottom in shallow
water in Sandusky Bay, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Mahoning river,

E. B. Williamson, 1900; Pippin lake, Chippewa lake, Summit
lake, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at Willoughby,
Ohio river at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, Re CC. Osburn, 1900!

{
3

KEY TO GENERA—CENTRARCHIDA}. 77

Sub-Order: RHEGNOPTERI.
Group: PERCOIDEA.

family: CENTRARCHIDA}.

Key to Genera.

A. Dorsal fin scarcely longer than anal,— POMOXIS.
AA. Dorsal fin much larger than anal.
ise Body comparatively short and deep, the depth usually more than 2 the length.
cy Tongue and pterygoids with teeth; mouth large, maxillary reaching past
middle of eye.
D. Opercle emarginate behind ; anal spines 6.— AMBLOPLITES.

DD. Opercle ending in a black, convex process or flap; anal spines, 3.—
CH42NOBRYTTUS.
CC. Tongue and pterygoids toothless; mouth small, maxillary barely reach-
ing past middle of eye.

E. Supplemental bone of maxillary perfectly distinct.— APOMOTIS.
EE. Supplemental bone of maxillary rudimentary or wanting.
F. Lower pharyngeal bones narrow, the teeth usually sharp, not
conical.— LEPOMIS.
FF. Lower pharyngeals broad and concave, especially in the adult,
teeth more or less blunt and paved.— EUPOMOTIS.
BB. Body comparatively elongate, depth in adult about % the length; mouth
large.— MICROPTERUS.

Genus: POMOXIS.
Key to Species.

A. Dorsal spines 6, occasionally 5, rarely 7; profile strongly sinuate, anal fin plain.—
annularts.
AA. Dorsal spines 7, rarely 8; profile not strongly sinuate; anal fin reticulate with dark
markings.— Sparotdes.
Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque. CRAPPIE ; LAKE ERIE BASS;
CaLico BASS.
Head 3; depth 24%; eye large, 4. D. V or VI, or sometimes VII, 15; A.
VI, 18; scales 6-48-14. Body elongate, much compressed. Head long; the
profile from snout to dorsal strongly sinuate; mouth very wide. Fins very
high, but lower than in P. sparoides. Color, silvery olive, mottled with
dark green, the dark marks chiefly on upper part of body and having a
tendency to form vertical bars; dorsal and caudal marked with dark green,
anal nearly plain. A lighter colored fish than P. sparvoides. Quite variable.
Length 12 inches.

Well distributed over the state in larger streams and lakes,
common. Recorded for the state by Dr. Kirtland, who gave it
the name Cichla storeria. ‘‘It occurs in large numbers in the
Ohio river and its tributaries, rarely taken in Lake Erie,’’ Jor-
dan’s Report; Muskingum river, Ohio river at Raccoon Island,
Henshall, 1889; Lorain County, common, McCormick, 1892;

78 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Franklin County, Scioto river, Olentangy river, Big Walnut
creek, Big Darby creek, abundant, Williamson and Osburn, 1897;
Ohio river at Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Wabash river at
Celina, North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn,
1899; Ohio river at Bellaire, Chippewa lake, R. C. Osburn, 1900.
It is worthy of note that in Chippewa lake, which drains into the
Ohio river system, this species was found exceedingly abundant,
but none of the next species, P. sfarozdes, were taken, while in
Summit lake, with very similar surroundings, but draining into
Lake Erie, only P. sparotdes was taken. ‘These lakes are buta
short distance apart, the former being near Medina, the latter at
Akron.

Pomoxis sparoides (Lacepede). CALico BASS; GRASS BASS ;
LAKE ERIE BASS; CRAPPIE; BACHELOR.

Head 3; depth 2. D. VII or VIIL, 15;-A. VI, 17-0or 18; scalestj—aaoizs
Body less elongate than in P. annularts; the profile less sinuate, the region
over the eye not being so much depressed. Fins very high, anal higher
than dorsal, its height 4 or 5 times in length of body. Color silvery olive,
mottled with olive green or dark, the markings not tending to vertical bars,
but to small, irregular groups and covering the whole body. Anal fin
heavily marked like the other vertical fins, with dark olive markings; a
dusky opercular spot. Length 12 inches.

Not so common as the preceding, but widely distributed, and
occurring throughout the state; perhaps not ascending streams as.
far as P. annularis. It 1s Said to be more common imam
annularis in the lake drainage, while in the Ohio Valley, P.
annularts is the more common. ‘‘In the Great Lakes in large
numbers. I have seen but few from the Ohio Valley,’ Jordan’s
Report; Hamilton County, ‘‘common in Ross lake near Elm-
wood,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, Lake Erie and lower
parts of Beaver creek and Black river, McCormick, 1892; Maumee
river at Defiance and Grand Rapids; St. Joseph river at Edger-
ton, Fish creek at Edgerton, St. Mary’s river at St. Mary’s and
Rockford, Tiffin river at Brunersburg and West Unity, Hoaglin
creek near Oakland, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Scioto and
Olentangy rivers, not common, Williamson and Osburn, 1897;
Ohio river at Ironton, Wabash river at Celina, R: C. Osbum
1899; Summit lake, Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

CENTRARCHIDA, 79)

Genus: AMBLOPLITES.

Ambloplites rupestris (Rafinesque). Rock BAss; GOGGLE-EVE ;
RED-EVE.

Head 234; depth 2 to 2%; eye very large, 3%. D. XI, ro orrr; A. VI,

10; scales 5 to 7-40-12. Body oblong, compressed. Head large, profile

little depressed above eye; mouth large and oblique, lower jaw projecting.

Preopercle serrate near its angle. Color olive green, tinged more or less.

with brassy yellow, with much dark mottling; each scale with a dark spot

producing longitudinal rows; a black opercular spot. Soft dorsal, anal and

caudal with dark mottlings. Length 12 inches.

A widely distributed and abundant species found in all larger
streams and lakes. Recorded by Kirtland as common. Abund-
ant, Jordan’s Report; ‘‘ Lake Erie, Ohio river, near Little Sandy
river,’ Henshall, 1889; Lorain County, ‘‘common in the larger
streams, sometimes taken by the pound nets in the lake,’’ McCor-
mick, 1892; “‘ A common fish at nearly all points where investi-
gations were made,’’ Maumee river basin, Kirsch, 1893; Frank-
lin County, nearly every stream, common, Williamson and_
Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek, Knox County, not common,
Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898; John’s creek at Waterloo,,
Huron river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, Ashtabula creek, Wabash
river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North
Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Nigger-.
mill Run and Mahoning river, EK. B. Williamson, 1900; Pippin.
lake, Cuyahoga river and Breakneck creek at Kent, R. C. Osburn,
IgOO.

Genus: CHANOBRYTTUS.

Cheenobryttus gulosus (Cuvier and Valenciennes). WARMOUTH.

Head 21 to 2%; depth 2 to 2%; eye 4 to4%. The general form and’
dentition of Asmbloplites, with the convex opercle, 1o dorsal and 3 anal.
spines of Lepomts. Preopercle entire. Head large, snout about equal to
eye; mouth large, maxillary reaching posterior border of eye, teeth on vomer,
palatines, pterygoidsand tongue. D. X,gor1o; A, III, 8or 9; dorsalspines.
low. Color dark olive green, clouded with darker, usually with red or blue,
and brassy; a dark spot on each scale; belly yellowish or brassy. Length 8
to Io inches.

Taken by Kirsch in the Maumee basin in Fish creek, at
Edgerton, and Tiffin river at Brunersburg, ‘‘ not common,”’ 1893..
Not recorded for the state by any other collector.

80 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: MAPOMOTIS.

Apomotis cyanellus (Rafinesque). GREEN SUNFISH;
CREEK SUNFISH; LITTLE RED-EVE.

Head 3; depth 2%. D. X, 11; A: dll, 9; scales about 7-48-17) G rews
on cheek. Body oblong, rather elongate in young, becoming short and deep
in adults. Mouth large, larger than in Lepomis or Eupomotis, maxillary
reaching nearly to middle of eye, lower jaw projecting. Gill rakers long
and stiff. Lower pharyngeal teeth acute; a patch of teeth on basibranchial
between second and third hypobranchials. Color generally greenish, some-
times nearly black; vertical fins marked with blue or green, in adults in
spring the lower fins are very dark and all the fins are edged with silvery;
dorsal and anal generally with a black spot on the posterior rays. Quite
variable. Length 7 inches.

The Green Sunfish is an abundant resident of the streams of
Ohio, but is ‘rarely found in the lakes. It ascends the streams
farther than any other species of this family, being found even
in small brooks and spring runs. Hamilton County, ‘cabundant
in Ross lake and Little Miami river,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain
County, ‘‘abundant in the upper part of small streams and in
small ponds,’’ McCormick, 1892; Mauniee river basin, ‘‘ taken at
nearly every point in all the streams that were examined,’’ Kirsch,
1893; Franklin County, abundant in nearly every stream, Wil-
liamson and’ Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek, Knox County,
not common, Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898; Ohio river
at Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river
at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork
of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Mahoning river,
E. B. Williamson, 1900; Breakneck creek near Kent, outlet of
Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

ee a a ™

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CENTRARCHIDA. SI

Genus: IL EPOMIS.

Key to Species.
A. Pectoral fins short, obtuse, not reaching beyond front of anal, considerably shorter
than head.— megalotis.

AA. Pectoral fins more or less pointed, not much if any shorter than head, and reaching
to or beyond front of anal.

B. Opercular flap margined with red, sides with many red spots.— humilts.
BB. Opercular flap without red margin or spot ; no red spots on sides, a large spot
on posterior. rays of dorsal and anal fins at base.— pallidus,

Lepomis megalotis (Rafinesque). LONG-EARED SUNFISH,

Head (without earflap) 3 in length; depth 1% to 2%; eye 3% to 4.
D. X, 10 to 12; A. III, 8 to 10; scales about 6-38-12, about 5 rows on cheek,
Body short and deep, compressed; the back very strongly arched in adult,
the profile very steep. Mouth small, oblique. Gill rakers very short and
soft. Dorsal spines very low, 3 in head. Pectoral 1% to 1% in head.
Opercular flap in adult very broad and long, with a pale blue or red margin
which may be very broad or almost wanting; the flap much smaller in young.
Color brilliant blue and orange; above chiefly blue, the belly entirely orange,
lips blue; cheeks orange, with bright blue stripes; soft parts of vertical fins
with the rays blue and membranes orange. An extremely variable species.
Length 8 inches.

An abundant species in the Ohio river system, but not so
common in the lake drainage. It occurs both in lakes and
streams, but to greater extent in the latter. It does not ascend
streams as far as Apomotis cyanellus, however. Given by Kirt-
land as Pomotis nitida. Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in Ross
lake,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, rare, two specimens from
Black river, 1890, McCormick; Maumee system, ‘‘all the larger
streams and nearly all the smaller ones,’’ July 17 given as a

breeding date, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, nearly all the

streams, apparently the most common sunfish, June 18 given as a
breeding date, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; John’s creek at
Waterloo, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river
at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork
of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run
at Salem, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Sandusky Bay, Summit lake,
Ohio river at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, Igoo.

82 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Lepomis humilis (Girard). RED-sPOTTED SUNFISH.

Head 23f to 3: depth 24 to°2%2 eye larce, 3 to 32%. DX, to e@nm
A. III, 8 or 9; scales large, 5-34-11, about 5 rows on cheek. Body oblong,
profile not very steep. Mucous pores on head very large; opercular flap
long, broad and with a very broad, red margin, which entirely surrounds
the black. Longest dorsal spine not quite half head, pectoral alittle shorter
than head. Gill rakers rather long and blunt, well developed. Color,
bluish with conspicuous greenish spots posteriorly; sides with many con-
spicuous round, salmon-red spots; a faint black spot on last rays of dorsal;
belly and lower fins red. Length 4 inches.

This small, highly colored sunfish is found in Ohio in the Saint

western part only. I know of but onerecord, as follows: Ham- -

ilton Co., ‘‘common in Ross lake and Clough creek,’’ Henshall,
1888.

Lepomis pallidus (Mitchill). BlLuE-GILL; BLUE BREAM ;
COPPER-NOSED BREAM ; BLUE SUNFISH.

Head 23 to 3%; depth about 2; eye 334 to 4. D. X, 113 A de tome
12; scales about 7-45-12, 5 rows on cheek. Body comparatively short and
deep, compressed; the young slender, adults nearly orbicular, caudal pedun-
cle rather slender. Head rather small, the projecting snout forming an
angle above eye. Mouth quite small, the maxillary barely reaching front of
eye. Opercular flap very short in young, somewhat larger in adult, without
pale edge. Gill rakers of moderate length, rather stiff. Dorsal fin high;
pectoral fin long and narrow, longer than head, reaching past front of anal.
Color, olive green, sometimes quite dark, sometimes with a silvery or golden
luster. Adults in spring with the belly coppery red. Young, silvery with
more or less distinct, chain-like bars of darker on the sides. No blue stripes
on cheek; a black blotch at base of posterior rays of dorsal and anal. Ex-
tremely variable. Length 12 inches.

The Blue-gill is a very abundant species in the lakes of Ohio.
It is quite common and widely distributed in the larger streams,
but does not ascend small streams. Hamilton County, ‘‘ abund-
ant in Little Miami river and Ross lake,”’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain
County, ‘‘not common,’’ McCormick, 1892; Maumee river sys-
tem, ‘‘ taken in all the streams and at nearly every point exam-
ined,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Scioto and Olentangy
rivers, Big Walnut and Big Darby Creeks, rare, June 14 given as
a breeding date, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Huron river at

(Lepomis machrochirus Rafinesque, has been taken in the head waters of the Ohio
in western Pennsylvania, by Cope, and in the Ohio river, by Rafinesque and Jordan, but as
I know of no record of its capture within the state, I ‘hesitate to include it in the list,
though it doubtless occurs rarely in the Ohio.)

a a ee eee ee a ee

:

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CENTRARCHID&. 83

Milan, Sandusky Bay, Wabash river at Celina, R. C. Osburn,
1899; I have observed the species also at Licking and St. Mary’s
reservoirs. In both of these and in Sandusky Bay it is very
abundant; Pippin lake, Chippewa lake, Summit lake, Ohio river
at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, rgoo.

Genus: EUPOMOTIS.
Key to Spectes.

A. Cheeks without marked blue or orange spots or lines.

B. Scales large, 34 to 39 in lateral line.— heros.
BB. Scales moderate, 33 in lateral line. Cur YyOrYUs.

AA. Cheeks with wavy blue lines, scales about 45; lower posterior border of opercular
flap always scarlet. gibbosus,

Eupomotis heros (Baird and Girard).

Head 25 to 3; depth 2 to 22; eye 3% to 4%; snout3¥% to4. D. X, 11;
A. III, 11; scales 4-34 to 39-13, 4 rows on cheek. Appearance of Lepomis
pallidus. Body robust, moderately elongate, dorsal and ventral outlines
about equally curved. Head rather large, a considerable depression in pro-
file above eye; mouth rather large, maxillary reaching past front of eye.
Dorsal spines rather high; pectorals reaching beyond middle of anal.
Opercular flap smaller than eye, much asin £. gzbbosus. Pharyngeal teeth
not so blunt as in gzbbosus. Color dark greenish above, gradually becoming
brassy on belly; cpercular spot greenish black, the flap with a broad, blood-
red border in male, plain in females. No spot on dorsal oranal. Length
about 8 inches.

This is a species of southern distribution, and in Ohio prob-
ably occurs only in the southwestern part of the state. It has
been recorded, in 1888, for the Little Miami river in Hamilton
County, by Henshall, under the name Lepomzs notatus.

Eupomotis euryorus (McKay).

Head 334; depth 22. D. X, 11; A. III, 10; scales 6-43-14, 6 or 7 rows
on cheek. Body very robust, compressed, dorsal outline more convex than
ventral; profile steep, convex. Mouth oblique, small, maxillary reaching
front of eye. Teeth on front of palatines. Lower pharyngeals with the
rather long posterior spur turned up, stoutish; the inner angle rounded,
somewhat obtuse. Teeth stout, very much blunted, not close set. Gill
rakers short and stout, the inner surface roughened. Opercular flap nearly
as long as snout, witha very broad, pale membranous margin. Dorsal spines
low; ventrals and pectorals short, reaching vent. Color in spirits, mottled
olive, yellowish below; top of head blackish; membranes of vertical fins
dusky; ventrals dusky, with lighter margins; pectorals pale. Length 8
inches.

84. THE FISHES OF OHIO.

This rare sunfish has been recorded from but two localities in
Ohio, both of these to the credit of Mr. McCormick, who says of
them: ‘‘I took several specimens near Huron, July 6, 1891, and
two near Lorain, in September.’’ Only two other specimens were
known at the time Mr. McCormick took these.

Eupomotis gibbosus (Linnaeus). COMMON SUNFISH ;
PUMPKIN SEED ; SUNNY.

Head 3 to 34%; depth 13 to 2; eye 4 to4%; snout4y%. OD. X, tote 12:
A. III, 10 or 11; scales about 6-44-13, 4 rows on cheek. Body short and
deep, compressed, the profile steep, convex. Head rather small; mouth
small, maxillary scarcely reaching front of eye. Dorsal spines high, the
longest 2 to 2% in head, equal to distance from snout to posterior edge of
pupil; pectorals long, as long as head. Gill rakers short and soft, weaker
than in any other species except Lepomis megalotis. Pharyngeal teeth all
bluntly rounded, paved, the bones very broad and somewhat concave,
Opercular flap small, the lower posterior part always bright scarlet, a char-
acter which distinguishes this species at once in the adult. Color greenish
olive, brilliantly marked with blue and orange on the sides; belly orange;
lower fins orange, upper blue and orange-spotted; cheeks orange, with wavy
blue streaks. One of the most gaudy of our Sunfishes, and quite variable.
Length 8 inches. :

An abundant species in the ponds and lakes of central and
northern Ohio, common in the large streams and in the quiet
waters of bayous. Not common in the smaller streams, and said
to be rather rare in the southern part of the state. In Sandusky
Bay and in Licking reservoir it is the most abundant sunfish.
Ross lake, Hamilton County, and Lake Erie, Henshall, ré8q;
Lorain County, ‘‘ very abundant below the ripples in the larger
streams, and in the bayous near the lake. A few taken in the
pounds,’’ Camden lake, McCormick, 1892; Maumee river system,
‘‘abundant in all the lakes, common in all the larger streams,
except the Auglaize river, less common in the smaller streams,’’
Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Scioto and Olentangy rivers,
Big Walnut and Big Darby creeks, not common, Williamson and
Osburn, 1897; Huron river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, St. Mary’s
reservoir, Wabash river at Celina, North Fork of Licking river
at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Pippin lake, Chippewa lake,
Summit lake, Licking reservoir, abundant in all these localities,
R. C. Osburn, 1900.

|

CENTRARCHIDA. 85

Genus; MICROPTERUS.

Key to Species.
A. Eleven rows of scales above lateral line, about 17 rows on cheek.— dolomieu.
AA. Seven rows of scales above lateral line, about 1o rows on cheek,.— salmoides,

Micropterus dolomieu Lacepede. SMALI-MOUTHED BLACK BAss,

Head 2% to 3%; depth 2% to3%; eye5to6¥%. D. X, 13 to15; A. III,
Io to 12; scales 11-72 to 85-25 (Ohio specimens average about 75 in lateral
line). Body rather elongate in young, becoming deeper with age. Mouth
large, but smaller than in J/. salmotdes, the maxillary usually not extending
back of posterior edge of orbit. This species can always be distinguished at
once from J. salmoides by the smaller scales, there being 11 rows of scales
above the lateral line, while in sa/moides there are but 7 rows. The color is
exceedingly variable, giving rise to a number of local names among sports-
men. The usual color is a dark green, with bronze or golden reflections,
sometimes almost black on the back; belly lighter. A lateral band never
present. Said to reach a length of 2 feet.

Widely distributed over the state and common everywhere in
suitable localities. Dr. Jordan aptly says in regard to its habits,
“as compared with JZ. sa/mozdes it is a fish of the running waters,
having little liking for warm and grassy ponds, bayous or lakes.’’
It is found in nearly all streams, sometimes even ascending small,
spring-fed brooks. Recorded by all students of Ohio fishes from
Rafinesque and Le Sueur on down, and under a great variety of
names. I give the locality records of later investigators. Ham-
ilton County, “‘common in Little Miami river,’’? Henshall, 1888 ;
Lorain County, ‘‘common in the larger streams, not so often
seen in the lake as the next species,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Maumee
river system, ‘‘ common in all the streams, none from the lakes,”
Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, generally abundant, William-
son and Osburn, 1897 ; Big Jelloway creek system, Knox County,
nearly all streams, abundant in some places, Parker, Williamson
and Osburn, 1898; John’s creek at Waterloo, Ice creek at Iron-
ton, Huron river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, Ashtabula creek,
Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton,
North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ;
Mahoning river, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Cuyahoga river at
Hawkins, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at Wil-
loughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMahon
creek at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, rgoo.

86 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede). LARGE-MOUTHED BLACK BASS;
OSWEGO BASS ; GREEN BASS; BAvou Bass.

Head 3 to 3%; depth 3 to 34%; eye5 to6. D. X, 12 or 13; A. III, 1oor
II; scales 7-65 to 70-18. Body much as in JV. dolomieu, ovate-fusiform.
Mouth very large, maxillary (except in very young) reaching past eye.
Always distinguishable from J7. dolomieu by the larger scales, 7 rows above
lateral line. Color variable, usually dark green above, becoming greenish
silvery on sides and belly. Youngalways with a distinct, black lateral band,
which becomes fainter with age and disappears entirely at about the fourth
year. Length 1% to 2% feet.

This species is found in lakes, bayous and in channels of
larger streams. It isa fish of the quiet water. Widely distrib-
uted. Like the preceding species it has been the subject of much

synonymy. Rafinesque records it under the name Lepomzs
pallida, for the Ohio, Miami and Hocking rivers. Hamilton
County, “‘common in Ross lake,’’ Henshall, 1888; [Lorain

County, ‘‘ more common in the lake than in the streams,’’ McCor-
mick, 1892; Maumee river system, common in all the lakes, also
common in the Maumee river and most of its larger tributaries,
but none in Auglaize river or its tributaries, Kirsch, 1893 ; Frank-
lin County, Scioto river, Big Walnut creek, Big Darby creek, not
common, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Ohio river and Ice creek
at Ironton, John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at Milan,
Sandusky Bay, Wabash river at Celina, R. C. Osburn, 1899;
Pippin lake, Chippewa lake, Summit lake, Grand river at Paines-
ville, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

;
4
:

KEY TO GENERA—PERCID. 87

Family: PERCIDA.

Key to Genera.

A. Pseudobminchiz well developed; preopercle serrate; branchiostegals 7; no anal

papilla,
B. Canine teeth on jaws and palatines; body elongate; ventral fins well sepa-
rated.— STIZOSTEDION.
BB. Canine teeth none; body oblong, ventral fins near together.— PERCA.

AA. Pseudobranchiz imperfect or wanting ; preopercle entire or nearly so; branchios-
tegals 6; anal papilla usually present.

sa Parietal region of skull depressed, not strongly convex in transverse section,
—-shaped in section.

D. Cranium broad between the eyes, snout conic, projecting pig-like beyond
the inferior mouth.— PERCINA.

DD. Cranium not broad between the eyes, snout not much proj-_cting.

E. Body not hyaline nor extremely elongate, its surface almost en-
tirely covered with scales.

F. Premaxillaries not protractile, the skin of the premaxillary
continuous in the middle with that of the forehead with no
cross groove between.— HADROPTERUS.

FF. Premaxillaries protractile (in Cottogaster shumardi a narrow,
connecting frenum sometimes crosses from the premaxillary
to the forehead).

G. Anal spines 2, both well developed, the first usually the
longer.

H. Mid-line of belly naked or covered by caducous
shields ; gill membranes scarcely conne ted —

COTTOGASTER.
HH. Belly covered with ordinary scales; gill mem-

branes broadly connected.— DIPLESION.
GG. Anal spine single, obscure; anal fin small, much shorter

than soft dorsal.— BOLEOSOMA.
EE. Body extremely elongate, hyaline, subterete, the belly mostly

naked. ‘
ie Premaxillaries not protractile ; dorsal spines 12 or 13.—

CRYSTALLARIA.,

II. Premaxillaries protractile ; dorsal spines 9 to 11.—
AMMOCRYPTA.

CC. Parietal region of skull not depressed, more or less strongly convex in cross-
section, M-shaped; premaxillaries never protractile; belly covered with
ordinary scales. .

Tie Lateral line straight ; body rather robust.— ETHEOSTOMA.

JJ. lateral line with a slight arch running high anteriorly ; body slender.—
BOLEICHTHYS.

88 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: STIZOSTEDION.
Key to Species.

A. Pyloric coeca 3; soft dorsal with about 20 rays; a biack spot on last dorsal spines.—
vitveum.
AA. Pyloric coeca 4 to 7; soft dorsal with about 17 rays; no black spot on posterior dorsal
spines, a black blotch at base of pectoral : second dorsal with rows of dark spots.—
canadense.
Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill). WaALl-EYED PIKE; PIKE PERCH;
YELLOW PIKE; BLUE PIKE; JACK SALMON.
Head 3%; depth about 4%; eye 4% to5. D. XII to XVI, Ig to 21; A.
II, 12 to 14; scales 10-110 to 132-25; lateral line incomplete. Body slender,
becoming compressed with age. Cheeks and upper surface of head nearly
naked. Dorsal spines high, more than one-half the length of head; dorsal
fins well separated; soft dorsal nearly as long asthe spinous. Pyloric coeca,
3. Color, dark olive, finely mottled with brassy; sides of head more or less
vermiculated; belly and lower fins pinkish; spinous dorsal with a large, jet
black spot on posterior 2 or 3 membranes. Length about 3 feet.

Common in Ohio river and Lake Erie, and sometimes ascend-
ing their larger tributaries. Kirtland reported it from Lake Erie
and the Maumee and Ohio rivers under the name Lwczo-perca
americana. Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in the Ohio river,”’
Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ very commen in the lake,
entering the streams occasionally,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Maumee
river at Grand Rapids and Toledo, and Lake Erie around the
mouth of the Maumee in large numbers, Kirsch, 1893; Huron
river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, R. C. Osburn, 1899.

Stizostedion canadense griseum (De Kay). SAUGER; SAND PIKE;

GRAY PIKE; PICKERING.

Head 3%; depth varying with age, 4% to 6; eye 5. D. XI to XV-I, 17
to 19; A. II, 11 or 12; scales 9-100 to 125-27; lateral line incomplete. Body
more terete than in S. v7/veum. WHead depressed, pointed; opercular spines
fewer than in the typical S. canadense, and the head less completely scaled.
Color, olive gray, sides brassy or orange, with dark mottlings; spinous dorsal
with 2 or 3 rows of irregular, dark spots, no large, black spot on posterior

rays. Amore translucent fish than S. witrewm. Pyloric coeca 4 to 7.
Length about 18 inches.

Distributed about as the preceding species. Common both in
the lake and Ohioriver. ‘‘ Abundant in the Great Lakes, plentt-
ful in Ohio river,’’ Jordan’s Report; Hamilton County, ‘‘ com-
mon in the Ohio river,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘com-
mon in the lake, entering streams oftener than S. wztreum,’’

PERCIDA. 89

McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at Grand Rapids, Waterville
and Toledo, Blanchard river at Ottawa, west end of Lake Erie,
Kirsch, 1893. I have seen many dead ones on the lake beach at
Sandusky.

Genus: PERCA.

Perca flavescens (Mitchill). YELLow PERCH; RINGED PERCH.

Head 3%; depth 34%. D. XIII to XV-II, 13 to15; A. II, 7 or 8; scales

7-74 to 88-17; lateral line incomplete. Body slender in young, becoming

stouter with age; adults have the back considerably arched, the profile con-
vex from dorsal to occiput, thence concave forward to the projecting snout.
Cheeks closely scaled; well developed striae on operculars and rugosities on
top of head. Color, dark olivaceous above, sides golden yellow, with 6 or 8
broad, dark vertical bars; belly pale, lower fins red or orange. Length 1
foot.

A fish of the quiet waters, found abundant in the reservoirs,
ponds, bayous and lakes of central and northern Ohio, but not
recorded for the southern part of the state. Kirtland recorded it
(Bodianus flavescens) as abundant in Lake Erie and the small
lakes of northern Ohio. ‘‘ St. Mary’s reservoir and Lake Erie,’’
Henshall, 1889 ; Lorain County, ‘‘ common in the lake and lower
portions of the rivers,’’ McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at
Grand Rapids, Waterville and Toledo, St. Mary’s riv.r at St.
Marys, Tiffin river at Brunersburg, west end of Lake Erie, Kirsch,
1893; Huron river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, Wabash river at
Celina, St. Mary’s reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Summit lake
and Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900. It is very abundant
in Sandusky Bay and common in Licking reservoir. I have also
seen the species from the Ohio canal at Newark.

Genus: PERCINA.

Percina caprodes (Rafinesque). LoG PERCH; HOGFISH ;
Hoc MOLLy ; STONE ROLLER.

Head 4 to 4%; depth 5 to6%; eye 4. D. about XV-15; A.II, 11, Body
elongate, slender. Head long and pointed, depressed and sloping above;
snout ‘‘ pig-like,’’ projecting beyond the inferior mouth; eyes widely sepa-
rated. Color, light yellowish or yellowish green, with about 15 vertical,
dark bars extending down on sides below lateral line and alternate with the
same number of shorter bars. Length 8 inches.

gO THE FISHES OF OHIO,

This largest of Ohio darters is widely distributed over the
state and generally common. It is found in the quiet waters of
streams of all sizes (but more commonly in the larger ones), and
in lakes, on gravelly or sandy bottom. Given by Rafinesque for
the Ohio and Miami. Kirtland reported it ‘‘common,’’ and
Jordan, ‘‘ generally abundant.’’ Hamilton County, ‘‘ common in
Little Miami river and Ross lake,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain
County, ‘‘ not very common, taken both in rivers and the lake,
abundant in Sandusky Bay and Put-in-Bay, and it formed the
bulk of the fishes that I saw among the terns’ nests on Rattle
Snake Island,’’ McCormick, 1892 ; Maumee river system, rather
common, nearly all streams, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County,
generally distributed, common, but nowhere abundant, William-
son and Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek, Knox County,
‘‘common,’’ Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898 ; Ohio river at
Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river
at Celina, Stillwater creek at Dayton, North Fork of Licking
river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Lake Hrie at Sandusky,
Cuyahoga river at Kent and Hawkins, Breakneck creek at Kent,
Chippewa lake, Summit lake, Grand river at Painesville, Ohio
river at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

To the northward this species 1s represented by the following
variety :

Percina caprodes zebra (Agassiz). MANITOU DARTER.

This variety is found in the northern part of the state, with the typical
caprodes. It is known chiefly by the lack of scales on the nuchal region, the
rather more slender form, and the shorter vertical bars. It intergrades with
the typical caprodes.

The Manitou Darter has been recorded for the state by
McCormick in Lorain County, 1892, as ‘‘ occuring with the typi- »
cal form in proportion of about 1 to 3, some specimens showing
intermediate stages;’’ Lake Erie at Sandusky, Cuyahoga river
at Hawkins, and Grand river at Painesville, R. C. Osburn, 1900.

PERCIDA. gI

Genus: HADROPTERUS.
Key to Species.

A. Mid-line of belly with a series of enlarged caducous plates, which fall off at certain
intervals, leaving a naked strip from breast to vent ; preopercle strictly entire, not

serrated.
B. Lower jaw as long as upper, snout very narrow and pointed.—phoxocepha/us.
BB. Lower jaw shorter than upper, included ; head moderate, not long and pointed.
Cc: Cheeks with very small scales ; dorsal spines 13 to 15.— aspro.
CC. Cheeks naked ; dorsal spines to to 12.— evides.
AA. Enlarged plates of mid-line of belly persistent at least posteriorly ; preopercle
finely serrated.— SCTCVUS.

Hadropterus phoxocephalus (Nelson).

eae 47, to 4- depth 532 to 6; eye 4%. D. XI or XII-12 to 14; A. II,
8 or 9; scales 12-80 to 85-16; lateral line incomplete. Body slender. Head
very long and pointed; mouth terminal, large; jaws sub-equal; snout very
long, acuminate. Cheeks, opercles and neck with small scales, breast naked;
caducous shields of midline of belly small. Gill membranes somewhat con-
nected. Color, brownish olive, much vermiculated; a row of about 14 dark,
quadrate spots, sometimes confluent, along lateral line. Length 6 inches.

Recorded from three widely separated localities, which would
indicate a general distribution, yet it seems to be quite rare except
in the southwestern part of the state, where Henshall, 1888,
reports it as common in Little Miami river. One specimen was
taken near Lorain, by McCormick, 1892; and Mr. E. B. William-
son and the writer took a single specimen in Big Walnut creek
near Lockbourne, Franklin County.

Hadropterus aspro (Cope and Jordan). BLACK-SIDED DARTER.

Head 4; depth 5 to 6; eye 4. OD. XIII to XV-11 to 13; A. II, 8 to 10;
scales 9-65 to 80-17, lateral line incomplete. Body rather elongate, sub-
terete, compressed behind. Head moderately elongate; snout blunt; mouth
sub-inferior, lower jaw included; gill membranes slightly or not at all con-
nected. Opercle with rather large scales; cheek with very small, imbedded
scales; breast naked; caducous scales of mid-ventral line rather large. Color
light yellowish or greenish yellow, tessellated above with dark olive or black-
ish; white below; about 8 large, dark blotches along lateral line, these often
confluent; fins barred. Length about 4 inches.

A common species throughout the state. Found in clear
streams on gravelly bottom. Hamilton County, ‘‘common in

East Mill creek,’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ nowhere
common, but found in most streams and the lake,’’ McCormick,

1892; Maumee river system, “‘abundantly distributed in all the

g2 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

streams examined,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, a common
darter of general distribution, Williamson and Osburn, 1897 ;
Big Jelloway creek, Knox County, ‘‘common,’’ Parker, William-
son and Osburn, 1898; John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at
Milan, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater creek
at Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn,
1899 ; Ohio river at. Bellaire, outlet of Licking reservoir, R. C.
Osburn, 1900.

Hadropterus evides (Jordan and Copeland).

Head 4%; depth 5%; eye 3%, large and high in head. D,. XI-1to;
A. II, 8 or 9; scales 9-52 to 67-9 to 11. Body moderate, somewhat com-
pressed. Head heavy, the profile rather convex. Mouth moderate, lower
jaw included. Cheeks, nape and throat naked; opercles with rather large
caducous scales; ventral shields but little enlarged. Fins large, pectorals
long. Coloration extremely brilliant in breeding males, females and young
plainer. General color above, dark olivaceous, tessellated with darker;
back and sides with about 7 broad, transverse bars; fins marked with orange,
black, bronze, yellow and blue-black. ‘‘One of the most brilliant of all

fishes.’? Length 2 or 3 inches.

Rare in Ohio, its distribution being more westerly. The
species has, however, been taken in the Ohio river at Raccoon
Island, by Dr. Henshall, 1889, and by Kirsch, in the Maumee
river at Grand Rapids.

Hadropterus scierus Swain,

Head 4 to 42; depth 5 to 6; eye 4 to 4%. OD. XIII-13 or 14° 4g
scales 7-68 to 70-17. Body robust. Head rather short, snout bluntish;
mouth small, lower jaw included; preopercle more or less distinctly serrate.
Gill membranes broadly connected. Opercle with large scales, those on
cheek slightly smaller. Throat naked, breast nearly so. Ventral shields
but little enlarged and not caducous except anteriorly. Color yellowish
olive, everywhere vaguely blotched with black; top of head, dorsal, anal and
ventral fins black in male, paler in female; scales everywhere finely punctu-
late with brown; sides with a few larger, black specks. Length 5 inches.

Rare. Like the preceding species, its distribution 1s westerly.
I know of but one record for the state, that by Henshall, ‘‘ Ohio
river, near Little Sandy river, 1889.”’

HADROPTERUS PELTATUS (Stauffer).

Mr. McCormick has recorded (1892) this species from Vermillion river, two speci-
mens. H. peltatus, as now understood, occurs from southeastern Pennsylvania southward
along the coast, and is not known west of the Alleghanies. so I am inclined to think there
must be some error in the above record. Under this belief I omit the species from the
Ohio list.

PERCIDA. 93

Genus; COTTOGASTER.

Key to Species.
A. Mid-line of belly with a series of enlarged caducous scales or plates.— copelandi.

AA, Mid-line of belly naked anteriorly, covered with ordinary scales posteriorly.—
shumardt.

Cottogaster copelandi (Jordan).

Head 3% to 4%; depth 5% to 6%; eye about 3%. D.X to XII-10 to
12; A. II, 8 or 9; scales 6-44 to 56-8. Body rather slender. Head rather
large and long, much resembling that of Boleosoma. Mouth small, hori-
zontal, sub-inferior, cheeks naked; opercles and neck with a few scales,
throat naked; ventral plates well developed. Pectoral fin as long as head.
Color, brownish olive, tessellated above; a series of small, oblong, dark
blotches along lateral line, sometimes indistinct. Vertical fins with dusky
specks; a black spot on anterior rays of spinous dorsal. Length 2% or 3
inches.

Widely distributed over the state, but apparently very rare
everywhere. Muskingum river, and Ohioriver at Raccoon Island,
1889, and Lake Erie at Put-in-Bay, Henshall; Lorain County,
‘“Vermillion river, but one specimen taken,’’ McCormick, 1892 ;
Maumee river at Toledo, two specimens, Kirsch, 1893 ; in Huron
river at Milan, in 1897, two specimens were taken by Prof. D. S.
Kellicott, Mr. E. B. Williamson and the writer.

Cottogaster shumardi (Girard).

Head 32 to 4; depth 5 to 5%; eye 3%. D.IX to XI-13 to 15; A. II, 10
to 12; scales 6-48 to 60-11. Body stout, heavy forward, compressed behind.
Head broad and thick. Mouth large and broad, lower jaw the shorter.
Premaxillaries usually protractile, but a narrow frenum sometimes present.
Cheeks, opercles and neck usually scaly; chest naked; belly naked anteri-
orly, scaled for a short distance before vent. Color dark, densely but vaguely
spotted with darker; sides with 8 or 10 obscure blotches; a large, black spot
at base of spinous dorsal behind, and a small one in front. Length 3 inches.

Not common, but occuring in both the Lake Erie and Ohio
river drainage. Found on sandy bottom in rivers, not found in
small streams. . Recorded by Henshall for the Muskingum river
and for the Ohio river near Parkersburg, 1889; recorded for
Vermillion river as Etheostoma wrighti, by McCormick, 1892; in
1899 the writer took a half dozen specimens in the Ohio river at
Ironton, and in August, 1900, the species was again taken at
Bellaire.

94 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Genus: DIPLESION.

Diplesion blennioides (Rafinesque). GREEN-SIDED DARTER.

Head about 4%; depth 43% to6. D. XII to XIV-12 to 15; A. II, 8 org;
scales 6-58 to 78-14. Body elongate, subterete. Head short, profile very
convex, snout very blunt, cheeks tumid; eyes large, 3%, high up and close
together; mouth small, inferior; gill membranes broadly connected. Cheeks
with fine scales, opercles with large ones, breast naked Color dark olive
green, tessellated above; sides with 7 or 8 Y-shaped, dark bars, these some-
times confluent to form a dark zigzag band. In highly colored males a
number of broad, bright green bands almost encircle the body. Females
and young may be quite dull, but the pattern of the dark marks on the side
is characteristic. Length 3 to 5 inches.

The Green-sided Darter is an abundant resident of the clear,
rapid streams of the state, found especially on stony ripples.
Rafinesque records it from the Ohio and Muskingum. Kirtland
mentions its occurrence in the state, and Jordan gives it as
‘‘abundant.’’ Hamilton County, ‘‘ abundant in East Mill creek
and Little Miami river,’’ Henshall, 1888; “Vermillion river;
scarce, not uncommon in Sandusky Bay,’’ McCormick, 1892;
Maumee river system, taken in all the larg> streams (except St.
Mary’s river) and nearly all the smaller-ones, Kirsch, 1893;
Franklin County, abundant, and of general distribution, William-
son and Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek system, common on
ripples, Park<r, Williamson and Osburn, 1898; John’s creek at
Waterloo, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river
at Celina, Stillwater creek at Dayton, North Fork of Licking
river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Mahoning river, HE. B.:
Williamson, 1900 ; Cuyahoga river at Hawkins, Breakneck creek
at Kent, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin river at Willoughby,
Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river and McMahon creek at
Bellaire, R.C. Osburn; 1960;

Genus: BOLEOSOMA.

Boleosoma nigrum (Rafinesque). JOHNNY DARTER.

Head about 4; depth 5 to 6; eye 3% to4. D.IX-~11 to 14; A. I, 7 tog;
scales 5-44 to 55-9. Body fusiform, slender. Head moderate, snout some-
what bluntly decurved; mouth small, lower jaw included. Cheeks and breast
usually naked; opercles scaly. Anal spine short and weak; fins all high.

a a

: ; a . .
oi ON Be ee ee ey eee eee

PERCID. 95

Color usually pale olivaceous, much tessellated above; sides with numerous
small W-shaped, dark blotches. Males in breeding season heavily pig-
mented, especially anteriorly, with blue-black. A black line forward and
downward fromeye. Fins barred. Length 2 to 2% inches.

The little Johnny Darter is found all over Ohio, and is usually
quite abundant. It inhabits lakes and rivers on sandy bottom,
the clear creeks of Ohio are favorite abiding places, and every
small brook and spring run large enough to contain any fish at
all will be found to have its quota of ‘‘ Johnnies.’’ Hamilton
County, ‘“‘ common in Little Miami river,’’ Henshall, 1888 ; Lorain
County, “‘ very common everywhere, one of the few species that
may be depended upon when the seine is drawn,’’ McCormick,
1892 ; Maumee river system, common everywhere, Kirsch, 1893 ;
Franklin County, taken in every stream, abundant, April 3rd
given as a breeding date, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Big
Jelloway creek system, abundant in every stream, Parker, Wil-
liamson and Osburn, 1898; John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron
river at Milan, Sandusky Bay, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river at
Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks at Dayton, North Fork of
Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Niggermill Run
and Mahoning river, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Pippin lake, Chip-
pewa lake, Summit lake, Cuyahoga river at Kent and Hawkins,
Breakneck creek at Kent, Grand river at Painesville, Chagrin
river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio river
and McMahon creek at Bellaire, Licking reservoir, R. C. Osburn,
1900.

Genus: CRYSTALLARIA.

Crystaliaria asprella (Jordan).

Head 41 to 4%; depth 7 to 8. D. XII to XIV-13 to 15; A. I, 12 to 14;
scales 7 to 10-98 to Ioo-I0. Body longand slender. Head long and slender;
eye large; mouth not large, subterminal; premaxillaries not protractile;
opercular spine well developed. Cheeks and opercles with pectinate scales;
throat and belly naked, space between ventrals scaled. Color translucent
olive, pellucid in life; with 3 or 4 more or less distinct, dark cross bands on
back and sides; a dark lateral band made up of about Io more or less con-
fluent blotches. Length 5 or 6 inches.

96 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Apparently a very rare species in Ohio, and confined to larger
streams. Recorded by Henshall for the Muskingum river, 1889 ;
and one specimen was taken on sandy bottom in the Ohio river at
Ironton, May 31, 1899, by the writer.

Genus: AMMOCRYPTA.
Ammocrypta pellucida (Baird). SAND DARTER.

Head 4 to 434; depth 7 to8%. D. X-~1o; A. I, § to 10; scales in lateral
line about 75, about 6 rows above lateral line. Body very long, terete, quite
pellucid in life. Head stout; eyes large, high up, interorbital space narrow.
Cheeks, opercles, and temporal region with embedded scales; belly and sides
below lateral line entirely naked; much of dorsum in front and on either
side of dorsal fin naked or thinly scaled. ‘Translucent, sometimes tinged
with olivaceous; scales with narrow, dark edging; about 12 or 15 black
blotches along the sides; a gilt lateral band. Length 3 inches.

The Sand Darter is well distributed over the state and is
common locally in larger streams on sandy bottoms. Taken also
in the lake. Hamilton County, common in Little Miami river,
Henshall, 1888 ; Lorain County, Lake Erie and the larger streams,
not common, McCormick, 1892; ‘‘ common everywhere on sandy
bottom in the Maumee river, and in the lower courses of the
larger tributaries,’’ Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, Olentangy
river, Big Walnut and Little Walnut, Big Darby and Black Lick
creeks, not common, June 28 given as a breeding date, William-
son and Osburn, 1897 ; Huron river at Milan, Wabash river at
Celina, Stillwater creek near Dayton, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Grand
river at Painesville, Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, r1goo.

PERCIDA, 97

Genus: ETHEOSTOMA.

Key to Spectes.

A. Lateral linecomplete. (A few tubes rarely wanting.)
B. Gill membranes broadly connected across the isthmus.
Cc. Anal fin nearly as large as soft dorsal; spinous dorsal with about 13
spines.— variatum.
CC. Anal fin much smaller than soft dorsal; spinous dorsal with 1o or 11
spines.— zonale.

BB. Gill membranes scarcely connected across the isthmus.
D. Head short, the muzzle abruptly decurved, mouth somewhat inferior,

lower jaw included.— camurum.
DD. Head rather long and pointed, snout not decurved, mouth terminal, jaws
subequal.— maculatum.

AA. Lateral line more or less incomplete.
E. Humeral region without differentiated black, scale-like process.—coeruleum.
EE. Humeral region with distinct, black process or scale.
F. Gill membranes scarcely connected ; lower jaw not projecting.—
tippecanoe.
FF. Gill membranes connected ; lower jaw strongly projecting.—/flabellare.

Etheostoma variatum Kirtland.

Head 3% to 4 or more; depth 44 to 5%; eye 3% to4. D. XII-13 (XII
to XIV-11 to 13); A. II, 7 to 10; scales 8-51 to 63-12. Body moderately
elongate, not much compressed, the back somewhat arched. Head short
and thick; snout short and blunt, decurved, parietal region broad and de-
pressed, resembling Hadropterus in this respect; profile above eyes strongly
decurved; mouth small, lips thick, lower jaw included; premaxillary not
protractile; gill membranes united. Head naked except I to 3 scales on
opercle above; breast loosely scaled. Fins all very large, pectorals reaching
beyond tips of ventrals. General color above, dark greenish olive, becom_
ing barred vertically on the sides posteriorly, about four black blotches
across the back. Females and young similarly marked, but paler. The
following color description taken from the living specimen is typical of
breeding males: Color, dark olive, with about 8 greenish cross-bars on
posterior part of body; interspaces pale, each with 2 bright carmine spots;
back crossed by 4 black bars; sides of belly bright orange; middle of belly
pale; first dorsal dark brown at base, then a pale space, above this a wide,
dark bar, then another pale space, bordered with bright orange; second
dorsal and caudal flecked with carmine; anal greenish, bordered with pale
orange; ventrals greenish black with a little orange at the margin; pectorals
tinged with orange and green, the rays with carmine spots. Length 3%
inches.

This elegant darter was described by Dr. Kirtland from the
Mahoning river in 1838, and was not taken again in the state for
fifty years, until, in 1888, Henshall recorded it for the Little

98 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Miami river, near Red Bank, as ““not tare.” In April taere
Mr. J. B. Parker found it common on swift ripples in Big Jello-
way creek, Knox County, and in May, 1898, Messrs. Parker,
Williamson and the writer, seining the Big Jelloway creek sys-
tem, found this to be ‘‘ the most abundant darter, especially fre-
quenting swift ripples.’’ In Franklin County, in the summer of
1897, the species was taken by Mr. E. B. Williamson and the
writer on swift ripples in Big Walnut creek, Little Walnut creek,
and Black Lick, but nowhere common. In 1899 the writer took
the species in North Fork of Licking river near Newark ; and in
Ig00, in the Ohio river at Bellaire.

Etheostoma zonale (Cope).

Head 4 to 5; depth 4’to'6; ‘eye: 3% *to'g. “SD. X or XI-1o totem ye
to 8; scales about 6-5c-9. Body rather slender, somewhat compressed.
Head small and short; mouth small, subinferior; snout blunt, profile rapidly
descending; gill membranes broadly connected. Cheeks, opercles and neck
usually scaled, breast usually naked. Color clear olive green above, with
8 or Io greenish blue vertical bands which encircle the body posteriorly;
below paler, with a brassy tinge; breast greenish black. First dorsal black
at base, then a wide orange bar margined with black anteriorly, with green-
ish posteriorly; second dorsal orange at base, dark above; caudal and pec-
torals plain, tinged with green; anal and ventrals green, black at base.
Young and females dull and speckled, the vertical bars indistinct and the
fins speckled. Length 2 or 3 inches.

This species has been taken in a number of localities of the
state, indicating a pretty general distribution. It is locally com-
mon, but is only taken on swift ripples. Hamilton County,
‘common in East Mill creek and Little Miami river,’’ Henshall,
1888 ; Franklin County, Scioto river, Olentangy river, Big Wal-
nut creek, Little Walnut creek, Alum creek, Black Lick, common
where found, Williamson and Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek
system, Knox County, ‘‘common on swift ripples,’’ Parker,
Williamson and Osburn, 1898; Huron river at Milan, Stillwater
and Wolf creeks near Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at
Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C.
Osburn, Ig00.

Etheostoma camurum (Cope). BLUE-BREASTED DARTER.

Head 3% to 4; depth 4 to 4%. D. XI-120r 13; A. II, 8; scales 7-50 to
58-8. Body stout, rather compressed, Head short; snout blunt, profile

_—

PEHRCIDA. 99

rapidly descending; lips thick, lower jaw included. Caudal peduncle deep.
. Color, dark olivaceous, sometimes nearly black above, somewhat barred on
| the sides; a dark longitudinal line on cach row of scales; sides irregularly

flecked with crimson dots; belly pale; throat and breast deep dark blue.
| Fins marked with brown, green, black, yellow and crimson. Females less
distinctly marked. Length 2% inches.

The Blue-breasted Darter is rather rare in Ohio, although it
has been taken at a number of widely separated localities, which
would indicate a general distribution. It is found in company
with £. zonale, on swift, stony ripples, but is much less frequent
in occurrence. Jordan mentions it for the Mahoning river ;
“Muskingum river,’’ Henshall, 1889; Franklin County, Scioto
river, Olentangy river, Big Walnut creek, not common, William-
son and Osburn, 1898 ; Huron river at Milan, Stillwater creek at
Dayton, North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn,
1899.

Etheostoma maculatum Kirtland.

Head 334 to 4; depth 4% to5%. D. XII-12 or 13; A. II, 8 org; scales
9-56 to 63-14. Body elongate, caudal peduncle very deep. Head acuminate,
the front descending very gradually, the mandible rising as gradually to its
extremity; jaws subequal. Lateral line complete; cheeks naked; opercles
scaled; gill membranes not connected. Color, above black, shading to dark
olive below; throat turquoise blue; sides and dorsum marked with small,
circular spots of bright crimson. First dorsal uncolored, with a black spot
at its base in front and a dark shade through the middle; second dorsal
blood red; caudal with two large, crimson spots confluent on the mid-line of
the tail at its base. Female dull, the fins dark barred and not crimson.
Length 2% inches-

Very rare. The species was described in 1838 from speci-
mens taken in the Mahoning river by Dr. Kirtland. I know of
but one subsequent record of its capture within the state. Mr.
E. B. Williamson and the writer took a single specimen, a female
with ripe eggs, from a swift ripple in Big Walnut creek, near
Lockbourne, Franklin County, on June 26, 1897.

Etheostoma coeruleum Storer. RAINBOW DARTER ; BLUE DARTER ;
SOLDIER FISH.
Head 3% or more; depth 44%; eye 4 to 4%. D.IX to XII-12 to 14;
A. II, 7 or 8; scales 5-37 to 50-10. Body robust, rather deep and com-
pressed. Head large, compressed. Mouth moderate, terminal, oblique, the
lower jaw somewhat included; gill membranes not united. Cheeks naked

100 THE FISHES JOR ORIG:

or nearly so, opercles scaled, neck and breast usually naked. Color, oliva-
ceous, tessellated above; sides with a varying number (about 12) of vertical,
indigo-blue bars, separated by orange interspaces; throat, breast and sides
of belly orange; cheeks blue-green; first dorsal crimson at base, above this
an orange bar, margined with blue; other vertical fins chiefly orange, tipped
with blue. Females much plainer, with very little blue or red. Length 2%
inches.

This elegant little fish is widely distributed over the state,
and is generally abundant. It is most common in the smaller
streams, and is always found in running water, usually on ripples,
and does not occur in lakes. Kirtland reported it in 1854 from
near Cleveland, under the name /oecilosoma erythrogastrum.
Jordan gives it as ‘‘ the most abundant member of the family.’’
Hamilton County, ‘‘ very common in East Mill creek,’’ Henshall,
1888; Lorain County, ‘‘one of the most common darters,’
McCormick, 1892; Maumee river system, ‘‘not taken in the
Maumee, St. Mary’s and St. Joseph rivers, common in all the
other larger streams and nearly all the small ones,’’ Kirsch, 1893 ;
Franklin County, abundant, of general distribution, Williamson

and Osburn, 1897; Big Jelloway creek, ‘‘ very common,’’ Parker, .

Williamson and Osburn, 1898; John’s creek at Ironton, Huron
river at Milan, Ashtabula creek, Wabash river at Celina, Still-
water and Wolf creeks at Dayton, North Fork of Licking river
at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ; Mahoning river, E. B. William-
son, 1900; Cuyahoga river, at Hawkins, Grand river at Paines-
ville, Chagrin river at Willoughby, Wheeling creek at Bridge-
port, McMahon creek at Bellaire, R. C. Osburn, 1900.
The following variety of this species is also taken in Ohio:

Etheostoma cceruleum spectabile (Agassiz).

It is known from the typical species by the ‘‘ faded out ’’ appearance of
the ground color of the back, and by the arrangement of the olivaceous into
distinct longitudinal lines. It is also rather more slender than the typical
ceruleum, into which, both in color and in measurement it insensibly grades.

This variety is found in brooks and smaller streams, replac-
ing to some extent the typical form in central and western Ohio.
Specimens from Ohio streams show many intermediate stages.
Recorded by Kirsch from Sugar creek, near Lima; Franklin
Couuty, taken only iu the small streams, ‘‘ grading insensibly into

PERCIDA. lol

the typical species,’’ Williamson and Osburn, 1897; headwaters of
Wabash river at Celina, Wolf creek near Dayton, brooks tribu-
tary to North Fork of Licking river near Newark, R. C. Osburn,
1899; Breakneck creek at Kent, tributaries of Grand river at
Painesville, R. C. Osburn, Igoo.

Etheostoma tippecanoe Jordan and Evermann.

Head 34 to 44%; depth 4% to 43%; eye small, 4% in head. D. XII-12;
A. II, 7; scales 5 or 6-46 to 50-8; lateral line straight, developed on only
about 30 scales. Body compressed, caudal peduncle deep. Head rather
small, little compressed; mouth large, terminal, oblique, the lower jaw some-
what included; gill membranes scarcely connected. A small, well defined,
black humeral scale. Cheeks, throat and breast naked; opercles scaled.
Color in life, dark olive green, strongly tinged with yellow, especially pos-
teriorly, passing into greenish yellow on belly; about 14 narrow, well defined,
greenish black vertical bands encircling the body posteriorly; breast deep
blue-black, the color extending forward on the throat and backward on the
ventral fins; dorsal and anal fins golden yellow, pigmented with blue-black;
pectorals plain golden yellow; ventrals golden yellow, blue-black at base.
Female paler, no high colors, dark markings less distinct. Length 1%
inches.

In Ohio this exceedingly rare darter has been taken only in
Franklin County. Four specimens were taken by Mr. E. B.
Williamson and the writer, one in the Olentangy river at Colum-
bus, in September, 1896, the other three in Big Walnut creek
near Lockbourne, on June 26, 1897. ‘The species was taken in
very swift ripples.

Etheostoma flabellare Rafinesque. FAN-TAILED DARTER.

Head 3% to 4; depth 4% to 6; eye 4to5. D. VIII-12 to14; A. II, 7 to
9; scales about 9-50-14. Body slender, compressed. Head long and pointed;
snout not decurved, mouth very oblique, lower jaw projecting; gill mem-
branes well connected. Fins all low, the first dorsal notably so, and, in the
male, the spines tipped with fleshy knobs; caudal large, rounded. Head
entirely naked; a narrow, bare strip along base of spinous dorsal. Color
very dark olivaceous, forming vertical bars on sides; each scale with a dark
center; dark humeral spot conspicuous; dorsal and caudal fins barred with
black. Some Ohio specimens approach the variety /imeolatum, characterized
by distinct longitudinal lines along the rows of scales. - Length 2% inches.

A common species in the clear, rapid str.ams of the state,
found especially on ripples. Hamilton County, ‘‘common in
Hast Mill creek,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain County, ‘‘ rare,

102 THE FISHES OF OHIO.

Vermillion river,’’ McCormick, 1892; Maumee river system,
St. Joseph river at Edgerton, Tiffin river at Brunersbure,
Sugar creek at Lima, Beaver creek at Grand Rapids, Kirsch,
1893; Franklin County, nearly every stream, abundant, Wil-
liamson and Osburn, 1897 ; Big Jelloway creek, Knox County,
‘“a very common species,’’ Parker, Williamson and Osburn, 1898;
John’s creek at Waterloo, Huron river at Milan, Ashtabula creek,
Wabash river at Celina, Stillwater and Wolf creeks near Dayton,
North Fork of Licking river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899 ;
Niggermill Run at Salem, E. B. Williamson, 1900; Lake Pippin,
Cuyahoga river at Kent, Wheeling creek at Bridgeport, Ohio
river and McMahon creek at Bellaire, R..C. Osburn, rgoo.

' Genus: BOLEICHTHYS.

Boleichthys fusiformis (Girard).

Head 3% to 4; depth 334 to 6; eye 3 tog. OD. VIII to X-9 to 12; A. IL,
6 to 8; scales 3-43 to 60-12. Body usually elongate, compressed. Head
rather long and narrow; snout short, decurved; mouth terminal, lower jaw
slightly included; premaxillaries not protractile; gill membranes connected.
Cheeks, opercles, nape and breast usually scaled. Lateral line incomplete,
high up, often interrupted. Color, olivaceous, the sides and back blotched
with darker, pale below; in adult males the sides are usually flecked with
crimson; base of caudal with 4 dark spots in a vertical row; spinous dorsal
usually blue, with a median crimson band. An extremely variable species.

‘

Jordan records the species for the state as ‘‘ noticed only in
tributaries of the Maumee, in Ohio.’’ No other collector men-
tions it. However, it seems to be distributed over northern and
central Ohio, in suitable localities. The writer has found it to be
rather common in shallow water in Sandusky Bay, and has taken
it also in the Huron river at Milan, 1899, and in Pippin and
Summit lakes and in Licking reservoir, Igoo.

Family: SERRANIDA.
Genus: ROCCUS.

Roccus chrysops (Rafinesque). WHITE BASS.

Head 3%; depth 2%; eye5. D. IX-I, 14; A. III, 11 or 12; scalés 10-55
to 65-15. Body rather deep and compressed; back considerably arched.
Head subconical; mouth moderate, nearly horizontal, lower jaw slightly
projecting. Head scaled to between nostrils. Color, silvery, tinged with
golden below; sides with narrow, dusky lines. Length 15 inches.

SCIASNIDA. 103

An abundant species in Lake Erie, ascending the larger tribu-
taries to some distance. ‘The species is said to be common in the
lower Ohio, but no one seems to have noticed it within the limits
of the state, though it probably ascends to that distance. Lake
Erie, Henshall, 1889; Lorain County, ‘‘ quite common in the
lake, ascending the streams to the dams,’’ McCormick, 1892 ;
Maumee river at Grand Rapids, Waterville and Toledo, Kirsch,
1893 ; abundant in Lake Erie at Sandusky, rare in Huron river
at Milan, R. C. Osburn, 1899,

family: SCiaNIDAS.

Genus; APLODINOTUS.

Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque. SHEEPSHEAD; DRUM;
WHITE PERCH.

Head 3%; depth 23; eye 3. D. X, 30; A. II, 7. scales 9-55-13. Body
oblong; back much elevated and compressed; profile long and steep, straight-
ish. Head slightly compressed; mouth moderate, subinferior. Lower
pharyngeal bones fully united, with course, blunt, paved teeth. Color,

‘ grayish silvery, dusky above, sometimes very dark; back sometimes with

dusky. streaks along the rows of scales. Attaining a weight of 50o0r 60
pounds.

An abundant species both in Lake Erie and the Ohio river,
and ascending their larger tributaries to some distance. Kirtland,
following Le Sueur, recorded the lake form as Sczena oscula, and
the Ohio river form as S. grisea. Jordan gives it as very abund-
ant in Lake Erie, and also mentions it forthe Ohio. Hamilton
County, ‘‘abundant in Ohio river,’’ Henshall, 1888; Lorain
County, ‘‘ very common in the lake, Vermillion river, Black
river,’’ McCormick, 1892; Maumee river at Defiance, Grand
Rapids, Waterville and Toledo, west end of Lake Erie, Kirsch,
1893; Muskingum river at McConnellsville, Prof. D. S. Kelli-
cott; Ohio river at Ironton, Huron river at Milan, Lake Erie at
Sandusky, R. C. Osburn, 1899; Ohio river at Bellaire, R. C.,
Osburn, 1900,

Loach THE FISHES OF OHIO.

family: Corripa.
Genus Cornus:
Cottus ictalops (Rafinesque). MILLER’s THUMB; SPRING FISH.

Head about 34%; depth 4 to 6; eye 4. D. VI to VIII-16 or 17; A. about
12; ventral fin I, 4, the spine slender and closely attached to the first ray.
Body stout anteriorly, tapering regularly back to the slender caudal pedun-
cle. Skin smooth, except just behind the pectorals, where it is beset with
very small, sharp prickles, these sometimes obsolete; lateral line conspicu-
ous. Gill membranes not meeting across the very broad isthmus. Olivace-
ous, more or less barred and speckled with darker; fins mostly barred or
mottled. Qnite variable. Males in breeding season with a wide, black bar
margined with orange on dorsal fin, and under side of head pigmented with
dark or blue-black. Length 3 to 7 inches.

Widely distributed, but never abundant; sometimes locally
common. It occurs in clear, cold brooks and rapid streams.
Recorded as Cottus bairdiz, by Girard, from specimens taken by
Spencer F. Baird, in Mahoning river at Poland. Given by Jordan
as C. richardsoni; Lorain County, common in Spring brook and
Chance creek, McCormick, 1892; Maumee river system, St.
Joseph river at Edgerton, Kirsch, 1893; Franklin County, four
specimens from Brackenridge’s Run, Williamson and Osburn,
1897 ; Big Jelloway creek system, Knox County, Parker’s Run
and Black’s Run, common in the latter, Parker, Williamson and —
Osburn, 1898 ; a small brook tributary to North Fork of Licking
river at Newark, R. C. Osburn, 1899.

family: GADIDA.
Genus. VOTA.
Lota maculosa (Le Sueur). BuRBOT; LING; LAKE LAWYER.

Head 4%; depth 5%; eye 7. OD. 13-76; A. 68; scales very small, em-
bedded. Body elongate, not much compressed anteriorly. Head slightly
depressed; mouth large; a single barbel on the chin. 30 pyloric coeca.
Color, dark olive, thickly marbled and reticulated with blackish; below,
yellowish or dusky. Length about 2 feet.

Common in Lake Erie, not recorded elsewhere in the state.
Recorded for Lake Erie by Le Sueur, 1817, by Kirtland, 1838 ;
by Henshall, 1888, and by McCormick for Lorain County, Lake
Erie, 1892; Sandusky, R. C. Osburn, 1899 arid 1900.

INDEX TO FAMILIES AND GENERA.

RUMEN Rites se eee eet eee ee scene, 49 TeHE hong zat: wes nntred erat carne edi we 15
PCIPEMSEL . 2... wee eee eee eee 19 Tctalurusiscs ea, ene ae eee aes 22
Ambloplites..... nod anys Oot eee 79 MOtIOBUS fiche, aero te ete ee Minin 30
PLMUIMOCTV Pts... 0.5. cence eee bono doer 96
agape 0 SO CO ae a Labidesthes ts evisas hace daeeeain aoe tek 76
Sc ccscss oe 21 ree eGe a eee ae
EE ies vie sence te sees ec cee 65 Tenisostedey ue ee ee %
SMG Rs se oi, Gh en see ee es eee ee 65 Lepisdsheus octet sue air he moeaine a
BMPS)... ss eee ee ecw eee eee eee 103 Lepomise: i ee ne ae
_ a Boe eee. 63 paneer k ae ater eal Ca z
PeeMPCOOUSTIOR....202.... 00000 ec eeee 75 DOS as risrirunnee MeN a aD amas es =
oo SE 75 ae ESRI ne ws tale bbs cies Air oie ee acs 47
PSUPRPEMOUES ace coininciein cesses ease te noe Ce Glide ei lee Cure oe ot Ue es
eee. 7S 5: Spelueet cnn eRe ee ee cane
oe to es AS 102 :
aa he 94 Mase wea ete e ete eee neceee ene eees 85
aie ola intGieis Miele aa) ei nial eiatel vCakeraita. ste 3
DPOOSEGMNE fe sects acaccuscredeceses 43 IO OSUO MTA rarcisiscerave apeleroierete ord ecais lee. ape etter 37
(eNAPIGSG 2 ae a eae nee 42
2) OR a ee 31 WOES DISH viet hs cate lee aera Rie 51
MOAPOSHOMIIICE sid esc ccs cecs ceed veces 30 IN OCUIUIS rie teens sein snrel: ten eects 26
2 broader _ 20 igh Glo Or ERO CRE oe 34
(Cem aiiClaniC Sas Vane e eae ae ec ieee 77
eerie sss. 79 OPSOPCEOCUSS fas ay siataa ts cate Wacslae ae Se 48
PURER SRE GRP eyelets acee,inyajs isia ess pieiers 0 6 « 44
Ey cil che. eeceynas ess... 50 PETCA. eee ee eee ee cee ete teense ees 89
tL 67 PERC CSE yon ceciat yap wa hent sncetienltiee 87
ey SR ae 104 ER CUELApreraleye niet) tek ferel=i er ait ants aye) dior te Sta 89
MONROE, Fixctlaieie sinc dive sires eee: 104 PerCOPSIde «0.0... secre eee e eee eee ee es 7S
(20 SS SEG Ae 93 PELCODSIS mane atone erect ence haa 75
Ian aie so oie wwe s sisvin as ves . 68 Pimephales ............eeceeee esses eee 45
So Ee Oe 69 Placopharynx...........-- 00... see eee ees 39
Crystallaria i ae Sarit Sout Sie 95 Polyodon.. DIAS ONO 0 NICD OIE H.cocn OOOO Gna e 18
a 33 Polyodontidz ...... 0.6.6... cere ee eee 18
Do ud 4I Poceilin dae eaeretesaa it crs tee 73
Re eee cs cess 42 POMIOVOI Sais dey ticiere tr oly oiel tele ss a6 67
fo} 00 (op. cI CORES 2 ep me ey S COCO OMCr PCIe Whi
[08 2S ul er 94
IDS hROSO TENSE a pacts eae Serer eee eee 35 07, RgisichitlnySm.> mar mies tee etic acelcmik 60
TCO S OEM SSE ale ho tae siove dices Ses G slave ve o's 7 ROCCUS Har ah tm anvasutae e sielcrer voee sive 102
MRE 8 hardin a) 0.0 ent eek viet we os 59 Salmonidze 68
DSL 2050 es Me 36 Ga lwelinsee ha me a lee ecco key 70
eee. ey ieee Wega < 97 Scaplichymenusy, asc peibeyss eee oa e eee 19
le iS OS ee a ana pean + Schibeodese man eee wedi wa kee 27
MUPOMLOLIS ee eee eee eee 83 SCUBIGCE SS Scio saw tae © a awlanr ite fuels a 103
Exoglossum.......... 0... ..-e sees seers 64 SEmiOunlus es want rg sets wanatoohasts aie ace 46
Serhanidc a. ace ne aw Shoeer mano oe ns 102
Fundulus... 6.1.0... 1.0. see eee. 73 Siltirclaay pooh sae ee em a Aces sae 22
: StiZOStedtoms sence alas neko tee os 88
(SChies » 2-5 | ya Ganes aie ee oPe at trae 10
Cres SLGLCICO MM, Sele sere hier 2 /le tiers hele, 6 oe a
6 BB a: ee ee ee a A Rin ea ht 42
ARIEEROIEEENS 2 oi. 12), oo.nre esis Lele Fgwew ec wenes gI
TRNYOGMOnm, «2 Seah ie ean eee 66 Uinta or retes, anther ee eee ean eta ae 70
EWR Cleteuten eat e os. cattle feo ha soos 66 Win rid cent en save ome orate cial rotsiaee 70
Goa OSTA ILI Sysyeyavat ss, 5;16 eiaierS cusiavene ool 44 .
EME eth. ko cit eld ewes hia a ee 62 |

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