A. CATALOG-ITE OF THE FISHES
OF ILLINOIS.

By Prof. DAVID S. JORDAN.

This catalogue is based primarily on the collections in the Illinois

State Laboratory of Natural History, at Normal. These collections con-

sist (a) of the material on which Mr. Nelson's* list was based, and (b) of

a large collection made by Professor Forbes during the past summer (1877),

chiefly in the streams of southern Illinois. The writer's own collections in

Illinois and adjacent states have also been drawn upon, as well as those

contained in the United States National Museum. The various scattered

notices of Illinois fishes have also been brought together as far as possible,

thus giving all that is at present known of the distribution of the species

within the limits of the state.

Reference has been made throughout this paper to the second edition

of the author's Manualf of Vertebrates, (quoted as "M. V.,"j in which

nearly all the species here mentioned are described. No synonomy is given

except that of Mr. Nelson's list, above mentioned, of which paper the pres-

ent may be considered as, in a sense, a revised edition,

A few species either new to science or new to our fauna and therefore

not noticed in the Manual, are here described in full.

In all cases where I have found exact record of localities of species,

these have been inserted. Species not yet taken in Illinois, but included in

the catalogue on the strength of our general knowledge of their range, are

indicated by a star (*).

*A Partial Catalogue of the Fishes of Illinois, by E. W. Nelson, Bulletin No.
1, Illinois Museum of Natural History, October. 1876.

fA Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northern United States, including
the district east of the Mississippi River and north of North Carolina and Ten-
nessee—exclusive of Marine Species, by David Stan- .Tordan, M. D., Ph. D., pro-
fessor of Natural History in Butler University. Second edition, revised and en-
larged. Chicago—Jansen, McClurg & Co. 1878.



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Subclass, TELEOSTEI.

Order, TELEOCEPHALI.

Suborder, ACANTHOPTEKI.

Family ETHEOSTOMATID^, (the Darters.)

Genus PLEUROLEPIS, Agassiz.

1. Pleurolepis pellucidus (Baird) Ag. Sand Darter, (M. V. 219., Nel-

son, 35).

Abundant in clear sandy streams, wherever such occur ; therefore gen-

erally absent in the prairie region, but occurring in the Wabash valley and

in the northwestern part of the state. The genus Pleurolepis, like Ammo-
crypta, has usually but one anal spine, although two have been generally

ascribed to it. Pine Cr. and Rock R., in Ogle Co.

2. Pleurolepis asprellus Jordan (sp. nov.) Rough Sand Darter.

A species similar in form to P. pellucidus, but less transparent and

much more completely scaled. The size is also much larger.

Body very long and slender, nearly cylindrical, about as in P. pellu-

cidus, the depth about 8 in the length. Caudal peduncle long and slender,

its length nearly 4 times in total. Head long and rather slender, 4^ in

length ; eyes very large, high up and very close together, shorter than

snout, having considerable vertical range.

Mouth not large, sub-terminal, horizontal, the upper jaw rather the

longer. Upper jaw sub-protractile, the furrow separating it from the fore-

head very distinct laterally, but obliterated mesially, the skin covering the

middle of the intermaxillaries being continuous with that of the rest of the

forehead. Cheeks, opercles and sides of the crown covered with pectinated

scales ; opercular spine well developed. Teeth as usual, rather feeble.

Squamation much more complete than in P. pellucidus. Sides and back

with well-developed, closely imbricated scales, which are not imbedded as

in P. pellucidus ; the scales larger on the caudal peduncle than anteriorly.

Jugular region, and belly between ventrals and anal, entirely naked ;
spac-

between bases of ventrals scaled ; back of neck scaly ; la'eral line wells

developed, with about 98 scales, 10 series above the lateral line. Fine

large, the dorsals well separated, the spinous dorsal high, its anterior rays

highest; second dorsal smaller and smaller than anal. Anal fin with a sin-

gle rather flexible spine ; caudal lunate, more concave than usual in darters.

Pectorals and ventrals large, their tips about even, neither quite reaching

the vent. Coloration of smaller specimens much as in P. pellucidus, accord-



(39)

ing to Prof. Forbes rather opaque in life ; sides with 8 to 10 dark, squarish

blotches, quite small and far apart; a blackish shade forward from eye and
a dusky shade across operele.

Numerous specimens in the State collection, some about 2i inches

long, taken by Prof. Forbes in the Little Wabash River, (a sandy stream,)

in Efiingham Co., in July. Two others, larger, one of them, the type of

this description, 4^ inches long, collected by Mr. C. K. Worthen, in a small

rocky tributary of the Mississippi, in Hancock Co. These were described

as veriy highly colored when fresh, presenting "almost all the colors of the

rainbow."

Genus PERCINA, Haldeman.

3. Percina caprodes (Raf.) Gird. LoG Perch. Hog Fish. (xM. V.
219 ; B. I. M. 36.)

In clear rapid waters; probably generally distributed. Ver-

milion E.., Calumet R., Wabash R., Pine Cr., (Ogle Co.)

4. *Percina manitou 3oxdL3M. Manitocj Darter. (M. V. 220.)

From Lake Manitou, a tributary of the Wabash in Indiana
;

also from Wisconsm.

Genus ALVORDIUS, Gu-ard.

5. Alvordius maculatus Grd. Black Sided Darter ;
Blenny Darter.

(M. V. 220 ; Etheostoma hlennioides Nelson, 35.)

In clear waters—generally distributed. Ogle Co.; Tazewell

Co.; Clear Cr., Union Co.

6. Alvordius phoxocephalus (Nelson) Cope and Jordan ; Sharp-Nosed
Darter. (M. V. 221, Etheostoma phoxocephalum Nelson, 35.)

Illinois River ; a few specimens in the collection ; also from

Tennessee and Kansas.

Genus EEICOSMA, Jordan.

7. *Ericosma evides Jordan & Copeland. Gilded Darter. (M. V. 221.

Etheostoma evides Nelson 36.)

At present known only from White River, a tributary of the

Wabash in Indiana.

Genus IMOSTOMA, Jordan.

8. Imostoma shumardi (Grd.) Jordan. Big-headed Darter. (M. V.
222.)

Specimens in the Indiana State collection from Wabash River
in Crawford Co., and in the National 3Iuseum from the Illinois

River in La Salle Co.



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Genus RHEOCRYPTA , Jordan.

9. *Eheocri/pta copelandi Jordan. Copeland's Darter. (M. V. 222.)

Known only from White River, near Indianapolis.

Genus DIPLESIUM, Rafinesque.

10. I)iplesmm blenmoides (Jiait) Jordan. Green-sided Darter. (M. V.

222.)

Abundant in the Wabash valley, Crawford Co.

Genus BOLEOSOMA, Dekay.

11. Boleosoma olmstedi (Storer) Agassiz. Tessellated Darter. (M. V.

224 ; Nelson, 35). Lake Michigan, Ogle Co.

12. Boleosoma maculatum Agassiz. Johnny Darter (M. V. 224

;

Boleosoma hrevipinne Nelson, 36.)

Common throughout the state, in clear streams. Pine Cr.,

Ogle Co.; Illinois R., Pekin ; Normal ; Drury Cr., Union Co.;

Clear Cr.

[13. Boleosoma camiirum^ Forbes, n. s.

In re-examining the collections of the Laboratory for the purpose of

adding to this paper the details of distribution and other minor points, I

made a few observations on some Etheostomatidae and Cyprinidae which
seem worthy of record, and I therefore insert them here, at the suggestion of

Dr. Jordan.

Specimens from several localities in the state, mixed sometimes with

Boleosoma maculata and sometimes with Boleichthi/s eo>', prove, on closer

examination, to be a Boleosoma quite distinct from mactdata, and appa-

rently undescribed.

The general appearance is much like that of maculata, but the lateral

line is incomplete, the species is more slender, has a greater number of ver-

tical rows of scales, a blunt nose and a scaly head.

The length is from 45 to 50 mm. Depth 5| to 6 in length, caudal

peduncle 3^, head 4 to 44. Eye 31 in head, nose f eye, and almost ti'un-

cate. Mouth inferior, horizontal, upper jaw the longer, and decidedly pro-

tractile. There are no naked areas, except a narrow strip before the dor-

sal. Vertical rows of scales 54 to 57, with the lateral line usually extend-

ing over from 23 to 35 scales. 5 longitudinal rows above lateral line. In

a few specimens 35 to 50 mm. long, there is only a trace of a lateral line on

4 or 5 scales. Scales smaller before dorsal, about A those on sides.

D. IX or X—10 to 12, A. 1—8 or 9. ifpper D. half as high as

long, about .5 height of 2d D., and contiguous to it. Second -3- length of

first, and |^ longer than anal. Anal spine weak and short, length of fin A its

height. Ventrals and pectorals reach the same point, § to vent.



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Color in alcohol like that of B. macnlata. A row of obout 10 irreg-

ular blotches along the side,—sometimes obscure, especially before—and

six larger ones on the back. 31an)' smaller, irregular, angular specks be-

tween these rows. Belly immaculate. Stripe before eyes and blotch on

opercle. Median fins banded, others plain. Cache R. and Clear Cr., Un-
ion Co.: Johnson Co.; Pekin.

This species makes it necessary to drop the complete lateral line as

a character of Boleosoma. In fact, this is often wanting on four or five

posterior scales in B, maculata. S. A. F.]

Genus NAXOSTOMA, Putnam.

14. Xanostoma zonale (Copel Jordan. Zoned Darter. (M. Y. 225.)

Many specimens from Pine Creek in Ogle Co.

Genus NOTHOXOTUS, Agassiz.

15. * Nothonotux camurus (Cope) Jordan. Blue-breasted Darter. (M. V.

225 ; Poeciliclithys niger Nelson, 34.^

A few specimens from White River in Indiana.

Genus PCECILICHTHYS, Agassiz.

16. Pcecilichthys variatus (Kirtland) Agassiz. Blue Darter. (M. V.
226 : Pacilichthi/s cmruleus Nelson, 34.

j

G-enerally common in clear or gravelly streams—especially so

in the Wabash Valley. Farmineton ; Rock R., Ogle Co : Pekin,

111.

17. Poecilichthys spectahilis Agassiz. Striped Blue Darter. (M. Y.

227; Nelson, 34.)

With the preceding; rather less common and more fond of

ascending small streams; often found in waters with a mudd}-

bottom. Effingham Co.; Mackinaw Cr., McLean Co.; Pine Cr.,

Ogle Co.; Cache R., Drury Cr., Clear Cr., and mud holes in

Union Co.

[18. Poecilichthys asprigenis Forbes, n. s.

Among some specimens from Pekin, 111., whose label as Pixcilichthys

spectabiUs had apparently served to disguise them, 1 observed a number
with scaly cheeks. Dr. Jordan has decided that these are neither sjyecfabilis,

nor jessise, and I have therefore described the series as a new species, al-

though the wide variation of so-called specific characters presented by them

suggests that several species of this genus may ultimately have to be merged.

I have not been able, however, with a large number of specimens to trace

the one wholly into the other, and I therefore leave them distinct for the

present.



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General appearance much like that of P. spectahiUs, from which it

differs in the scaly cheeks, the more complete lateral line and the greater

number of vertical rows of scales. In spectahilis the cheeks are either

wholly bare, or a few scales appear behind and below the eye. In asprigenis

they are either wholly covered, or naked only on the lower fourth.

The vertical rows vary in my specimens of spectahilis from 38 to 43

(counting only complete rows),—in asprigenis from 48 to 50. In the former,

the lateral line extends over from 25 to 31 scales—in the latter from 34 to 41.

The head is small and pointed, the eye large, (longer than snout,) the

outlines regularly curved, the body compressed and rather deep, the mouth

terminal, oblique, and the jaws about even,

The dorsal fins are sometimes separated by distances varying from

the length of half a scale to a scale and a half, but are occasionally quite

continuous, the two being united by membrane.

Length 35 to 45 mm. Depth 4i to 4| in length; head 3f to 4
;

eye in head 3^ to 4 ; nose about f the eye. Width at pectorals 8 to 10 in

length ; at middle of second dorsal, 12 to 15. The caudal peduncle is twice

long as high. Longitudinal rows |. Breast always naked, opercle wholly as

scaly, back wholly scaled before the dorsal, or a narrow strip left bare.

The first dorsal consists of from 9 to 12 spines. Its height is from

^ to 5 its length, and % the height of the second dorsal. The latter contains

from 10 to 12 rays, of which, in one case, the first was a stout sharp spine

(XI—1, 11). Its length is | that of the first, and | greater than that of the

anal. The anal consists of two spines and 7 or 8 soft rays, the longest ray

reaching to the middle of the caudal peduncle. 14 specimens examined.

Taken in small creek near Pekin, 111.

The naked cheeks and contiguous dorsals are evidently not good gen-

eric characters of PcecilicJithys, S. A. F.]

Genus ETHEOSTOMA, Rafinesque.

19. ^!;^eostoma/fl6eZ?are Rafinesque. Fan-tailed Darter. (M.V. 227;

Poecilichthys Jiahellatus Nelson, 34.)

In clear waters in the southern part of the state. Specimens

from Clear Cr., Union Co., and from Wabash River.

Var. lineolafum (Agassiz) Jordan. Lined Darter. (M. V. 227
;

Poecilichthys lineolatus Nelson 34.) Clear streams in northern

Illinois. Rock River, Ogle Co. Finish.

20. *Utheostoma squamiceps Jordan. Scaly-headed Darter. (M. V.

228.)

Known only from western Kentucky.

Genus BOLEICHTHYS, Girard.

21. Boleichthys eos Jordan & Copeland. Red Sided Darter. (M. V.

228 ; Nelson, 34.)

In clear cold streams throughout the state. Efiingham Co.,

Johnson Co.



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[22. Boleichtliys elegans, Gir.

Several specimens from Union and Johnson counties, apparently be-

long to this species. The following description is made up from Dr. Jor-
dan's account of the species in Ann. N. Y. Lye, XI, 308, modified to in-

clude my larger specimens, some of which are 2 inches long.

Body short, chubby and compressed, bearing some resemblance in

iovva to Microperca punctidata. Mouth moderate, with equal jaws.

Dorsal fins usually distinctly separate, the second % as long as the

first and twice as long as anal. Vertical rows of scales varying from 42 to

56. Lateral line distinct on from 13 to 30 scales, arched high over pec-

torals, running parallel with the rounded nuchal region, separated from the

dorsal fin by but 3 rows of scales. Head and neck scaly, throat bare, as

well as a small space behind pectorals and ventrals.

Head 31 to 4 in length, depth 4|. Eye 3 to 4 in head Width at

pectorals (in adult) Gf in length. Fin rays, D. IX or X—9 to 11 ; A. II
—7 or 8. Color greenish with dark specks, in Illinois specimens with

about 10 dorsal bars, and 6 lateral blotches on posterior half of side. Dark
line before eye and in adults another below eye, and an opercular blotch.

S. A. F.]

Genus MICROPERCA, Putnam.

28. Micropercapunctulata l^utnam. Least Darter, (M. V. 229; Nel-
son, 34.)

In clear streams. Drury Cr., Union Co.; Crystal Lake,
McHenry Co.; Kane Co.

Family PERCIDAE, (the Perches.)

Genus PERCA, Linnasus.

24. Perca americana Schranck. Common Yellow Perch, Ringed
Perch. (M. V. 229; Perca flavescens ^qI^ow, 36.)

Very abundant in Lake Michigan and all its tributaries, and to

a less degree in all the tributaries of the Mississippi River in the

northern third of the state. In the southern part of the state it

is very rarely or never found, its range, like that of Eupomotis
auretis, being bounded by lines of latitude. Peoria and Pekin,

III; L. Mich.

Genus STIZOSTETHIUM, Rafinesque.

25. Stizostethium canadense (Smith) Jordan. Sauger. Sand Pike,
Ground Pike, Gray Pike (M. V. 230. Stizostedium griseum Nel-
son, 36.)

Generally abundant in the lakes and all the larger streams. L.

Mich.; 111. R. at Peoria, &c.



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26. Stizostetliium vitreum i; Mitch.) Jordan & Copeland. Wall-eyed
Pike, Salmon, Dory, Glass-eye, Yellow Pike. (M. V. 230 ; Stizos-

tedium ameriranuni Nelson, 36.)

Generally abundant in the lakes and larger bodies of water, es-

pecially northward. 111. R. at Peoria.

var, sahnoneum (Raf.) Jor. White Salmon, Blue Pike. (M. V.

230. Nelson, 36.) Ohio River and its larger tributaries.

Family LABRACID^, (the Bass.)

Genus ROCCUS, MitcliiU.

27. Roccus chn/soj)s (Raf.) Gill. White Bass. (M. V. 232; Nelson, 36.)

Generally abundant in the larger streams northward. Lake
Michigan ;

Quincy ; Henry.

Genns MORONE, Mitchill.

28. Morone interrupta Gill. Short-striped White Bass (M. V. 232 :

Nelson, 36.) Common in the southern half of the state in the larger

streams. Illinois R. at Henry; Mackinaw Creek, McLean Co.; Cairo.

Family CENTRARCHID^, (the Sun-fishes.)

Genus MICROPTERUS, Lacepede.

29. Micropterus palUdus (Raf.) Gill & Jordan. Large-mouthed Black
Bass, Oswego Bass (M. V. 236 ; Micropterus nigricans Nelson, 36)

Everywhere abundant, especially northward
; found in sluggish

waters and small streams, more frequently than the nest. Lake
Michigan ; Rock R., Ogle Co.; Calumet R. ; Crystal Lake :

Running Lake and Clear Creek, Union Co.; Wabash River ; Mack-
inaw Cr., McLean Co.

30. Micropterus salmoides (Lac.) Gill. Small-mouthed Black Bass,
Moss Bass. (M. V. 236 ; Nelson, 37.)

Everywhere common, seeking the river channels more than the

preceding does. Rock R., Ogle Co.: 111. R.

Genus AMBLOPLITES, Rafinesque.

31. Amhloplites riqiestris (Raf.) Gill. RocK Bass. Red Eye, Goggle
Eye. ^M. V. 237 ; Nelson, 37.)

Generally abundant throughout the state. McLean Co.; Henry;

Ogle Co.



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Genus CH.EXOBRYTTUS, Gill.

32. Chffnohryttus quh^ns (C. k V.) Gill. War-MOUTH, BlACK Sun-PISH.
(M. V. 237; Nelson, 37.)

'
"

Rather common. Very abundant in southern Illinois. Prof.

Forbes has specimens from Illinois River, and I have taken it in

Lake Michigan, and in lakes of Northern Indiana tributary to

Wabash River. Mackinaw Cr.; Big L., Jackson Co.

Genus APOMOTIS, Rafinesque.

33. Apomotis cyaneUas (Raf. ) Jor. Blue-spotted SuN-FlSH. (M. V.
239: Telipomus CT/anellns and T. microps Nelson, 37.)

Greneraliy abundant, ascending small streams. Embarras River,

Calumet R., Illinois R., Cache R., mud-holes on bottoms in Un-
ion Co. and Johnson Co., Effingham Co., all small streams in

McLean Co.; Fountain Bluff, Jackson Co.

Genus LEPIOPOMUS, Rafinesque.

34. Leptopomus macrochirus Raf. Chain-sided SuN-nsH. (M. V. 239
;

Tdipomus nephelus Nelson, 37.)

Not very common : 1 have one specimen from Illinois River
and several from White River in Indiana.

35. *LepiopomasanagalUnusQiO^Q. Red-spotted SuN-FlSH. (M.V. 240.)

Salt River, Ky., where it is abundant. Not yet noticed from
Illinois, although it doubtless occurs in the state.

36. Lepiopomus palUdus (Mit.) Gill & Jordan. Blue Sun-fish, Cop-
per-nosed Bream. (M. V. 241: Iclitlielis incisor and I. speciosus

Nelson, 37.1

The most abundant of the sun-fishes. Crystal Lake, Illinois

River, Calumet R., L. Michigan, Wabash River, Quincy.

37. Lepiopomus isclu/rus Jordan & Nelson. ( M. V. 241; Ichfhelis aqui-

lensis Nelson, 37.)

The two original types of this species are all yet known—the one
in the Illinois State Laboratory from Illinois River, the other in Mr.
son's collection from Calumet River. Renewed examination of Nel-
the former specimen has convinced me of its distinctness from L.
p)alli<his. The type specimen has palatine teeth, unlike L.
paVidus. Pomotis aquilensis Girard is Xenofis breviceps, a Texas
species.



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Genus XENOTIS, Jordan.

38. Xenotis megalotis (Raf.) Jordan. Blue and Orange Sun-fish. (M.

Y. 242; Ichthelis megalotis and /. sanguinolentus Nelson, 38.)

Generally abundant. Illinois River; Clear Cr., in Union Co.,

Wabash R., Mackinaw Cr., Fox R.

39. *Xenotis aureolus Jordan. Gilded Sun-fish. (M. V. 243 ; Ichthelis

macrochira Nelson, 38.)

Probably abundant in small streams, but not certainly identified

from the state.

40. *Xenotis lythrochloris Jordan. Blue and Green Sun-fish. (M. V.

243.)

Abundant in small streams tributary to the Wabash in Indiana,

but not yet recorded from Illinois.

41. Xenotis inscriptus (Agassiz) Jordan. Blue-green SuN-FiSH. (M. V.

243 ; Ichthelis inscriptus Nelson, 38.)

Moderately common in grassy ponds and streams in the south-

ern part of the state. WabasK R., Cairo.

42. Xenotis peltastes (Cope) Jordan. (M. V. 243; Ichthelis anagallinus

Nelson 38.)

Probably not very common. I have seen the specimen referred

to by Mr. Nelson from Fox R.; and I have one or two more from

the Wabash in Indiana,

Genus EUPOMOTIS, Gill & Jordan.

43. Eupomotis aureus (Wall.) Gill & Jordan. Common Sun-fish. Pump-
kin Seed. (M. V.244; Pomotis auritus '^qI^oxi, 38.)

Very common throughout the northern third of the state, its

abundance and distribution being the same as of the Yellow

Perch. Peoria, Crystal Lake, Ogle Co., Henry, Lake Michigan
;

Rock River.

44. Eupomotis pallidus (Ag.) Gill & Jordan. Pale Sun-fish. (M. V.

244.)

Probably not common. I have seen specimens from near St.

Louis. The resemblance of this species to Lepiopomus pallidus is

very strong.

Genus COPELANDIA, Jordan.

45. * Copelandia eriarcha Jordan. (M. V. 246.)

As yet known only from streams near Milwaukee. It doubtless

occurs in other tributaries of Lake Michigan.



(47)

Genus CENTRARCHUS, Cuvier.

46. Centrarchus irideus (Lac.) Cuv. et Val. Shining Bass. (M. V. 246
;

Nelson, 37.)

Numerous specimens from the southern part of the state, referable to

the southern Centrarchus irideus, but not typical specimens of that species,

being in some respects intermediate between 6'. irideus and 6'. macropte-

rus. Distinct as these two species appear, they may be found to intergrade

so that they will have to be merged into one. In form of body and size of

mouth these Illinois specimens are exactly irideus, but the ventral spine is

more elongate, reaching the first anal spine, and the fins are rather higher

than is usual in irideus. The dorsal fin in the young specimens has a

large jet-black spot, strongly ocellated. The larger specimens examined
have the dorsal plain. Union Co., Johnson Co.

Genus POMOXYS, Rafinesque.

47. Portioxys nigromaculatus (Les.) Grd. GrRASs Bass, Calico Bass, Bar-
fish, Bitter-head. (M. V. 247; Pomoxys hexacanthus Nelson, 37.)

Generally very abundant, especially in the northern part of the

state. In the southern part of -the state,' the next species takes its

place to a great extent. Peoria, Quincy, Chicago, Rock River,

Henry.

48. Pomoxys annularis Raf. Croppie, New Light, Campbellite,
Bachelor. (M. V. 247 ; Nelson, 37.)

Abundant everywhere in the tributaries of the Ohio and Missis-

sippi, especially southward. Pekin, Peoria, Quincy ; Wabash R.,

Ohio R., Mud-holes in bottoms, Johnson Co., Union Co., Mack-
inaw Cr.

Family ELASSOMATID^, (the Elassomes.)

Genus ELASSOMJ, Jordan.

49. Elassoma zonatum Jordan. (M. V. 248.)

A large number of specimens of this singular little fish were obtained

by Prof. Forbes in ponds and sluggish waters in Union County. From
these the anatomy of the species has beenpartly made out, and the

afiinities of the genus have probably been ascertained. As suspected

by me when Elassoma was first discovered, its relations are with Apho-
doderus, and it will doubtless constitute a separate family, which should

be placed next to the Aphododeridse. The resemblance of both to the Um-
hridse probably indicate real affinities. None of Professor Forbes' speci

mens are an inch in length. At the time of collection they were supposed to

be the young of Aphododerus. In these specimens the black shoulder spot

is feeble and there are three dark spots at the base of the caudal, verti-

cally placed, imitating the black caudal bar in Melanura. The fin formula



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is not exactly as originally counted in Elassoma zonatum. This last count is

however correct, while the first, being made without the assistance of a mi-

croscope, may be erroneous. It is best to consider the Illinois, Arkansas

and Texas specimens as identical, at least at present.

Fin formula. Dorsal IV, 10, rarely IV 9. Ventrals, I, 5, Anal

III, 5, branchiostegals 5, vertebrae 28. Teeth in lower jaw stout, con-

ical, slightly curved, their length about half the depth of the dentary bone ;

these teeth, for a part of the way at least, in 2 to 4 rows ; similar teeth on

the premaxillaries in 2 or 3 rows ; no teeth on vomer or palatine or on

pterygoids ; lower pharyngeals narrow, apparently exactly as in Aplwdoderus,

some what triangular, not united, with a few conic teeth, very sharp and

slender
;

gill rakers small and short, tubercle-like ; nostrils double, close

together ; opercular bones and preorbital not serrated. Scales cycloid
;

about eleven deep furrows on the imbedded part of each
;

concentric

strige strong. No lateral line. Vent normal.

The Elassomatidse then differ from the A2yhododeridse in the position of

the vent, in the dentition, {Ajjhododeridae having teeth on the vomer, pala-

tine and pterygoids,) in the number of ventral rays, and in the want of serra-

tures to the preoperculum and preorbital, the edges of those bones being

pectinated in the Pirate Perches.

Family APHODODERIDuE, (the Pirate Perches.)

Genus APHODODERUS, Le Sueur.

50. Aphododerus isolepis (Nelson) Jordan. Western Pirate Perch.
(M. V. 249; Sfemotretma isolepis Nelson, 39.

j

This species is very closely related to the eastern A. sat/anus, but

apparently differs in the smaller scales and the presence of but three dor-

sal spines. The other has more frequently four spines, but often only

three are developed. The scale formula of A. isolepis is subject to some

variation. The following is the count of the number of scales in longi-

tudinal series in ten specimens : 48, 48, 50, 50, 50, 51, 53, 53, 54, 55.

A study of the position of the vent in A. isolepis has developed some

singular things. It becomes evident from the examination of a large series

that the position of the vent is not a character of generic importance, as

was supposed when the genus Sternotremia was proposed, nor is it appa-

rently an individual or a sexual character as has been since suggested.

The observations of Professor Forbes, verified by myself, appear to show

that the position of the vent is dependent on the age of the fish. In the

adult the vent is jugular, close behind the little projecting knob at the

throat. In the youngest specimens examined, it is more or less behind the

ventral fins. In specimens intermediate in size, its position is intermediate,

the degree of advancement being proportionate to the size of the fish.

Occasional irregularities occur, but the above rule holds so generally

that it can not be merely accidental. From it I infer that in the very young
the position of the vent will be found to be as usual in Percoid fishes; as in

the young flounder the eyes are symmetrical, but as the fish grows older, its

aberrant characters become developed.



(49)

The following table shows the position of the vent in 26 specimens.

Length of
Fish in Inches. Position of Vent.

1



(50)

Family SCI^NIDJE, (the Maigres.)

Genus HAPLOIDONOTUS, Rafinesqe.

51. Haploidonotus qrunniens Raf. Sheepshead, Croaker, GtRUNTING

Perch, Drum, White Perch. (M. V. 250. Nelson 40.)

Common in all the lakes and larger streams throughout the

state. La Salle ; Peoria.

Family COTTID^, (the Scvilpins.)

Genus TEIGLOPSIS, Girard.

52. Triglopsis sttmpsoni Grill (Mss). Deep Water Sculpin.

A species of this genus, which has received the above manu-

script name, but which has never been described, occurs in the

deeper waters of Lake Michigan.

Genus URANIDEA, Dekay.

53. Uranidea Jcumlieni Hoy. Kumlien's Bull-head. (M. V. 253;
Nelson 41.)

Deep water in Lake Michigan.

54. Uranidea hoyi Putnam. (M. V. 258 ;
Nelson 41.)

Deep water in Lake Michigan.

Genus POTAMOCOTTUS, Gill.

55. Potamocottus alvordi (Grrd) Grill. Alvord's Bull-head. (M. V.

254, Pegedichthys alvordii, Nelson 41.)

Rock River.

56. *Potamocottus wilsoni (Gird) Grill. Wilson's Bull head. (M. V.

255.)

White River, Indiana, and probably also in Illinois—a doubtful

species.

57. *Potarnocottus meridionalis ( Grd) Gill. Cave Bull-head, Goblin,
Blob, Mufple-jaws. (M. V. 254.)

Streams in the limestone region—often found in caves ; abundant

in Southern Indiana, but not yet recorded from Illinois.

Genus TAUEIDEA, Jordan & Rice.

58. Tauridea spilota (Cope) Jordan & Rice. Cow-faced Sculpin. (M,
V. 255 ; Cottopsis ricei Nelson 40).

In deep water in Lake Michigan.



• (51)

Suborder ANACANTHIlSri.
Family GADID^ (the Cod-fishes.)

Genus L0r^4, Cuvier.

59. Lota lacustris (Walbaum) Gill. LiNG, Burbot, Lawyer, Eel-
pout, CusK. (M. V. 257, Nelson 42.)

Very abundant in Lake Michigan; stray specimens rarely taken

in Illinois River, and in the Ohio and Mississippi. These proba-

bly have escaped through the canals.

Suborder HEMIBRAlSrCHII.
Family G-ASTEROSTEID^, (the Sticklebacks.)

Genus EUCALIA, Jordan.

60. Eucalia inconstans (Kirt.) Jordan. Black Stickleback. (M. V.

259, Nelson 42.)

Abundant in small streams in the northern part of the state

only. Rock R , Pecatonica R., tributaries of Lake Michigan;

Crystal L., McHenry Co.

Genus PYGOSTEUS, Brevoort.

6L Pygosteus occidentalis (C. & V.) var. nehulosus (Ag. ) Jor. Many
Spined Stickleback. (M. V. 260, Nelson 42.)

Lake Michigan—rather abundant in deep water.

Suborder PERCESOCES.
Family ATHERINID^ (the Silversides.)

Genus LABIDESTHES, Cope.

62. Labidesthes sicculus Cope. Silversides. (M. V. 261, Nelson 42.)

Generally abundant through the state, especially in ponds and
bayous. Crystal L., McHenry Co ; Creeks, Peoria Co.; Rock R.,

Ogle Co.; 111. R., Pekin ; Mackinaw Cr., McLean Co.

Suborder HAPLOMI.
Family CYPRINODONTID^, (the Toothed Minnows.)

Genus FUNDULUS, Lacepede.

63. Funduhis diaphanus (L S.) Ag. Barred Killifish. (M. V. 263,
Nelson 42.)

Very abundant in lakes and clear or sandy streams in the

northern part of the state. In Lake Michigan it abounds about
the sandy mouths of tributaries, keeping in schools in the shallow

water near the edge. Calumet R.



(52)

64. Fundulus menona Jordan & Copeland. (M. V. 263.)

Rock River; Crystal Lake, McHenry Co.

Genus ZYGONECTES, Agassiz.

65. Zj/gon-ctes notafus (Raf.) Jor. Top Minnow. (M. V. 264, Nelson 42.)

Generally abundant in sluggish waters and canals, especially

southward. 111. R. at Pekin; Livingston Co.; Jackson Co.

66. Zygonectes melanops (Cope) Jordan. Black-eyed Top Minnow.
(M. V. 264.)

Numerous specimens of this species were obtained by Professor

Forbes in the streams and ponds of the southern part of the state.

They agree exactly with Prof. Cope's description of his Haplo-
cJtilus melanops from the Neuse River in North Carolina. The
wide distribution of this species is rather unexpected. Cache R.
and tributaries, Johnson Co.

67. Zygo7iectus dispar Agassiz. Striped Minnow. (M. V. 264, Nelson

42.)

Generally abundant in lakes, ponds and sluggish streams through

the state, swimming in schools near the surface, slowly as if it

were hard work. Specimens obtained by Prof. Forbes in the south-

ern part of the state, are larger than any hitherto noticed, being

more than two inches in length. Large specimens show a dark

spot under the eye, somewhat as in the preceding species but

fainter. Pekin; Beardstown; ponds and streams, Union and John-
son Counties.

Family UMBRID^, (the Miid Minnows.)

Genus MELANURA, Agassiz.

68. Melanura limi (Kirtland) Ag. Mud Minnow, Mud Dace, Dog-fish.
(M. V. 265, Nelson 43.)

Very abundant in ditches, muddy streams and prairie sloughs;

found throughout the state, but much commonest northwards
;

numerous specimens from mud-holes in the bottoms of Johnson
and Union Counties. Common in ditches near Crystal L., McHen-
ry County.

Family ESOCID^, (the Pikes.)

Genus ESOX, Linnaeus.

69. Esox nohilior Thompson. Muskallunge. (M. V. 266, Nelson 43.)

In Lake Michigan and, according to Mr. Nelson, said to occur

in some of the small lakes of the northern part of the state.



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70. Fsox luciusL. Pike, Grass Pickerel. (M. V. 266: B.luciusYnr-
estor, and E. boreus, Nelson 43.

)

Very abundant in all large streams in the northern third of the

state, its distribution being similar to that of Perca. Rock R.,

111. R.

71. Esox salmoneiis Raf. Little Pickerel. (M. Y. 267 ; E. salmoneus
and E. umhrosus Nelson 43.)

Everywhere very abundant in ponds and bayous; especially com-
mon in ponds in Union Co.; also specimens from Fox R., and 111.

R. at Pekin.

72. Esox ci/pho Cope. Humpback Pickerel. (M. V. 267 ; Nelson 43.)

The specimen referred to by Mr. Nelson, from the Fox River at

Geneva, is the only one which I have seen from the state. •

[73. Esox ravenel/i '^Holbr.

A small, barred pickerel from Union Co., much more slender than sal-

moneus, with smaller scales, longer dorsal and anal fins, and different pro-
portions generally, is perhaps referable to this species. It measures 2i
inches to the caudal. Depth 7* in length, head 3-^, depth of head 10 and
width of head 12. Eye 2f in nose (to tip of lower jaw) and 5| in whole
head, its depth equal to the deeply grooved inter-orbital space. The mid-
dle of the head is at the front margin of the pupil.

The dorsal commences half its length in front of the anal. The paired
fins are very short (V. 3^ in head, P 4i.) The pectorals are nearer ventrals

than front of premaxillary, and the ventrals are midway between pectorals

and anal.

Obscure vomerine teeth extend further back than the palatine bands.

The cheeks and opercles are wholly scaly. Lat. 1. 125 scales, longitud-

inal rows 27, from dorsal to anal. D. 14 (complete rays), A. 14, V 10,
Br. 14.

Color in alcohol dusky, with 12 yellowish, nearly vertical bands, plain-

est behind, narrow above, but widening below into triangular blotches,

which merge in the pale color of the belly. A dark stripe extends from the

tip of the nose to the hind edge of the opercle, and a vertical bar downward
from the eye. The fins are all dusky. S. A. F.]

Family AMBLYOPSID^, (the Blind Fishes.)

No species of Blind-fish has yet been recorded from Illinois.

Suborder ISOSPONDYLI.
Family PERCOPSID^, (the Trout Perches.)

Genus PERCOPSIS, Agassiz.

74. Percopsis guttatus Ag. Trout Perch. (M. Y. 270; Nelson 43.)
Yery abundant in Lake Michigan, caught by the hundred by

boys from the Chicago wharves. Occasionally found in the larger

streams through the state.



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Family SALMONIDJE, (the Salmon.)

Genus CRISTIVOMER, GiU & Jordan.

75. Cristivomer namaycusli (Walbaum) Grill & Jordan. GtREAT Lake
Trout, Mackinaw Trout, Longe, Togue. (M. V. 359; Salmo

namaycusli Nelson 44.)

Abundant in Lake Michigan.

Genus COREGONUS, Linnaeus.

76. *Coregonus tullihee Rich. (M. V. 36L)

This strongly marked species occurs in Lake Superior, and it

—

or a closely related one, known as the "mongrel White Fish,"—is

found in the eastern part of Lake Erie. {Sterling—Milner.) It

has not yet been recorded from Lake Michigan.

77. Coregonus nigripinnU (Gill) Jor. Blue Fin, Black Fin. (M. V.

362 ; Argyrosomus nigripinnis Nelson 44.
j

Abundant in the deep water of Lake Michigan. Specimens may
be obtained in any market in which lake fishes are sold.

78. Coregonus artedi Le Sueur. Common Lake Herring. (M. V. 362
;

Argyrosomus clupeiformis Nelson 44.)

Very abundant in Lake Michigan, and probably found in some

of the small lakes in the northeastern part of the state.

79. Coregonus Tioyi (Grill) Jor. Moon-eyed Cisco, Cisco of Lake
Michigan. (M. V. 362 ; Argyrosomus hoyi Nelson 44.)

Not rare, in the deeper waters of Lake Michigan, but not often

seen in the fish markets.

80. Coregonus clupeiformis (Mitchill) Milner. Common White Fish.

(M. V. 362 , Coregonus albus Nelson 44.)

Very abundant in Lake Michigan.

81. Coregonus quadrHateralis Rich. Round Fish, Menomonee White
Fish. (M. V. 362.)

This species is frequently taken in Lake Michigan.

Family HYODONTID^, (the Moon-eyes.)

Genus HYODON, Le Sueur.

82. Hyodon tergisus Le Sueur. Common Moon-eye, Toothed Herring,

(M V. 277 ; Nelson 44.)

Very common throughout the state in all large bodies of water.

Cairo, Peoria.



(55)

Family DOROSOMATID^, (the Gizzard Shad.)

Geuus DOBOSOMA, Rafinesque.

83. Dorosoma cepediamnn (Le S.) var. heterumm (Raf.) Jor. Gizzard

Shad, Hickory Shad. ( M. V. 279 ; Dorosoma notatum Nelson 44.)

Abundant in all the larger streams, and escaped through the

canals into Lake Michigan. Ohio R. at Cairo, 111. R. at La Salle,

Pekin and Peoria.

Family CLUPEID^, (the Herrings.)

Genus POMOLOBUS, Rafinesque.

84. Pomololus cJirysocIiloris Raf. Skip Jack, Ohio Shad. ( M. V.

2:9; Nelson 44.)

Found in all the larger streams and escaped into Lake Michi-

gan. Cairo, Henry.

Genus ALOSA, Cuvier.

85. Alosa sapidlssima (Wilson; Storer. Common Shad. (M. V. 278
;

Nelson 44.)

Introduced into sotne streams.

Suborder EVENTOaNATHI.
Family CYPRINIDJE.

Genus CAMPOSTOMA, Agassiz.

86. Campostoma anomalum (Raf.) Ag. Stone Lugger. (M. V. 288,

Nelson 44.)

Everywhere very abundant, ascending every small brook in the

spring. V^ermilion R., La Salle Co.; Rock R, Ogle Co. and

Pine Cr., Union Co.

Genus PIMEPHALES, Rafinesque.

87. Ptmephales promelas B.&t Fat-head, Black-head. (M. V. 288
;

P.promelas and F. milesii Nelson 45.)

Found throughout the state, but probably not generally abund-

ant. Bailey's Cr., La Salle Co.; Rock R., Ogle Co.

Genus HYBORHYKCHUS, Agassiz.

88. Eylorhynchus notatiis (Raf.) Ag. Blunt-nosed Minnow. (M. V.

288; Nelson 45.)

Generally abundant, especially in the northern part of the state.

Southward its place is taken by the next, if the two be really dis-

tinct. Mackinaw Cr., Woodford Co.; McLean Co.; Rock R., at

Oregon; Little Wabash, Effingham; 111. R., Peoria; Crystal L.,

Kane Co.



(56)

89. Hyhorhynchus superciliosus Cope. ( M. V. 289.)

Very abundant in the bottoms of Johnson and Union counties,

and in the southern part of the state generally. It is very close to

the preceding, and may not be really different. Cache R. and
Clear Cr., Union Co.; Rock R., Ogle Co.

G^awmHYBOGNATHUS, kga.s^\z.

90. ffi/bognaiJms cirgT/ritis Grd. Silvery Minnow. (M. V. 289; Nel-
son 45.)

Abundant in the southern third of the state. Bottoms of John-
son and Union counties ; Wabash River; Ohio River; Peoria.

91. Hi/hognafhus nuchalis Agassiz. Blunt-jawed Minnow. (M. V.
289 ; "Nelson 45.)

Wabash R. "A few specimens in the state collection from cen-

tral Illinois." (Nelson.) The distinctions between this species and
the preceding do not appear to be very clear. Normal, Pekin.

Genus ALBUHNOPS, Girard.

{Hyhopsis Cope, not of Ag.)

92. Alhurnops storerianus (^Kirt.) J or. Stoker's Minnow. (M. V. 290;
Nelson 46.)

Rather frequent in Lake Michigan and in the small lakes of

northern Indiana. Peoria, Chicago.

9B. Alburnoiys hudsonius (Clint) Jor. Spawn Eater. (M. V. 290; Nel-
. son 46.) L. Mich., 111. R.

94. *Alhurnops tuditanus Cope. (M. V. 290 ; Nelson 46.)

li'ound by Prof. Cope in various tributaries of Lake Michigan
and of the Wabash in Indiana. The species is unknown to me.

[95. Alhurnops nuhilus Forbes, n. s.

Twenty specimens from Rock R., in Ogle Co., approaching H. spectrun-

culus, are not referable to any species or description of the group Alhurnops,
(M. v., Hyhopsis Jordan & Copeland's Check-list) to which they undoubt-
edly belong.

The mouth is inferior and horizontal ; the teeth are in one row, 4-4, but
slightly hooked, with large masticatory surface, and the dorsal is over the

ventrals.

The length is 2? inches to the caudal. Depth 3| to 4 in length, head

4J, eye 3 in head, nose 31, interorbital space 3 to 3^. The depth of the

head is contained 6-? to 7 times in the head and body.

D 1-8, A 1-9. Scales 5-37-3, 14 before D. The lateral line is de-

flexed on the anterior fourth. The deep body, narrow head and large eye.



are the conspicuous characters. The color is unusually dusky, a broad dark

lateral band extends forward over the opercle through the eye to the tip of

the nose. There is no caudal spot, and all the fins are plain. S. A. F.]

96. Albuniops aframinrics Coipe. Straw-colored MiNNOW, (31. V. 291;

Nelson 46.)

Probably common in the southern two-thirds of the state. The
only specimens noticed by me were from McLean, Crawford and

Union Counties.

97. Albtirnops microstomus (Raf.) Jor. (M. V. 291.)

Specimens apparently of this species, from Clear Creek, in

Union County. It occurs in the streams of Kentucky.

98. Alhurnops volucellus Cope. (xM. V. 291 ; Nelson 46.)

Specimens collected by Professor Copeland in the Rock and

Pecatonica Rivers.

99. Alburnojis fretensis Co^e. (M. V. 292 ; Nelson 47.)

Specimens are in the collection from Rock River, and fi'om

McLean Co. Pine Cr. and Rock R., Ogle Co.; Henry, Normal.

100. Alhurnops hxmaturus Cope. (M. V. 292; Nelson 47.)

Several specimens are in the collection from the Illinois River

at Peoria.

Genus LUXILUS, Rafinesque.

101. Luxilus cornutus (Raf.) Jor. Shlxer. (M, V. 293; Nelson 47.)

The commonest fish in the state, occurring by thousands in

every stream. Mackinaw Cr., McLean Co.; Rock R., Ogle Co.;

Pine Cr.; 111. R., Pekin ; Effingham; Cache R., Union Co.;

Johnson Co.; Crystal L., Kane Co.

Genus PHOTOGENIS, Cope.

102. Photogenis analostanus (Grd.) Jor. Silver Fin. (M. V. 294; Cyp-

rinella analostaiia Nelson in Errata
; Cyprinella galactura Nelson 47.)

Everywhere abundant, pei'haps most so in the valley of the Wa-
bash. McLean Co.; very common in Rock R., Ogle Co.; Effing-

ham; Peoria; Union Co.

Genus CYPRINELLA, Girard.

103. Cyprinella forhesi Jordan (sp. nov. ) Forbes' Red Fin.

A small deep, strongly compressed species, belonging to the group

called by Grirard Moniana,- nxi^ related to the species called complanato,

gibbosa, etc. Body oblong, elevated, strongly compressed, the depth great-



(58)

est just in front of the dorsal fin, contained 3 times in the length to base of

caudal; caudal peduncle moderately slender. Head rather stout and deep,

3f in length of body ; its upper outline depressed, the nape elevated, so

that the profile is somewhat concave ; thickness of head through the cheeks,

greater than the thickness of the body. Mouth tolerably large, quite

oblique, the lower jaw slightly included. Eye not large, its length about 4

in head.

Scales, as usual in the genus, closely imbricated. Lateral line strongly

decurved, with 35 scales in its course, six rows above it, and about two be-

low. Thirteen scales in front of the dorsal.

Dorsal fin inserted just behind beginning of ventrals, about half higher

than long, its rays 1-7; anal fin somewhat elevated in front, its rays 1-8; its

anterior rays rather longer than the base of the fin. Caudal fin moderate,

widely forked. Pectorals barely reaching the ventrals ;
ventrals barely

reaching anal.

Teeth 4-4, hooked, sharp-edged, the edges of the teeth somewhat
crenate.

Head and ante-dorsal region in the male fish covered with rather small

white prickles, larger than in the genus Lythrurus ; caudal peduncle cov-

ered below the lateral line with similar tubercles. Chin with a few prickles.

Colors, in spirits bluish above, pale below, a vague dark shoulder

blotch ; upper part of dorsal dusky ; lower part of anal and ventrals some-

what milky.

In life the colors are as follows, according to Professor Forbes : G-en-

eral color steel-blue with a reddish tinge, a crescent shaped mark of a violet

blue color behind the shoulders, followed by a crimson crescent; belly orange

red ; anal and caudal blood red.

Length of adult 2f inches.

Many specimens obtained by Professor Forbes in clear streams of south-

ern Illinois , a few from mud-holes on the bottoms.

This species resembles the figures given of Montana complanata and

31. gihhosa Grirard, but the known inaccuracy of those figures and the utterly

slovenly character of the accompanying descriptions, prevents any attempt

at the identification of our specimens with them. Grirard's specimens were

from the Rio Grande, and "on general principles" are probably different.

Those interested in knowing the character of Dr. Grirard's work on the

smaller Cyprinidse cannot do better than to read his description of Moniana
rutlla and Moniana gracilis and then, as suggested by Dr. Gunther, to com-
pare the figure of Moniana frigida given in the Pacific R. R. Surveys,

(1858j with that of the same species drawn by the same artist in the Mexi-

can Boundary Survey (1859.) All the fishes drawn by this artist at one

"sitting," are cast in the same mould regardless of the appearance of the

fish from which they were drawn.

Most of the types of Girard's Qyprinellse are lost. The others can only

be identified almost at random by future students of Texan ichthyology.

Since writing the above, I have examined specimens of Moniana coni-

planata Grd. [Moniana gibbosa Grd.) from the Rio Grande, C. forbesi,

though closely related is unquestionably distinct, the form of the profile be-

ing notably difi"erent.



(59)

Genus LYTHRURUS, Jordan.

104. Lythrurus atnjjes Jordan, (sp. nov.) Compressed Eed-fin.

Body moderately elongate, very strongly compressed and elevated, the

greatest depth about 3* in length ; head comparatively pointed ;
somewhat

depressed above, so that an angle is formed at the occiput : length of head

about 3| in that of body; mouth rather large, quite oblique, the maxillary

reaching about to the front of the eye ; the lower jaw slightly projecting be-

yond the upper ; eye small, smaller than in the other Lt/thruri, 4 in head,

rather shorter than the snout.

Scales of the usual type in the genus, very closely imbricated, their ex-

posed surfaces notably higher than long, especially anteriorly. Lateral line

very strongly decurved : scales 8-44-3. Dorsal fin beginning about mid-

way between ventrals and anal, rather high anteriorly, its rays 1-7, anal

rays I-ll. Pectorals not quite reaching ventrals, the latter just to vent.

Color in spirits dusky bluish or livid, much as in L. cyanocephalus; no

traces of the vertical bars sometimes noticed in L. diplsemuis, each scale

with many fine black punctulations. Coloration of fins peculiar, the usual

dusky spot at the base of the dorsal in front, this spot smaller than in the

other species, a black transverse bar across the upper part of the dorsal

;

anal similarly colored to the dorsal, the markings paler. In L. diplsemius

the anal fin is plain. Tips of ventrals dusky, belly and lower fins probably

crimson in males in the spring; male specimens profusely covered on head,

front of back, sides of body anteriorly, and on lower jaw with small white

tubercles as in the other species of the genus.

Length of types 2i to 3 inches. Collected by Prof. Forbes in various

streams in Union and Johnson counties.

The four species now known of this genus, atripes, cyanocephalus^ di-

plsemius and arden.<, are closely related, but may be readily distinguished

when compared. Ardens is most elongate and looks somewhat like a ^o-

tropis ; cyanocephalus, small and short, resembles Pimephales ; atnpes has

the smallest eye and the most compressed body. The coloration of the

lower fins will probably always distinguish it.

105. Lythrurus diplxmius (Rafinesque) Jordan, Red Fin. (M. V. 295
;

Nelson 47.)

Abundant in the southern two-thirds of the state, especially in

tributaries of the Wabash and the Ohio. Mackinaw Cr., McLean
Co.; Normal ; Effingham

; Union Co ; Rock R., Ogle Co,; Peoria.

[var, gracilis Forbes,

Length 2i to 3 in, depth 4f in length, head 44, eye 33 in head,

nose 3, D, 1-8, A, I-IO, Scales 8-48-4. Dorsal and anal

fins marked as in atripes. Several specimens from Rock R.,

Ogle Co. S. A. F.]

106. *Lythrurus cijanocephalus Copeland, Hoy's Red Fish, (M. V.

295; Nelson 4t,)

Professor Copeland's types were from Root River at Racine.

Others have been taken in tributaries of Rock R. near Beloit,

within a few miles of the state line.



(60)

Genus NOTBOPIS, Rafinesque.

107. Notropis ruhrifrom (Cope.) Jordan. Rosy faced Minnow. (M.

V. 296; Minnilus ruhrifrom Nelson 47.)

Abundant in the Ohio and Wabash vallies. I have examined
specimens from Rock River, and Mr. Nelson gives it from tribu-

taries of the Illinois. Oregon ; 111. R.

108. Notropis afherinoides Raf. Emerald Minnow. {Notropis rubellus,

dinemus and dilectus M. V. 296 ; 3Iinnilus dVectus, amabilis, ruhellus

and dinemus Nelson 46, 47.)

Everywhere very abundant, caught by the thousand for bait off the

wharves at Chicago. The species termed dinemus, rubellus, jaculus, arge,

dilectus, and amabilis, seem to shade into one another in the most exasper-

ating way, and until some permanent character is shown, I propose to drop
the farce of considering them as distinct, and to adopt for all the oldest spe-

cific name applied to one of the type, viz : atherinoides Raf. The species as

thus defined, is a very variable one, but not more so than Luxihis cornutus,

Semotillus corporalis, Campostoma anomalum or Ceraticlithys biguttatus, all

species of similarly wide distribution. Normal, Geneva, Pine Cr., Chicago,

Henry, Union Co., Peoria, Oregon, 111.

Genus EPISEMA, Cope & Jordan.

109. ^Episema ariomma (Cope) Jor. Big-eyed Shiner, {Cliola ari-

omma M. V. 298.)

White River, Indiana, abundant in still places in the river ; not

yet recognized elsewhere, though doubtless occurring in Illinois.

110. ^Episema srabriceps Cope. Rough-headed Shiner. {Cliola sca-

bi'iceps M. V. 298 ; Photogenis scabriceps Nelson 47.)

White River; not yet noticed in Illinois.

[111. Episema jejuna Forbes, n. s.

A number of specimens, from the 111. R., of a pale fish of rather slender
and graceful form have been assigned to this genus with some doubt. The
irregularly beveled face of the pharyngeal teeth simulates a masticatory sur-

face, although the extreme edge is more or less crenate. The teeth are dis-

tinctly hooked, 1 or 2, 4-4, 1 or 2, (in one case, apparently abnormal, 5, 2.)

The dorsal begins a little before the ventrals ; the mouth is large and
oblique, the upper jaw (;from middle of front margin to tip of maxillary) be-
ing contained 3 times in the head.

The total length of my largest specimens is 3 inches. Depth 4f in

length to caudal, head 4; eye 3! in head, equal to nose, in terorbital space

2f in head
;
depth of head in length to caudal 6 or 7 times.

The scales are 5-37-3, with 15 or 16 before the dorsal. The lateral

line is decurved on the anterior fifth.



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D. 1-8, ? as long as high, anterior rajs nearly or quite 3 times as long

as posterior. The front of the fin is about equidistant from nose and mid-

dle of base of caudal. The anal has 1 spine and 7 soft rays, and is about §

as long as high.

The caudal is deeply forked. The head is nearly flat above, the nose

blunt and regularly rounded.

Color in alcohol pale, with a broad silvery band overlying a plumbeous
shade on sides. The dorsal is sometimes clouded with minute black specks,

and the belly (usually colorless) is occasionally rosy-tinted. S. A. F.]

This species and the two preceding belong to a group termed Episema
by Cope and Jordan, and distinguished from Cliola proper by the usual

presence of teeth 2, 4-4, 2, instead of 4-4. Episema should probably be

restored to generic rank. D. S. J.

Genus ERICYMBA, Cope.

112. Ericymba huccata Cope. Silver-mouthed Dace. (M. V. 299
;

Nelson 45.)

Very abundant in White River and other tributaries of the Wa-
bash, with sandy or gravelly bottoms. Several specimens from the

Little Wabash, at Effingham.

Genus PHENACOBIUS, Cope.

113. PhenacoMus scopiferus (Cope) Jordan. (M. V. 299; PhenacoMus

teretidus var. Uosternus Nelson 46.)

Small streams in McLean Co.

Genus GILA, Baird & Girard.

114. Gila dongata (Kirt) Jordan. Red-sided Minnow. (M. V. 300
;.

Nelson 47.)

Northern part of the state chiefly. Rock River, Lake Michigan.

Genus NOTEMIGONUS, Rafinesque.

115. Notemigomis chrysoleucus (Mitch.) Jor. Shiner, Breaai. (M. V.

301 ; Notemigonus americanus Nelson 48.)

Everywhere very abundant in ponds and bayous. The most te-

nacious of life of the Minnows. Pekin, Normal, Effingham, Hen-

ry, Union Co., Ogle Co.

Genus CHROSOMUS, Rafinesque.

116. Chrosomus erythrogaster Rafinesque. Red-bellied Dace. (M. V.

302; Nelson 47.)

Abundant in all small clear streams, especially in the northern

part of the state. Normal; Vermilion R., La Salle Co.; Rock R.,

Ogle Co.



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Genus PHOXINUS, Rafinesque.

117. Phoxinus neogxus Cope. New World Minnow. (M. V. 302-

Nelson 47.)

"A single specimen obtained in the Fox River at Greneva"

(Nelson.') Specimens also from Wisconsin River.

Genus HEMITREMIA, Cope.

118. Hemitremia heterodon Cope. (M. V. 303 ; Nelson 47.)

Abundant in northern Illinois and Wisconsin. Lake Michigan

;

Calumet R.; Fox R.; Rock R.; Bailey's Cr., La Salle Co. This

species has the teeth 4-4 and should probably be referred to Al-

harnops.

Genus SEMOTILUS, Rafinesque.

119. Semotihis corjwraHs f Mitch.) Putnam. Chub, Creek Chub,

Horned Dace. (M. V. 304; Nelson 45.)

Everywhere very abundant, frequenting small creeks, common-
est of fishes. McLean Co.; Ogle Co.; Jackson Co.j Pekin ; Effing-

ham; Union Co.

Genus CERATICHTHYS, Baird.

120. Ceratichthys hlguttatus (Kirt.) Girard. Horned Chub, Horny-
head, River Chub. (M. V. 305 ; Nelson 45.)

Everywhere very abundant, frequenting the river channels more

than the preceding species. Rock R., Ogle Co.

121. Ceratichthys amblops (Raf.) Girard. Big-eyed Chub. (M. V. 306.)

Abundant in the Wabash valley.

122. Ceratichthys dissimilis (Kirt.) Cope. Spotted Shiner. (M. V.

306; Nelson 45.)

In tributaries of the Wabash and Illinois, frequenting the river

channels. Probably abundant. Rock R., Ogle Co.

Genus COUESIUS, Jor., Mss.

123. Couesius prosthemius CoT^e. Lake Chub. (M. V. 307.)

In Lake Michigan. Specimens in the National Museum from
near Evanston.

Genus RHINICHTHYS, Agassiz.

124. Rhinichthys cataractae {G. &Y.) Jor. Long-nosed Dace. (M. V.
307 ; Rhinichthys nasutiis and R. maxiilosus Nelson 45.)

In clear tributaries of Lake Michigan. Chicago.



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125. Rhinichthys ohtusus Agassiz. Brown-nosed Dace. (M. V. 308 ;

RMnichtliys atronasus and R. lunatus Nelson 45-46.)

Found throughout the state in clear streams and "spring runs."

The distinctions between this species and the eastern R. atronasus

do not seem to be very important. Oregon, 111.

126. Rhinichthys meleagris Aga'ssiz. (M. V. 308 ; Nelson 46
)

Streams of central and western Illinois. Vei'uiilion River, Bai-

Creek, La Salle Co.; McLean Co. Prof. Agassiz's types were

from the Mississippi River.

Genus CABASSIUS, Nilsson.

127. Carassius auratus (L.) Bleeker. Gold-fish. [M. V. 308; Nel-

son 48.)

Naturalized in some streams. Pecatonica R., Freeport.

Family CATOSTOMID^, (the Suckers.)

Genus PLACOPHARYNX, Cope.

128. Placopharynx carinatns Cope. (M.. V. 311 ; Nelson 49.)

I have two young specimens of this species from Illinois River,

and a pair of the stout pharyngeal bones from the Wabash River

at Terra Haute. It is said by fishermen to be rather common in

the Wabash River.

Genus MYXOSTOMA, Rafinesque.

129. Myxostonia carpio (Cuv. & Val.) Jordan. White Lake Mullet.
(M. V. 312 : Teretulus carpio Nelson 49.)

In Lake Michigan, and the larger rivers. Probably not very
common.

130. Myxostoma macrolepidotum [liB ^.) 3ovdiVi.x\. Common Mullet. (M.
V. 313; Teretulus macrolepidotum Nelson 49.)

Lake Michigan, etc. 111. R. at La Salle, Rock R.

Var. duquesnii (Le S.) Jor. Common Red Horse, Mullet, White
Sucker. (M. V. 313; Teretulus duquesnii kelson ^Q).

Everywhere very abundant, ascending all the streams in the
spring. Rock R , Ogle Co.; Pekiu ; Cache R., Union Co.; Mack-
inaw Cr.; Little Wabash.

131. Myxostoma aureolnm (Le S.) Jor. Small-headed Mullet,
Golden Red Horse. ^M. V. 314 ; Teretulus aureolus Nelson 49.)

Abundant throughout the state in the larger bodies of water,
especially northward. Pekin, Peoria.



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132. *Myxostoma anisunim (Raf.) Jor. Long-tailed Sucker. (M. V.

315.)

Abundant in Ohio Eiver near Cincinnati; not yet noticed in

Illinois.

138. Myxostoma velatnm (Cope) Jor.. Small-mouthed Red Horse,
White Nose. (M. V, 317; Teretnlus anisurus and T. velatus 1^q\-

son 49.^

Generally abundant in the larger streams.

Genus MINYTREMA, Jordan.

134. Minytrema melanopH (^dii.) 3or . Spotted Sucker. (M. V. 318;
Erhnyzon melanops Nelson 48.)

Grenerally abundant, especially southward.

Genus ERIMYZON, Jordan.

135. Erhnyzon sucetta (Lac.) Jord. Chub-sucker, Creek-eish. (M.

V. 319; Erimyzon ohlongus Nelson 48.)

Everywhere A^ery abundant, ascending small streams in spring.

Union Co., Johnson Co.

Genus CATOSTOMUS, Le Sueur.

136. Catostomus nigricans Le S. Stone-roller, HoG Sucker, Crawl-
a-bottom, Hammer-head. (M. V. 319 ; Nelson 48.)

Everywhere common, frequenting rapids and shallows in clear

streams. Rock R., Ogle Co.; Mackinaw Cr.

137. Catostomus commersonii (Lac.) Jor. Common Sucker, White
Sucker. (M. V. 320 ; Catostomus teres Nelson 48.)

Everywhere very abundant. 111. R., Mackinaw Cr., Pine Cr.;

Cache R., Union Co.; Rock R.

138. Catostomus longirostrum Le Sueur. Red-sided Sucker, Long-
nosed Sucker. (M. V. 320

;
Catostomus hudsonius Nelson 48.)

Abundant in Lake Michigan.

Genus CYCLEPTUS, Rafinesque.

139. Cydeptus elongatns (Le S.) Ag. Gourd-seed Sucker, Black-
horse, Missouri Sucker. (M. V. 320; Nelson 50.)

In the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and all their larger tribu-

taries; not generally common, but often seined in large numbers.
Peoria, 111.



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Genus CARPIODES, Rafinesque.

140. Varpiodes velifer (Raf.) Ag. Spear-pish, Sail-fish, Skim-back,
Quill-back. (M. V. 321 ; Ichthyobus velifer Nelson 49.)

Generally common in the larger streams. Peoria.

141. Varpiodes selene Cope. MooN Carp-sucker. (M. V. 321.)

Abundant in Lake Michigan. The distinctions between this spe-

cies and the next do not seem to be very important.

142. Carpiodes cutisanserinus Cope. Long-finned Carp-sucker. (M.
V. 321.)

Generally abundant in the larger tributaries of the Ohio. Rock
R., at Oregon, 111.

143. Carpiodes difformis Cope. Deformed Carp-sucker. (M. V. 321

;

. Ichtlii/ohus difformis Nelson 49.)

Numerous specimens in the collection from Illinois River. Pro-
fessor Cope's types came from the Wabash. Henry, 111.

144. Carpiodes bison Agassiz. Buffalo Carp-sucker. (M. V. 322;
Ichthyobus bison 49.)

"Found in the larger rivers.'' (Nelson.)

145. Carpiodes cyprinus (Le S.) Ag. Silvery Carp-sucker. (M. V.
322.)

Specimens apparently identical with this eastern species are in

the state collection from Illinois River. Henry, 111.

146. Carpiodes thompsoni Agassiz. Lake Carp-sucker. (M. V. 322;
Ichthyobus thompsoni ^e\m\x 49.)

The specimens from Lake Michigan noticed by Mr. Nelson, are

in the collection. Henry, 111.

147. Carpiodes carpio (Raf.) Jordan. River Carp-sucker. (M. V.
322 ; Ichthyobus carpio Nelson 49.)

Specimens from Wabash River and from the Ohio at Cairo.

Genus ICHTHYOBUS. Raf.

148. Ichthyobus bubalus TRaf.) Ag. Brown BUFFALO, Red Mouth.
(M. V. 322: Nelson 49.)

Specimens examined from Wabash River and from the Illinois

at Peoria, where it is the most abundant buffalo fish. Peoria,

Henry, and McLean Co.

Genus BUBALICHTHYS, Agassiz.

149. Bubalichthys urus Ag. Black Buffalo, Big-mouthed Buffalo.
(Bubalichthys niger M. V. 323 ; Nelson 50.)

Missis.sippi River at Quincy. Probably generally abundant in

the larger streams. Peoria.



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150. BuhalicUhys cyanellus (Nelson) Jordan. Small-mouthed Buf-
falo. (^Buhalichthi/s bubalimis and BubaKchthi/s alius. M. V. 325

;

Ichthyohus cyanellus Nelson 49.)

Abundant in all the larger streams throughout the state. An
examination of Mr. Nelson's typical specimens shows that they

are the young of the common Buhalichthys huhalus of Agassiz.

As the specific name ^^buhalus'^ is hardly tenable for this species,

if we conceive that the huhalus of Rafinesque is an Ichthyohus, I

have lately suggested the name hubalinus as a substitute. Cya-

nellus has however priority over buhalinus. I therefore propose to

adopt Mr. Nelson's name for this species.

Order NEMATOGNA.THI.
Family SILURID^, (the Cat-fishes.)

Genus ICHTH^LUEUS, Rafinesque.

151. *Ichthsdurus fuTcatus (C. & V.) Gill. FoRK-TAiLED Cat. (M. Y.

328.)

Ohio and Mississippi rivers; probably not common. I have

seen none from within the limits of the state.

152. Ichthsehirus rohustus Jordan. Chuckle-heADED Cat. (M. V. 328

;

Ictaluj'us furcatus Nelson 50.)

Illinois River
;
probably not rare in the larger streams. Peoria-

153. Ichthsdurus punctatus (Raf.) Jordan. Common Channel Cat,

Blue Cat, White Cat. (M. V. 328; Nelson 50.)

Very abundant in all the large streams throughout the state.

Cairo; Pekin ; Rock R., Ogle Co.; Bottoms, Union Co.

Genus AMIURUS, Rafinesque.

154. Amiurus nigricans (Le S.) Grill. Great Fork-tailed Cat, Great
Mississippi Cat, Great Lake Cat-fish. (M. V. 329.)

Abundant in the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and in Lake
Michigan. This species reaches an immense size and is probably

the largest of all our fresh water fishes.

155. Amiurus natalis (Le S.) Gill. Yellow Cat. (M. Y. 331 ; Amiu-
rus cupreus Nelson 50.)

Everywhere more or less abundant in ponds and bayous. Mc-

Lean Co.; Cache R., Johnson Co.

156. Amiurus vulgaris (Thompson) Nelson. Long-jawed Cat. (M. Y.

331 ; Nelson 50.)

Abundant in the Mississippi River at St. Louis, and in Lake
Michigan. Pekin, 111.



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157. Amiurus catus (L.) Gill, Bull-head. (M. V. 332; Amiurus
atrarius Nelson 332.)

Great Lakes and their tributaries. Vermilion R.; 111. R.; Mc-

Lean Co.

158. Amiurus marmo7-atus {Rolbvook) Jordsin. Marbled Cat. (M. V.

332.)

Numerous specimens of a cat-fish, marbled in color, and not ev-

idently distinguishable from .4. mannoratus, Holbrook, were col-

lected by Professor Forbes in southern Illinois, and one or two

from Illinois River. Considerable variation is shown in the col-

oration, some being nearly plain, others much variegated. In one

specimen, the broad head with depressed front much resembles

that of A. xanthocephalus. In all the adipose fin is very large

and the dorsal spine is quite high. Henry, 111., Johnson Co.

159. Amiurus melas (Raf.) Jordan & Copeland. Black Cat. (M. V.
332: A. conjinis and A. jiuUus Nelson 50.)

Abundant in the streams of the southern half of the state.

McLean Co., Union and Johnson Co's., (Clear Cr., Bottoms,

Cache R.j

160. Amiurus xanthocephalus (Raf.) Gill. Yellow-headed Cat. (M.

V. 333; A. albidus Nelson 50.)

Common in the southern part of the state. This is not "our com-
monest cat-fish" as stated by Mr. Nelson. [The specimens upon
which Mr. Nelson based this statement were labeled nehulosus in

the collection (given as a synonym of albidus in M. V., first edi-

tion,) but have been identified with catus by Dr. Jordan. S. A.
F.] Peoria.

Genus PELODICHTHYS, Rafinesque.

161. Pelodichthys olivaris (Rafinesque) Gill & Jordan. MuD Cat. (M.

V. 334 ; Uopladelus olivaris Nelson 50.)

Common in the larger streams, reaching a large size. Peoria.

Genus NOTUBUS, Rafinesque.

162. Noturus flavus Rafinesque. Yellow Stone Cat. (M. V. 335:

Nelson 50.)

Rather common, especially southward and in the larger streams.

163. Noturus exilis Nelson. Slender Stone Cat. (M. V. 335 ; Nel-

son 51.)

Besides Mr. Nelson's types, which were from McLean Co., 1

have obtained specimens from Root R., Wis., and from Kansas.



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164. Noturus miurus Jordan. Saw-spined Stone Cat. (M. V. 336

;

NotuTus marginatxis Nelson 50.)

Abundant, especially southward. Specimens from the Wabash
and from the Cache R., in Johnson Co.

165. Noturus sialis Jordan. Chubby Stone Cat. (M. V. 337.)

Generally abundant, with the preceding. Also 111. R. at Pekin,

Cairo, 111.

Order APODES.

Family ANGUILLID^, (the Eels.)

Genus ANGUILLA, Thunberg.

166. Anguilla rostrata (Le S.) D K. Common Eel. (M. V. 338 ;
Nel-

son 51.)

Occasionally taken in most of the waters of the state, but not

common. It is probably not indigenous in the upper lakes, hav-

ing been introduced, or else having escaped through the canals

from the Ohio, or probably both. 111. R. at Peoria.

Sub-class GANOIDEI.

Order CYCLOaANOIDEI.
Family AMIID^, (the Bow-fins.)

Genus AMIA, Linnteus.

167. Amia calva Linnaeus. Dog-fish, Mud-fish, Bow-fin. (M. V.
340: Nelson 51.)

Abundant throughout the state in the lakes and larger streams.

In the small streams it is seldom found. [Common in ponds in

S. 111., where it is generally eaten, and is known as the ''G-rinnel,"

(Gunnel ?). S. A. P.] Ponds S. 111., 111. R., Ohio R., Miss. R.

Order KHOMBOaANOIDEI.
Family LEPIDOSTEID^, (the Gar-Pikes.)

Genus LEPIDOSTEUS, Lacepede,

168. Lepidosteus osseus (L.) Ag, GrAR Pike. (M. V. 342; Nelson 51.)

Abundant in the larger streams throughout the state. Illinois

and Ohio rivers.



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169. Lepidosteus platystomus Raf. Short-nosed Gar. (M. Y. 342;

Nelson 51.)
*

Occurs throughout the state in the larger streams. It is much
more abundant in tributaries of the Mississippi than in the Lake.
The commonest gar in the 111. R. Peoria, Pekiu.

Genus LITHOLEPIS, Rafinesque.

170. Litlwlepis spatula (Lac.) Jor. Alligator Gar. (M. V. 342;
Litholepis adamantinns Nelson 51.)

In the Mississippi and Ohio, not common, "occasionally stray-

ing up smaller rivers into the interior of the state." (Nelson.)

Order SELACHOSTOMI.
Family POLYODONTID^, (the Spoonbills.)

Genus POLYODON, Lacepede.

171. Polyodonfolium Lacepede. Paddle-fish, Duck-bill, Spoon-bill.

(M. V. 344 ; Nelson 51.)

Common in all the larger streams, especially southward. Ohio
R. at Cairo ; 111. R. at Pekin, Peoria, &c.

Order CHONDKOSTEI.
Family ACIPENSERID^, (the Sturgeons.)

Genus ACIPENSEB, Linnseus.

172. Acipenser macidosus Le Sueur. Spotted Sturgeon. (M. V. 345

;

Nelson 51.)

Ohio and Mississippi rivers, probably not in the Lake.

173. Ac)pe7iser rubicundus Le Sueur. Lake Sturgeon. (M. V. 345
;

Nelson 51.)

Very abundant in the Lake ; whether found in the Mississippi

or not 1 do not know.

Genus SCAPHIRHYNCHOPS, Gill.

174. Scap)hiryncliops platt/rhynclms (Raf.) Gill. Shovel-nosed Stur-
geon. (M. V. 345; Nelson 51.)

Common in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Ohio R., Cairo ;

111. R., Peoria.



Class MARSIPOBRANCHII.

Order HYPEROARTIA.
Family PETROMYZONTID^, (the Lampreys.)

Genus AMMOCCETES, Dunieril.

175. Ammocoetes niger (Eaf.) Jor. Small Black Lamprey. (M. V.
349 ; Petromyzon niger Nelson 52.)

Common in small streams in many places, ascending to spawn
in the spring. Pecatonica R., Freeport.

176. Ammocoetes argenteus (Kirt.) Jor. Silvery Lamprey. (M. V.
349; Iclithyomyzon argenteus Nelson 52.)

Probably more or less abundant through the state. 111. R.,

Pekin.

177. Ammocoetes hirudo (Grrd.) Jor. Leech Lamprey. (M. V. 350

;

Ichtliyomyzon Mrudo Nelson 52.)

A species supposed to be the one to which Girard gave the

name of Mrudo is quite abundant in the Mississippi and lower

Ohio. *Ohio R., at Cairo.

* Where exact localities are given in the preceding paper, they are in nearly
every case taken from specimens now in the Laboratory, collected by myself or my
assistants. S. A. F.


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