A PARTIAL CATALOG-UE OF THE FISHES OF ILLINOIS. By E. W. NELSON. Owing to the slight attention the ichthyology of the region herein treated has received, the present catalogue must necessarily be very incom- plete. With the exception of Mr. R. Kennicott's list of fishes of Cook coxmty, (111. Agl. Report) in which only thirty species are mentioned, and occasional descriptions of new species or the mention of the receipt of speci- mens from within our limits in the .papers of various writers, nothing has been definitely known regarding the ichthyic fauna of the state. During the last three or four years, considerable collections of fishes have been made in various parts of the state, under the auspices of the Illinois Mu- seum of Natural History. The present paper is based mainly upon this material, which, through the generosity of the management of the above-named institution, i have been enabled to study. I am also greatly indebted to Prof. S. A. Forbes, Curator of the Museum, for notes upon the distribution and peculiarities of structure in many of the species. To Dr. D. S. Jordan, of Irvington, Indiana, I am under obligations for the loan of specimens, for invaluable aid in verifying doubtful identifications, and for notes on the distribution of many of the species, especially iu the Wabash valley. The collections in the Museum have been made principally by Prof. Forbes, in the following localities : Illinois river from La Salle to Pekin : the Vermilion river in La Salle county ; Mackinaw creek in McLean county ;. Rock river at Oregon ; Pecatonica river at Freeport; the Ohio and Missis- sippi rivers at Cairo ; the outlet of Big Lake, in Jackson county ; Callahan and Drury creeks, in Union county ; Lake Michigan at Chicago, and some of the smaller tributaries of the above-named streams. In addition to these, small collections have been made by myself, from the Calumet river and its tributaries, in Cook county : Lake Michigan, at Chicago : small tributaries of the lake at Waukegan, and the Fox river at Geneva. Where species are included upon the authority of others, due credit is given. As will be seen by the list of localities, the streams from which collections have been made are nearly all tributaries, directly or through the Illinois, to the Mississippi, thus leaving the Wabash and Ohio with their tributa- ries comparatively unexplored, except portions of the Wabash valley, where collections have been made for Prof. Jordan ; and so little work ( 34) has been done in the entire southern third of the state, that but slight idea can be formed of the exact distribution or of the number of species which exist there. The synonyms mentioned are only intended to connect the names here given with those used in Prof. Jordan's Manual of the Verte- brate Animals of the Northern United States. FAMILY PERCIDAE. Genus MicToperca, Putnam. 1. M. p'lmctulata, Putnam. Least Darter. Not uncommon in Fox river, at Geneva, and in clear tributaries to Lake Michigan at Waukegan. Not common in the Wabash valley. 2. P. Jiahellatus, {Raf.^ Cope. Fan-tailed Darter. Common in clear brooks in Wabash valley. 3. P. lineolatus, {Ag.) Jord. Striped Darter. Found in clear streams in Northern Illinois, where it replaces the preceding. 4. P. niger, {Pa/.) Jord. Trout Darter. Very rare in the Wabash valley. Genus Poecilichth^s, Ag.* 5. P. caendeus, (iStor.) Ag. Blue Darter. Common through Southern Illinois, and especially abundant in the Wabash valley. 6. P. spectabdis, Ag. Striped Blue Darter. Not so generally dis- tributed as the preceding ; is confined to the northern part of the state. In distribution this and the preceding species bear the same relations as P. line- olatus and Jiahellatus. Genus Boleichihys^ Grd. 1. B. exdis, Grd. Red-sided Darters. The only specimens I have seen from the state were taken in a clear brook flowing into Lake Michigan at Waukegan, where it was rather common. 8. B. eos, Jordan, Mss. Common in small clear streams in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. For the following synopsis of the species of this genus I am indebted to Prof. Jordan : Tlie characters ascribed to B. fusiformis, B. erochrous and B. barratti Ave from Cope (Proc. Phil. A, N. S., 1864, 233) ; those of B. warreni from Grirard (Proc. Phil., A. N. S., 1859, 104;. *Lateral line distinct about to middle of first dorsal, on about 12 scales; 52 transverse rows; head Si in length; D. VIII—9. Mass. fusvformis (^Grd.) ** Lateral line distinct to middle of first dorsal, on 12 to 18 scales ; head 4 in length. D. IX or X—10. fScales in 42 to 44 transverse rows ; eye as long as snout, 5 in head ; sides with dark band and reddish punctulations. New Jersey. erochrous ( Cope) •{•jScales in 45 to 50 transverse rows ; eye 3 to 3^ in head, longer than snout; sides with a row of round crimson spots (in life) ; form slender. Illinois to Montana. exilis i^Grd.) * Includes Catonotus, Notonolus and Puecilichthys. Jord. Man. Vert. (35) ***Lateral line on 20 to 30 scales. I Head 3| in length ; lateral line not to end of first dorsal : scales smallest, 60 in lat. 1. : D. IX or X—9 or 10. Body fusiform, elongated, caudal peduncle notably much elongated : size large, life coloration bril- liant. Northern Illinois and Wisconsin, eon {Jordan), 3Jss. ttHead 3; in length : lateral line variously incomplete ; scales rather large, in 45 to 50 transverse series, D. IX or X—12 to 14 , caudal peduncle not elongate : body very short and chubby : size small ; colors dull. Georgia to Texas. elegans (Grd.) |tt Head 4 in length : lateral line extends to origin of second dorsal ; 56 transverse series of scales : D. X or XI—10 or 11. South Carolina. barratti (^Ilolbr. ) **** Lateral line unknown : body compact : head shorter than in B. exih'.'t : scales smaller ; first dorsal with a band of vertically elongated black spots : DIX—11, A II, 9. Cannon Ball R. warreni {Grd.). Gen ax FleurolepUy Ay. 9. P. jjeUucidisy Ag. Sand Darter. Found sparingly in clear sandy tributaries of the Wabash and Ohio. {Jordan.) Genus Boleosoma, DeK. 10. B. olmsfedi, (^(or.) Ag. Tessellated Darter. Specimens are in the collection from various localities, and Prof. Forbes informs me that he has found it common in all clear streams. Some specimens from Fox River in Wisconsin show characters exactly intermediate between this and the atromacidata of Girard. Other specimens from the Fox River at Geneva, 111., agree with the description of atromacu/ata, and others from the same locality answer perfectly to olmMedi. 11. B. brevipiune. Cope. Slim Darter. Apparently everywhere com- mon in clear streams throughout the state. Genus Etheostoma, Raf, 12. E. hlennioidtfi, Klrt. Black-sided Darter. Rather common in the Wabash valley. 13. E. pho.cocepkaluin, sp. nor. This species replaces the preceding in the western part of the state, and from the number of specimens in the collection and the localities represented, appears to be rather common in the Illinois and its tributaries. ^^p. Char. Head about 4 times m total length ; depth 61 : eyezzzsnout, 4j in head : D. XIII—12. A. II, 8. Lat. 1. 76. Inter-orbital space more than 6 in head. Cheeks naked; opercles .scaly, breast naked. Middle line of belly with line of larger scales or a naked strip. Pectorals shorter than head. Fins mottled : sides with a lateral band of small «quarish spots usually connected by a narrow black line. A black .spot at base of caudal and one at base of lateral line. Back mottled and tesselated with dark on a light ground. A black line from eye forward and another downward. This species bears a super- ficial likeness to E. blennioides, but may be distinguished at once by the ( 36 ) shape of the spots on the sides, by the much more slender form and very narrow, pointed, eel-like head, the depth of which is less than half its length, and its width two-fifths its length. 14. E. elides. Jord., Mss. Barred Darter. Rare Occurs in the lower Wabash and Ohio valleys. {Jordan.) Genus Percina^ Hold. 15. P. caprodes (Ra/.), Grd. Log Perch. A few specimens from the Calumet and Vermilion rivers. Becomes quite numerous in the Wabash valley. Genus Perca^ Linn. 16. P. Jiavescens, (Mit.) Cuv. Common Perch. Very abundant in Lake Michigan and its tributaries ; also occurs, but in smaller numbers, in the Illinois and tributaries. Rare in the Ohio (Jordan). Specimens from the clear waters of Lake Michigan are usually a light color—almost white. Often the dark bars, generally so characteristic of the species, are so obso- lete that the fish appears to be a clear, yellowish white, with the faintest trace of dark mottling, and the lake perch are rarely as decidedly barred as specimens taken in streams. The river perch may be at once distinguished by the heavy dark bars, and the dark greenish yellow color on the sides. So difi"erent are the two that I have several times heard persons speak of them as distinct species. The aversion of the river form to the lake water and vice versa, I have often seen strikingly illustrated. The river bed of the Calumet is so slightly above the lake that during a hard north or northeast storm the lake water gradually forces back the water in the river,—often for a number of miles—and, as the cold lake water fills the channel, the river perch retreat, and their places are supplied by the lake form. As the storm subsides the current of the river forces the lake water back, driving before it the lake perch, and the river perch are again found in their usual haunts. Genus Stizostedium, Raf. 17. S. amtricunum, {Val.) Gilt. Pike Perch. Very common in Lake Michigan and the larger streams throughout the state. 18. aS'. griseum, (DeK.) Mihier. Gray Pike Perch. Very abundant in the larger streams. Whether it occurs m Lake Michigan or not I am un- certain. 19. aS'. salmoneum, (^Ra/.). Salmon Perch. Ohio river and large tributaries. (Jordan.) Germs Roccus, Mitch. 20. R. rhrt/sops, (Raf.) Gill. White Bass. Exceedingly abundant in Lake Michigan. Common throughout the state. (/enus Moro7ie, Mitch. 21. M. interrnipta. Gill. Short-striped Bass. A number of specimens in the collection from Mackinaw creek and the Illinois river. Genus Micropterus, Lac. 22. M. ni(fricans,(^Oav.) Gill. Large-mouthed Black Bass. Found in (37) great abundance throughout the state, as far as I can learn. The young are found in myriads in the ditches draining the marshes along the Calumet river. 23. M. salmoides, (Lac.) Gill. Small-mouthed Black Bass. Like the preceding, found in all parts of the state, and in nearly equal numbers. Genus Centrarclms, Cur. 24. C. tndeus, (Bosc.) C. & V. Shining Bass. A single specimen, about three inches in length, is in the collection from a small stream flowing into the Mississippi, near Fountain Bluff, Southern Illinois. Genus Pomuxi/s, Raf. 25. P. hexacant/ins, ( C. & K") A(f. Calico Bass. Very abundant in the streams and small lakes in Northern Illinois, where it almost, if not entirely, replaces the following. Much less numerous farther south. 26. P. annu/an's, Raf. Croppie. Very abundant in all the streams through Central and Southern Illinois. Genus Amhloplites, Raf. 27. A. rupestrisj (Raf.) Gill. Rock Bass. Very abundant every- where collections have been made. Genus ChaenohryttuSf Gill. (^zzzGlossopolites, Jord.^ 28. C. gnlosus, (C. & V.') Cope. (z^G. melanopsy (^Gir.) Jard.) Black Sun Fish. Prof. Forbes has found this species very common in the Illinois and tributarieSjthrough Central Illinois. Specimens have also been taken in Lake Michigan by Prof. Jordan. Genus lelipomis, Raf. {=^Chaenohryttus^ Grd.^ 29. T. cyanellus, Raf. Blue Sun Fish. Very abundant throughout the state in both large and small streams. 30. T. microps, (Grd.) Nelson. Common in the Calumet river in north- eastern, and tributaries of the Illinois in central and western parts of the state. 31. T. nephelu^i, [Cope) Nelson. Occurs rather uncommonly in the Wa- bash valley: very hardy and voracious. (Jordan.') Genus Ichthelis, Raf, 32. /. incisor, ( C. & F.) Holhr. Blue Sun Fish. Abundant in all waters throughout the state. 33. 1. speciosus, ( Grd^ ) Jord. Rather common in the western part of the state in tributaries of the Illinois and Mississippi. Also a few speci- mens are in the collection of the author from the Calumet river. Although this species approaches closely to incisor, yet certain tangible distinctions, sufficient to distinguish the two at sight, are always present as far as my observations have extended. 34. /. aqniliensis, i Grd.) Nelson. A fine adult specimen is in the state collection from the Illinois, and a second less mature from the Fox river at Geneva is in my collection. (38) The following description is made from the adult specimen, seven inches long. Head, with flap, 2B in length ; depth 2 1-6. Eye=snout, 4^1 in head. The eye is large but smaller than the opercular spot, and not quite equal to inter-orbital space. D. I, 12: A. Ill, 10 ; dorsal spines rather short and stout, as long as from snout to middle of orbit. Second anal spine stout, third as long as dorsal spines. Pectorals and ventrals long, about reaching anal, the ventrals being the longer. Ventral spine longer than dorsal spines. Body elongated, much elevated in front, heavy. General form and proportions of 7. obscurus, {^ff-} Jord. Mouth wide for Ichthelis ; maxilla- ries reaching to line from middle of orbit; fins high, spines rather low but very stout. Occipital region very prominent and narrow in adult. The caudal peduncle about as long as wide in front. Color in alcohol, dusky, mottled with orange and blue ; cheeks with wide blue bands obscurely de- fined ; dusky dorsal and anal spot. Belly and lower fins with orange and yellow shades, in life apparently coppery yellow; each scale on sides and back with a blackish, longitudinal oblong spot resembling the markings of I. inscriptus. Lower jaw and lower parts of cheeks a dull leaden blue, prob- ably brilliant in life ; blue line in front of and yellowish band around eye ; opercular spot large, flap very broad and black, with a very broad pale edge entirely surrounding the black ; the posterior width of edge more than half that of pupil ; scales very large and crowded. Lat. 1. 46 ; longitu- dinal rows 5-14; the lateral line very high; opercular scales large, those on cheeks moderate and six-rowed. Top of head flat and short, form- ing an angle with abruptly descending profile : rim of orbit slightly elevated. Coloration resembling that of /. obscurus and Pomotis auritus. Its nearest relative is the former, from which it difi"ers in the presence of blue lines on the cheeks, wider snout and widely margined opercular flap. The smaller specimen bears considerable resemblance to P. aurittis, being less gibbous and having the opercular flap smaller ; it may be distinguished at once, how- ever, by the large mouth and pointed pharyngeals. 35. 1. macrochira, Raf. Gilded Sun Fish. A few specimens have been examined from tributaries of the Illinois and the Wabash valley. 36. I. anagallinus, (^C'ope.) Bliss. Red-spotted Sun Fish. One speci- men in the collection from the Fox river. /. inscriptus ^xohdthly occurs in the southern part of the state, but I have seen no specimen. 37. 1. megalotis, Raf. Long-eared Sun Fish. Rather common in the southern part of the state. 38. 1. sanguinolentis, {Aff.') Bliss. Blue and Orange Sun Fish. Very abundant through the state, especially in northern part. Genus Pomotis, Raf. 39. P. auritus (i.) Gunth. Common Sun Fish. Very abundant in the northern part of the state. Prof. Jordan informs me that it does not occur in the Wabash valley. FAMILY APHREDODERIDAE. In the present article I have the pleasure of adding a second genus to ( 39) this unique family : and, in consequence of certain characters present in the newly discovered form, the family characters of this group must now read as follows : Fam. Char. Vent jugular or thoracic, either in front of or between the ventrals. Dorsal fin single, with three or four spines. Ventrals thoracic, without spines and with more than five soft rays. Some bones of head spinous ; teeth on jaws and palate ; scales ctenoid ; branchiostegals six ; coecal appendages about twelve : air bladder simple. The following table shows the characters of the two genera of this family as they now stand : Aphredoderus. I Sternotreinia, Gen. Nov. Yent jugular, in advance of ventral I Vent thoracic, between bases of tins. Dorsal nearly equidistant between I ventral fins. Dorsal nearer snout than snout and caudal. Last anal spine ) base of caudal. Last anal spine long and short and rather slender. | sleiider. Below is a comparison of the specific characters of the two forms. I may here express my thanks to Mr. F. W. Putnam for the specimen of .4. sayanua from which the following description is made : S. isolepis, sp. nov. Habitat, small, weedy tributary to the Calumet river near Chicago, and small streams in South IlUnois. Vent more than twice as far from lower jaw as from ventrals ; also more than three times the diameter of the eye from the junction of the gill mem- branes. Pectorals, 1 3-5 in head. Ventrals IM- Longest dorsal ray, 1 f's . Longest dorsal spine, 2}4. Longest anal ray, 1^4. Longest anal spine 2, and as long- as from snout to posterior border of or- bit. Caudal fin 1}^ in head. Each scale with an edge of dark puncta- tions, forming fine longitudinal streaks or lines. Vent behind end ot opercle, and between bases of ventrals. Diaineter of caudal peduncle 1^ in head. Scales on body nearly equal, being, if anything, a trifle larger on the caudal peduncle. Scales on opercle slightly larger than on cheeks, the latter being scattered and imbedded. Angle of cheeks rounded and more than a right angle. The distance from snout to anterior ray of dorsal less than twice the base of dorsal. Eye 13^2 times in inter-orbital space, and more than once in snout. Color of living specimen a clear green- ish ohve, lighter below; becoming yel- lowish or orange on abdomen. A. sayanus, [Gilliams) DeK. Hab- itat, brooks near the coast from New York to Louisiana. Vent nearer"lower jaw than to ven- trals, and less"than twice the diameter of the eye from the junction of the gdl membranes. Pectorals 1 3-5 in head. Ventrals the same. Longest dor- sal ray the same. Longest dorsal spine 2^2 in head. Longest anal ray, \%. Longest anal spine, 2^4;. Caudal fin. 1 l-"). Diameter of caudal peduncle twice in head. Ventrals well separated, slightly decurrent. Vent opposite mid- dle of opercle. Longest anal spine less than from snout to middle of orbit. Scales consid- erably larger anteriorly, larger on opercle than on cheek. Lower posterior angle of cheeks about a right angle. Eye=snout, and also inter-orbital space. Ventrals considerably in front of dorsals. Distance from snout to anterior ray of dorsal 23^2 times base of dorsal. Scales on cheeks and opercles large and loose. (40) Branchiostegals, 6. Head in length, 2%- Depth, 3 1-10. Eye in head, 4. Dorsal IV, 10. Anal. Ill, 6. Ventrals, 7. Pectorals, 10. Lat. 1., 44. Longitudinal rows, 8-10. The specimen of Aphredodereus meas- ures 3 inches. Branchiostegals, 6. Head in length, 3. Depth, 3 1-10. Eye in head, 4%. Dorsal, III, 11. Anal, III, 6. Ventrals, 7. Pectoral, 10. Lat. 1., 48. Longitudinal rows, 10-11. The largest specimen of Sternotremia from the dozen or more examined, is 2)^ inches; thefaverage is about 2 inches. FAMILY SCIAENIDAE. Genus HaploidonotuRy Rof. 40. H. gruuniens, Raf. Sheepshead. Common in Lake Michigan and all the larger rivers. FAMILY COTTIDAE. Genus Cottopsis, Grd. 41. C ricei, sp. nov.. Rice's Cottus. Through my friend Mr. F. L. Rice, of Evanston, I am enabled to make the present interesting addition to the lake fauna. The only specimen seen is the type, which was picked up on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and placed in my hands for identification by Mr. Rice. Description : Head, 3 3-5 ; depth, 5 1-3 ; eye 4 J, li in inter-orbital space and equals snout ; first dorsal 8, second dorsal and anal destroyed. Ventral I, 4 ; pectoral 15 ; palatine teeth present ; body short and stout, head much depressed ; back almost terete. Body abruptly contracted oppo- site base of anal ; tail very small, sub-terete. Outline tadpole-like. Jaws about equal ; mouth rather narrow ; jaws contracted and somewhat pro- duced ; head very broad and flat, broader than body, breadth greater than length ; depth half length. Eyes on upper surface, near together. Pre- opercular spine extremely large ; three times as large as in any other fresh water cottoid known : as long as eye ; hooked backward and upward, giv- ing a buffalo-like appearance. Three spines hooked downward below the large spine ; the lower concealed. A strong spine hooked forward at base of opercles. Branchiostegals 6. Isthmus as wide as from snout to middle of orbit. Base of pectorals crescentic, their tips just short of anal. Rays all simple. Ventrals under pectorals, decurrent. Ventrals reaching 3 of the distance to vent. Profile rising rapidly to dorsal, which runs along a sort of carina. Dorsal beginning a trifle behind ventrals, just behind the head, about midway between snout and anal. Vent midway between snout and base ©f caudal. Depth at first ray of anal less than half length of head ; thickens at same point over ^. Least depth 4 of head. Caudal peduncle extremely slender and sub- terete, suggesting a stickleback. Head smooth. Space above lateral line ( 41 ) behind head covered with small stiff prickles hooked backwards, readily visible as small black specks when skin is dry. Length, 2 5-6. Color pale brown, irregularly spotted and mottled with darker brown, somewhat as in Lota. Pectorals mottled ; belly white ; spines spirally curved, forming half a spiral. The most peculiar characters are the strong spines of the preopercle and the smaller ones below, the carinated back and abruptly contracted body, forming the sub-terete caudal peduncle The prickles of the skin seem to be more developed than in the other described species. Genus Uranidea, DeK. U. hoyi, {Put.) 3Iss. Hoy's Bull-Head. For the privilege of includ- ing this and the following species and descriptions 1 am indebted to the kindness of Dr. P. R. Hoy of Racine, Wisconsin : Description of an adult female taken twelve miles off Racine in forty- two fathoms of water, June 4, 1875, from a very accurate drawing by Mr. A. L. Kumlien: D. Yl, 15; A. 11: V. 1, 3; P. 13; C. 12: length 2 1-6 in , head 3i ; depth 4i. Width of head equals its length. Eye 3i ; body short, stout, broad and thick in front, very abruptly compressed behind. Fins all low. P. with lower rays rapidly shortening, reaching just to anal and beyond second dorsal. First dorsal low and small, f as long as soft part and connected by membrane at base. Lower jaw unusu- ally projecting. 43. U. kuvilieni, {Hoi/) Mss. Kumlicn's Bull Head. Deep water in Lake Michigan. D. VI, 17 ; A. 12.: P. 14; V. I, 3; head 3^ ; depth 6. Body slen- der as in boleoides. Head large and long, its width a little over half its length, depth a little less. Eye large, equal to snout and 34 in head, more than two times in inter- orbital space. Pectoral base' cresentic, the fin as long as head ; the lower rays rapidly shortening, reaching second or third dorsal ray and falling just short of anal : fourth and fifth rays largest. No palatine teeth. Pre- opercular spine not much hooked, directed upwards and backwards. Vent midway between front of eye and base of caudal. Mouth wide, oblique ; maxillary to middle of eye. Lower jaw projecting. First dorsal high, 5-6 second. Second spine longest, almost filamentous : membrane connecting the dorsals. Caudal peduncle long and slender. Caudal narrow, f he d. Lat. 1. disappears under middle of second dorsal. Dorsal and anal high, their rays projecting. Length three inches. The above description is from one of Dr. Hoy's types. Genus Pegedichthj/s., Raf. 44. P. alvordi, Grd. Common in the Rock river and probably in other streams. Genus Trujlopsrs, Grd. 45. T. thompsoni, Grd. Deep-water Sculpin. Deep water in Lake Michigan. (42) FAMILY GADIDAE, Genus Lota, Cuv. 46. L. locusiris, (Mitch.') Gill. Eel-pout. Very abundant in Lake Mich- igan ; rare in the Ohio (Jordan), and in the Illinois (Forbes). FAMILY GASTEROSTEIDAE. Genus Eucalia, Jord. 47. E. inconstans, (Kirt.) Jordan. Stickleback. Has been found rather common in small tributaries to Lake Michigan, and in Rock river, by Prof. Jordan. 48. E. pygmaea, (Ag.) Jord. Occurs in Lake Michigan. (Jordan.) Genus Pygosteus.. Brev. 49. P. nehulosus, (Ag.) Jord. Many-spined Stickleback. Lake Michigan. (Jordan.) FAMILY ATHERINIDAE. Genus Labidestkes, Cope. 50. L siccidus. Cope. Silverside. This beautiful little species exists in the greatest abundance in the rivers and small streams tributary to the Illinois, in the western and central parts of the state. As far as 1 have learned, it does not occur in Lake Michigan or its tributaries. Neither does it occur in Rock river. Its centre of abundance seems to be the streams in the more strictly prairie region of the state. FAMILY CYPRINODONTIDAE. Genus Fundulus, Lac. 51. F. diaphanus, {LeS.) Ag. Barred Minnow. Very abundant about the sandy mouths of tributaries to Lake Michigan, keeping in "schools" in the shallow water near the edge. Occurs in smaller numbers throughout the state, specimens having been taken in nearly all the large streams. Genus Zygonectes, Ag. 52. Z. notatus, (Rof.) Jord. (z=Z. olivacens. Star.) Top Minnow. Com- mon in the Illinois and smaller tributaries, and in most streams through the state, except in the tributaries of Lake Michigan. 53. Z. dispar, Ag. Striped Minnow. A number of specimens are in the state collection from the Illinois river at Pekin, and others from several small tributaries. The following is the description of an average specimen from the lllmois river at Pekin : Adult about 1 .] inches long. Head in length .3? : dorsal 7. Depth in length 4^ ; anal 9. Lateral line 32 to .34 ; longitudinal rows 9. Eye longer than snout, 3 in head. Dorsal commencing slightly behind anal ; back flattened and plane with the top of the head, sloping from the dorsal to the end of the snout, ("audal peduncle broad, width j head. Colors (in alcohol) above and on sides olive : vertebral line and top of head darker ; also a crescentic patch of dark brownish extending downward and obliquely backward from the lower posterior part of orbit. Entire head scaly, scales (43) on the top larger than those on the body. Sides of the scales on the body with longitudinal brown spots, forming very distinct, but rather narrow, brown, longitudinal lines Along the center of each scale is a row of very fine brown dots, forming minute lines between the heavier ones along the borders of the scales. Beneath, in front of the anal fin, orange yellow. FAMILY UMBRIDAE. Genua Mela nil ra^ Linn. 54. M. limi, (Kirt.) Ag. Mud Minnow. Exceedingly numerous in prairie sloughs and sluggish streams in the northeastern part of the state. It is also of very rare occurrence in the streams through the state tributary to the Ohio, where it is occasionally taken. FAMILY ESOCIDAE. Genii!< Esox, lAnn. bb. E. nohilior, Thomp. Muskellunge. Rather common in Lake Michigan, and reported to occur in some of the small lakes in the northern part of the state. 56. E. luchis, var. t^stor, (^LeS.) Lake Pike. Very abundant throughout the northern part of the state. 57. ?'^ E. boreus, Afj. Several specimens, about seven inches long, are in the collection of the writer, from the Fox river at Geneva. 58. E. sabnoneus, Raf. Little Pickerel. Abundant throughout the state. 59. E. cypJio, Cope. A single specimen, in good condition, from the Fox river at Geneva, agrees in every way with Prof. Cope's description of this species (Proc. A. N. S., Phil., 1865, p. 78), with the exception that the bars and dots are obsolete in my specimen. Although Prof. Cope has referred this to a previously described species, yet so marked are its char- acteristics, that several who have examined my specimen have at once re- ferred it to this species. 60. E. vmhro-vis, K>rf. Four specimens from the Fox river at Geneva, —Prof. Cope's Var. A. of this species. (Trans. A., Ph. Soc, 1866.) This species approaches closely to sabnoneus, and may eventually be reduced to a variety of that species. FAMILY PERCOPSIDAE. Gfinns Percnpsis, A;/. 61. P. i/uftatii.", Ag. Trout Perch. Numerous in Lake Michigan, and of rare occurrence in the larger rivers. FAMILY SALMONIDAE. Genus Salmo, Linn. 62. S. salar* L. Great Sea Salmon. Fox river at Aurora and near Elgin. 63. S. quinnat* Rich. California Salmon. Fox river at Aurora and near Elgin. * As this paper is passing through the press, 1 learn from Dr. W. A. Pratt, of Elgin, that he has taken these two species this summer, at the localities given. I therefore take the liberty of inserting them in this list.—S. A. Forbes. ( 44 ) 64. tS. namaycush, Penn. Lake Trout. Abundant in Lake Michigan. Genus Argtjroaomusi, Ag. 65. A. (iupeiformh, (Mitch.) Ag. Lake Herring. Very abundant in Lake Michigan. The sisco (A, siaco, Jord.) undoubtedly occurs in the deep sandy lakes in the northeastern part of the state. 66. A. nigripinnis, Gill. Black-fin. Common in deep water in Lake Michigan. 67. A. hoi/i, Gill. Lake Michigan Sisco. Found in deep water in Lake Michigan. Genua Core.gonus, Linn. 68 C. albus, LeS. White-fish. Very abundant in Lake Michigan. FAMILY HYODONTIDAE. Genus Hyodon, LeS. 69. H. tergisui', LeS. Moon-eye. Common in Lake Michigan and in all the large streams throughout the state. FAMILY CLUPEIDAE. Genus Alosa, Cuv. 70. A. sapidissima, ( Wils.) Star. Common Shad. Has been intro- duced into one or two streams in the northern part of the state ; but whether it thrives or not, has not been proven. Genus Pomolobus, Raf. 71. P. chrysochrous, Raf. Ohio Shad Found in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and sometimes ascends the Hlinois. It is also accredited to Lake Michigan by Mr. J. JN. Milner. Gevus Dorosoma , Raf. 72. B. notafum, Raf. Grizzard Shad. Very common in the rivers in the southern and central parts of the state, and, since the opening of the canal connecting the Chicago river with the Illinois, has found its way, with the preceding, into Lake Michigan. For some time previous to this date, (December 2nd , the young, from three to four inches long, have been frequenting, in considerable numbers, a "slip" extending from the Chicago i-iver to one of the City Water Works buildings. The attraction to the fishes appears to be the hot water which runs into the "slip" from the Water Works engines. As the fishes swim about in this warm water, they strike the hot stream as it flows in, and many are killed. The opening of the above mentioned canal will have considera- ble influence upon the distribution of the lake and river fishes, and numer- ous species will in all probability take advantage of the communication be- tween the Mississippi and the great lakes. This undoubtedly accounts for the occurrence of Chaenohryttus gulosus in Lake Michigan, as well as of the two preceding species. FAMILY CYPRINIDAE. Genus Campostoma, Ag. 73. C. anomalnm, (Raf.) Ag. Stone Roller. Occurs in the greatest abundance throughout the state, although perhaps more rarely in the vicinity (45) of Lake Michigan. This species, as defined by Prof. Jordan (Man. Vert. An., p. "iT'S 1, exhibits a great amount of variation, and may eventually be sep- arated into two. Genus Pimephales, Raf. 74. P. provielasy Raf. Black-head. Apparently rare. I have ex- amined but three specimens from Illinois ; two in the state collection, from Bailey's creek, in Central Illinois, and one in the collection of my friend, Mr. E. L. Rice, obtained near Evanston, in a ditch. 75. F. mi/esii, Cope. Approaches very closely to the preceding species, and one of the central Illinois specimens possesses characters almost intermediate between the two forms. Genus Hf/horhynchus, Ag. 76. H. nofiifiis, ( Raf.) Acf. Blunt-nosed Minnow. Very numerous throughout the state. Genus Hyhognatkus, Ag. 11. H. nuchalis, Ag. Blunt-jawed Minnow. Apparently rather un- common ; a few specimens in the state collection from central Illinois 78. JI. ai-gyrifi's, Grd. Silvery Minnow. Much more numerous than the preceding. Specimens are in state collection, fi'om central Illinois ; and Prof. Jordan informs me that it is common in the larger streams in the Wabash and Ohio valleys. Genus Erlcj/mha, Cope. 79. E. huccataf Cope. Silver-mouthed Dace. Very abundant in the Wabash valley ; but no specimens are in the state collection from the western streams tributary to the Mississippi. Genus Semofilus, Raf. 80. S. corporalis, (Mitch.') Put. Horned Dace. Abundant through- out the state. Genus Ceratichthys, Bd. 81. C. h{guttaHis,{Kirt.) Bd. (=zC. melanotus, Raf.) Horned Chub. x\bundant everywhere. 82. C. dis.e. Red-horse. Common throughout the state. 118. T. aureolum, (^LeS.) Raf. Golden Mullet. Abundant in Lake Michigan and the Calumet river. 119. T. anigura!<, (^R(i/.) N^chon. Carp Mullet. Specimens are in the state collection from the Illinois river. 120. T. macrulepidutum, {LelS.) Sdson. Apparently not very com- mon. Specimens in the state collection, from the Illinois and Wabash rivers. (Jordan.) 121. T. carpio, (^Val.) Nelson. Silvery Mullet. Lake Michigan and the larger rivers. Not common. 122. T. vrlatinn, [Copr] Nelson. Common in all the larger tribu- taries of the Illinois and Mississippi. Genus Placopharynx, Cope. 123. P. raruiatus, Cope. Cope's Sucker. Common in the Wabash river (Jordan.) Genus Ichthyohus^ Raf. There can be no doubt of the propriety of uniting the tveo genera Ichthy^bus and Carpiodes, since a series of specimens will form so complete a junction between the characters assigned to each that it is impossible to distinguish the dividing line. They have already been united by Prof. Cope, but as Jcht/iyohas has priority over Carpiodes, it must stand instead of the latter. The following is the relation in which they were first issued : Ictiobas, Raf. Ich. Oh., 182(», p. 55, n. subg., type Amblodon huhahis, Raf., 1818. Carpiode^^, Raf. Ich. Oh., 1820, p. 56, n. subg., type Catost. cyprums, LeS., 1818. 124. /. celi/cr, i^R.) Ag. Grar Pike. This is far the most common species in Lake Michigan and the Calumet river, where it is very abundant. It also occurs throughout the state. 148. L. plaii/stomus, Raf. Short-nosed Gar. Occurs through- out the state, but is much more abundant in Illinois and south. Genus l/itholepisy Raf. 149. L. arlamanteus, Raf. Alligator Gar. Common in the Ohio and Mis.sissippi rivers, occasionally straying up smaller rivers into the in- terior of the state. FAMILY POLYODONTIDAE. Genus Polyodon^ Lac. 150. P. folium, Lac. Duck-billed Cat. Common in central and southern Illinois in the larger streams. Rare in the northern part of the state. FAMILY ACIPENSERIDAE. Genus Acipenser, Linn. 151. A. maculosns, LeS. Sturgeon. Very abundant in Lake Mich- igan and the larger rivers throughout the state. 152. A. rubicundus, Lf'lS. Ijake Sturgeon Very common in Lake Michigan, ascending (Calumet river in winter. Genus ScapMrhynchops, Gill. 153. S. platyrhynclius, (Raf.) Gill. Shovel-nosed Stui-geon. Com- mon in the southern part of the state in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. ( 52) FAMILY PETROMYZONTIDAE. Genus Petromyzon, Linn. 15-1. P. n�r;er, Raf. Small Black Lamprey. Very common in many localities through northern Illinois, ascending small streams in spring from Lake Michigan and the rivers. Genus Ichthyomyzon, (),fr. 155. I. argenteus, (Kirt.) Grd. Sil very Lamprey. Lake Michigan and large rivers throughout the state. 156. I. hirndo, G1·d. A single specimen in the state collection from the Ohio at Cairo.