Studies in Natural History Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 Excerpt: ... This species is found only in larger streams. It is next larger to A. nigricans. It reaches a weight of 75 pounds, but one is seldom taken at present half that weight. One of our best food fishes. Iowa to Ohio and southwest. dd Adipose fin adnate to the back, and more or less joined to the caudal fin. Genus 11. Noturus.--Rajinesque. j Pre-maxillary band of teeth with lateral backward processes. Pectoral spine retrorse-serrate in front, roughish behind. Anal rays 16. 16. Noturus Flavus.--Rajinesque.--Stone Cat. This species appears quite common in the state. Like the other species of the genus, it inhabits sluggish waters, and is usually found among logs and in weedy and stony places. The wound produced by the pectoral spine is very painful. This is supposed to be due to the presence of a poison gland at base of spine. The species seldom attains a length of twelve inches, and is too small to be of economic importance. jj Pre-maxillary band of teeth without backward lateral processes. k Pectoral spine retrorse-serrate in front, with about 6 small teeth behind. Anal rays 14 to 17. 17. Noturus Exilis.--Nelson. This species seldom reaches a length of 4 or 5 inches, Scarce and of no value. Wisconsin, Iowa and Kansas. kit Pectoral spine entire, grooved behind. Adipose fin continuous with the caudal. One or more narrow black lateral streaks. Anal rays 15 or 16. 18. Noturus Gyrinus.--Mitchill. More common in this state than the two preceding species. Length about 5 inches. Hudson river to Minnesota, Iowa and south. J) Y) Body covered with scales, or nearly so. J Ventral fins, if present, abdominal. p1 Scales cycloid. Dorsal and anal fins without spines. Q Head without scales. Mouth toothless. Gill membranes united to the isthmus (the narrow part of the body between...