The Fresh Water Fishes of New England/One sharp stinging spine
49. The Hornpout. Catfish. Bullhead. Minister. Amiurus nebulosus.
Grows to eighteen inches in length. Color, yellowish, greenish brown or black; mottled sides, white beneath. Armed with a sharp spine in back and breast fins, which often produces a painful wound when brought in contact with the hand of the fisherman.
Abounds everywhere in muddy ponds or quiet nooks of rivers, shunning the sunlight and biting during the daytime only in dark, shady places, feeding at night. The Hornpout takes worms, live and dead fish bait, or any meat.
The value of the Hornpout as a foodfish depends upon the water from which it is taken, being excellent when found in clear water, but is often muddy in taste.
50. The White, Silver, or Channel-Cat. Ictalurus punctatus.
Grows to three feet in length. Color, olive gray with brown spots and silvery sides, otherwise like the Hornpout.
Lives in rivers.