221 ,y 1 'J, ^ U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner. THE FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. -.■«■ BY JAN 121838 'J) ^^CEIVSS^ r/ HUGH JM. SMITH, Chief of Division of Scientific Inquiry, U. S. Fish Commission. Extraotad from U, S. Fish Commission Bulletin for 1897. Article 3, Pages 85 to 111, Plats 3, and 1 text figurt, Sate of publication, January 6, 1898! WASHINGTON": GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1898. U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner. THE FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. BY HUGH JM. SMITH, Chief of Division of Scientific Inquiry \ U. S. Fish Commission. Eitraoted from 0. S. Fish Commission Bulletin for 1897. Article 3, Pages 85 to 111, Plate 3, and 1 text fignr* Date of publication, January 6, 1898. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1898. By*-**". Bull. U. S. F C. 1897. (To face page 85.) Plate 3. raw si'or ma ^e^> A N T I C C E N ^2 MAP SHOWING THE REGION OF WOODS HOLE MASS. Plate 3. 3 -THE FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. BY HUGH M. SMITH, Chit'/ of Division of Scitiitijic Inquiry t U. S. Fisli Commission. Since the establishment of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries in 1871, systematic fish collecting has been carried on at "Woods Hole, Massachusetts, by Commission assistants. In the year named, Prof. Spencer F. Baird studied the fish fauna of the region and later published a list of the species then observed which has served as a valuable guide in subsequent investigation. For more than a quarter of a century almost daily observations, based on collec- tions, have been made and recorded, and it may be safely asserted that nowhere else in the United States has such long-continued and comprehensive work of this char- acter been done. The duty of collecting specimens and recording information has fallen chiefly to the lot of Mr. Yinal X. Edwards, of the Fish Commission, to whose assiduous labors the principal additions to the fish fauna are due. The collection of specimens has been done chiefly with fine-meshed bag seines, about 150 feet long, hauled from the shore in harbors and coves and on the beaches in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay. This has been supplemented by the setting of fyke nets in suitable localities, by the employment of surface tow nets and dip nets, and by the use of hand lines. The traps or pound nets of the commercial lisher- men in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound have also been regularly visited and have yielded many interesting specimens. Professor Baird's " List of fishes collected at' Woods Hole " ' has remained the only list of the kind. It gives the names of 121 species taken in 1871, two of which have since been shown to be identical, leaving 120 species known from the region at that time. In the twenty-seven years that have since elapsed the list has been augmented almost annually by one or more fishes and has grown to the large proportions here shown. In the Eeport of the U. S. Fish Commission for 1882, Dr. Tarleton H. Bean pub- lished a " List of fishes collected by the U. 8. Fish Commission at Woods Hole, Mass., during the summer of 1881." It mentions about 114 species, but less than half of this number were fishes actually obtained in the vicinity of Woods Hole, the others being deep-sea or offshore fishes, like the tilefish, pole flounder, and hagfish, brought to the station by exploring vessels. The present list is based on the collections of Woods Hole fishes at the station, in the U. S. National Museum, and at the laboratory of the Fish Commission in Wash- ington, on the yearly records kept by Mr. Edwards, and on personal observations by the writer in 1897. 1 Report U. S. Fish Commission, 1871-2, pp. 823-827. 85 86 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. Partly on account of the systematic collecting, and partly because of the very favorable geographical position of Woods Hole, an unexpectedly large number of fishes have been ascertained to inhabit the region as permanent residents, regular seasonal migrants, casual visitants, or stragglers. There is probably no other locality in the United States, with the exception of southern Florida, in which so many species have been detected. Excluding the fresh- water fishes, more than 200 species have been obtained at Woods Hole. The section is interesting as marking the northern limit of distribution of many common fishes, and, on the other hand, the southern limit of a number of northern species. The most striking feature of the fauna is the extent to which species character- istic of the West Indies or Florida are represented. This enrichment of the fauna is directly traceable to the Gulf Stream, which is within about 100 miles of Woods Hole. Most of the southern fishes are very young, the adults of many species being either entirely absent or quite rare; and it is apparent that their presence in the waters of southern New England is involuntary. Falling within the influence of the Gulf Stream, the small fishes are passively carried northward. A common medium of transfer is the gulf- weed or sargasso- weed (Sargassum bacciferum), under which the fishes congregate for protection. The patches of floating weed arc often of large size, affording ample shelter and at the same time furnishing food to the fishes beneath and among them. Winds from the south, southeast, east, or northeast dislodge the weed from the Gulf Stream and distribute it along the shores of the United States. The configuration of the shore of southern New England forms a kind of huge pocket in which the drift is concentrated, in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, from a wide expanse of sea. The weed appears in this section every year and is distributed by winds and tides in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. It is most abundant after southerly winds. The fishes which it shelters gradually become dispersed in the inshore waters as the weed is driven ashore or dies and sinks. There is every reason to believe that practically all the young fishes which do not get out of the Gulf Stream before it has ascended very far along the east coast of the United States must inevitably perish, since their small size makes their return to southern waters almost impossible. Those which are blown ashore on the Middle and North Atlantic coasts in spring, summer, and early fall doubtless find the surface water not uncongenial, and survive until winter, while those which are carried out of the Gulf Stream in winter must very quickly succumb to the cold. The Gulf Stream is, in fact, a great highway along which a continuous body of fish and other animals, in infinite variety, is being carried from their natural habitat in the south to almost certain destruction in the north. During July, 1897, there was an unusual prevalence of southerly, southeasterly, and southwesterly winds. Toward the end of the month the weed drifted into Vine- yard Sound and Buzzards Bay in large quantities, and was distributed by the tide in long, straggling lines. To this circumstance may be attributed the capture during the subsequent summer and fall months of a number of fishes that were either very rare or wholly unknown in the region heretofore. On .July 24, in the course of two hours, 15 species were obtained in gulf-weed off Great Harbor, by means of small dip nets operated from a sailboat. Among these were the marbled angler (Pterophryne Mstrio), Bermuda chub (Kyphosus sectatrix), log perch (Palinurichthys perciformis), rudder-fish (Seriola sonata), dolphin (Coryphana hvppurus), trigger-fish (Batistes vetula), sobaco FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. 87 (Canthirtermis asperrimus), and filefish (Monacanthus hispidus). A single piece or mass of gulf- weed was sometimes found to harbor a number of species of fishes. The information hereafter presented consists of the following parts: I. Annotated list of fishes known to inhabit the Woods Hole region. II. Fishes of the Woods Hole region not previously reported so far north or south. III. Fishes obtained in the Woods Hole region which have not yet been found elsewhere on the United States coasts. IV. Fishes recorded from adjacent localities which may be looked for near Woods Hole. V. Fresh-water fishes collected in the vicinity of Woods Hole. A map is appended covering the. region within a radius of about 25 miles of Woods Hole and showing the places referred to in the accompanying lists. The visits of many biological students annually to Woods Hole and the continu ation of systematic collecting by the Commission warrant the expectation of a number of additions to the fish fauna in the next few years. The use of a small purse seine offshore in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay and the employment of a small beam trawl on suitable bottom in the same waters will undoubtedly result in bringing to light fishes new to the region. That there is still something to be learned regarding the fish life of this section may be readily inferred from the outcome of the collections in 1897, when, twenty-six years after systematic work was begun, five species, including one species new to science, were added to the list. This paper is presented chiefly as a basis for future inquiry; it contains but little information concerning the fishes mentioned, with the exception of a statement of their abundance and the times when they are found. The daily observations that have been made regarding the fishes of the region, supplemented by meteorological data and the very valuable fish-cultural records of the station, afford material for a comprehensive account of the fish fauna which it is hoped will shortly be prepared. 88 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. I.— ANNOTATED LIST OF FISHES KNOWN TO INHABIT THE WOODS HOLE REGION. In the following list there are arranged in systematic order, by families, all species of fishes known to bave been found in the vicinity of Woods Hole. In nomenclature and sequence of species, the "Check List of the Fishes and Fish-like Vertebrates of North and Middle America" ' has been followed. The local names which the fishes bear in this region are indicated by means of quotation marks. The existence in collections of specimens from tin's section is for convenience and brevity designated for each species by means of signs; an asterisk (*) referring to the fish collection of the U. S. National Museum in Washington, a dagger (t) to the local museum of the Fish Commission at Woods Hole, and a section mark (§) to the laboratory of the Fish Commission at Washington. The fishes enumerated represent 88 families, 160 genera, and 209 species. The families having a noteworthy number of species are the Clupeidce, 9 species; the Scombridce, 11 species; the Carangidce, 18 species; the Sciamida; 7 species; and the Gadidce, !> species. PETROMYZONID^J. The Lampreys. 1. Petromyzon marinus LiimaMis. Great Sea Lamprey ; " Lamprey Eel" ; " hamper Eel." (* t) Not abundant. Taken in traps in Buzzards Bay in May and June. GALEIDjE The Requiem Sharks. 2. Mustelus canis (Mitchill). Smooth Dogfish ; "Dogfish"; " Switch-tail." (« t) Very abundant from about June 1 to November. Feeds mostly on crabs. The largest examples are 5 feet long, the usual length being 3 feet. 3. G-aleocerdo tigrinus Miiller & llenlet Tiger Shark; "Spotted Shark." (*) Present every year in variable abundance, and caught in traps in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay. The last species of shark to appear in this regiou, rarely coming before August. It remains until October. Usual length, 5 feet. 4. Prionace glauca (Linmeus). (Sreat Blue Shark. (*) Very rare, apparently only one having been taken; this was obtained from a trap in July, 1877. 5. Carcharhinus obscurus (LeSneur). Dusky Shark; "Shovel-nose." (* t) Very common, but less so than the sand shark. Taken in traps and on lines fished from wharves. Comes about June 1 and remains through a part of November. The largest observed here are 12 to 14 feet long; the average are 8 or 9 feet, and the smallest are 2} feet. 6. Carcharhinus milberti (Miiller & Henle). Blue Shark. (') Given by Professor Baird in his 1871 list. Four examples about 4 feet long were taken in a trap at the breakwater, on August 8, 1873, and sent to Washington. None has, since been observed. Their color is described by Mr. Edwards as being an intense, almost indigo, blue. 7. Carcharhinus limbatus (Miiller & Henle). Spotted-fin Shark. C) Observed on only one occasion. In 1878 at least 20 were taken in traps at the breakwater and Quisset Harbor during a period of three weeks. All were about 4 feet long, and all were found dead in the traps. The " stray specimen taken at Woods Hole, Mass.," referred to in several lists of Ameri- can fishes, was one of the foregoing lot that was sent to Washington. SPHYRNID.S2. The Hammer-headed Sharks. 8. Sphyrna zygaena (Linnaeus). Hammer-headed Shark ; "Hammerhead"; " Ilakehead." (* t) Usually common; some years abundant. Taken in traps from July to October, being most numerous in July and August. Generally swims with its dorsal and caudal fins out of the water. The largest ones taken here are 7 or 8 feet long; the smallest are under If feet, and the average are 4 feet. The name " rakehead " is an old local designation of this species 1 Report U. S. Fish Commission, 1895. FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. 81) ALOPIIDiE. The Thresher Sharks. 9. Alopias vulpes (Gmelin). Thresher: "Thrasher;" Swingle-tail. (*) Common in Vineyard Sound in vicinity of Menemsha; also found in Buzzards Bay. Not infre- quently caught in the fish traps. In fall the hoat cod fishermen at Gay Head catch them ou lines baited with fresh herring. At Woods Hole three "thrashers" 16 feet long were taken one morning in a trap at the breakwater. Specimens 20 feet long have been caught at Menemsha. Some only 4 feet long have been obtained. This species comes in April and remains until late in fall. CARCHARIIDiE. The Sand Sharks. 10. Carcharias littoralis (Mitchill). "Sand Shark." (* t) The commonest shark in this region, found from June to November, and often caught with traps and lines. The largest are 12 feet long; the average length is 4A or 5 feet. Fish, crabs, and various other animals are found in their stomachs. LAMNID51. The Mackerel Sharks. 11. Isurus dekayi (Gill). "Mackerel Shark." (* t) Quite common in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay. Most numerous in fall, remaining till end of November. Largest 10 feet long; average 1 to 5 feet. 12. Carcharodon carcharias (Linmeus). Man-eater Shark. (*) Rare. Reported by Professor Baird in his 1871 list. The U. S. National Museum contains several specimens sent from Woods Hole. SQUALIDiE. The Dog-Pishes. 13. Squalus acanthias Linmeus. Dot/fish; " Horned Dogfish." (* t) Less abundant than formerly, and comparatively scarce in 1897. When the fish factory was established at Woods Hole, this was the principal fish utilized in the manufacture of oil and guano; later, the scarcity or irregularity of the supply necessitated the use of menhaden. When the horned dogfish first comes, in May, it feeds largely on ctenophores. SQUATINIDiE. The Angel Sharks. 14. Squatina squatina (Linmeus). Angel-fish ; Monkfish. (*) A specimen weighing 35 or 40 pounds and 3 or 4 feet long was taken in a fish trap at Menemsha Bight, September 1, 1873. It was sent to Washington at the time. The species has not since been observed. HAJIDJE. The Skates. 15. Raja erinacea Mitchill. Summer Skate ;" Bonnet Skate." (* t) The commonest species of skate in this region. Found from June to October. In allusion to the habit the fish has of rolling itself up when caught, the local fishermen call it the "bonnet skate." 16. Raja ocellata Mitchill. Big Skate ; " Winter Skate." (" t) Common from February to June and from October 15 to end of trap fishing. Either absent or very rare in summer. 17. Raja radiata Donovan. Starrg Hay. (*) Not common. 18 Raja eglanteria Bosc. Brier Bay. (* t) Not common. A few taken every year in traps at Menemsha; formerly caught at the breakwater. 19. Raja laevis Mitchill. " Barndoor Skate." (* t) Common in spring and fall, rare in summer. NARCOBATIDiE. The Electric Rays. 20. Tetranarce occidentalis (Storer). Torpedo; "Crampfish." (* t) Not uncommon in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound from May to November. Most numerous in October and November. At times as many as half a dozen are taken at one lift of a trap at Menemsha. The average weight is 30 pounds, the maximum 75 pounds, and the minimum 4 or5 pounds. 90 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. DASYATIDiE. The Stingrays. 21. Dasyatis centrum (Mitchill). " Sting Bay." {* t) Common during summer, appearing early in July. The fishermen are much afraid of them. 22. Pteroplatea maclura (LeSueur). Butterfly Bay ; "Angel-fish." ('t) Rare. Observed mostly in August and September. MYLIOBATID-ffi. The Eagle Rays. 23. Myliobatis frerninvillei LeSueur. Sharp-headed Bay ; " Sting Bay." (* t) Not very common. A few are taken every year in traps. 24. Rhinoptera bonasus (Mitchill). Cow-nosed Bay ; "Sting Bay." C t) Common ACIPENSERID-ffi. The Sturgeons. 25. Acipenser sturio Linnaeus. "Sturgeon." (~t) Common. Most numerous in Vineyard Sound in June and July. Has the habit of jumping out of the water; at times as many as half a dozen may be seen in the sound at onco. There is a considerable catch in traps, many 3 to 4 feet long being taken. The sturgeon was formerly thrown away when caught, but is now sold. 26. Acipenser brevirostris LeSueur. short-nosed Sturgeon, (t) Found in company with common sturgeon, but less numerous than latter. Taken in traps SILURID-Sl. The Cat-Fishes. 27. Felichthys marinus (Mitchill). Sea Catfish; Gaff-topsail Catfish. (* t) Quite rare. Reported by Professor Band in 1871. Recently but few have been seen; one speci- men caught in a trap at Meuemsha in 1886 is preserved in the collection. 28. Galeichthys felis (Linnaeus). Sea Catfish, (t) Reported to have been common in spring in Vineyard Sound many years ago, being often taken with cod; now very rare, and only occasionally observed since the Fish Commission station at \V Is Hole was established. A specimen was taken in 1887, since which time none has been reported. ANGTJILLIDiE. The True Eels. 29. Anguilla chrysypa Rafmesque. "Eel." (* t $) Abundant at all times, but most numerous in October. On west side of Buzzards Bay traps have been set especially for eels, and large catches have been made. During two weeks in October, 1896, one trap took 350 barrels; in one night between 30 and 35 barrels were caught. LEPTOCEPHALIDiE. The Conger Eels. 30. Leptocephalus conger (Linmcus). Conger Eel. (* t) Comes in July and remains until fall; very commoa for several years, but rather rare formerly. Fishermen as a rule do not distinguish from the common eel. A few are taken in traps and with lines, but many large ones, weighing from S pounds upward, are caught in lobster pots. A specimen iu the collection weighs 10 pounds. One, caught on a line at Falmouth, August 30, 1897, weighed 12 pounds. The smallest observed are 15 to 20 inches long. ELOPID.ffi. The Tarpons. 31. Tarpon atlanticus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Tarpon. Taken every year in traps at South Dartmouth, also occasionally at Quisset and at Meuemsha, in latter part of September. All are about one size, 80 to 100 pounds. Fishermen call them " big-scale fish." An effort has been made to find a market for them in New Bedford, but the people did not like them, owing to the toughness of the flesh. 32. Elops saurus Linnaus. Ten-pounder. Big-eyed Herring. (* t) Common in tall, none appearing before October. Taken in traps in Vineyard Sound and in herring gill nets at Vineyard Haven. Many have been sent to the Fish Commission by fishermen for identification. Average length. 18 to L'O inches. No young fish observed. FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. 91 ALBULIDiE The Lady-Fishes. 33. Albula vulpes (Linn.eus). Lady-fish; Unnefish. (*) Very rare. Reported by Professor Baird in 1871, and since observed only once or twice. None seen for many years. CLUPEID^EJ. The Herrings. 34. Etrumeus sadina (Mitchill). Bound Herring. (*) Apparently rare. Known to have been found on only a few occasions. Some years ago, in Octo- ber, several were taken in traps at Menemsha Bight. 35. Clupea harengus Linnseus. Sea Herring ; "Herring"; "Sperling" (young). (* t) Schools of large herring, in a spawning condition, appear about October 15 and remain till very cold weather sets in, their departure corresponding with that of cod. By January young herring i inch long are taken in surface tow nets; by May 1 they are 1 to 1J inches long, and by August lthey have attained a length of 2i to 3 inches. Fish 3 to 5 inches long, called "Sperling," are found from September 1 to end of season and are used for mackerel bait. About June 1 there is a large run of herring, smaller than those in the fall run. This lasts two weeks, during which the traps are full of them. No use is made of the early run, but in fall they are caught in gill nets for food and bait. 36. Clupanodon pseudohispanicus (Poey). Spanish Sardine. (* t) First seen in 1892, when it was abundant throughout the region. It appeared at Menemsha in September and was taken in the traps. A few weeks later it was found in large numbers at Woods lbde. remaining till late in fall. In Eel Pond over 250 were taken at one seine-haul. Since then only a very few have been observed each year, none being taken in 1897. The tisb is 4 or 5 inches long and is usually found with young herring (Clupea harengus) of slightly smaller size. 37. Pomolobus mediocris (Mitchill). " Hickory Shad." (* t) Common. Comes in spring but is most numerous from last of September to end of trap-fishing season. In October, 1895, a trap near Tarpaulin Cove caught 3,500 at one lift. These brought 10 cents each in New York. In spring and summer the fish has no market value, but iu fall it is shipped to New York. 38. Pomolobus pseudoharengus (Wilson). Branch Herring; ••. lieu -if:"; •■Birer Herring." (* t §) Arrives in March aud is taken during March and April. By May 1 most of the lish have entered the streams aud ponds to spawn; early in May it begins to return to salt water. Many are caught in scoop nets for bait. 39. Pomolobus aestivalis (Mitchill). Glut Herring; "Blackback." (* t J) Common. Comes later than branch herring. Spawns in adjacent ponds. 40. Alosa sapidissima (Wilson). "Sliad." (* t) Comes about May 1 aud is taken in traps. Less numerous than formerly; twenty-five years ago probably 100 times as many were caught as iu recent years. In 1897 the average number taken in a trap was not over three to five. 41. Opisthonema oglinum (LeSueur). Thread Herring. (* t) Very rare. A number were taken in the fall of 1871, but the species is not recorded in Professor Baird's list. In 1885 it was quite common in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound in July. It remained about a month, and specimens were taken in traps at almost every lift. During the next four years the fish was also noticed, but none has been seen since 1890. Recorded from Newport, Rhode Island, from which place the type came; but not regularly found north of the Carolinas. 42. Brevoortia tyramius (Latrobe). "Menhaden"; " Pogy." (* t inches in length, but on the north side of Cape Cod the size is usually 8 inches. This fish is one of the principal foods of the mackerel in this section. Although it burrows in the sand with great rapidity, it is readily caught by the mackerel. 80. Ammodytes dubius Reinhardt. Sand Launce. (*) Apparently very rare on the south side of Cape Cod and known to have been taken thero on only one occasion (June, 1877), but regularly found north of the cape. MULLIDiE. The Surmullets. 81 Mullus auratus Jordan A Gilbert. Goatfish. (* t) Rare. Taken every year in September, mostly in Quisset Harbor. Usually not more than 4 to 6 are obtained annually. Prior to ten years ago the fish was rather more numerous than now, the National Museum containing a good many specimens taken between 1875 and 1880. SCOMBRID51. The Mackerels. Of the richness of the Woods Hole fish fauna the representation of this family is an illustration. Of the 15 species of Scombridos known to inhabit the waters of North and Middle America, 11 have been obtained at. Woods Hole. 82. Scomber scombrus Liunanis. Common Mackerel. (* t. $) This region has felt the general scarcity of mackerel, which has now (1897) existed for more than ten years. Nevertheless, a good many small and medium-sized mackerel have recently been taken in Vineyard Sound, and some years there has been a run of large fish. There is a regular mackerel line fishery carried on with eatboats in Vineyard Sound near Gayhead, and the fish is also taken in traps at Menemsha and in Buzzards Bay. The mackerel appears in the latter part of May or about June 1 and remains for about two weeks; it then disappears for about two weeks, when it is thought to be spawning. About July 4 the fishermen look for its reappearance, after which it remains until the latter part of November. 83. Scomber colias Gmelin. Chub Mackerel ; " Bull's-, rye Marker*}." (* t) Some years abundant in Vineyard Sound and lower part of Buzzards Bay ; other years uncommon. Caught in traps and also on lines while fishing for common mackerel. Usually appear about July 15 and leave late in October. 84. Auxis thazard (Laccpede). Frigate Mackerel ; "Bonito"; "Tunny.'' (t) Very rare. First observed in 1885, when one was taken in a trap at Menemsha Bight. Since then only one has been recorded; this was caught in a pound net at Wool's Hole, June 29, 1892. These weighed respectively 3A and 3 pounds. 96 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 85. Gymnosarda pelamis (Linna?ns). Oceanic Bonilo; " Blue Bonito." (*) This fish has been reported in the Woods Hole region on only one occasion, in 1878, when there was a remarkable run iu the traps at Menemsha. The fish remained in the vicinity several weeks, and were caught daily in some of the nets. As many as 2,000 or 3,000 in all were taken. The name " blue bonito" was given them by the fishermen iu allusion to the intense dark bine of the back. They were about the same length as the common bonito, but were somewhat heavier. The species was first takeu on the United States coast in July, 1877, when a specimen was obtained at Frovincetown, Mass. 86. Gymnosarda alleterata (Rafinesque). Little Tunny : "Tunny"; Bonito. (") Usually abundant in Vineyard Sound in July ami August. Taken only at Menemsha, where some- times as many as 100 are caught in a net at one lift. All are of one size, weighing about 8 pounds. The species is stated by Goode 1 to have made its first appearance in American waters in 1871, when several large schools were observed by the Fish Commission in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. 87. Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus). Horm Mackerel; Tunny. (*) Formerly plentiful, but rare for a number of years ; none for five years in Buzzards Bay traps. About 1888, one weighing 630 pounds was taken in a trap off Quisset Harbor. Abundant on the north side of Cape Cod. 88. Germo alalunga (Gmelin). Long-finned Albacore. On May 21, 1895, a specimen 3 feet long and weighing 21 pounds became entangled in the leader of a fyke net set in Great Harbor and was thus caught. This appears to be the only known occurrence of the fish on the Atlantic coast of the United States, although it is found in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, as well as in the Pacific. 89. Sardasarda (Bloch). "Bonilo." (* t) Usually common. Some years abundant and some quite scarce. In traps, at Menemsha, as many as 1,000 are often taken daily in August, September, and first part of October. The average weight is 3£ to 4 pounds; a few weigh 7 or 8 pounds, and many small ones are caught weighing only half a pound. Very young fish are rare. On one occasion some 2 inches long were taken in July at Menemsha. 90. Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitehill). " Spanish Mackerel." (* t) Rare during recent years, and apparently scarcer each season. Formerly abundant. In 1883 or 1884 530 were taken at one lift of a trap at the breakwater. When the fish was abundant it was more common in Buzzards Bay than in Vineyard Sound. Only one or two have of late been taken annually. The average weight in this region is 2i pounds. 91. Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvier). "Cero." (* t) Appears in Vineyard Sound about July 1, and is quite common until the end of the trap-fishing season. It is much more common than the Spanish mackerel. At times 8 or 10 are taken at one lift of a trap at Menemsha. When traps were set in Buzzards Bay about 35 or 40 of this and the preced- ing species were caught annually at Quisset. The fishermen do not distinguish S. cavalla from S. rcyalis, but call both "cero." 92. Scomberomorus regalis (Bloch). Kingfish; "Cero." (* t) Occurs in about same abundance and at same time as the foregoing species. TRICHIURID^!. The Cutlas-Fishes. 93. Trichiurus lepturus Linna>us. Catlas-fish; Scabbard-fish. (*) A specimen 3 feet long was taken at Woods Hole iu 1874. A few stragglers have been taken in traps at Menemsha Bight during the last ten years, usually not more than one or two in a season; one that has been preserved was caught September 21, 1874. Chesapeake Bay appears to be the normal northern limit of its range, and is the limit assigned in recent lists. As early as 1840, however, the fish was taken in Buzzards Bay, and in 1845 was recorded from Welllleet. - 'Natural History of Aquatic Animals. 2 See Storer, History of Massachusetts Fishes. FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. 97 ISTIOPHORID^. The Sail-Fishes. 94. Istiophorus nigricans (Lacrpi'ilr i. Sailfish. (*) Rare. Taken only at Quisset Harbor, where during the past 25 years about half a dozen liave been caught in a trap; all were about 9 feet long. 95. Tetrapterus imperator ( IJlocli iV Schneider). Spearfish. (*) Generally rare, but between 18X5 anil 1890 numbers were taken in the traps in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay during duly and August. Most were caught in the trap farthest up Buzzards Bay at Quisset Harbor. XIPHIID^J. The Sword-Fishes. 96. Xiphias gladius Linmeiis. " Swordfish." (*) Abundant, near Gayhead. Ivan- now in Vineyard Sound, but some time ago a number were taken there annually near Tarpaulin Gove. CARAN6ID51. The Pompanos, Crevalles, Amber-Fishes, Etc. 97. Oligoplites saurus (Bloeh & Schneider). Leather-jacket. (*) Very rare. Only three instances of its occurrence known. In 1874 one specimen was caught in a trap at Menemsha; on August 13, 1875, another was taken, and in September, 1886, two or three specimens were taken in a pound net at the breakwater. Specimen in the Woods Hole collection, from Newport, Rhode Island, taken September 10, 1886. 98. Naucrates ductor (Liumcus). "Pilot-fish." Recorded by Professor Baird in 1871. Not common in inshore waters. The banded rudder-fish (Seriola zonata) is usually mistaken for this species bj the fishermen. 99. Seriola zonata (Mitchill). Shark-pilot; Rudder-fish; "Pilot-fish." (* t $) Common from July to October. Usually seen aronnd spiles, pound-net. stakes, vessels, and under floating seaweed. In July and August, 1897, was often met with in Vineyard Sound, under gulf-weed and eelgrass; also in Eel Pond, Great Harbor. Quisset Harbor, Hadley Harbor, and elsewhere. While the Grampus was moored at the Woods Hole pier in August, 1897, there was a school of "pilot-fish," 6 to 7 inches long, beneath the bow and stern for several weeks, feeding chiefly on Menidia gracilis. They were very shy aud would not take the hook, but some were caught witli a dip net. This species is not distinguished by fishermen from Naucrates duclor. Examples as small as 11 inches in length are taken in summer. 100. Seriola lalandi Cuvier & Valenciennes. Amber-fish. (* t J) Rare. An amber-fish, 2^ feet long, taken at Woods Hole September 10, 1895, is apparently referable to this species. Another, 3 feet 1 inch long, taken July 8, 1892, and several others, obtained at various times, have been preserved. 101. Seriola dumerili (Risso). Amber-fish; Amber-jack, (t §) Rare. The Woods Hole collection contains three specimens, from 7| to 13 inches long, taken in August and September. 1 102. Decapterus punctatus (Agassiz). Bound Robin; Scad; Cigar-fish. (* t) Reported by Professor Baird in 1871. Recently very rare and observed only in Quisset Harbor; taken there in 1886 and on only one or two other occasions. 103. Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier &. Valenciennes). Mackerel Scad. (* t) Common every year iu fall, but not observed at other times. Comes in October aud remains about a month. In Great Harbor several hundred have been taken atone seine-haul. No full grown fish ever observed. Those taken are usually 5 inches long, none over 6 inches. In October, 1897, the lish was remarkably abundant in Vineyard Sound, some traps taking 10 barrels daily. 104. Trachurops crumenophthalmus (Bloch). Goggler; Big-eyed Scad. (* t) Common every year iu fall, from about October 15 to November 15. All are 4 to 6 inches long. 'See Rept, U. S. F. C. 1896, p. 172. F. C. B. 1897 7 98 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION 105. Caranx bartholomaei Cuvier & Valenciennes. Yellow-jack. (*t§) Very rare, but Las been obtained during four different years. Nine specimens about 6 inches long were taken in 1876; one 5| inches long was obtained November 10, 1885; another was caught in Great Harbor September 30 of the same year; one 2i inches long was seined August 10, 1886. On October 6, 1897, one 4| inches long was caught in a fyke net in Great Harbor. 106. Caranx hippos (Linnreus). "CrerulU" ; Jack. (* t) Common. First appear about July 1, and caught as long as the fish traps are set, being most numerous in October. No spawn found in them. Young an inch long are taken about July 1. Large examples occur in fall; they sometimes measure over '_' feet in length and weigh 12 to 14 pounds. 107. Caranx crysos (Mitchill). "Yellow CrevalW ; Hardtail; Runner; Jurel. (* t) Arrives and departs about same time as foregoing. Young, 2 to 2A inches long, are caught in Buzzards Bay in summer. The largest arc about 15 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 pounds. 108. Alectis ciliaris (Bloch). Cobbler-fish; Threadfish. CMS) Usually not common, but some years numerous. Found from June 15 until November 1, or later; taken in traps. Three to 8 inches long. 109. Vomer setipinnis (Mitchill). Horsefish; "Dollar-fish." (* t) Common some years, rare others, in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Usually more numerous than Selene vomer. It first appears in August and is found during that month and September. 110. Selene vomer (Linmeus). Lookdown ; "Dollar-fish." (* t) Rare. A few are taken each year in traps and with the collecting seine, usually in September. First noticed here in 1885. 111. Trachinotus falcatus (Linnreus). Round I'ompano. (t $) Y'oung very common; adults never observed. Fish half an inch to an inch long appear in July; by September 15, when they disappear, they are about 2 inches long. 112. Trachinotus goodei Jordan & Evermann. Permit; Black-finned Pompano. (t $) Rare, and not observed every year. First obtained in 1894, when about a dozen specimens were seined on Nobska Beach, on September 18. In September, 1897, a number were caught at various places, in company with T. carolinus and T. falcatus. The specimens are all small — 3 inches or less in length. 113. Trachinotus argenteus Cuvier bserved mostly in Jane and July, in company with butter-fish, 122. Rhombus triacanthus (Peck). "Butter-fish." ( t J) Abundant. There is a noteworthy run in June, mixed with the scup. In 1896 and 1897, as many as 60 barn-Is were taken from a trap at Nanshon at one lift; 30 barrels shipped from this trap to New York in 1897 yielded the fishermen only two 2-cent stamps! This run lasts only 1 or 2 weeks, but the fish is taken from early summer to late fall. Spawning occurs in June. The butter-fish is often seen swimming under jelly-fish. TETRAGONURID.SI. The Square-Tails. 123. Tetragonurus cuvieri Risso. Square-tail; Sea-raven. (*) One specimen obtained at Woods Hole November 10, 1890. SERRANIDiE. The Sea Basses. 124. Roccus lineatus (Block). " Striped Bass"; Rockfish. (' t) Not common. Arrives about Ma\ 1, and leaves about November 1. Most numerous in June. Apparently does not spawn in this section. Smallest weigh half a pound; largest 65 pounds. 125. Morone americana (Gmelin). '• White Pirih." (* t $) Abundant in fresh-water ponds of the region connected with salt water. Spawns in ponds in May and June. In October specimens from 8 to 15 inches long are taken in nets in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. 126. Epinephelus niveatus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Snowy Grouper, (t §) Not rare. First reported in 1895, when as many as 10 or 12 specimens were obtained in the Woods Hole region. 1 In 1897 several others were taken in summer and fall; one was caught August 7 in a dredge in Vineyard Sound in 6 fathoms of water and in November several were taken in a fyke net in Great Harbor. All have been of small size (3 inches or less), and most of them have been brought up in lobster pots. A number have also been secured in Rhode Island waters. 'SeeRept. U. S. F. C. 1894, p. 171. 1U0 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 127. Ceutropristes striatus (Linnaeus). "Sea Bass''; "Black Bass." (* t $) Verj common. Arrives in May, and departs from the inshore waters about October 1, being most abundant July to September. Spawns in June. Young are first seen about August 1. Maximum weight (> pounds. A very important and excellent food-fish, taken in large numbers on lines for market and sport. LOBOTIDiE. The Triple-Tails. 128. Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch). Flasher; Triple-tail. (* t) Very rare. Given by Professor Baird in his 1871 list. Since then the fish has been met with on only a few occasions. Specimens now preserved in Washington were taken in August, 1873, and December, 1875. On September 20, 1886, a specimen 2 feet long was taken in a trap at Menemsha, and in August, 1890, another thus caught was sent to Washington. PRIACANTHIDiE. Catalufas. 129. Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier A- Valenciennes. Catalufa; Short Big-eye. (* t) Rare. First taken in 1876. when 7 specimens were obtained in September and October, after which time for several years 3 or 4 were caught annually. The last specimen, 3| inches long, was taken October 2, 1888, in a seine at Quisset Harbor. 130. Pseudopriacanthus altus (Gill). Big-eye. (* t) Rare. The local collection contains 2 specimens, lj^ inches long, taken November 28, 1885. Examples in the National Museum were obtained September 29, L875, and September 26, 1877. There ha \ e been several other known occurrences of the fish in this section ; it is also recorded from Marble- bead, Mass., by Storer (Fishes of Massachusetts, 1867). On November 1, 1890, a specimen was taken in the Acushnet River at New Bedford. The type of the species was from Xarragansett Bay, R. I. LUTIANIDJE. The Snappers. This family of tropical and subtropical fishes is represented in the Woods Hole collection by an unexpectedly large number of species, some of which were taken lor the first time in the fall of ISHT. Several large snappers have been taken in traps from time to time, but they can not be identified with certainty, as they were not preserved. On September 28, 1894, a snapper weighing 25 pounds, similar in general appearance to the gray snapper (Neomauiis griseus), was taken in a trap in Buzzards Bay. It was seen by a number of persons from the Fisli Commission station. In 1806 a fish of the same species was caught at Newport. 131. Neomaenis griseus (Linnaeus). Gray Snapper: Mangrovt Snapper. (§) Two obtained in the fall of 1807, one 2} inches long in Eel Pond, September 21. and one 2 inches long in Great Harbor, September 26. Not previously detected and apparently only a waif. 132. Neomaenis jocu (Bloch &. Schneider). Dog Snapper. («) Apparently only a straggler. One specimen, 2+ inches long, taken in Eel Pond September 21. 1S07. 133. Neomaenis apodus (Walbaum). Schoolmaster. (§) A rare straggler. The collection contains one specimen, Hi inches long, taken aii Woods Hole September 20, 1888. 134. Neomaenis aya (Bloch). Bed Snapper, (t) A very rare straggler, taken on only one occasion. On October 10, 1890, a specimen weighing 8A pounds was caught in a trap at Menemsha; this is preserved in the collection at Woods Hole. 135. Neomaenis analis (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Mutton-fish. (" t) In 1897 two specimens were taken: one li inches long in Quisset Harbor, August 11. and one 2i inches long in the same locality September 4. Seven specimens of similar size in the National Museum were taken at Woods Hole in 1876. SPARID-Sl. The Porgies. 136. Stenotomus chrysops CLinnxus). "Snip"; Porgy; Souppaug. (* t §) Very common. Appears about May 1 and leaves about October 15 or 20, being most abundant in June and .Inly. Spawning occurs during first part of June, and young 4 inch to J inch long are observed by the middle of July. The largest taken weigh about 3 pounds. FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLF 101 137. Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus). Sailor's Choice; Pinfish; "Shiny Scup." (*ti) Not common. A few are usually takeu each season from July to September. 138. Arcliosargus probatocephalus (Walliauni). Sheepshead. (" t) Very uncommon of late, not one having Keen seen or heard of in Vineyard Sound or Buzzards Bay in past four or five years. Formerly quite common, often being caught while line-fishing for tautog and scup. Maximum weight about 3 pounds; smallest 8 or 9 inches long. GERRIDiE. The Mojarras. 139. Eucinostomus gula i Cuvier A Valenciennes). Irish Pompano. ( t«) Usually very uncommon. In 1SH7, whin apparently this fish was more common than in any pre- vious year, 5 specimens wire taken at one seine-haul in Quisset Harbor on August 14, 2 in the same locality September 7, and another in Eel Pond on September 23; all of these were 1 to 2 inches long. On October 5 the fish was numerous at Quisset Harbor. KYPHOSIDiE. The Rudder-Fishes. 140. Kyphosus sectatrix ( Linmens i. Rudder-fish; Bermuda Chub. (* t $) Not rare in summer and fall, occasionally found in spring (April): sometimes taken among gulf- weed at surface. Specimens usually small, largest about 6 inches. SCIiENIDiE. The Drums. 141. Cyuoscion regalis (Bloch & Schneider). Wedkfish; " Squeteague." (* t) Usually abundant. Comes about June 1, and leaves October 1 to 10. This is the principal fish taken in traps in Vineyard Sound, the catch in 1896 being over 100,000 pounds. In .Inly, 1897, a school of several hundred followed young herring into the basins at the Fish Commission station and remained there for several days; many weighing 4 to 5 pounds were taken at night with short lines, baited with herring, rapidly drawn in on the surface after having been thrown out a few yards. Young fish as small as 14 inches long are taken about July 1 at the head of Buzzards Bay. Spawning occurs about June 1, some of the fish having ripe spawn when they arrive. The average weight is 4 pounds; 8 pounds is usually the maximum weight iu a season, but in L897 a Bqueteague weighing 14 pounds was obtained at t'uttyhunk. 142. Larimus fasciatus Holbrook. Banded Drum, (t) A very rare straggler, taken on only one occasion. On August 13, 1889, a specimen 8 inches long was caught in a trap at the breakwater, Buzzards Bay. 143. Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus). Hut I hum: Channel Bass; Sedfish. (t) Only one fish of this species is known to have been taken in this region. This was caught in 1894 in a trap in Buzzards Bay at the breakwater. The specimen, now in the Woods Hole collection, is 2 feet 10 inches long and weighs about 14 pounds. 144. Leiostomus xanthurus (Lacepiilei. Spot; llnnihi. (* t) Common in fall, being observed during whole of October. When water temperature reaches 45° F. the fish leaves. All specimens are about 6 inches long. 145. Micropogon undulatus (Linnaeus). Croaker, (t) On September 9, 1893, a specimen 15 inches long was taken in a trap at the breakwater in Buzzards Bay. This is the only known occurrence of the fish in this vicinity. 146. Menticirrhus saxatilis (Bloch & Schneider). "Kingfish"; Sea-mink. (* t $) Adults full of spawn arc common in June; uncommon after July 15. Fish about an inch long appear in the middle of July, and tho young are numerous on sandy beaches during the summer and until early part of October, when they leave, having attained a length of 4 or 5 inches. Some of the young are almost entirely black, while others of same size taken at the same time show the color markings of the adults. The maximum weight is about 2 pounds. 147. Pogonias cromis (Linnn»ns). Drum, (t; Very rare. First taken May 7. 1S74, and observed only 3 or 4 times since. The recent specimens have been taken in traps at Quisset Harbor, in the latter part of September or early iu October. All were of one size, weighing 4.V or f> pounds. 102 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. LABRIDiE. The Wrasse-Fishes. 148. Tautogolabrus adspersus (Walbaum). "dinner"; "Chogset." (" t y) Very abundant. Remains in eelgrass in winter and thousands perish from cold every year. Large numbers of euuners of all sizes are found under wharves and around piers in warmer months. Spawn- ing takes place in June. By August 1 the young, an inch long, are observed. In the bays and harbors the maximum weight is about a pound, but outside of Gayhead and Cuttyhunk they reach a weight of 2A pounds. The usual weight is one-quarter to one-half a pound. 149. Tautoga onitis (Linna-us). "Tautog"; "Blaekfish." (* t §) Abundant everywhere on rocky bottom, remaining throughout the year. In winter they seek deep water or the eelgrass; many are killed each year by anchor ice. Spawns in June and July. Young appear about 1st of August. Average weight 3 pounds, but 12-pound fish are common, and some weigh 16 pounds. Many are caught on lines by anglers and professional fishermen, and some are also taken in traps in April. Lobster is the most attractive bait. Judging from the behavior of tautog in aquaria, it must be one of the greatest enemies of both large and small lobsters; it readily attacks full-grown lobsters, first biting off their eyes by rapid darts, and then consuming them. The fish continues to bite at the hook until snow falls, usually about November 15 or 20. EPHIPPID^!. The Angel-Fishes. 150. Chsetodipterus faber (Broussonct). MoonfisU ; Angel-fish.; Spadefish. (* t) A very rare straggler. First taken in 1889, when one specimen was obtained. Since then only three have been observed. All were caught in traps at Menemsha in August and September. The fish are all of one size, having a length of 16 to 18 inches. Not known to fishermen. CHJETODONTID-53. The Butterfly-Fishes. 151. Chsetodon ocellatus Bloch. Parohe. (" + $1 A few specimens are taken nearly every year in October and November, when seining in eelgrass. Three is the largest number caught at one haul of the net. and five the largest number in one season. 152. Chaetodon bricei, new species. Three specimens of an undescribed species of Chcetodon were seined in the vicinity of Woods Hole in 1897. One was obtained August 3 in Quisset Harbor, another August 10 in Eel Pond, and the third October 7 in Quisset Harbor; all are under L} inches in length. These examples were undoubtedly stragglers from the West Indies, whence they were transferred in the Gulf Stream. The species is readily distinguished by two prominent ocelli situated posteriorly, and is one of the most strikingly beautiful members of a large family of peculiarly marked and brilliantly colored fishes of the tropical seas. It is named for Hon. John J. Brice, United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. Description. — Body short, deep, much compressed, its depth contained It times in length. Profile steep, slightly convex. Head rather large, pointed, its length rather less than a third of the body length. Mouth small, terminal; snout not produced, five-sixth-, length of eye. Eye large, its length contained 2f times in head. Lateral line beginning at posterior edge of eye, curving upward and backward, and terminating under anterior part of soft dorsal fin. Scales large; number in median line of body 40; number in transverse series between front of dorsal and base of ventral 23, 6 being above the lateral line; rows of scales above longitudinal axis of body directed upward and backward, those below inclined slightly downward. Caudal peduncle very short, about as broad as eye. Dorsal long, elevated, with 13 spines and 20 rays, the longest spine six-sevenths length of head; soft dorsal evenly rounded; basal half of both portions of tin thickly covered with small scales; dorsal origin opposite posterior edge of opercle. Anal tin deep, long, rounded, containing 3 spines and 18 rays; the proximal two-thirds of soft portion densely sqoaiu.ited, the small scales also covering the bases of the second and third spines. Caudal short, rounded. Pectorals two-thirds length of head, rounded. Ventrals as long as pectorals, pointed. Colors in life: General body color, pearly gray. A glistening jet black band about two-fifths width of eye, and having a forward curve, begius a short distance in front of dorsal and extends downward through eye and thence downward and backward to lower margin of gill opening; this does not extend on the breast, and hence does not meet its fellow of the opposite side ; above eye this stripe is bordered on each side by a very narrow pale streak. A dull blackish band, li, times as wide as eye, runs \ ertically across body from base of dorsal to median line of abdomen; the anterior border FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. 103 of this band extends from front of dorsal to posterior angle of opercle, thence obliquely downward and backward behind base of pectoral. Behind this baud and separated from it by a space somewhat "wider than eye is another dark band; it is duller and two-thirds wider than the foregoing, with its anterior edge curved forward and its posterior margin on the caudal peduncle. Involving about two- thirds the width of this band and extending from the dorsal to the ventral edge of the body is a large, circular ocellus, more than 1J- times the size of eye, consistiug of a dark-blue spot surrounded by a narrow white zone, which covers a part of the base of the soft dorsal. Immediately above this and within the extension on the dorsal (in of the dark band is another similar but smaller ocellus, about the size of eye, involving the firsts or 9 rays of the soft dorsal. A narrow, dark-brown, vertical bar on caudal peduncle is separated from the base of the caudal rays and from that part of the broad body band posterior to the ocellus by narrow white spaces. Head in front of ocular stripes, and breast greenish yellow. A black cresceutic mark on opercle. Spinous dorsal dusky, the dark vertical band extending on the first 7 spines. Soft dorsal dark, with sharply defined pale edge. Part of anal covered by scales dusky, with a narrow darker margin; unsealed portion yellowish white, (.'audal and pectorals pale, ventrals dusky, edged with yellow. Chcetodon bricei II. M. Smith. The foregoing description applies especially to the largest specimen, taken October 7 ; the others differ from it only in having darker dorsal, anal, and ventral fins, and minor variations in the dorsal and anal rays. 153. Chaetodon striatus Linmeus. Portuguese Butterfly. ( . There is no regular fishing with lines, but many are caught in traps at Menemsha. Fyke nets set in the harbor take pollock 7 or 8 inches long in February and .March. In April there is a run of fish 1 to 1,1 inches long; by June these have attained a length of 4 inches. The tish leave in June. In fall there is a small run of fish 7 or 8 inches long. Average weight of adults about 10 pounds, the maximum being 11 pounds. 191. Microgadus tomcod (Walbaum). Tomood; "Froatfiah." (* t) Abundant in winter, coming about October 1 and remaining till May 1. Spawns in December. Many are caught in fykes and sent to the markets. 192. Gadus callarias Linnaeus. "Cod." (* t) Appears in Vineyard Sound about April 1 and remains till about May 15, or till the dogfish strike on. When the lish first come they feed chiefly on worms, and are known among the fishermen as the "worm school"; later they feed on herring, lants, and crabs, and are known as the "herring school." After the middle of October the cod come again, but in less numbers than in spring, and remain until the first wintry weather. Yonng cod are first observed about the 1st of April, when fish about 1 inch long are seined. Most of the young leave by June 15, having attained a length of 3 to 4 inches. No cod are seen between fish of that size and those weighing 1! to 2 pounds caught in traps in sprint;. There is now but little line fishing for cod in Vineyard Sound, although there is some oft' Gay Head. 193. Melanogrammus aeglifmus (Linnaeus). "Haddock." (* t) Not detected in Vineyard Sound or Buzzards Bay, but common 6 or 7 miles off Gay Head and on ocean side of .Marthas Vineyard. Reported by Professor Baird in 1871. 194. Phycis regius (Walbaum). Codling; King Sake. (* t) Rare. Taken in seine only late in fall. Varies in length from 7 to 12 inches. 195. Phycis tenuis (Mitchill). Squirrel Hake; White Hake; "Hake." i ,) Fish weighing 1 to 11 pounds abundant in ( Ictober and November. A great many then enter Eel Pond. Young fish, 1 inch long and upward, associate with pollock in spring and are also found throughout the summer in considerable numbers. They are often obtained in summer at the surface, under gulf-weed and eelgrass, 196. Phycis chuss (Walbaum). "Hake." (* t) Abundant in May and June and in October and November. They fill the traps and cause fisher- men much annoyance, as there is no sale for them. They weigh from 2 to 5 pounds. 197. Rhinonemus cimbrius (, Linnnois). Four-bearded JRoekling. (* t) A rare visitor, found only in winter. Once taken in a fyke net iu Great Harbor. 198. Brosmius brosme ( Miiller). Cuak; "Ling." (' t) Formerly not uncommon in Vineyard Sound, and caught with cod in April and May. Very rare for twenty years or more, although a few are still taken in April. Average weight is 5 pounds; maximum, 12 or 13 pounds. MACRURID5!. The Grenadiers. 199. Macrourus bairdii Goode A Bean. Baird' a Grenadier. (*) Very rare. Obtained once in Vineyard Sound by the Fish Hawk at a depth of 9 fathoms, on August 26, 1882. 108 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. PLEURONECTIDJE The Flounders. 200. Hippoglossus hippoglossus I Linna-us). "Halibut." (*) Formerly not very uncommon in Vineyard Sound, but now very rare. Last taken about ten years ago, when one weighing about 80 pounds was caught. Between ten and twenty-five years ago, during April, a number of large-sized halibut were taken annually while fishing for cod oft' Creat Harbor and elsewhere in the sound. In 1872 or 1873 Mr. Edwards caught a number weighing 235 or 240 pounds. 201. Hippoglossoides platessoides (Fabricius). Sand-dab; Uoujgh-dab; Rusty Flounder. (*) Not common. Found some years in winter in the inshore waters adjacent to W Is Hole; speci- mens have been taken in February on lines. One year some were caught in a fyke net in Great Harbor. 202. Paralichthys dentatus (Linna'us). Summit- Flounder; "Flounder." (* t) Found from about May 10 to October 15. More abundant during summer than the flatfish. Fre- quents sandy bottoms. Average weight, 21 pounds; maximum, 20 pounds. The largest are taken in the traps. 203. Paralichthys oblongus (Mitchill). Four-spotted Flounder; "Flounder." (* t) Common in May and June; scarce at other times. Most abundant about June 1, during the run of Bcup, when many arc- caught in traps. Young fish are rarely observed, but in the fall of 1885 or 1886 large numbers, 2 or 3 inches long, were seined. Average length. 12 inches. The fish spawns in May and its eggs have been experimentally hatched at Woods Hole. The eggs are buoyant, ./,,- of an inch in diameter, and hatch in 8 days in water having a mean temperature of 51° to 50° V. 204. Bothus maculatus (Mitchill). "Sand-dab"; "Window-pane." (* t) Found from April to late in autumn. There is quite a 1 irge run about June 1, when the fish is with spawn. The average size is 10 or 12 inches. In the experimental hatching of the eggs of this fish at Woods Hole it has been found that the eggs are buoyant, nonadhesive, and 5 ' 4 of an inch in diameter, and that they hatch in eight days when the mean water temperature is 51- to 56 u F. 205. Limanda ferruginea (Storer). "Busty Flatfish." (* t) Very common in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay, in water 10 to 12 fathoms deep, where it may be found throughout the year. There is no fishery, but numbers are caught incidentally while bottom fishing for other species. Iu Great Harbor a few are taken in tyke nets only in winter. The average length is about 14 inches. 206. Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum). "Flatfish"; "Winter Flounder"; "Pug." (* t) A very abundant permanent resident. Frequents nimbly or grassy bottom. Some are either wholly or partly blackish on the nude side, this condition being more prevalent some winters than others. The average weight of those taken in the immediate \ icinity of the station is only 1 pound, lint larger examples are found in the deeper water of the sound and bay. In October fish averaging 2 pounds, and apparently slowly migrating, are taken with lines in Vineyard Sound on sandy bottom; these are called "pugs" by the fishermen, and the fishery is called •'pugging." This fish spawns from February to April in this region and its artificial cultivation is extensively carried on. Spawning fish are Aery abundant and are caught with fyke nets on hard clay bottom in water C to 15 feet deep. On being transferred to tanks containing running water, many deposit their eggs voluntarily during the night. The eggs are ^ of an inch in diameter, and when first extruded are very glutinous, sticking together in masses of various sizes. The average number of eggs to a fish is 500,000. On March b\ 1897, 1,102,000 eggs, or 30 fluid ounces, were taken from a fish that weighed 34 pounds after spawning. The eggs hatch in 17 or 18 days when the mean water tempera- ture is 37° or 38 F. SOLEIDiE The Soles. 207. Achirus fasciatus Lacepede. Sole; Hog-choker; " Black Flatfish." (* t) A few are taken every year in the- traps in Vineyard Sound. It is abundant iu Wareham River, at the head of Buzzards Bay; sonic arc found in YVaquoit Bay and a few are taken iu Great Harbor. It is present throughout the year. In allusion to the dark underparts the fishermen call it the " black flatfish." FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. 109 LOPHIIDiE. The Fishing-Frogs. 208. Lophius piscatorius Linnaeus. Goosefish; Angler; Fiahing-frog; " ToaAfiah." ("t) Abundant in Vineyard Sound, usually from April 1 to July 1, some seasons from April to November or as late as the traps are set. The spawn is often found floating in Vineyard Sound. The traps often take boatloads of them which are. carried ashore and put on the land, no other use being made of them, although the llesh is considered very palatable. Those caught in traps are from 4 inches to 4 feet long. The young keep offshore in deep water and are never taken in the seine. ANTBNNARIID2E. 209i Pterophryne histrio (Linnaeus). Marbled Angler. (* t $) This fish is to be regarded as a straggler from the tropics, whence it comes in the Gulf Stream and is drifted ashore in gulf-weed. It was first taken in 1877. 1 In November, 1885, 12 specimens were seined in Quisset Harbor. From that year until 1897 none was observed, although the gulf-weed was systematically examined. In 1897 this lish was comparatively common in Vineyard Sound. During July there was an unusual prevalence of southerly winds ami a large quantity of sargasso-weed was blown inshore from the Gulf Stream, and with it the marbled angler. During the forenoon of July 21. 22 specimens were taken in a boat from the Fish Commission station with small dip nets, among the gulf-weed in Vineyard Sound, a few miles from Woods Hole, and (in the same day 28 specimens were secured by a steamer of the Marine Biological Association. Stragglers continued to be caught during July and August, one being obtained at the Fish Commission wharf on August 2. Probably not less than 100 specimens were taken during the season. Many were kept alive in aquaria for several weeks, and proved of great attraction to visitors. Some remained under or among the gulf- weed at t lie sur- face, some concealed themselves in alga' on the bottom, some hid behind stones and other objects in the aquarium, and some sought crevices in rocks. While clumsy in their movements, they were adept in approaching and capturing other lisbes. They werequite cannibalistic, one about G inches long swal- lowing another nearly 4 inches long, and they frequently bit off the fleshy dermal appendages of their fellows. In August several spawned in the aquarium. The eggs are connected in long bands like those of the goosefish {Lophius). On July 17, 1897, 8 specimens of this lish were taken in gulf-weed oft' Nantucket. It is reported that in the summer of 1881) the fish was not uncommon in that region. Coincident with this noteworthy appearance of Pterophrynt in the summer of 1897, the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia) was more abundant in Vineyard Sound than during any time in the past twenty-five years; on several days in the latter part of August hundreds were in view at one time off Woods Hole. 1 Recorded from Holmes Hole (Vineyard Haven) by Storer, History of Massachusetts Fishes, 1867. 110 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. II.— FISHES OF THE WOODS HOLE REGION NOT PREVIOUSLY REPORTED SO FAR NORTH OR SOUTH. The following species, represented in collections or authentically ascertained to inhabit the waters embraced within the limits of this paper, have not before been reported from the region in published ichthyological works. The limits of the pre- viously ascribed range of each are noted. Tarpon atlanticus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Tarpon. Long Island to Brazil. Opisthonema oglinum (LeSueur). Thread Herring. Regularly northward to Florida and Caro- lina, straying occasionally to Virginia, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Trachinocephalus myops (Forster). Ground Spearing. Tropical parts of western Atlantic; common in West Indies and Brazil, and ranging on the Atlantic coast to South Carolina. Lucania parva ( Baird & Girard). Rainwater-fish. Atlantic coast, from Connecticut to Key West. Athlermes hians (Cuvier & Valenciennes). West Indies, from Florida to Brazil. Gasterosteus gladiuuculus (Kendall). Oft" coast of Maine. Polydactylus octonemus (Girard). Eight-threaded Threadfish. New York to the Rio Grande. Oligoplites saurus (Bloeh & Schneider). Leather-jacket. Both coasts of America, north to New York and Lower California. Caranx bartholomaei Cuvier & Valenciennes. Yellow-jack. West Indies northward to Florida and North Carolina. Trachinotus goodei Jordan & Evermaun. Permit; Black-finned Pompano. West Indies north to southern Florida. Neomaenis griseus (Linnaeus). Gran Snapper. Atlantic coast from Xew Jersey to Brazil. Neomaenis jocu (Bloch & Schneider). Jhxj Snapper. West Indies, north to Florida Keys, south to Babia. Neomaenis apodus (Walbaum). Schoolmaster. West Indies, north to Key West, south to Bahia. Neomaenis aya (Bloch). Red Snapper. Long Island to Brazil. Neomaenis analis (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Mutton-fish. West Indies, Peusacola to Brazil. Larimus fasciatus Ilolbrook. Banded Drum. Coast of United States from Chesapeake Bay to Galveston, Tex. Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus). Bed Drum: Channel Bass; Redfish. Coast of United States from New York to Texas. Pogonias cromis (Linnaeus). Drum. Atlantic Coast from Long Island to Kio Grande. Chaetodon ocellatus Bloch. Bardie. Havana; Gulf Stream; New Jersey and Khode Island. Chaetodon striatus Linnaeus. Portuguese Butterfly. West Indies. Canthidermis asperrimus (Cope). Sobaco. Darien, Isthmus of Panama. Spheroides spengleri ( Bloch). Southern Puffer; Swelltoad. West Indies; coast of Texas and of Florida south to Rio Janeiro and to the Madeiras and Canaries. Sebastes marinus (Linnaeus). Rosefish; Bed Perch; Bream; Norway Haddock. North Atlantic, south to Faroe Islands, Maine, and in deep water off coast of middle New Jersey. III.— FISHES OBTAINED AT WOODS HOLE NOT YET FOUND ELSEWHERE ON THE UNITED STATES COASTS. Stolephorus argyrophanus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Anchovy. Centrolophus niger (Ginelin). Blackfish; Black Ruffe. Tetragonurus cuvieri Risso. Square-tail; Sea-raven. , Chaetodon striatus Linnaeus. Portuguese Butterfly. Chaetodon bricei H. M. Smith. Brice's Chcetodont. Canthidermis asperrimus (Cope). Sobaco. FISHES FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. Ill IV.— LIST OF FISHES RECORDED FROM ADJACENT LOCALITIES WHICH MAY BE LOOKED FOR AT WOODS HOLE. Besides stragglers from the high seas and the West Indies that may from time to time be detected at Woods Hole, a number of species have been obtained within comparatively short distances to the north or south of the region which are liable to be added to the local fauna. Narragansett Bay, for instance, distant only 35 miles, has yielded several species not yet observed at Woods Hole ; and there are also some more northern shore fishes regularly found as far south as Cape Cod which are to be looked for in Vineyard Sound. The following list, not by any means complete, is suggestive of the possible augmentation of the already rich fauna of Woods Hole. Scoliodon terree-novEe (Richardson). Sharp-nosed Shark. Cape Cod to Brazil, Lanma cornubica (Gmelin). Porbeagle; Mackerel Shark. Newfoundland to West Indies; com- mon on Massachusetts coast. Somniosus microcephalus (Bloch). North Atlantic, south to Cape Cud. Dasyatis hastata (DeKay). Sting Ray. West Indies, north to Rhode Island. Dorosoma cepedianuni (LeSueuri. Gizzard Shad; Mud shad. Cape Cod to Mexico. Cypsilurus gibbifrons (Cuvior & Valenciennes). Flying-fish. Atlantic Ocean; Newport, R. I. Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Linnans). Bumper. Cape Cod to Brazil. Spheroides testudineus (Linmnis). Globefish; Swellfieh. West Indies; in Gulf Stream as far north as Newport, R. I. Prionotus tribulus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Sea-robin, Atlantic coast, north to Long Island.' V.— FRESH-WATER FISHES COLLECTED IX THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE. In the fresh-water ponds near Woods Hole, a number of fishes are found, some of which have been mentioned in the foregoing list, together with others that are strictly fresh-water species. Besides the white perch (Morone amerieana), spring minnow (Fundulus diaphanus), four-spined stickleback (Apeltes quadracus), and nine-spined stickleback (Pygostens punyitius) already given, the following have been noted, speci- mens being preserved in the local collection. Further collecting will doubtless disclose the presence of other species. Catostomus commersonii (Lacepede). Brook Sucker. Abramis crysoleucas (Mitchill). Golden shiner; Roach; Dace. Notropis cornutus (Mitchill). Shiner; Red-Jin. Hybopsis kentuckiensis (Katiuesque). River Chub; Horny-head. Lucius reticulatus (LeSueur). Pickerel. Perca flavescens (Mitchill). Yellow Perch. Ameiurus nebulosus (LeSueur). Homed rout; Bullhead. Boleosoma nigrum olmstedi (Storer). Darter. Eupomotis gibbosus (Linnaeus). Suiifish. Micropterus dolomieu Lacepede. Small-mouth Black Bass. (Introduced.) Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede). Large-mouth Black Bass. (Introduced.) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 002 876 070 ft ■ V LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 002 876 070 PI