JDtrL Stoffregn, 
 
 Between 12th and 13th Streets 
 
 124 & 126 Fourth Avenue, 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 ....AQUARIST 
 
 IMPORTER OF 
 
 Fancy Fish, All Glass Aquaria, 
 
 NATURAL TUFFSTONE, ETC. 
 
 Manufacturer of Iron, (Nickel, Brass and Tin Frame Aquaria. 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Round All Glass Aquaria; 
 
 Domestic Oblong and Square All Glass Aquaria, 
 
 Fish Globes, all kinds of Fish kept in Home Aquaria. 
 Ornaments, Lizards, Turtles, Alligators, etc. 
 
 A great variety of Water Plants and a large stock 
 of Sea Shells, etc. 
 
 THE LARGEST ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KIND IN THE UNITED STATES. 
 
TEMPORARY GUIDE 
 
 TO THE 
 
 NEW YORK AQUARIUM 
 
 PREPARED BY 
 
 L. B. SPENCER 
 
 OF THE AQUARIUM STAFF 
 
 PREFATORY NOTE. 
 
 Upon the transfer of the New York Aquarium from the 
 Department of Parks to the New York Zoological Society, the 
 preparation of a new catalogue was commenced. 
 
 The completion of this catalogue having been delayed, the 
 present edition of the guide to the Aquarium, prepared in 1898 
 by Mr. L. B. Spencer, has been authorized for temporary use. 
 
 C. H. TOWNSEND, 
 
 Director. 
 
QL 
 
 H52 
 
 S ' 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 This guidebook contains a brief description of nearly all the 
 exhibits that now are or have been in the New York Aquarium. 
 The use of technical terms has been intentionally avoided, so that 
 the descriptions might be the more easily understood by the gen- 
 eral reader. 
 
 The species of fishes are arranged in the same general order 
 as they are found in "A Check-list of the Fishes and Fish -like 
 Vertebrates of North and Middle America," by David Starr Jor- 
 dan and Barton Warren Evermann. The technical names, with 
 but few exceptions, are the same as those found in that work, from 
 which also much valuable information has been derived. I am 
 under obligations to Mr. Wilbur K. Parmelee for his aid in identi- 
 fying several species of the turtles. The technical names of the 
 Invertebrates are with but few exceptions identical with those given 
 in " Invertebrate Animals of Vineyard Sound," by Professor 
 A. E. Verrill. The illustrations, from which the plates of single 
 fishes were made, were furnished by the United States fish Com- 
 mission. 
 
 L. B. SPENCER. 
 
 New York Aquarium, 
 December, 1898. 
 
 SPECIAL NOTICE. 
 The various species contained in the tanks, are numbered on 
 the left of the name labels, to correspond with the numbers in the 
 Guide. 
 
HE New York Aquarium is in Battery Park, at 
 
 the southern extremity of Manhattan Island, where the waters of the 
 Hudson and of the East river join in New York Bay. The building 
 in which the Aquarium is located was built in 1807 by the United 
 States government as a fort. It was originally known as the southwest battery, 
 and it stood upon rocks and made ground a hundred yards distant from the 
 shore, with which it was connected by means of a drawbridge. In the course 
 of time the shoreline was carried out with the result of bringing the old fort 
 within the boundaries of the Park, as it stands to-day. 
 
 After the war of 181 2 the southwest battery was called Castle Clinton. In 
 1822 the United States ceded Castle Clinton to the City of New York; and in 
 1824 the city leased it to private persons who turned it into a place of amuse- 
 ment. Hereafter it was known as Castle Garden, and under that name it became 
 famous. It would seat 6,000 persons, and 10,000 could find room in it. It was 
 at one time and another variously arranged and adorned according to the use 
 to which it was put, and this included a great variety of purposes. A summer 
 garden, an opera house, a theatre, a concert hall, an arena for equestrian 
 performances and a place for the reception of distinguished visitors, are some 
 of the phases of its use. 
 
 Jenny Lind sung in Castle Garden upon her arrival in this country in 1850, 
 and again before her departure in 1852. Lafayette was received here on his visit 
 to this country in 1824. President Jackson was received here in 1832 ; President 
 Tyler in 1843, and Louis Kossuth in 1851. 
 
 In 1855, Castle Garden ceased to be used for amusement purposes. The 
 population of the city, which, in its earlier history, had been settled chiefly in the 
 lower part of the Island, had now moved farther northward and sought other 
 places of amusement. In that year the building was bound over to the Commis- 
 sioners of Immigration as a place for the reception of immigrants. It was used 
 for that purpose until 1891, in which year the landing station for immigrants 
 was transferred to Ellis Island. 
 
 Castle Garden was then devoted to its present use. The Aquarium was 
 completed and opened December 10, 1896. Its visitors during the first year 
 numbered 1,635,252. 
 
 The Aquarium contains seven large pools, ninety-four wall tanks, four turtle 
 , tanks, and a considerable number of smaller glass tanks, these being all for ex- 
 
4 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 hibition purposes. It has also a large number of tanks for reserved stock and 
 other aquarium uses. The pools are on the floor of the Aquarium. The great 
 central pool is circular in form, thirty-eight feet in diameter and six feet in 
 depth, is surrounded by six other pools, which are oblong in shape, each 
 twenty-eight feet in length and three feet in depth. The wall tanks are in 
 tiers, a ground floor and a gallery tier. They vary in width from three feet 
 to seven and a half feet, the smaller tanks being on the gallery tier. All are 
 about four feet in depth. On the ground floor tier some of the tanks are joined 
 in couples, making practically single tanks ten feet in length. The turtle tanks, 
 which are shallow, are placed by themselves on the gallery floor of the building, 
 opposite the entrance. 
 
 The reserve tanks, with those used for hospital purposes, and those used 
 for the keeping of small fishes and shrimps, for live food for the larger fishes, are 
 in a wide corridor back of the wall tank, and between them and the outer wall 
 of the building. The fishes in the wall tanks are fed and otherwise cared for 
 from the corridor, and the tanks are cleaned and looked after from here. Here 
 also are the various lines of pipes that are required for the supply and efficient 
 operation of the tanks. 
 
 The pools on the floor of the Aquarium are all supplied with salt water. 
 The wall tanks on the north side of the building are for fresh water fishes, those 
 on the south side of the building are for salt water fishes. The pools and the 
 wall tanks are circulating ; that is, the water in them is kept sweet by circula- 
 tion. There is in each a constant inflow of water, the surplus being carried off 
 through an overflow pipe. The salt water used at the Aquarium is taken from 
 wells sunk under the building. The made ground through which it is drawn 
 serves as a great natural filter, and it is pumped, without the need of further 
 filtering, directly into the supply tanks, whence it is pumped to the other tanks. 
 The fresh water supply is taken from the city's water supply. The fresh water 
 is filtered before using. 
 
 All fishes require air for their existence, there is air in all living water. In 
 circulating aquarium tanks the air is being constantly renewed with the 
 inflow of water. If the air in the water is not sufficient for the fishes in a tank 
 more may be added to it in various ways. There is here provided compressed 
 air, which is carried to the tanks in pipes with a separate opening at each tank. 
 In nature fishes seek colder or warmer waters at greater or lesser depths or by 
 moving into other latitudes. Here the temperature of the water in some of the 
 tanks may be changed by artificial means. There is a refrigerating plant for 
 cooling fresh water. This plant supplies water for the tanks of such fishes 
 including trout, as require in summer water cooler than obtainable from the 
 ordinary source of supply. Trout would almost certainly die if it were sought to 
 keep them here through the summer in water of the high temperature at which 
 it comes from the city pipes. In nature, at this season, they would seek cool and 
 shady pools. With the refrigerating apparatus it is possible to keep the water 
 in the tanks at any desired temperature. The tropical and sub-tropical fishes 
 would as certainly die here on the approach of winter in the water of these lati- 
 tudes. The salt water pumped from the Aquarium's wells is about five degrees 
 cooler in summer, and about five degrees warmer in winter than that of the bay. 
 It is not nearly warm enough in winter, for the fishes from Southern waters. 
 For their preservation through that season a hot water plant is installed by means 
 of which sea water is heated and supplied to their tanks at whatever tempera- 
 ture may be required. 
 . The boilers, supply tanks, filters, and other appliances of the operating plant 
 
the new yo.r:: AQUARIUM GUIDE 5 
 
 are on the western, or seaward side of the Aquarium. On the park side of the 
 building over the entrance, are the offices of the Aquarium, and rooms for 
 laboratory purposes. Here are kept the beginnings of a museum collection, and 
 here, also, are most of the balanced, or self-sustaining tanks. 
 
 The total number of visitors for 1S98 was 1.689,471. a daily average of 
 about 5,000. August 20th (the day of the Naval Parade), was the record day 
 for the year, when 47,360 people passed through the doors. During the year 
 1S97 the number of visitors was 1,635,252, 54.219 less than in 1898, the largest 
 number in one day being 21 000, during the time the white whales were being 
 exhibited. During 1S99 the visitors were 1,841,330, exceeding 1S9S by 171.245 ! 
 the largest attendance for one day was 37,248, "Dewey Day." The attendance 
 for 1900 was 1,585,584, for 1901 1,644,856. 
 
 The Aquarium is open daily, free, from 10 a. m. to 4 p. M. 
 
 These Bronze Tablets were placed in the building- during 189S: 
 
 This building was transformed 
 into an aquarium by the Depart- 
 ment of Public Parks during the 
 administration of 
 
 Thomas F. Gilroy, mayor of 
 
 THE CITY OF NEW YORK, 1 893. 
 
 Abraham B. Tappen, President. 
 George C. Clausen, Vice-Prest. 
 Nathan Straus, Commissioner. 
 Paul Dana, Commissioner. 
 Charles De Forest Burns, Secretary. 
 
 This building was opened to 
 the public as an aquarium bythe 
 Department of Public Parks, in 
 the year 1S96, during the admin- 
 istration of 
 
 William L. Strong, mayor of 
 
 THE CITY OF NEW YORK. 
 
 Samuel McMillan, President. 
 S. V. R. Cruger, Vice-President. 
 William A. Stiles, Treasurer. 
 Smith Ely, Commissioner. 
 William Leary, Secretary. 
 
MAMMALS 
 
 ^fl 1. The Beluga, or White Whale, Delphinap- 
 ^Mp' B^pll^^W terns cat odon (Linnaeus). 
 
 ^^^JH^^^AFhITE WHALES are quite numerous in the North 
 1 - Atlantic, North Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Dr. G. 
 
 M Brown Goode writing in 1884 of White Whales, 
 
 r says, "They abound in the Behringand Okhotsk Seas» 
 
 and ascend the Yukon River, Alaska, to a distance of seven hundred miles." 
 
 The White Whale reaches a length of fifteen to twenty-two feet. The young 
 whale is lead colored. At various stages of its growth the outer skin, or epider- 
 mis comes off, sometimes in large patches making the surface look rough and 
 mottled, the skin being much lighter in color after each shedding, or moulting, 
 the color of the adult whale is cream white. The body of the White Whale is 
 symmetrical and rather slim. It is a powerful swimmer, the head and mouth 
 are small, as are also the fins, with the exception of the caudal fin or tail which 
 is quite large, and placed horizontally, or crosswise of the body, instead of verti- 
 cally and in line with the body as is the case with fishes, enabling the whale to 
 rise quickly to the surface to breathe, and helping it also to dive. 
 
 The blow-hole, of the White Whale, which is at the top of the head has a 
 valve at its outer opening, when the whale rising to expel the vitiated air from 
 its lungs, reaches the surface of the water, the valve rises. The whale expels 
 the air quickly and with force sufficient to produce a sound that may be heard 
 for some little distance. If the top of the head is not entirely clear of the sur- 
 face, the expulsion of air raises a jet of spray a foot or two high. Having taken 
 in a fresh supply of air the whale closes the valve and dives at once. It comes 
 to the surface frequently but at irregular intervals. 
 
 Two specimens of the White Whale that were procured for the Aquarium 
 at one of the fisheries on the Saint Lawrence River were placed in the large 
 center pool on the morning of June 5, 1897. The larger of them, a female 
 which was of cream color and about ten feet in length, was injured in trans- 
 portation and lived only five days. The smaller one, which lived until July 25, 
 1897, a male, was of a light lead color, and measured nine feet in length, this 
 whale was moulting when it was received at the Aquarium, soon after it was 
 placed in the pool large fragments of its outer skin were found in the water. In 
 a brief time the shedding process was complete, and the whale was then much 
 lighter in color than before. 
 
 Living eels were supplied as food and the whale spent a large part of its 
 time chasing, and catching them. It swam around the pool in the same direc- 
 tion as the hands of a watch, and always in that direction, never turning back- 
 ward. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 2. West Indian Seal. Monackus tropicalis (Gray). 
 
 HIS species of seal is rare, and but little has been written 
 concerning its history and habits. The Triangles on 
 which the West Indian Seals are found are situated off 
 the coast of Yucatan in West Longitude 92° 10' and 
 North Latitude 21 . The Spaniards finding seals 
 therein 1504 killed all in sight. It was believed at 
 ■ one time that these seals had been exterminated, or 
 nearly so; but in January 1897 a herd of about thirty 
 was found at the Triangles. The seals were sunning 
 themselves on the rocks, and they were so tame that 
 unless they were touched, they took no notice of the presence of men. Some 
 of the male seals of this herd weighed eight hundred pounds. 
 
 The West Indian Seals at the Aquarium were received June 17, 1897. 
 They show remarkable intelligence. 
 
 3. The Harbor Seal. Phoca vitulina (Linn£). 
 
 The habitat of this species of seal is very extended; it is found in the waters 
 of the Atlantic along this coast from New Jersey, to Greenland, and on the 
 European coast from Spain to the British Islands; along the Pacific coast of 
 this continent it is found from Santa Barbara to Alaska. 
 
 Most of the specimens exhibited hereabouts are taken on the coast of 
 Maine and New Hampshire. The Harbor Seal is said to annoy the salmon fish- 
 ermen in some waters by taking the fish from their nets; the seal being fond of 
 salmon. Dr. De Kay, writing in 1842, states that the "common seal, or Sea Dog is 
 now comparatively rare in our [New York] waters though formerly very abund- 
 ant." He adds: "A certain reef of rocks in the Harbor of New York is called 
 Robins' Reef from the numerous seals which were accustomed to resort there; 
 robin or robyn being the name in Dutch for Seal." 
 
 When the seal dives, it closes its nostrils and ears. 
 
 The Harbor Seal on exhibition in the Aquarium, while sleeping during the 
 day, lies on the bottom of the pool, coming to the surface for a fresh supply of 
 air at intervals of fifteen or twenty minutes. 
 
 At night it sleeps on the stone platform at one end of the pool. 
 
 Its front flippers are used by the seal in moving itself about on land, and 
 in climbing rocks, as well as in swimming ; with its large and powerful hind flip- 
 pers the seal propels itself through the water at great speed. The Harbor 
 $eal reaches a length of four to six feet. 
 
8 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 SPECIMEN TANK OF FISH. (TROUT.) 
 
 FISHES 
 
 4. Lamprey. Petromyzon mar inns (Linnaeus). 
 
 When the Lamprey's mouth is closed its snout somewhat resembles that of 
 the eel ; its open mouth, within which appear numerous concentric rows of 
 teeth, serves as a sucking disk, by means of which it attaches itself to larger 
 fishes, using its teeth to tear the flesh, and then sucking the blood. In the 
 Aquarium, they are often seen attached to the side of the tank, or to the glass. 
 Lampreys are found on the Atlantic coast of North America and Europe. 
 
 5. Smooth Dogfish. Mustelus cants (Mitchill). 
 
 Is common in the waters of this coast, West Indies, and Southern Europe. 
 Slender in form, light gray in color, the underside nearly white. Its skin is 
 smoother than that of any other species of shark, whence its name. 
 
 6. Sand Shark. Car char ias lit t oralis (Mitchill). 
 
 This Shark, which reaches a length of six to ten feet, and is very voracious, 
 has sharp, irregular teeth, which curve inward. It is common on this coast. 
 It feeds upon squids, and crabs and other crustaceans. Individuals of this 
 species have lived in the pools of the Aquarium five months. 
 
 7. Horned Dogfish. Sqnalns acantluas (Linnaeus). 
 
 The skin of this species, when properly prepared is often used by fishermen 
 for polishing metal, and for smoothing woodwork. Oil is obtained from the 
 liver. It feeds upon herring, and grows to a length of three feet. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 8. Common Skate. Rata erinacea (Mitchill). 
 
 This species is common on our coast, and found from Maine to Virginia. 
 The color is light brown, with small spots of dark brown. This Skate has 
 pointed groups of spines on portions of the upper surface of the body, whence 
 the name Prickly Ray, by which it is also known. The snout and pectorals are 
 blunt or rounded. 
 
 9. Barndoor Skate. Rata lavis (Mitchill). 
 
 The Barndoor Skate reaches a length of four feet. Its snout is much 
 extended and quite sharp. The fleshy parts of the wing like pectoral fins are 
 
 usea in some localities for food. It is said that fishermen on the New Hamp- 
 shire coast salt for use as food portions of the body of the Barndoor Skate. 
 
 10. Common Sting Ray. Dasyatis Centura (Mitchill). 
 
 This species attains a very large size, its disk in some cases measuring 
 five or six feet across. Wounds made by the tail are painful, difficult to heal, 
 and are often dangerous. Maine to Florida. 
 
 11. Common Sturgeon. Acipenser sturio (Linnaeus). 
 
 It reaches a length of twelve feet, and a weight of six hundred pounds. The 
 body is armed with five rows of bony piates. The snout of the young Sturgeon is 
 quite sharp, but in the adult blunt. 
 
 The specimen in the Aquarium which was caught in the Delaware River 
 near its mouth, was placed in the pool May 20, 1897. This Sturgeon is about 
 
IO 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 eight feet in length. It feeds regularly, which is not often the case with so 
 large a fish of this species in captivity. 
 
 Atlantic Coast, and ascends many of the larger rivers. 
 
 12. Short-Nosed Sturgeon. Acipenser brevirostris (Le Sueur). 
 This Sturgeon is not plentiful in this vicinity; it does not grow large ; it is 
 
 hardy in captivity. The specimen on exhibition was caught in Gravesend Bay, 
 and brought to the Aquarium May 14, 1896. 
 
 13. Long-Nosed Gar. Lepisostetis osseus (Linnaeus). 
 
 One of the common names in use for this species is Billfish from its ] ong 
 slim snout. The vertical fins, and posterior portions of the body, are 
 marked with round black spots. It is found in the Great Lakes and larger 
 streams from Vermont to Mexico. 
 
 14. Mudfish; Bowfin. Amia calva (Linnaeus). 
 
 It occurs in the Great Lakes, and the sluggish waters of the Mississippi 
 Valley to the Gulf of Mexico. This fish is very tenacious of life, and is ex- 
 ceedingly voracious, feeding upon frogs, and various kind of smaller fish. 
 
 15. Spotted Catfish. Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque). 
 
 The body of this species is long and rather slender, the head is narrow, 
 caudal fin deeply forked. The color of upper part of body is light olive, lower 
 part silvery, showing on the sides, dark spots, which on some specimens are 
 quite distinct. It is a good food fish. It is found in the channels of the larger 
 streams of the Great Lakes region, and South to the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 16. White Cat. Ameiurus catus (Linnaeus). 
 The specimens in the Aquarium were brought from the 
 
 underside of body nearly white ; barbels on the under jaw white. Caudal con- 
 siderably forked. In warm weather the white catfish is quite active. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 1 1 
 
 i7. Bullhead; Horned Pout, Ameiurus nebulosus (Le 3ae^r). 
 
 Very common ; is found in ponds and streams from Ohio east to the coast* 
 and Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. The color varies in specimens from different 
 localities; some are quite dark and others are brownish. The caudal is not 
 forked in this species. 
 
 The specimens on exhibition were caught in a small pool in the Hackensack 
 Meadows, New Jersey. When received at the Aquarium they were orange 
 colored ; exposure to strong light, with light surroundings, has caused the fish 
 to change to a much lighter color. 
 
 19. Brook Sucker. Catostomus comer sonii (Lacepede). 
 
 This species is found in the streams, ponds, and lakes from Canada to 
 Florida ; it is very common and plentiful. The Brook Sucker is the boy's fish. 
 Boys catch it with a hook occasionally, and also with a spear, but oftenest 
 with a snare. It reaches a length of eighteen inches. 
 
 20. Chub Sucker. Erimyzon sucetta (Lacepede). 
 
 A small species of Sucker, which rarely reaches a length of twelve inches. 
 The color and markings vary with age. Found in the Mississippi Valley, and 
 eastward. 
 
 21. Carp. Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus). 
 
 22. Mirror Carp. Variety. 
 
 23. Leather Carp. Variety. 
 
 The body of the Scale Carp is usually covered with large regular scales. 
 The Mirror Carp has large irregular scales, and one side of the body may be 
 entirely covered, while the other side shows quite large patches of bare skin. 
 The scales of the Leather Carp also are large and irregular, and generally few 
 
 iii number, some specimens have only a few scales on the back. The Carp 
 feeds upon both vegetable and animal food, it reaches a weight of sixty to sev- 
 
 18. Albino Catfish. 
 
is THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 enty pounds. It is a native of Central Asia, whence it was introduced into 
 Europe and America. 
 
 24. Goldfish. Carrassius auratus (Linnaeus). 
 
 There are several varieties of Goldfish exhibited in the Aquarium ; some 
 are silvery white with red spots, others are golden with black blotches, and some 
 are termed uncolored. The caudal fin or tail of the goldfish varies in form in 
 the different varieties. There is a goldfish called the triple tail, another known 
 as the fan tail, and still another that has a long, delicate drooping tail. 
 
 25. Chub; Fallfish. Scmotilus atromaculatus (Mitchill). 
 
 The young Chub is light brown in color, with a dark nearly black band on 
 the sides, which disappears in the adult. The color of the adult Chub is slate 
 above the lateral line, and silvery below it ; the dorsal fin has a black spot at 
 its base and front. The Aquarium has had specimens fourteen inches in length. 
 
 26. Roach; Golden Shiner. Abramis crysoleucas (Mitchill). 
 
 The color of this fish is greenish above the lateral line, and silvery below 
 and sometimes with a golden tinge, the pectoral, ventral, anal, and occasionally 
 the caudal fin, have a tinge of red. This species is very common in the vicinity 
 of New York City. 
 
 27. Pearl Roach. Abramis crysoleucas Variety. 
 
 The specimens on exhibition in the Aquarium were taken from the large 
 lake in Central Park, but they are not plentiful there. The pectoral and dorsal 
 fins are tipped with red, the ventral, anal, and caudal fins are of a beautiful 
 shade of vermillion. The Pearl Roach is an exceedingly handsome fish. 
 
 28. Redfln. Notropis umbratalis [f] (Girard). 
 
 This species reaches a .ength of three to four inches. The lower fins of 
 
 r i ^ rC brick red ' those of the female are somewhat lighter in color. This 
 little fish is found from Min nesota to New York, and South to Alabama. 
 
 29. Fresh Water Eel. Anguilla chryspa (Rafinesque). 
 
 "is a valuable food fish, and is found in abundance from Canada to Mexico 
 and East of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 i3 
 
 30. Conger Eel. LeptocepJialus conger (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species of Eel reaches a length of seven to eight feet. The Conger 
 Eel will raise itself to a vertical position in the tank, supporting itself upon the 
 rear part of its body and retaining this position for an hour or more at a time. 
 
 31. Common Spotted Moray. Lycodontis moringa (Cuvier). 
 
 Its general color is yellowish, the body and the dorsal, and anal fins are 
 covered with small black spots, the eyes are small, and jaws narrow, the snout 
 is rather sharp. The fine specimens on exhibition in the Aquarium were taken 
 at Bermuda. 
 
 32. Hickory Shad. Pomolobus mediocris (Mitchill). 
 
 The Hickory Shad is found on this coast in the fall. It is not highly 
 esteemed as a food fish. In several localities South it is sold with the herring, 
 two of the Hickory Shad counting for one herring. It reaches a length of 
 about twenty inches. 
 
 33. Glut Herring. Pomolobns aestivalis (Mitchill). 
 
 This fish is found on the Atlantic Coast, it is not abundant northward 
 and is not valuable as a food fish. 
 
 34. Common Shad. Alosa sap idiss ima (Wilson). 
 
 The Shad is found along the greater portion of the Atlantic Coast of the 
 United States, and ascends the larger rivers in the spring to spawn. It reaches 
 a length of two feet. 
 
 35. Menhaden; Mossbunkcr. Brevoortia tyr annus (Latrobe). 
 
 This is probably the most abundant species of fish on the Atlantic Coast 
 of the United States. It is said that the oil product of the Menhaden is of more 
 importance than that of any other marine animal. It is of no importance as a 
 food fish. 
 
 36. Round WhitefiSh. Coregonus quadr Hater alis (Richardson). 
 
 The body of this species is rather long, and slim, and as its name indicates 
 nearly round. Its flavor is excellent. The specimens on exhibition in the 
 Aquarium were taken from one of the Adirondack lakes. 
 
14 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 37. Labrador Whitefish. Coregonus labradoricus (Richardson). 
 
 This Whitefish is found in the cold clear lakes and streams of New York, 
 and Northern New England, and in the Great Lakes. Specimens have been 
 
 caught in some New Hampshire lakes weighing seven and a half pounds. This 
 fish is highly prized as a food fish. 
 
 38. Quinnat Salmon ; Columbia Salmon. Oncorhynchus tschawytscha 
 
 (Walbaum) . 
 
 The Quinnat Salmon reaches a weight of sixty to a hundred pounds. It is 
 the largest of the salmon family. The specimens in the Aquarium, at this writ- 
 ing July 30th, 1898, are fourteen months old and measure seven inches in 
 length. 
 
 39. Atlantic Salmon. Salmo salar (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species of salmon inhabits the North Atlantic Ocean. It ascends all 
 the rivers of this country north of Cape Cod that are suited to it, and the rivers 
 of northern Europe. It is well known, and a very highly esteemed food fish. 
 
 40. Land Locked Salmon. Salmo salar sebago (Girard). 
 
 Its home is in fresh water ponds and lakes. In the Aquarium, however, it 
 thrives in salt water. It rarely exceeds a weight of twenty pounds. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 41. OuananiChe ; Winninish. Salmo salar ouananiche (McCarthy). 
 The Ouananiche is considered by sportsmen the gamiest of all fresh water 
 
 fish. It rarely reaches a weight of eight pounds. It is found in Lake 9t. John, 
 the Saguinay River and neighboring waters in Canada. 
 
 42. Steelhead. Salmo gairdneri (Richardson). 
 
 The color of the upper part of the body is olive green, the lower portion 
 silvery, the cheek and gill cover reddish with a bronze tinge. The Steelhead 
 reaches a weight of twenty-two pounds. It is found in the rivers of California, 
 and is abundant in the Columbia River, and the streams farther north. 
 
 43. Rainbow Trout. Salmo irideus (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Rainbow Trout is easily recognized by the red lateral stripe. It is a 
 native of the Pacific Coast, but has been propagated, and distributed to a con- 
 siderable extent in several of the states east of the Rocky Mountains. In the 
 Aquarium it thrives in both fresh and salt water. 
 
 44. Brown Trout. Salmo fario (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species is a native of Northern Europe, it was introduced into the 
 United States, and is being propagated, in some of the Hatcheries of this State. 
 The Brown Trout reaches a weight of twenty-two pounds. 
 
 45. Hybrid Trout. Salmo (Hybrid = fario -|- fontinalis). 
 
 This Hybrid is a cross between the Brook Trout, and the Brown Trout, 
 the color and the markings make it a very handsome fish. It is said to be ex- 
 ceedingly gamey, and of fine flavor. The cross is not natural, but is made artifi- 
 cially, and the product is sterile. 
 
 46. Lake Trout; Salmon Trout. Cristivomer namaycush (Walbaum). 
 
 This trout is found in the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, and many other 
 smaller lakes of the United States, and of British America. It attains a weight 
 
 of 50 to 100 pounds. The many different names given to this species are due 
 to its great variation in size and coloring in different waters. 
 
 4T. Swiss Lake Trout. Salmo lemanus [?] 
 
 A number of specimens of this trout, measuring from two to three inches 
 in length, were received at the Aquarium in the month of November, 1896; at 
 this date August 2, 1898, the largest of these specimens measures 13 inches. 
 
16 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 48. Brook Trout; Speckled Trout Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill). 
 
 There are many local varieties of this species distinguished in size, shape, 
 and shades of color. The size attained varies greatly in different regions. It 
 
 inhabits clear, cold streams, and lakes in the northern parts of the United 
 States, east of the Mississippi, and in Canada northward to Labrador. 
 
 49. Smelt, Osmerus mordax (Mitchill). 
 
 This fish is found on the Atlantic coast from Virginia to the Gulf of St. 
 Lawrence, it also enters streams ; and it is abundant in many of the lakes of 
 New England, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. It feeds upon shrimps and 
 other small crustaceans. 
 
 50. Mud Minnow. Umbra limi (Kirtland). 
 
 A small fish which reaches a length of four inches. Inhabits streams and 
 ditches with a muddy bottom, in fishing for them it is often necessary to stir up 
 the mud before drawing a seine, the fish hiding among the plants, and in the 
 mud. 
 
 51. Banded- Pickerel. Lucius americana (Gmelin). 
 
 This pickerel reaches a length of twelve inches. Color olivacious; the 
 sides with about twenty blackish bars, all fins are more or less colored or 
 tinged with orange. 
 
 52. Chain Pickerel. Lucius ret 'iculatus (LeSueur). 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 The cheeks and gill covers are covered with scales. Color greenish varying 
 much in shade, the sides with golden tinge, and marked with a network of dark 
 streaks. It reaches a length of twenty-four inches. 
 
 53. Pike. Lucius lucius (Linnaeus). 
 
 Color olive green, handsomely marked with white or yellowish spots. 
 Cheeks covered with scales, upper part of gill covers scaly, the lower parts 
 bare. The Pike reaches a length of four feet. It has a broad distribution on 
 both sides of the Atlantic. 
 
 54. Mascalonge. Lucius masquinongy immaculatu* (Gerrard). 
 
 This species of fish is said by the best authorities to reach a weight of 100 
 pounds. The upper parts of cheeks, and gill covers scaly, the lower portions 
 bare. 
 
 55. Killifish; Mayfish. Fundulus majalis (Walbaum). 
 
 This killifish reaches a length of six inches. The males have about a 
 dozen dark transverse bars on the sides of body. The females a variable num- 
 ber -of longitudinal dark stripes, more or less interrupted along the sides. 
 
 56. Common Killifish. Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus). 
 
 The most abundant of the killifish, and attains a length of three to five 
 inches. It varies considerably in size, and coloration. The range of this fish is 
 from the coast of Maine to the Rio Grande. 
 
 57. FreshWatcr Killifish. Fundulus diaphanus (LeSueur). 
 
 This fish attains a length of four inches. It is found in fresh water 
 streams, and lakes from Maine to Georgia. 
 
 58. Sheepshead Lebia. Cyprinodouvaricgatus(La.c6ipede). 
 
 The body of this little fish is very short and stout. Color of the male is 
 olivacious from dorsal fin forward above pectoral fins to head deep blue. The 
 female light olive, with several dark bars on sides, dorsal fin with a black spot 
 near the tip of the last rays. 
 
 59. Brook Stickleback. Eucalia inconstans (Kirtland) . 
 
 The male is black in the spring, the female is light olive, and dotted with 
 very small black spots. There are generally five sharp spines in front of the 
 dorsal fin. It attains a length of two and a half inches. The male fish build 
 a nest with water plants, in which the female deposits the eggs, the male guard- 
 ing them till they hatch, and then continuing his watch over the young fish until 
 they are old enough to care for themselves. 
 
 60. Nine-Spined Stickleback. Pygosteus pungitius (Linnaeus). 
 
 The body of this species is very slender. It attains a length of three inches. 
 This species is widely distributed. 
 
 61. Two-Spined Stickleback. G aster osteus 
 bispinosus (Walbaum). 
 
 The upper part of body is greenish, the lower 
 part silvery, In the spring the cheeks, gill covers, 
 
i8 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 and sides of the body of the male are red. This species is found in salt water. 
 It attains a length of four inches. 
 
 62. Four-Spined Stickleback. Apeltes quadracus (Mitchill). 
 
 This species reaches a length of two and a half inches. The color is 
 brownish above the lateral line, and mottled with a darker shade. The sides 
 silvery. 
 
 63. Pipefish. Siphostoma fuscum (Storer). 
 
 The body is long and very slender, as is also the head ; the snout short. 
 Color brown, the under side of body quite light, the sides are mottled, fins 
 small. It feeds upon very small crustaceans. 
 
 64. Sea-horse. Hippocampus hudsonius (DeKay). 
 
 The head of this very interesting little fish resembles in shape that of a 
 horse. Its tail* which is long and tapering, it coils around seaweed, and other 
 floating substances, and it is often carried by currents to great distances. The 
 male carries the eggs and young in a sac on the under part of the body at the 
 base of the tail. The sea-horse attains a length of six inches. 
 
 65. Pirate Perch. Alphredoderus say anus (Gilliams). 
 
 Its color is dark olive, sometimes nearly black ; is said to reach a length of 
 five inches. It is found from New York coastwise to Texas. 
 
 66. Silverside ; Spearing:. Menidia notata (Mitchill). 
 
 The body is very slender. It is greenish on the upper part of body, the 
 sides being silvery ; it attains a length of four inches. The Silverside is abund- 
 ant on the coast of Long Island. 
 
 67. Striped Mullet. Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus). 
 
 This fish is very common ; it is found on the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod 
 to Florida, and is plentiful on our Southern Pacific coast. It is a food fisi: of 
 considerable importance. 
 
 68. Squirrel Fish. Holocentrus ascensionis (Osbeck) . 
 
 The body of this species is bright red, the upper portion of the head a 
 darker shade, the eye is large, and very conspicuous. The caudal fin is deeply 
 forked, the upper lobe the longer. This fish is common in the waters of the 
 Bermudas and West India Islands, and on the coast of Florida. 
 
 69. Banded Pilot. Seriola zonata (Mitchill). 
 
 The body is bluish above the lateral line, and very light below, and has 
 rive to seven black vertical bands. It is often found in company with the shark. 
 The Pilot fish, as it is generally called, is found in the seas of the temperate and 
 tropical regions. 
 
 70. Amber-fish. Seriola lalandi (Cuvier and Valenciennes). 
 
 This species reaches a length of five feet or more. It is an edible fish. 
 The Amber-fish has been taken in Gravesend Bay. It is found off the West 
 Florida coast, about the Bermuda Islands, and south to Brazil. 
 
Tropical Fishes and Octopus. 
 
20 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 21. Crevalle; Cavally. Caranx hippos (Linnaeus). 
 
 This fish reaches a weight of twenty pounds, the average weight, however, 
 being very much less. It is a good food fish. Color olivacious above lateral 
 line, golden below. It is found on the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod south into 
 the tropical seas, and on the Pacific coast from the Gulf of California to Panama. 
 
 72. Hard-Tail; Yellow Mackerel. Caranx crysos (Mitchill). 
 
 This species is abundant on the Gulf coast of Florida, Alabama, and 
 Mississippi, it is common in the Bermudas, and is found along the Atlantic 
 coast north to Nova Scotia. About Pensacola it is known as the Jurel, and is 
 there an important food fish. 
 
 73. Threadfish. Alectis ciliaris (Bloch). 
 
 The spines of the dorsal and anal fins resembling long silk-like threads, are 
 extended in continuation, which are often three or four times the length of the 
 body. It is found on both coasts of tropical America, and ranges north to Cape 
 Cod. 
 
 74. Blunt-Nosed Shiner. Vomer setipinnis (Mitchill). 
 
 A handsome fish with silvery sides. This species reaches a length of ten or 
 twelve inches, and is an excellent food fish. It ranges the warm waters of the 
 Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and is a summer visitor along the Atlantic coast 
 north to Woods Holl, Mass. 
 
 75. Moonfish; Look-down. Selene vomer (Linnaeus). 
 
 Two or more spines of the dorsal fin are very much elongated as also are 
 several of the spines of the anal fin. It is common on the Atlantic and Pacific 
 coasts southward. The specimens in the Aquarium were taken in Gravesend 
 Bay. 
 
 76. Round Pompano. TracJiinotus falcatus (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species ranges from Cape Cod to Brazil. The young are occasionally 
 taken in Gravesend Bay. It is held in less esteem as a food fish than the 
 Common Pompano. 
 
 77. Blue-fish; Snapper. Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Blue-fish has a wide range in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans; and is 
 found occasionally in the Mediterranean Sea. It is valued highly as a food fish ; 
 it reaches a length of three feet. It is a voracious fish, and is very destructive to 
 other fishes, which it pursues for food. 
 
 78. Butter-fish. Rhombus triacanthus (Peck). 
 
 This fish is found from Maine to Florida, and is quite plentiful on our coast. 
 It is said to reach a length of ten inches. A food fish of fine flavor. 
 
 79. Calico Bass. Pomoxis sparoides (Lacepede). 
 
 The Calico Bass attains a weight of one to two pounds. It is an excellent 
 pan fish; and is a fish well adapted to stocking ponds. It is found from New 
 Jersey to Georgia, in the Great Lake region, and through the Mississippi and 
 Ohio valleys. ** 
 
Peculiar and Grotesque Fishes. 
 
22 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 80. Mud Sunfish. Acantharcus pomotis (Baird). 
 
 The Mud Sunfish is of little value as food ; it attains a length of five or six 
 inches, and is found from New York to South Carolina. 
 
 81. Rock Bass; Red-eye. Ambloplites rupestris (Rafinesque). 
 
 This species of Bass reaches a length of ten to twelve inches ; it is a good 
 food fish. It is found in the lakes of Canada, Vermont, New York and south 
 to Louisiana. 
 
 82. Black-banded Sunfish. Mcsogonistius chcetodon (Baird). 
 
 The sides of this Sunfish have six or eight black vertical bars, the first one 
 through the eye ; it rarely reaches a length of over four inches. It is found in 
 sluggish streams from New Jersey to Maryland. 
 
 83. Long-eared Sunfish. Lepomis megalotis (Rafinesque). 
 
 This is a handsome Sunfish, its color and markings are delicate and ex- 
 tremely variable. This species attains a length of eight inches. It is found in 
 clear streams, and ranges from Minnesota to South Carolina, and southwest to 
 the Rio Grande. 
 
 84. Common Sunfish; Pumpkin-seed. Eupomotis gibossus (Linnaeus). 
 
 A very common but beautiful fish, and easily distinguished from all our 
 other sunfishes by the bright scarlet mark on the gill covers. It is abundant in 
 
 the streams and ponds of New England, New York, in the Great Lake region, 
 
 and coastwise from Maine to Georgia. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 23 
 
 85. Small-mouthed Black Bass. Micropterus dolomieu (Lacepede). 
 
 The Small-mouthed Bass is considered by many anglers as one of our 
 best game fishes. It has an extended range, being found from Lake Champlain 
 
 to Manitoba, and southward to South Carolina and Arkansas. It reaches a 
 length of fifteen inches and more. 
 
 86. Large-mouthed Black Bass. Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede). 
 
 The Large-mouthed Bass grows to a length of eighteen to twenty inches ; 
 it is less esteemed as a game fish than the small-mouthed. The young have a 
 dark or nearly black stripe along the sides ; as the fish grows older the stripe 
 grows less distinct and it may entirely disappear. The Large-mouthed Bass is 
 abundant from the Great Lakes and Red River of the North to Florida, Texas 
 and Mexico. 
 
 87. Pike Perch; Wall-eyed Pike. Stizostedion vitr eum (Mitchill). 
 
 A handsome fish ; above the lateral line it is of a dark olive with a golden 
 tinge and beautifully mottled. It attains a weight of ten to twenty pounds, and 
 
 is highly valued for food. It ranges from the Great Lake region east to Ver- 
 mont, New York and Pennsylvania, and south to Georgia and Alabama. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 88. Yellow Perch. Perca flavescens (Mitchill). 
 
 This fish reaches a length of one foot ; with its golden sides, with broad 
 dark vertical bars, it is a fish of handsome appearance. Ir is found in the Great 
 
 Lakes and in the smaller lakes, and in ponds and coastwise streams from Nova 
 Scotia to North Carolina. 
 
 89. Striped Bass; Rockfish. Rocctis lineatus (Bloch). 
 
 The Striped Bass is abundant on the Atlantic coast of the United States 
 
 from Maine to Florida, and ascends all rivers in the spring to spawn. It is an 
 important game and food fish, and attains a weight of thirty to ninety pounds. 
 
 90- White Perch. Mor one americana (Gmelin). 
 
 This species is found from South Carolina northward along the Atlantic 
 coast of the United States, and to Nova Scotia, ascending streams, and it is 
 very abundant in many fresh water ponds. It is an excellent pan fish, and 
 reaches a length of six to fourteen inches. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 25 
 
 91. Coney ; Butter Fish. Bodianits fulvus (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Coney is found in many waters ; its range of color is very great. It 
 reaches a length of twelve inches. It is recorded from Bermuda, the West 
 Indies, Brazil and the Cape Verde Islands. 
 
 92. Grouper; Hamlet. Epinephelus striatus (Bloch). 
 
 A characteristic of this fish is its power suddenly and radically to change 
 its color. The Grouper attains a length of four feet or more ; it is an important 
 food fish. It is very common in the waters of Bermuda and Key West, and 
 the West Indies to Brazil. 
 
 93. Spotted Hind. Epinephelus adscensionis (Osbeck). 
 
 The Spotted Hind is a very handsome fish ; its color and markings are 
 subject to great variations. The specimens in the Aquarium were taken in 
 Bermuda ; it is also found in the Gulf of Mexico, and in the waters of the West 
 Indies. It attains a length of two feet or more, and is often found in the 
 markets. 
 
 94. RockfiSh. Mycteroperca bonaci [f] (Poey). 
 
 This species attains a length of four to five feet, and is known as one of 
 the choicest of the table fishes of Bermuda. It is found in the W T est Indies and 
 from Florida to Brazil ; it is abundant about Key West. 
 
 95. Princess RockfiSh. Mycteroperca bonaci xanthosticta [f] (Jor- 
 
 dan and Swain). 
 
 A very handsome fish. The general color is light olive, the head and body 
 with dark spots either round or oblong, the soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins 
 with dark spots, the outer edges whitish. The specimens in the Aquarium 
 were taken in Bermuda. It is found also on the Snapper Banks off Pensacola. 
 
 96. Sea Bass. Centropristcs striatus (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Sea Bass reaches our coast in the early part of May, and remains 
 through the summer. It is found along the Atlantic coast from Cape Ann to 
 
26 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 Florida. A food fish of excellent flavor ; it reaches a weight of three pounds 
 and more. 
 
 97. Gray Snapper. Neomcenis griseus (Linnaeus). 
 
 This fish is abundant in the waters of Bermuda; it is distributed along the 
 southern Atlantic coast of the United States and south to Brazil. It attains a 
 length of four feet. It is a delicious food fish. 
 
 98. Red Snapper. Neomcenis hasiingsi (Bean). 
 
 The specimens in the Aquarium were taken in Bermuda, where this fish is 
 often called the Bermuda Red Snapper. It is much esteemed as a food fish. 
 This species attains a weight of ten pounds or more. 
 
 99. Spot Snapper. Mesoprion uninotatus (Cuvier and Valen- 
 
 ciennes). 
 
 The Spot Snapper is easily recognized by an irregular dark spot on the body 
 near the dorsal fin, and also by a number of yellow stripes lengthwise of the 
 body. It is plentiful in the Bermuda Islands. 
 
 100. YellOW-tail. Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch). 
 
 This fish has a yellow stripe along the middle of the body from the gill 
 cover to the base of the caudal fin ; the caudal fin is deeply forked, and is yellow. 
 It is found on the coast of Florida, in the West Indies, and the Bermuda 
 Islands. 
 
 101. Margate-fish. Hcemulon album (Cuvier and Valenciennes). 
 
 The Margate-fish is found in the waters of Brazil ; throughout the West 
 Indies, the Bermuda Islands, and on the Gulf coast of Florida. Jt attains the 
 length of nine to eighteen inches. 
 
 102. Yellow Grant. Hcemulon sciurus (Shaw). 
 
 This fish, like the other species of Grunt, is distinguished by the bright red 
 color of the inside of the mouth and throat. It is a food fish of importance. It 
 is found in the Bermuda Islands, and the West Indies to Brazil. 
 
 103. Striped Grunt. Hcemulon elegans (Cuvier and Valenciennes). 
 
 This is a handsome fish, the sides have many horizontal light blue stripes 
 edged with brown, the dorsal fin is light brown with whitish tip ; caudal fin 
 brown with outer portion nearly white. It is found at Key West, and is plenti- 
 ful in the Bermuda Islands. 
 
 104. Common Grunt. Hcemulon plumieri (Lacepede). 
 
 The Common Grunt is variable in color and markings. The upper portion 
 of body light brown, the lower portion lighter with bluish tinge ; at times a brown 
 stripe is seen along the lateral line, and another one midway between that and 
 the base of dorsal fin. It is found in the Bermuda Islands, and is abundant 
 from Cape Hatteras to Florida. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 105. Common Scup ; Por^y. Stcnotomnschrysops (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Scup is found along the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to South Caro- 
 lina. It attains a weight of two to four pounds. It is a food fish of good 
 flavor. 
 
 106. Sheepshead. Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum). 
 
 This fish derives its name from the resemblance of its profile and teeth to 
 those of a sheep. It ranges from Cape Cod to Florida. Length ten to twenty- 
 inches. Its flesh is considered by many people a delicacy. 
 
28 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 10?. Silver Bream. Diplodus argent ens (Cuvier & Valenciennes). 
 
 The Silver Bream, which is easily identified by a black spot on the body 
 behind the dorsal fin, attains a length of six to twelve inches. It is found in 
 waters of the West Indies, Florida and the Bermudas, and south to Argentina. 
 
 108. Bermuda Chub. Kyphosus sectatrix (Linnaeus). 
 
 This fish is an important food species of Bermuda. It is occasionally 
 taken on our coast. It is found in the West Indies and in the waters of the 
 Canary Islands. 
 
 109. Common Weakfish; Squeteague. Cynoscion regalis (Bloch and 
 
 Schneider). 
 
 The Weakfish ranges from Cape Cod south to Mexico. It is an important 
 food fish, and attains a weight of ten pounds. On the southern coast it is 
 known as the Sea Trout. 
 
 110. Banded Larimus. Larimus fasciatus (Holbrook). 
 
 Specimens of this species have been taken in Gravesend Bay. It is rare 
 north of Chesapeake Bay, but is found south to Galveston, Texas. 
 
 111. Silver Perch. Bairdiella chrysura (Lacepede). 
 
 The Silver Perch does not exceed a length of eleven inches. It is an excel- 
 lent pan fish. This species is found from Long Island to Texas. 
 
 112. Red Drum ; Channel Bass. Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus). 
 The specimen in the aquarium was taken on the coast of New Jersey. It 
 
 ranges south to Texas where it is very abundant. It attains a weight of forty 
 pounds and is much esteemed for food. 
 
 113. Spot; Lafayette. Leiostomns xanthurns (Lacepede). 
 
 The Spot is a good pan fish, and attains a length of six to ten inches. It is 
 found along the Atlantic coast of the United States from Cape Cod to Texas. 
 
 114. King Fish. Menticirrhus saxatilis (Bloch and Schneider). 
 
 The King Fish ranges from Cape Ann to Florida, but is more abundant 
 northward. It is esteemed highly as a food fish. 
 
 115. Drum. Pogonias cromis (Linnaeus). 
 
 This fish reaches a weight of eighty pounds. The teeth of the Drum are 
 extremely heavy, and the jaws so strong that it crushes the shells of oysters, 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 which are its favorite food. It is found on the coast of Long Island south to 
 Mexico. 
 
 116. Sergeant Major ; CowpilOt. Abudefdnf saxattilis (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species rarely reaches a length of more than six inches. It has five 
 black bands, the spaces between them are at times a golden green. This fish 
 is found in the waters of Bermuda and on both coasts of tropical America. 
 
 117. Cunner; Bergall. Tautogolabus adspersns (Walbaum). 
 
 This fish reaches a length of six to twelve inches. It ranges from Labrador 
 to New Jersey ; abundant northward. From Eastport, Maine, to Boston.' 
 
 118. Blackfish; TautOg. Tautoga onitis (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Tautog is found on rocky coasts. It is more or less abundant from 
 New Brunswick to Charleston, South Carolina. It is a food fish of importance. 
 
 119. HogflSh. Laclinolaimiis maximns (Walbaum). 
 
 This fish attains a weight of twenty pounds, and is held in high esteem as 
 a table fish ; the flesh is of excellent flavor. The hogfish is found at Key West, 
 and the waters of the West Indies, and of the Bermuda Islands. 
 
 120. Lady-fish. Harpe rufa (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Lady-fish is very handsome in color. At the Bermudas it is considered 
 an excellent food fish. This species also occurs in the Gulf of Mexico, in the 
 West Indies, at Key West, and south to Brazil. 
 
 121. Green Parrot-fish. Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre) . 
 
 This fish is so named because of its resemblance in colors to the green 
 parrot. It is one of the handsomest fish found in the waters of the Bermuda, 
 and the West India Islands. 
 
 122. Blue Parrot-fish. Scams cceruleus (Bloch). 
 
 This is a very beautiful fish. The head has irregular narrow markings of 
 light blue, and there are spots of the same color on the base of each scale. The 
 specimens in the Aquarium were taken in the waters of Bermuda. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 123. Spade-fish. Chcetodipterus faber (Broussonet). 
 
 The Spade-fish ranges from Cape Cod south, and is said to be abundant on 
 the coast of South Carolina ; it is also found on the coast of Southern California. 
 The Spade-fish is highly esteemed as a food fish. It attains a length of eigh- 
 teen inches. 
 
 124. Four Eyed; Bride Fish. Chceiodon capistratus (Linnaeus). 
 
 It is named Four Eyed from the dark spots on the body near the tail. It is 
 found in the sheltered coves in the waters of Bermuda ; and is recorded from 
 the West Indies. 
 
 125. Angel Fish. Angelichthys ciliaris (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species is found in the West Indies, also in Key West, and is abund- 
 ant in the Bermuda Islands. It attains a weight of four pounds. It is most 
 delicious in flavor, and in the beauty of its hues it far surpasses all the other 
 fishes of Bermuda. 
 
 126. Surge«n-fish. Tent his hepatus (Linnaeus). 
 
 On each side of the body near the base of the tail is a longitudinal groove 
 which contains a sharp lancet-like spine ; the fish thrusts these spines out at 
 nearly right angles to the body ; other fish are liable to injury from them. It is 
 found on the coasts of South Carolina to Florida, the West Indies, and in the 
 waters of Bermuda. 
 
 127. Trigger-fish; Turbot. Balistes carolinensis (Gmelin). 
 
 The Trigger-fish is often seen swimming on its side near the surface of the 
 water. It is taken occasionally on our coast, south to Tortugas ; and at the 
 Bermuda Islands, where it is a food fish of importance. 
 
 128. File-fish. Monacanthus liispidns (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species ranges from Cape Cod south to Florida, the West Indies, 
 and the Bermuda Islands. The File-fish swims with the dorsal and anal fins. 
 
 129. Orange Filefish. Alutera schoepfii (Walbaum). 
 
 The Orange Filefish is found during the warm season north to Cape Cod,, 
 and ranges south to Florida. The young of this species have several dark 
 stripes and blotches on the sides. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 130. Trunk Fish; Triangular Fish. Lactophrys trigonus (Linnaeus). 
 
 A fish of very peculiar shape ; being triangular in form. Its body is covered 
 with a hard case or shell. The Trunk fish attains a length of eight inches. It 
 is found in Bermuda, and from Key West northward to Massachusetts. 
 
 131. Cowflsh. Lactophrys tricornis (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Cowfish has two horn-like spines just above the eyes. It attains a 
 length of twenty inches. This species is found in Chesapeake Bay, south to 
 Texas, eastward to Guinea, and the Cape of Good Hope, and in the waters of 
 Bermuda. 
 
 132. Rabbit-fish. LagocepJialus Icevigatus (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Rabbit-fish is occasionally taken from Cape Hatteras north to Cape 
 Cod. It attains a weight of five to six pounds. 
 
 133. Puffer; Swell-fish. Spheroides maculatus (Bloch & Schneider). 
 
 This species is taken from Cape Ann to Florida ; the young and adult fish 
 are plentiful in Gravesend Bay during warm weather. The puffer is able to in- 
 flate itself with air, taking the form of a ball, whence its name. 
 
 134. Spiny Box Fish. Chilomycterus choepfii (Walbaum). 
 
 The surface of the body is covered with short spines. It is found from 
 Cape Cod to the West Indies. 
 
 135. Millers-Thumb. Uranidea gracilis (Heckel). 
 
 A peculiar little fish, with a habit of hiding under stones and burrowing in 
 sand or gravel on the bottom. It is found in the streams of New England and 
 New York. 
 
 136. Mitchills Sculpin. Acanthocottus ceneus (Mitchill). 
 
 This species is known on this coast by fishermen as the Pigmy Sculpin 
 from its small size. The eggs of this fish have a beautiful green color. It is 
 recorded from the Bay of Fundy to New York. 
 
 13f. Sculpin; Hacklehead. AcantJwcottus octodecimspinosus (Mit- 
 chill). 
 
 This Sculpin is abundant from Labrador to Virginia. It is of little econ- 
 omic value, fishermen often use this species for lobster bait. 
 
 138. Sea Raven. Hemitriptcr us amcricanus (Gmelin). 
 
 The colors of the Sea Raven vary greatly ; some are orange with dark 
 blotches; others are brick red with dark markings. This fish ranges from 
 Chesapeake Bay northward to Nova Scotia. 
 
 139. Lumpfish. Cyclopterus lumpus (Linnaeus). 
 
 This fish is widely distributed, ranging from the Chesapeake Bay to 
 Greenland, and it is found on the coast of France. It has a peculiar suctorial 
 organ on the underside of the body enabling it to cling to rocks and shells. 
 
 140. Toadfish. Opsanus tan (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Toadfish has a broad head and large mouth, which it uses in making a 
 burrow under rocks or stones ; it takes a quantity of gravel in the mouth, swim- 
 ming with it to a little distance, depositing there and repeating the operation 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 until the burrow is large enough to receive its body. This fish ranges from 
 Massachusetts to Florida. 
 
 141. Mutton-fish; Eel Pout. Zoarces agnillaris (Peck). 
 
 In the shape of its body and fins the mutton-fish resembles the eel; its 
 head is larger. Its flesh is like mutton in flavor. It is found from Delaware to 
 Labrador. 
 
 142. Sea Robin; Gurnard. Pr ionotus carolinus (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species is the earliest of the Sea Robin to arrive on this coast in the 
 Spring. The pectoral fins, or wings, as these fins are commonly called by fish- 
 ermen, are very large and beautiful in color. It ranges from Cape Ann to South 
 Carolina. 
 
 143. Red-winged Sea Robin. Prionotus strigatus (Cuvier and 
 
 Valenciennes). 
 
 The Red-winged Sea Robin is so named from the beautiful bright colors of 
 its pectoral fins ; these fins resemble the butterfly wings in color and markings. 
 It is found from Cape Cod to Virginia. 
 
 144. Striped Sea Robin. Prionotus evolans (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species is easily distinguished by the dark stripes along the sides and 
 the very long wings. In some localities the Sea Robin is used for food. 
 
 145. Remora. Echencis naucr cites (Linnaeus). 
 
 The Remora has a flattened oval surface on the top of the head, composed 
 of a number of transverse cartilaginous plates, constituting a sucking disk, which 
 enables it to attach itself to the under side of larger fishes. It is found in the 
 warm waters of the Pacific north to San Francisco and in the Atlantic north to 
 Cape Cod. 
 
 146. Whiting. Merluccius bilinearis (Mitchill). 
 
 This species is found from New Jersey north to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence 
 In the vicinity of the Bay of Fundy this fish is called Silver Hake. 
 
 147. Tom Cod. Microgadus tomcod (Walbaum). 
 
 The Tom Cod ranges from Virginia to Labrador. In several places on the 
 coast it is known as the Frost-fish. In the early part of winter it approaches 
 the shores, and ascends the rivers for the purpose of spawning. The Tom Cod 
 is highly esteemed as a food fish. 
 
 148. Cod. Gadus callarias (Linnaeus). 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 33 
 
 The Codfish is one of the most valuable of the food fishes. It is found in 
 the North Atlantic south to Virginia ; it is abundant on the coast of New Eng- 
 land and New Foundland, The size of the Cod varies greatly in different 
 waters, ranging in weight from three or four to one hundred and sixty pounds. 
 
 149. Burbot ; Lawyer. Lota maculosa (Le Sueur). 
 
 There is a diversity of opinion in regard to the use of the Burbot as a food 
 fish; in some regions it is eaten and in others not. It is found in New York, 
 New England, Canada, and the Columbia River Basin. 
 
 150. Spotted Codling. Phycis regius (Walbaum). 
 
 This species is found in the North Atlantic south to North Carolina. It is 
 said to be abundant in Chesapeake Bay. 
 
 151. Hake. Phycis tenuis (Mitchill). 
 
 Great quantities of the Hake are taken on the coast of Massachusetts, and 
 it is abundant northward. It is salted and dried in the same manner as the 
 Cod. 
 
 152. Fluke; Flounder. Paralicthys dentatus (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species attains a length of sixteen to thirty inches. It is an important 
 food fish. It ranges from Cape Cod to Florida. Several local names are applied 
 to this fish, among them are Summer Flounder and Plaice. 
 
 153. Flatfish. Pseadopleuronectes americana (Walbaum). 
 
 This species is also called Winter Flounder. It reaches a length of fifteen 
 inches. The flesh of this fish is of excellent flavor. It is found on the Atlantic 
 coast of the United States from Chesapeake Bay to Labrador. 
 
 154. American Sole. Ac hints fasciatus (Lacepede). 
 
 The American Sole is of no importance as an article of food. In the aquar- 
 ium it is often seen clinging to the glass or side of the tank. This fish is found 
 from Boston to the mouth of the Mississippi River. 
 
34 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 155, Angler; Goosefish. Lophius piscatorius (Linnaeus). 
 
 This grotesque appearing fish is found on both coasts of the North Atlantic 
 It feeds upon fish of various kinds. In a tank in the .aquarium an Angler has 
 attempted to swallow one of its own kind nearly two-thirds its size. 
 
 156, Climbing: Perch. Anabas scandens (Cuvier). 
 
 This fish is remarkable for its power of living a long time out of water, 
 and making its way on land for considerable distances. It is found in the fresh 
 waters of Cochin China. 
 
 157, Gourami. Asphromenus cantoris. 
 
 A small fresh water fish from the East Indies. A peculiarity of this fish is 
 found in two delicate thread-like appendages attached to the under side of the 
 throat and extending back to the base of the caudal fin. 
 
 158- Tench. Tinea tinea (Linnaeus). 
 
 159 Gold Tench. Variety. 
 
 The Tench is a European fish. It was introduced into the United States. 
 The habits of the Tench are similar to those of the Carp. It is an exceedingly 
 hardy fish. 
 
 The Gold Tench is probably a variety, not a separate species ; its variations 
 in color being apparently the only difference. 
 
 160. Golden Ide. Idus idus (Linnaeus). 
 
 This fish is a native of Europe. It has not as yet become well establishes 
 in any part of the United States. 
 
 REPTILES. 
 
 161. Hawksbill Turtle. Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus). 
 
 This turtle derives its name from the hawk-like shape of its beak. It is val- 
 uable for the plates or scales which cover its shell ; these plates form the tortoise 
 shell of commerce. When the turtle reaches a weight of one hundred pounds 
 the plates are of suitable size and thickness to be used in the arts. 
 
 The Hawksbill Turtle is found in the Gulf of Mexico, among the West 
 Indies, and south to Brazil. 
 
 162. Green Turtle. Chelonia virgata (Schweigger). 
 
 The larger specimen of Green Turtle in the Aquarium was taken in the 
 Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Borneo. It attains a weight of six to eight 
 hundred pounds ; the flesh is an excellent article of food. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 35 
 
 163. Soft-Shell Turtle. Aspidoncctcs spinifer (Le Sueur). 
 
 This species is found in the northern and middle tributaries of the Missis- 
 sippi, and in the Great Lakes. Its flesh is considered a delicate article of food in 
 the regions where it is found. The margin of the shell is cartilaginous. 
 
 164. Snapping Turtle. Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus). 
 
 A widely distributed species, being found in the greater portion of the 
 United States. It reaches a weight of fifteen to thirty pounds, and is esteemed 
 as food. This turtle feeds upon fishes, frogs, and makes incursions on the land, 
 where it catches for food small chickens and turkeys. 
 
 165. Musk Turtle. Aromochelys odorata (Latraille). 
 
 The length of the shell of this turtle is three to four inches. It emits a very 
 disagreeable odor, which prevents its being used for food. It is distributed over 
 a large part of the United States. 
 
 166. Slider Terrapin. Pseudemys rugosa (Shaw). 
 
 This is one of the Fresh-water Terrapins, and inhabits marshy localities. 
 It ranges from New York south to the streams emptying into Chesapeake Bay. 
 It is used for food. 
 
 167. Geographical Terrapin. Malacoclemmys geograp/ikus (Le 
 
 Sueur) . 
 
 This species of Terrapin is not common. The color of upper shell is dark 
 olive brown, with greenish and yellowish markings. It is found in New York 
 and New Jersey. The specimens in the Aquarium were taken in Ohio. 
 
 168. Diamond-back Terrapin. Malacoclemmys palustris (Gmelin). 
 
 This species is found on the Atlantic Coast from Nantucket to Texas, 
 most abundantly on the coasts of Chesapeake Bay and the Carolinas. It 
 inhabits the salt marshes near the coast. The Diamond-back is highly esteemed 
 for food. 
 
 169. Pond Turtle. Chrysemys pkta (Herman). 
 
 The shell of the Pond Turtle reaches a length of six to seven inches. It 
 lives in ponds and ditches, and is often seen on floating logs. It ranges from 
 Nova Scotia to Wisconsin, southward to Georgia and Louisiana. 
 
 170. Box Turtle. Cistudo Carolina (Linnaeus). 
 
 This species of Turtle has the power of enclosing the head and limbs 
 within the shell ; whence the name Box Turtle. It is distributed over the 
 northern portion of the United States, from the eastern coast to the Mississippi 
 River. 
 
 171. Spotted Turtle. CJielopus guttatns (Schweigger). 
 
 The Spotted Turtle is a species of little importance, being of small size. 
 Its name is derived from the yellow spots on the upper shell. It ranges over 
 the New England States, New York, and Pennsylvania to Ohio. 
 
 172. Wood Turtle; Striated Turtle. Chelopus insculptus (Le 
 
 Conte). 
 
 The markings on the plates of the upper shell of this turtle are quite distinct 
 and have the appearance of sculpture. It is found from Maine to New York, 
 and Pennsylvania to Ohio. 
 
36 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 173. Blanding'S Terrapin. Emys meleagris (Shaw). 
 
 A rare species of Turtle and little is known of its habits. The specimen in 
 the Aquarium was taken in Ohio. It is found in the New England States west- 
 ward to Wisconsin. 
 
 BATRACHIANS, 
 
 174. Newt; Spotted Triton. Diemyctylus viridescens (Rafinesque). 
 The Newt is at first a tadpole and does not become perfect in form until 
 
 several weeks after hatching. The Newt inhabits ponds and ditches of still 
 water. It feeds upon water insects and worms. 
 
 If 5. Mud-puppy. Menobranchus lateralis (Say). 
 
 The gills of the Mud-puppy are external, in the form of fringed tufts, three 
 
 on each side. The body is brown with dark spots. The Mud-puppy is found 
 
 in the Eastern States, the Great Lakes and tributaries. 
 
 176. Hellbender. Cryptobranchus alleghaniensis (Harlan). 
 
 The Hellbender has a broad head and small eyes ; there is a prominent 
 fold of skin along the sides of the body. It is found in New York State, in the 
 Alleghany River and the tributaries of the Ohio River. 
 
 177. Common Bull-frog. Rana catesbiana (Shaw). 
 
 This species is the largest of its kind that inhabits North America. It feeds 
 upon insects, small fishes, tadpoles and small frogs. The bull-frog is found 
 •over the greater portion of the United States. 
 
 178. Green-frog:; Spring-frog:. Rana clamata (Daudin). 
 
 The Green Frog or Spring Frog is the first species heard in the spring. 
 It does not hunt for food on the land. This frog inhabits swamps and marshes 
 which are in proximity to ponds and streams. It ranges through the Eastera 
 and Central States northward to Canada. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 179. Leopard Frog. Rana virescens (Kahn). 
 
 A very widely distributed species, it ranges from Maine west to the Sierra 
 Nevada Mountains, and from Canada south to Central America. Its usual 
 color is bright green, with irregular dark brown or black spots, and olive green 
 blotches. 
 
 CRUSTACEANS. 
 
 180. Lobster. Homarus americanus (Edwards). 
 
 The American Lobster ranges from Delaware to Labrador, it is most 
 abundant on the coast of Maine. The lobster varies greatly in color, some are 
 yellowish red with mottlings of green, others have blue mottlings. A lobster 
 measuring forty-two inches in length was caught on the coast of New Jersey in 
 March 1897, it weighed thirty pounds. 
 
 181. Rock-crab. Cancer irroratus (Say). 
 
 This species is often found hiding under stones and rocks near low water 
 mark. It attains a size of three or four inches across the shell. The Rock- 
 crab ranges from Labrador to South Carolina. 
 
 182. Mud-crab. Panopeus depresstis (Smith). 
 
 A small crab, and rarely attains a length of more than two inches. Its 
 body is flattened. The large claws are unequal in size. This species is found 
 from Cape Cod to Florida. 
 
 183. Green-crab. Carcinns granulatus (Say). 
 
 This species is conspicuous, because of its bright green color and yellow 
 spots. It is found under the stones near the high water mark, and also in tidal 
 pools. The Green-crab ranges from Cape Cod south probably as far as Florida. 
 
 184. Lady-crab; Sand-crab. Platyonichns occellatus (Latreille). 
 
 This is a very handsome crab. Its color is light gray, with spots formed 
 by smali red and purple specks. The Lady-crab is provided with swimming 
 organs, on the rear part of the body, enabling it to swim quite rapidly. It is 
 found from Cape Cod to Florida. 
 
 185. Blue-crab; Edible-crab. Callincctes hastatus (Ordway). 
 The Blue-crab, like the Lady-crab, has swimming organs resembling flat- 
 tened legs. It can be easily distinguished from all the other species in these 
 waters by the sharp spine on each side of the shell. This crab inhabits muddy 
 bottoms. It ranges from Massachusetts Bay to Florida. 
 
 186. Spider-crab. Libinia canalicnlata (Say). 
 
 This is a curious crab, with long spider-like legs. It inhabits sandy shores, 
 but more commonly makes its home on muddy bottoms in which it hides. It is 
 found from Cape Cod to Florida. 
 
 18T. Small Hermit Crab. Eupagurns longicarpus (Stimpson). 
 
 An interesting little crab, living in an empty spiral shell of some of the gas- 
 tropods or snails, which it seeks for the protection of the rear portion of its body 
 which is soft. When it has outgrown the shell the crab looks up a larger one, 
 and after careful examination of it, inside and out, if suited, It leaves the one it 
 
38 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 has been occupying and backs into the larger one. In case of danger die Her- 
 mit-crab withdraws its entire body inside the shell, using the large claws to 
 close the aperture. It is found from Massachusetts Bay to South Carolina. 
 
 188. Large Hermit Crab. Eupagurus pollicaris (Stimpson). 
 
 This is a much larger species than E. longicarpus. It has shorter and 
 thicker claws, and necessarily occupies larger shells. Its habits are similar to 
 those of the smaller species. It ranges from Massachusetts Bay to Florida. 
 
 189. Land Hermit Crab. Cenobita diogenes. 
 
 The Land Hermit-Crab, as its name indicates, inhabits the land ; it occu- 
 pies some shell obtained from a neighboring beach. It visits the sea to moisten 
 its gills. This crab feeds upon the cocoanut and banana. It is found in the 
 West India Islands, and in the states bordering on the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 190. Horseshoe Crab; King Crab. Limulus polyphemus (Latreille). 
 
 An inhabitant of sandy shores, but it is more abundant on muddy bottoms. 
 It burrows just beneath the surface of the sand or mud, It is found from Maine 
 to Florida. 
 
 191. Fiddler Crab ; Soldier Crab. Gelasimus pugilator (Latreille). 
 
 This species of Fiddler Crab is found upon muddy and sandy flats and 
 beaches. It ranges from Cape Cod to Florida. The Fiddler Crab excavates a 
 hole for a burrow above the tides. 
 
 192. Cray-fish; Craw-fish. Cambarus affinis (Erichson). 
 
 This is the largest of fresh-water crustaceans. It is found in many of the 
 streams of the United States. The Cray-fishes strongly resemble the Lobster, 
 to which they are closely related. 
 
 193. Spiny Lobster. Palinurus vulgaris. 
 
 A native of Bermuda. It is highly esteemed for food. The bright colors and 
 mottlings, with the long slender antennas which project forward from the head, 
 and the curved horns over the eyes, distinguish this species from the common 
 Lobster. 
 
 194. Sand Shrimp. Crangon vulgaris (Fabricus). 
 
 This species of shrimp is abundant on sandy shores, from South Carolina 
 to Labrador. It imitates closely in color the sand in which it buries itself. In 
 some localities it is used for food. 
 
 195. Silver Shrimp. My sis stenolepis (Smith). 
 
 It is found on muddy shores among the eel grass. It is sold in some of the 
 markets for fish bait ; large quantities of this shrimp are used in the Aquarium 
 as food for fishes. 
 
 196. Ivory Barnacle. Balanus eburneus (Gould). 
 
 This species is abundant on submerged wood work and on the piles and 
 timbers of the wharves. It is easily distinguished from all other species because 
 of its smooth white shell. 
 
 19T. Goose Barnacle. Lepas fascicularis (Elis and Solander). 
 
 The Goose Barnacle adheres to floating sea weed, pieces of wood, and to 
 the bottom of vessels, by a fleshy stem which is about the length of the shelly 
 part. It lives but a short time in aquariums. 
 
4° THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE. 
 
 ANNELIDS. 
 
 198* Tube Worm. Cistenides gouldii (Verrill). 
 
 This is a very interesting worm ; it constructs a conical, slightly curved 
 tube of grains of sand in a single layer, the grains being held together by a 
 water proof cement, a secretion of the tube-worm. It is found from Cape Cod 
 to New Jersey, 
 
 199. Serpula. Serpula dianthus (Verrill). 
 
 This worm surrounds itself with a very crooked calcareous tube generally 
 attached to shells ; it lives . in colonies. It has beautifully colored, delicate, 
 feather-like gills, which protrude from the tube ; being disturbed it immediately 
 draws its gills back out of sight. It is found from Cape Cod to New Jersey. 
 
 200. Sabella. Sabella microphthalma (Verrill). 
 
 An annelid, or worm, and is related to Serpula ; its tube, which is tough 
 and flexible, is constructed of fine sand and other substances, glued together 
 with the special secretions of the animal. The branchiae or gills of the Sabella 
 resemble those of the Serpula. It is found from Vineyard Haven to New 
 Jersey. 
 
 MOLLUSKS. 
 
 201. Devil-fish. Octopus vulgaris. 
 
 Its body has the form of a round bag, its head is small with two large 
 eyes, it has eight long tapering arms joined at their base by a web ; each arm 
 has two rows of sucking discs. The octopus uses its arms for climbing and 
 crawling, and in catching and holding its prey. It feeds upon crabs and fisheL. 
 The aquarium has received several specimens from Bermuda, but they only 
 live a few days in the tanks. 
 
 202. Common Squid. Loligo pealii (Le Sueur). 
 
 This species attains a length of twelve inches, its color is changeable. 
 The Squid is used for bait, and it is an important factor in the food supply for 
 many of our larger edible fishes. It is found from Massachusetts to South 
 Carolina. 
 
 203. Oyster. Ostrea virginiana (Lister). 
 
 This species of Oyster is found from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Tampa 
 Bay. The Oyster grows rapidly in localities with a soft mud bottom, where 
 there is an abundant supply of food. The Star-fish and DriU destroy many 
 oysters. 
 
 204. Quahog ; Hard Shelled Clam. Venus mercenaria (Linne). 
 
 The Quahog is abundant from Cape Cod to Florida. As an article of food 
 it ranks next to the Oyster in the United States, and it is also extensively used 
 as bait. It is found on sandy and muddy flats, a short distance beyond low- 
 water mark. 
 
 205. Soft-Shelled Clam ; Long-Clam. Mya arenaria (Linne). 
 
 It buries itself beneath the sand and mud in permanent burrows ; its long 
 siphon-tubes can be extended a foot or more. On the coast of New England 
 
222 
 
 IfOLLUSKS. 
 
42 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 large quantities of this species are salted to be used as bait in cod-fish?*v it 
 is found from Maine to South Carolina. 
 
 206. Edible Mussel. Mytilus edulis (Linne). 
 
 It is found in great numbers on rocky shores, from the Arctic Ocean to 
 North Carolina. It attaches itself by byssus threads to timbers and rocks. In 
 New York large quantities of this mussel are pickled to be used as food. 
 
 20?. Horse Mussel. Modiola modiolus (Turton). 
 
 This Mussel lives in crevices between the rocks at extreme low-water, 
 partly buried in the gravel and firmly attached. Like the Edible Mussel it is 
 devoured by several species of fishes. It is found from Greenland to New 
 Jersey. 
 
 208. Razor -Shell. Ensatella americana (Verrill). 
 
 The shell is long, narrow and slightly curved, and is quite smooth. It is 
 found on sandy bottoms, from Labrador to Florida. It burrows in the sand 
 from two to three feet. 
 
 209. Scallop. Pec ten irradians (Lamarck). 
 
 The shells vary in color, they are dark, with yellow, reddish, and light bands 
 or mottlings. The large muscle which it uses to open and close its shell, is the 
 portion used for food. It is found in sheltered places, from Cape Cod to Florida, 
 and on the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 210. Ship-worm. Teredo navalis (Linne). 
 
 Though generally known as Ship-worm it is not a worm, but a true mol- 
 lusk, and is related to the long-clam. The Teredo excavates or bores its hole 
 or burrow in submerged wood for its protection. It does great damage to 
 ships, piles and timbers of wharves. This species is abundar t on the Atlantic 
 coast of the United States, and coasts of Europe. 
 
 211. Winkle. Sycotypus canaliculatus (Gill). 
 
 This is one of the largest of the mollusks of the Atlantic coast north of the 
 tropics. This species is easily recognized by a spiral groove running around 
 the tops of the whorls. It does great damage to the oyster. It is found from 
 Cape Cod to Florida, and on the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 212. Pear-Conch. Fulgur carica (Conrad). 
 
 On the coast of New Jersey and southward it reaches a very large size. 
 This species is recognized by the tubercles or projections on the angles of its 
 whorls. The eggs of both the Winkle and the Pear-Conch are discharged in a 
 series of disk-shaped yellowish capsules three-fourths to one inch in diameter, 
 which are united on the edge by a stout flexible stem ; there may be fifty or 
 seventy-five capsules in a series, each one containing fifty or sixty eggs or 
 embryo Winkles or Pear-Conchs. It is found from Cape Cod to Florida. 
 
 213. Natica. Lunatia lieros (Adams). 
 
 This species is found from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to Georgia. The 
 shell is nearly round. When it moves the white soft parts are spread out till 
 they nearly conceal the shell. The foot when extended is large and flat with 
 thin edges, which enables the animal to burrow beneath the surface of the sand, 
 which it does for protection or in search of food. 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 214. Nassa. Illynassa obsoleta (Stimpson). 
 
 This is found on flats and muddy bottoms in almost countless numbers 
 from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to Florida. It is a scavenger, and may be 
 seen gliding along the sides or bottom of many of the tanks in the aquarium 
 in search of food. 
 
 215. Drill. Urosalpinx cinerca (Stimpson). 
 
 The Drill feeds upon oysters and other bivalves by drilling a round hole in 
 the shells with the sharp hard teeth that cover its tongue, then sucking out the 
 contents. It is abundant in Long Island Sound and on the coast of the Middle 
 States bordering on the Atlantic. 
 
 216. Boat-Shell. Crepidula fornicator (Lamarck). 
 
 This univalve adheres to both living and dead bivalve and other shells. 
 The shell resembles a boat with a rounded bottom, the inside is half-covered by 
 a flat partition. It is found from Massachusetts to Florida. 
 
 21 7. Jingle-Shell. Anomia globra (Verrill). 
 
 Its shell is very thin and delicate in appearance and of a beautiful golden 
 or silver hue. It gives out a metallic sound when blown by the wind along a 
 pebbly beach. 
 
 ASCIDIANS. 
 
 218. Sea-Squirt. Molgula manhattensis (Verrill). 
 
 It is found adhering to the underside of rocks, on piles, and sea weeds. Its 
 form is rounded with two short tubes on the upper part of its body. The color 
 is yellowish or light olive green. When it is pressed with the fingers the ani- 
 mal contracts and throws out of its tubes small jets of water, hence its name, 
 
 ECHINODERMS. 
 
 219. Sand Dollar. Echinar admins par via (Gray). 
 
 The Sand-Dollar is from an inch and a half to three inches across. It 
 moves slowly by means of numerous minute spines or bristles, which the 
 animal can extend or contract. Its range is from Labrador to New Jersey. 
 
 220. Star-fish. Asterias arenicola (Stimpson). 
 
 The Star-fish has five flexible arms or rays ; it is abundant on rocky and 
 shelly bottoms ; it feeds upon oysters and mussels. If the animal is torn apart 
 and thrown into the water, each arm has the power of reproducing all parts, and 
 in time it becomes a perfect Star-fish, It is found from Massachusetts to 
 Florida. 
 
 221. Brittle Star fish. Ophiura olivacea (Lyman). 
 
 It is found among rocks and eel grass, and sometimes on sandy shores. 
 The arms of this Star-fish radiate from a well defined central disk ; they are 
 slender and somewhat stiff. It is found from Cape Cod to North Carolina. 
 
 222. Sea-urchin. Arbacia punctnlaia (Gray). 
 
 This species of Sea-urchin has rather stout and long purple spines ; a part 
 of the upper surface is nearly devoid of spines. It is found in Long Island 
 Sound, and Vineyard Sound to the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
44 
 
 THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 POLYPS 
 
 223. Fringed Sea- Anemone. Metridium marginatum (Milne- 
 
 Edwards). 
 
 When fully distended the form of this Anemone is very graceful. Its ten- 
 tacles are fine and delicate, and cover the upper disk nearly half the distance to 
 the mouth. The colors are varied, including many shades of brown with 
 mottlings of white, orange, salmon and flesh color. This species is found from 
 Labrador to New Jersey. 
 
 224. White-armed Anemone. Sagartia leucolena (Verrill). 
 
 The colors are white, light gray and flesh color. The body is rarely more 
 than one half inch in diameter ; it distends itself to three or four inches in 
 length, and the tentacles to a length of one inch or more. It is found from 
 Cape Cod to North Carolina. 
 
 225. Long-armed Anemone. Actinia anguic -or -ma (West). 
 
 Its body is short and the diameter rarely more than three-fourths of an 
 inch ; the tentacles are very long and slender, The color is olive green with 
 several yellow or brown stripes extending from the upper to the lower disk, 
 
 226. StOUt-armed Anemone. Tealia crassicornis. 
 
 This is the largest species of anemones existing on this coast, specimens of 
 various colors and mottlings are found on rocky bottoms in some localities on 
 the south coast of Long Island. It is easily distinguished by its short and stout 
 tentacles. 
 
 227. Bermuda Anemone. Actinia mesembryanthemum. 
 
 A very handsome species of various colors ; some specimens have a dark 
 red body with light red tentacles, others having an olive green body and salmon 
 colored tentacles. It is abundant about the Bermuda Islands. 
 
 228. Northern Coral. Astrangia dance (Agassiz). 
 
 This coral is found on rocky bottoms from Cape Cod to Florida, and in 
 Long Island Sound on rocks, pebbles and shells. The polyp of this species 
 can extend its body to a length of nearly an inch ; it is generally whitish, the 
 tentacles covered with minute warty prominences. It secretes the corallum at 
 the base only. 
 
 BALANCED AQUARIA. 
 
 The illustration on page 45 represents a small balanced aquarium, with 
 fresh water plants aud animals. To keep fish alive in an aquarium there must 
 be a supply of oxygen. It is probable that a majority of the people who keep 
 in the house a few gold fish in a globe or tank provide the fish with air by chang- 
 ing the water, but the air in the water is soon exhausted and the fish may suffer 
 or die before the water is again changed. In a balanced jar or tank the water 
 plants with the aid of light are constantly producing oxygen, thereby providing 
 the animal life with air and also keeping the water pure ; the animals give off 
 carbonic acid gas, which the vegetation requires for its growth. It is well to 
 use on the bottom of the aquarium fine gravel of sufficient depth to cover the 
 roots of the plants and to hold them in place ; to prevent the clusters of plants 
 from floating, wind narrow strips of sheet lead loosely around the lower end of 
 the stalks The best plan is to put the gravel, plants and water in the aquarium 
 and place it near a window where it will get sufficient light, thus starting aera- 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 45 
 
 tion before putting in any animal life. Be sure to have plenty of plants ; do not 
 overstock with animals. All dead matter, both animal and vegetable, should 
 be removed daily. Quite small fish will thrive best and will be less destructive 
 to the plants. Newts, tadpoles and a few small snails, as for instance the 
 Physse and Planorbis, are interesting. The newt, a comic acrobat, is an amus- 
 
 ing little animal. The five-spined stickleback, Eucalia inconstans, is a very in- 
 teresting little fish ; it is one of the nest builders. Even if you do not meet with 
 entire success at first, if you persist you will be well repaid, for a balanced 
 aquarium is both beautiful and instructive. 
 
 31a. Green Moray. Lycodontis funebris (Ranzani). 
 
 This species of Moray is known to reach a length of twelve to fifteen feet 
 and probably more ; it is extremely ferocious and when caught fights viciously, 
 biting anything within reach. The teeth are situated along the edge of the 
 upper and lower jaws, also on the front of the vomer or roof of the mouth ; the 
 
 teeth of the Moray are very sharp and incline backward toward the throat. 
 Its breathing is peculiar, opening the mouth quite wide taking in a quantity 
 of water which distends the throat and cheeks; as the mouth closes and the 
 throat and cheeks are contracted the water is forced through the gill openings 
 which are nearly round, flexible and small. The flesh of the Green Moray is 
 said to be of excellent flavor and is highly esteemed by epicures. It is found 
 in the tropical and subtropical waters of America on the Atlantic and Pacific 
 coae»s. 
 
 Ti< e Green Moray is quite plentiful about rocks and coral reefs. 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Albino Catfish n 
 
 Amber Fish 18 
 
 American Sole 33 
 
 Angel Fish 30 
 
 Angler . . 34 
 
 Atlantic Salmon 14 
 
 Balanced Aquaria .. 4 + 
 
 Banded Pickerel 16 
 
 Banded Pilot 18 
 
 Banded Larimus 28 
 
 Barndoor Skate 9 
 
 Bermuda Anemone 44 
 
 Bermuda Chub 28 
 
 Black-banded Sunfish 22 
 
 Blackfish 29 
 
 Blandings Terrapin 36 
 
 Bluefish 20 
 
 Blue Parrotfish 29 
 
 Blue Crab 37 
 
 Blunt Nosed Shiner 20 
 
 Boat, Shell 43 
 
 Box Turtle 35 
 
 Brittle Starfish 43 
 
 Brook Sucker n 
 
 Brook Trout 16 
 
 Brook Stickel back 17 
 
 Brown Trout 15 
 
 Bullhead 11 
 
 Burbot 33 
 
 Butterfish 20 
 
 Calico Bass 20 
 
 Carp 11 
 
 Chub 12 
 
 Chub Sucker 11 
 
 Chain Pickerel 16 
 
 Climbing Perch. 34 
 
 Cod 32 
 
 Common Grunt 26 
 
 Common Killifish 17 
 
 Common Skate 9 
 
 Common Sting Ray 9 
 
 Common Sturgeon 9 
 
 Common Spotted Moray 13 
 
 Common vShad 13 
 
 Common Sunfish 22 
 
 Common Scup 27 
 
 Common Squid 40 
 
 Common Bull-frog 36 
 
 Common Weakfish 28 
 
 Coney 25 
 
 Conger Eel 13 
 
 Cowfish 31 
 
 Crayfish 38 
 
 Crevalle 20 
 
 Cunner 29 
 
 Devilfish 40 
 
 Diamond-back Terrapin 35 
 
 Drill 43 
 
 Drum 28 
 
 Edible Mussel 42 
 
 Fiddler Crab ... 38 
 
 Filefish. 30 
 
 Flatfish 33 
 
 Fluke 33 
 
 Four Eyed 30 
 
 Four-Spined Stickleback 18 
 
 Fresh Water Eel 12 
 
 Fresh Water Killifish 17 
 
 Fringed Sea Anemone 44 
 
 Geographical Terrapin 35 
 
 Glut Herring 13 
 
 Golden Ide 34 
 
 Goldfish 12 
 
 Gold Tench 34 
 
 Goose Barnacle 3 8 
 
 Gourami 
 
 Gray Snapper 
 
 Green Moray 
 
 Green-crab 
 
 Green Frog 
 
 Green Parrotfish 
 
 Green Turtle 
 
 Grouper 
 
 Hake 
 
 Harbor Seal 
 
 Hard-Tail 
 
 Hawksbill Turtle 
 
 Hellbender 
 
 Hickory Shad 
 
 Hogfish 
 
 Horned Dogfish 
 
 Horse Mussel 
 
 Horseshoe Crab 
 
 Hybrid Trout 
 
 Ivory Barnacle 
 
 Jingle-Shell 
 
 Killifish 
 
 Kingfish 
 
 Labrador Whitefish 
 
 Lady-Crab 
 
 Lady-Fish 
 
 Lake Trout 
 
 Lamprey 
 
 Land Hermit Crab 
 
 Land-Locked Salmon 
 
 Large Hermit Crab 
 
 Large-Mouthed Black Bass 
 
 Leather Carp 
 
 Leopard Frog 
 
 Lobster 
 
 Long-Armed Anemone 
 
 Long-Eared Sunfish 
 
 Long-Nosed Gar 
 
 Lumpfish 
 
 Margate Fish 
 
 Mascalonge 
 
 Menhaden 
 
 Millers Thumb 
 
 Mirror Carp 
 
 Mitchills Sculpin 
 
 Moonfish 
 
 Mud-Crab 
 
 Mudfish 
 
 Mud Minnow 
 
 Mud puppy 
 
 Mud Sunfish 
 
 Musk Turtle 
 
 Mutton-fish 
 
 Nassa 
 
 Natica — . 
 
 Newt 
 
 Nine-spined Stickleback 
 
 Northern Coral 
 
 Ouananiche 
 
 Orange Filefish 
 
 Oyster 
 
 Pear Conch 
 
 Pearl Roach 
 
 Pike : 
 
 Pike Perch 
 
 Pipefish 
 
 Pirate Perch 
 
 Pond Turtle 
 
 Princess Rockfish 
 
 Puffer 
 
 Quahog • 
 
 Quinnat Salmon 
 
 Rabbit Fish 
 
 Rainbow Trout 
 
 Razor-Shell 
 
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM GUIDE 
 
 47 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Red Drum 28 
 
 Redfin 12 
 
 Red Snapper 26 
 
 Red Winged Sea Robin 32 
 
 Remora 32 
 
 Roach 12 
 
 Rock Bass 22 
 
 Rock Crab 37 
 
 Rockfish 25 
 
 Round Pompano 20 
 
 Round Whitefish 13 
 
 Sabella 40 
 
 Sand Doller 43 
 
 Sand Shark 8 
 
 Sand Shrimp 38 
 
 Scallop 42 
 
 Sculpin 31 
 
 Sea Bass 25 
 
 Sea-horse 18 
 
 Sea Raven 31 
 
 Sea Robin 32 
 
 Sea Squirt 43 
 
 Sea Urchin 43 
 
 Sergeant Major 29 
 
 Serpula 40 
 
 Sheepshead . 27 
 
 Shehpshead Lebia 17 
 
 Ship-worm 42 
 
 Short Nosed Sturgeon 10 
 
 Silver Bream 28 
 
 Silver Perch 28 
 
 Silver Shrimp 38 
 
 Silverside 18 
 
 Slider Terrapin 35 
 
 Small Hermit Crab 37 
 
 Small Mouthed Black Bass 23 
 
 Smelt 16 
 
 Smooth Dogfish 8 
 
 Snapping Turtle 35 
 
 Soft Shelled Clam 40 
 
 Soft Shell Turtle 35 
 
 Spade-fish 30 
 
 Spider Crab 37 
 
 Spiny Box Fish 31 
 
 Spiny Lobster 38 
 
 Spot 28 
 
 Spot Snapper 26 
 
 Spotted Catfish 10 
 
 .Spotted Codling 33 
 
 Spotted Hind 25 
 
 Spotted Turtle 3 e 
 
 Squirrel-Fish "18 
 
 Star-Fish 43 
 
 Steelhead 15 
 
 Stout- Armed Anemone 44 
 
 Striped Bass 24 
 
 Striped Grunt 26 
 
 Striped Mullet 18 
 
 Striped Sea Robin 32 
 
 Surgeon-Fish 30 
 
 Swiss Lake Trout 15 
 
 Tench 34 
 
 Thread fish 20 
 
 Toad-Fish 31 
 
 Tom-Cod 32 
 
 Trigger-Fish 30 
 
 Trunk-Fish 31 
 
 Tube-worm 40 
 
 Two-Spined Stickleback i 7 
 
 West Indian Seal 7 
 
 White-Armed Anemone 44 
 
 White Cat 10 
 
 White Perch 24 
 
 Whiting 32 
 
 White Whale 6 
 
 Winkle 42 
 
 Wood Turtle 35 
 
 Yellow Grunt 26 
 
 Yellow Perch 24 
 
 Yellow-Tail 26 
 
A HISTORY OF THE WORLD'S FISHERIES. 
 
 THE FISHING GAZETTE. 
 
 (ESTABLISHED 1884 ) 
 
 The Official Organ and recognized authority for everything pertaining to 
 the Fishing Industry. It circulates throughout the world. Published weekly 
 in the interests of the Producer, Distributor a?id Consumer of Fresh and 
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 Fish, Oysters, Clams, Lobsters, etc., and the auxiliary branches of the trade. 
 
 A SPECIAL FEATURE.— Daily quotations of the Fish and Oyster 
 markets of this country, and prevailing conditions of foreign markets through 
 correspondence. 
 
 A valuable mediutn for the Advertiser wishing to reach the trade. 
 
 Price of subscription, payable in advance: To United States and Canada, $1.00 per 
 year, postpaid; To Foreign Countries, $2.00 per year, postpaid. 
 
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 Address: THE FISHING GAZETTE, 
 Mail & Express Building, = = 203 Broadway, New York. 
 
 The only weekly publication in the world devoted exclusively ta the Commercial Fisheries. 
 
 AVEWY 
 CLASSICS 
 
 i