Fishes

A GOLDEN GUIDE®

Complete your collection of Golden Guides and Golden Field Guides! GOLDEN GUIDES BATS OF THE WORLD BIRD LIFE

•

BIRDS

DINOSAURS FISHING

•

•

•

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

EXPLORING SPACE

FLOWERS

INDIAN ARTS

FOSSILS

•

INSECTS

•

PLANETS

•

•

•

•

FISHES

GEOLOGY

MAMMALS

POND LIFE

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS ROCKS AND MINERALS SEASHELLS OF THE WORLD

:!]

SEASHORES

•

SKY OBSERVER'S GUIDE

SPIDERS AND THEIR KIN TROPICAL FISH

•

•

STARS

•

TREES

VENOMOUS ANIMALS

WEATHER

•

WEEDS

WHALES AND OTHER MARINE MAMMALS

GOLDEN FIELD GUIDES BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA EASTERN BIRDS REPTILES OF NORTH AMERICA ROCKS AND MINERALS SEASHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA SKYGUIDE TREES OF NORTH AMERICA WILDFLOWERS OF NORTH AMERICA

Golden®, Golden Guide®, and Golden Press® are trademarks of Western Publishing Company, Inc.

278 FISHES IN FULL COLOR

FISHES A GUIDE TO FRESH - AND SALT-WATER SPECIES by HERBERT S. ZIM, PH.D. and HURST H. SHOEMAKER, PH.D. Associate Professor of Zoology Emeritus University of Illinois

Il lustrated by JAMES GORDON IRVING

� GOLDEN PRESS

•

NEW YORK

Western Publishing Company, Inc. Racine, Wisconsin

,

F O R EWO R D Golden Trout

Queen Triggerfish

F i shes have lived on the earth l onger than any other backboned a n i m a l s and show greater d iversi t y in their way of l ife . If i n terest i n fishes can be judged by i n terest i n fi s h i n g , they a re the most popu lar a n i m a l s , too . With this book, the Golden G u ides now encompass a l l the ver­ tebrates-fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. L i ke previ ous Guides, the m a k i n g of t h i s book was a cooperative effort of authors, experts, a r t i sts, a n d pub­ l i shers . We wish to thank the fo l l owing organ izations for the assi stance they have g iven : U n iversity of I l l i no i s Mu­ seum of Natural H i story; U . S . Fish and W i l d l ife Service; Gulf Coast Resea rch laboratory; The U . S . N a t i o n a l Museum ; S c r i p p s I nstitution of Ocea nogra phy; I l l i n o i s N a tura l H i story Survey; and t h e C h i ca g o N a t u r a l H i s ­ t o r y Museu m . I ndividual h e l p from experts has been bountifu l . May we especia l l y thank Reeve M. B a i l ey, Frederick M . Bayer, Ha rvey R . B u l l i s , J r. , J o h n E . F itch, J o h n R . Greeley, Gordon Gunter, Dona l d F. H offmeis­ ter, C a r l l . H u bbs, R. We ldon la rimore, George G. lower, lawrence Page, Wa l d o l . Schmitt, leonard P. Sch u l tz, Henry F. Shirtz, Stewa rt Springer, Thomas Uz­ zel l , loren P. Woods, and M i l ton W. Zi m . H . S . Z. H . H . S. Revised Edition. 1987 ©Copyright 1987, 1955 by Western Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means, including the makin9 of copies by any photo process, or by any electronic or mechanical device, pnnted or written or oral. or recording for sound or visual reproduction or for use in any knowledge retrieval system or device, unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietor. Produced in the U.S.A. Published by Golden Press, New York, N.Y. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 618322. ISBN 0-307-24059-2

2

0

US

T

5

This book is a n i ntroduction to the world of fi shes-a n i m portant part of the g reater wor l d of aquatic l i fe . It i s pri m a r i l y a g u i d e to fi shes as l i v i n g a n i m a l s a nd hence attempts to i n c l ud e most of the common fresh- a n d salt­ water fi shes of N orth American waters . One problem i n learn i n g about fi shes i s that they are not eas i l y seen except at a n aquari u m , o r when caug h t . So, b e prepa red to identify fi shes b y u s i ng t h i s book before ha n d . Fa m i l iarity with fi shes g a i ned by t h u m b i n g t h r o u g h p a g e s at odd m oments may e n a b l e you to make rough identifications at s i g h t . U se t h i s book as a n "arm­ c h a i r" g u i d e , but a l so take it i nto the fie l d with you , for that i s where it can be used best . On fi s h i n g trips take it a l ong i n a p l a stic bag . Use the table o n the next two pages t o h e l p place i n its proper group the fi sh you wish t o identify. Then l o o k t h r o u g h the proper sect i o n of t h e b o o k f o r a p i cture o f t h e fi s h , o r one l i ke i t . Remem ber that o n l y the m o r e common species a re i l l ustrated . Their scientific n a m e s are o n p p . 154-157. With these are a bbreviations i n d i ­ c a t i n g where the fi shes a re found . Such notations refer to the species i l l ustrated , not necessa r i l y to the entire genus o r fa m i l y. As a further h e l p on ocean l ife, use S E AS H O R E S , another G o l d e n G u i d e . T h e book l i st o n p . 153 i ntro­ duces more advanced books . I n using these, you may fi nd it advantageous to know the scientifi c names of fi shes .

A

GU I D E

TO

THE

M AJ O R

The main groups of

fishes

�....-!II.IIIIIII.IJI, S H ARKS and

RAYS Have five or m ore gill openings, scales placoid, thornlike, or absent ( term s are given an p. 12) . • • • • 20-29

�....,.!!lll!lil!!�>o-

STURGEONS

and

HERRING-LIKE

Tail shark-like or

GARS

rounded; ganaid scales

.

.

•

•

Fins

FISHES

32-33

•

without

spines, pelvic fins on abdomen, tail forked, no adipose fin

.

•

•

•

,

•

•

adipose fin, no barbels

•

•

•

usually

. 42-50

.

EELS, MINNOWS, SUCKERS,

Fins

34-41

•

Fins without spines;

TROUTS, SALMONS

FISHES

•

without

and

CAT­

spines,

oir

bladder connected by a duct with alimentary canal

.

.

•

.

.

FLYINGFISHES

both of the

j a ws

•

•

•

•

•

and relatives

52-66 One

or

are elon g a te or the fishes

.

COD-LIKE FISHES

Usually three dorsal fins

.

.

•

.

. . . . 67-69

.

•

.

.

eyes on upper side of head SEAHORSES

•

. 70-75

.

Lie an one side and have both

FLATFISHES

. . . 76-78

.

and relatives

at end of long snout

�-�!!��=�=,. MACKERELS AND 4

.

have winglike fins

without spines

J

•

.

.

.

TUNAS

Small mouth .

•

80

Characterized

by numerous finlets above and below the

tail

•

•

•

.

•

.

.

.

84-89

GRO U P S

OF

AM E R I CAN

FISHES

and the i r p l a ces i n this book: Us u a l l y a l a t e r a l strengthens narrow tail

JACKS

keel t h a t . . 93-96

and SUNFISHES Fresh-water fishes with spiny and soft dorsal fins . . . . . . . . . . . 97-105

PERCHES, DARTERS,

.

.

and GROUPERS l a r g e ­ mouthed marine fishes with spiny a n d soft dorsal fins . . . . . . . . . . 106-111

SEA BA SSES

and PORGIES Common marine fishes, chiefly tropical . Body usua lly deep and compressed . . 112-118

SNAPPERS, GRUNTS,

and DRUMS lateral line extends across tail fin 119-123

CROAKERS, WEAKFISHES,

and SCOR­ Sculpin-like or mail -cheeked fishes . . . . . . . . . . . . 124-129 SCULPIN$, SEAROBINS,

PIONFISHES

large, cycloid sca les. Spiny and soft dorsals; fins are continuous and long. Found among corals and rocks . . . . 130

WRASSES

and ANGELFISHES Brilliantly colored; compressed; tropical 131-133

BUTTERFLYFI S H ES

and Boxlike or spiny with teeth fused for n i pping . . . . . . . . . 134-143 TRIGGERFISH ES, TRUN KFIS H ES, PUFFERS

BUNNIES and GOBlES S m a l l ; long-bod­ ied ; often lack scales . . . . 144-147

and ANGLERS Paired fins "faot-like , " used for walking ; "bait" on head . . . . . . . . 148-1 S 1 BATFISHES, FROGFISHES,

5

ST U DY I N G F I S H ES

say d ictionaries, are finned, backboned animals that l ive in water and breathe by means of g i l ls. Modern fi shes form a diverse, important, and chal­ lenging group of anima ls, not very we l l known i n spite of the tremendous im porta nce of com­ mercia l and recreational fishin g . I n this Guide w e genera l ly fol l ow the scientific practice of using the plura l form "fishes" to im ply di­ versity of kin ds, a n d the p lura l form "fish" in a more q ua ntitative sense.

F I S H ES, Brook Trout cold fresh water

Channel Catfish warm fresh water

Cod

cold salt water

Eel-hatched in salt water, lives in fresh

Salmon - hatched in

KI NDS

AND

DISTRIBUTION

Experts estimate that there a re a bout 30,000 species of fishes. Some species have world-wide distribution; some are lim ited to a single lake or stream . About 4,000 species a re l isted for North American waters. F lorida records a bout 1 00 fresh- a n d 600 sa lt­ water fishes; southern California, a bout 400. Many fishes l ive only in fresh water; many a re marine; and a few divide their l ives i n be­ tween . Som e prefer brackish wa­ ter, where rivers m i n g l e with the ocean . Some species l ive only in cold water; others in warm . fresh water, lives in salt

NAM E S O F F I S H E S are often confusing . Both the popu­ lar names and the scientific names (pp. 1 54- 1 57) used in this book fol l ow A liST OF COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC N AMES OF FISHES and its supplements, prepared by the American F isheries Society. Wider use of these preferred names, which stress proper fa mily relationships, will tend to reduce misunderstandings about names of fishes . ADAPTAT I ON S of fi shes are as i ntri g u i ng as the fishes

themselves. Swi mming is characteristic of a l l fishes . Sea­ robins and a few others can a l so crawl a l ong the bottom with the aid of unusual fi n s . A number of fishes burrow in sand or m u d ; flyi ngfishes g l ide considera ble d ista nces in the a i r ; eel s migrate through wet grass; and C l i mbing Perch creep from pond to pond across the mud . Fi shes do not see very wel l , pa rtly beca use of their eye structure and partly because, as one goes deeper in water, the light g rows dimmer. Below 1 , 500 ft. fishes l ive i n darkness . F ishes have, however, a wel l -developed sense of ba lance and of taste . Some have an excel lent sense of touch a lso, this being a ided by sensitive feelers (barbels) near the mouth . Fishes can hear; they a re sensitive to vibrations, currents, and changes i n temperature and pressure . optic cerebral cerebellum lobes hemisphere low-freq uency vibrations a re detected by organs in the latera l li nes at their sides. A FISH'S BRAIN

vitreous humor cornea iris FIELD OF A FISH'S VISION

retina A FISH'S EYE

7

o p erculum

lateralli ne

spiny dorsal fin

or tail fin

vent ral fins

PA R T S

OF

FISHES

PARTS OF F I S H ES have distinct, precise names . Use them in identifying a fish . The fish pictured above is a typica l bony fish (sharks, pp. 20-28, are somewhat differ­ ent) . F i shes have two sets of pa ired fins, the pectora l and the pelvic or ventra l , corresponding to our arms and leg s . They a l so have three unpai red fins: t h e dorsa l or back; the cauda l , or tai l ; and the ana l . These d iffer i n size and shape from fish to fis h . An operculum covers the g i l l s except in the shark and its relatives . Nostrils usua lly have two open­ i ngs on .each side. More highly developed fishes have a urogenita l-tract opening separate from the anus. The ears have no external openings. The sca les ( p . 1 2) on most bony fishes a re often im­ portant i n identification, beca use the n u m ber of rows of sca les i s constant for a speci e s . The fi ns, used for ba l ­ ance a n d movement, a re i m portant, too . T h e i r rays may be spiny or soft and branched . The dorsal fi n often has two parts : the first, spi ny, and the seco n d , soft . The number of rays or spi nes i n a fi n counts i n i dentification .

8

I NTERNAL STRUCTURES of fishes set the pattern for a ll vertebrates. Bony fishes usua l ly have four pairs of g i l ls. Water passes through the mouth and over the g i l ls, g iv­ ing up some of the oxygen dissolved in it. The swim blad­ ders of some fishes help in breathing. A two-chambered heart and a simple system of veins and a rteries circulate the b lood, which carries oxygen a n d digested food. Fishes usua l ly have large mouths and teeth suited for grasp­ ing, tearing, or grind ing. Food passes through a digestive tube and, with the aid of accessory g l a n ds, is converted into soluble form in the stomach and i ntestines. Digestive wastes a re elim inated throug h the a n us, a n d kidneys extract urine from the b lood . The head of fishes contains a brain simpler than, yet similar to, brains of other vertebrates. F rom it a spi n a l cord travels t h e length o f t h e body, protected by the backbone. The skeleton of fishes is complex, with many sma l l bones (as any diner on fish wel l knows). The eggs of the fema le and the sperm or m i lt of the male are usua l ly discharged i nto the water, where the eggs are fertilized and the young develop. spinal cord

stomach

backbone

9

F I S H A N D WAT E R are insepar­ PELAGIC FISHES (those that can live and feed well above the bottom) Barracuda (I I Halfbeak (2) Mackerel (3) Flyingfish Tuna Jacks Dolphin Harvestfish

BOTTOM FISHES (those that live and feed at or near the bottom) Stingray (I I Bonefish (2) Catfish (3) Searabin Flounder Batfish Spiny Dogfish Paddlefish

able. The relati onship i s q uite complex, for conditions of the water go far in determ i n ing the fish population . Some physical factors that affect fishes a re tem­ perature, depth {pressure), sa lin­ ity, turbidity (undisso lved solids), and the amount of d i sso lved oxy­ gen . More oxygen, for exa mple, dissolves in cold water than in wa rm water, and hence fishes such as trout, wh ich need much oxy­ gen, req u i re colder water. M I G R AT I O N S a r e c o m m o n . Commercial a n d sport fishermen often depend on these movements to get bigger catches . Migrations may be from fresh to sa lt water or vice versa, toward or away from the surface, or north and south . Data on fish migrations are needed bad ly; anyone who fi nds a tagged fish should report it to the proper authorities.

Mackerel

SHAPES of fishes usua l ly have

the streamlined pattern which is so efficient in the water. Mammals such as whales and dolphins that have returned to l ife i n the seas have developed a similar form. Man uses stream l ining in ships and submarines. Mem bers of the mackerel fa mily offer the best ex­ a m ples of strea m l ined fish form . Fishes show a great ra nge of depa rtures from the strea m l ined shape. These many departures ra nge a l l the way from the thin, a lmost ropelike eels to the trian­ g u lar cowfish and the very flat­ tened flounders. Each of these represents a n ada ptation to a specific way of l ife which puts a prem i u m on something other than fast swim ming. Flounders, for ex­ ample, lie neatly camouflaged on the bottom, awaiting shrimp, other crustacea ns, and sma l l fishes on which they feed.

Flounder

placoid scales

ganoid scales

cycloid scales

ctenoid scales

heterocercal tail of sharks and sturgeon

SCALES AND TAILS F ishes are sca leless when hatched, but most develop sca les the fi rst year. Some fishes have rough sca l es with com b l ike edges (ctenoid scales); others have smooth (cycloid) sca les. Sca les of prim itive fishes are heavy and plate l ike (ganoid); those of sharks a re tooth like (p lac­ oid). Sca les grow from pockets in the skin, growth being ma rked by rings. I n winter, g rowth is usua l ly less and rings are closer together, forming an a n n u lus or annual ring. The n umber of these rings tel l s the age of a fish. Tails reflect changes that have taken p lace through the ages. I n sha rks, as in early fossil fishes, the upper pa rt of the ta i l , containing the backbone, extends to a point. In modern bony fishes, the tai l is more balanced and the backbone ends where the tail begins.

homocercal tail of most bony fishes

F I S H I NG w i l l long remain an important i ndustry, for fi sh are among the least exploited of all the a n i m a l s of d i rect use to m a n . About 83 m i l l ion tons of fish are taken an­ nually, and this harvest could be g reatly increased . Nearly 98% of the fish harvest is taken i n the northern hemi­ sphere, a bout equally d ivided between the Atlantic and the Pacific . Some 50 species provide the b u l k of commer­ cial catches . Many other fishes that are ed ible or otherwise useful a re not taken . I n the U n ited States a lone, fisheries represent a 46-bil lion-dol l a r industry. The oceans, which cover nearly three-quarters of the g lobe, conta i n far more plant l ife than i s found on land . These limitless miles of "pasture"-mainly microscopic plants (phytoplankton)-support many m i l lions of m i nute a n i m a l s (zooplankton) which, i n t u r n , a r e food f o r fishes. F I S H E S A S W I L D L I F E play an important part i n the . natura l environment. Oceans, lakes, and river s have the i r own natural communities of p l a n t and a n i m a l l ife that in­ clude fishes. F ishes serve as food for many vertebrates. Shore and ocean birds probably consume much more than man. Fishes as wildl ife furn ish unpara l leled sport for m i l ­ lions . N o other sport h a s so m a n y participants . C O N S E RVAT I O N is of growing importance to the world's ·fishes, even though they are so plentiful i n numbers . The main peri l to fishes is not the fisherman and his catch but the wastes of cities and industries, and results of poor farming . Water pollution, by sewage and industrial wastes, is a big problem in i n land waters and in some bays and harbors. It may soon prove a threat to the ocea ns them­ selves. The increased erosion on farmland has si lted and muddied nearby streams, destroying the fish in the m . If you are i nterested i n fishes, conservation-the wise use of a l l our natura l resources-is your problem, too .

13

R E c E N T c I N 0 z 0 I

� "1 l:0 '! �..

�

..

'=' l:t ell

"!\

;.. ....

't· � !.

� !. �

\

FISHES-the oldest major group of vertebrates-go back nea rly a half-billion yea rs. Fossilized fish bones and scales have been found in rocks 400 million years old . The Devo n i a n period (about 350 million years ago) has been called the Age of Fishes beca use of the plentiful 14

outs Herrings, Tr

M E 5 0 z 0 I

c

fish rema ins fou nd in rocks of both ocea n ic a n d fresh­ water orig i n . Some fishes have survived ti l l today with scarcely a change. Ma n y others have become extinct. Stil l others have g iven rise to new groups. The chart shows the fami ly tree a n d evol ution of fishes.

15

A M ATE U R A CTI V I TI E S

There is much that you can d o with fishes besides fish ing, and eve n this lead ing sport is enhanced by a knowledge of fishes and their habits . Resea rch conducted by u n i­ versities, by m useums, and by government agencies con­ tinua l l y revea l s new and important facts about fi shes. You too can contribute to this fie l d of knowled g e . A n y trai ned observer can contri bute to our knowledge about fishes. life h istor ies of many species a re stil l u n k nown. Much can still be learned about the behavior of common, easily observed species, but observa t i o n s must be systematic and persistent to be worthwhile. Binocu lars often hel p . Make a "water glass" or use a mask as a next step. later you may wa nt to go under water (with s u itable equ ipment) for d i rect observation .

F I E LD STU D I E S

TA N K STU D I E S in aquaria may enable yo u to make

observations that would otherwise be impossib l e . For fresh-water a q u a r ia, use water from a pond, stream, or wel l . Add a m p l e water p l a nts, and d o not overfeed the fish . Salt-water aquaria a re more d iffic u l t . The water should be c i r c u l a ted and aerated by pum ping . F irst, try only a few fi shes in a l a rge ta n k ; then add eelgrass or other pla nts, and a few invertebrates. Severa l tria l s may needed

P H OTO G RA P H Y of fi s h e s c a n b e d o n e i n aquaria or spec i a l g l ass ta nks that l i m i t the speci­ men's movements . Photogra phy i s rich a n d rewa r d i n g , espec i a l l y w i t h sma l l , b r i g h t l y c o l o red fi shes o f wa rmer wate r s . The use of color, with the newer, faster fi l m s , c a n add m u c h t o you r pictures o f fi shes . F l a s h or photo­ flood l i g hting i s necessa ry indoors. Keep you r eyes open for te l l i ng deta i l s . S K I N D I V I N G opens new vistas for studying fi shes i n the i r natura l environment. S u rface and u n derwater o b ­ servi ng c a n be a s thri l l i ng as hunting . But t a k e t i m e t o devel o p t h e necessary ski l l ; learn to w o r k safe l y a n d unhurriedly to g e t t h e best resu lts . C O L L E C T I N G for scientific study is someth ing q u ite different from fi s h i n g for sport or food . Ma k i n g a c o l l ec­ tion of fi shes i s not a s easy a s co l l ecting she l l s o r flowe r s . The mounting of l a rge spec i mens f o r exh i b i t c a l l s for a s k i l led tax i d e r m i s t . S m a l l e r speci mens for study can be preserved i n a l cohol (rubbing a l cohol w i l l do), but it i s desira b l e first to f i x t h e m i n a 10% s o l u t i o n of forma l i n . I n ject preserving fl u i d i nto t h e body cavity of l a rger fi s h , or s l i t o p e n t h e a bdomen . P reserved fi shes l o se the i r color, but y o u can study o t h e r cha racteristics at lei s u re . 17

DETAI L E D I DENTIF ICAT I O N of fishes depends on characteristics which may look minor and u nim porta nt to the unin itiated-structure of teeth, position a n d size of fi ns, sha pe of ta il, type of sca les, a n d the l ike. For such identification, actu a l possession of a fresh or preserved specimen is essentia l. So is experience in observin g criti­ c a l points a n d in using keys and reference books. First become fam i l iar with the anatomy of fishes (pp. 8-9) . Then, starting with fishes you know, use the keys foun d i n t h e books l isted o n p. 1 53 until you feel sure o f you r m ethods. Fina l ly try fishes with which you a r e not fa m i l iar. SPEC IAL STUDIES of fishes bring you to the border of

scientific research. A good dea l has been and can be done by a mateurs. First, use this book to learn to identify common fishes. Then make a more systematic study of the fishes of your region . Begin to observe how fishes l ive, and by that time you wi l l discover there is m uc h of inter­ est a n d im portance which is not yet in books. From this to research is but a short step.

L AM P R E Y S a n d HAGF I S H E S belong to a class sep­ arate from true fi shes. Both lack jaws, but use thei r sucking mouths and rasping tongues to eat i nto the flesh of fi sh they atta c k . lam preys, now a menace i n the Great lakes, spawn i n tri butary strea m s , laying their eggs i n a sha l l ow nest . Bu rrowing young rema i n i n the strea m s about 3 yea rs before returning to l a kes or the sea . Some species grow 2 to 3 ft. l o n g . H agfishes o r Slime E e l s , b l i n d and s l i my, are c o m m o n marine pests a nd scaven ­ g e r s i n water over 1 00 ft. deep. They eat d e a d fi sh and those trapped i n nets.

FA M I L Y T R E E

OF

S HA R K S a n d RAY S comprise one of the two g ro u ps of

true fi shes . The other is the bony fishes . Sha rks and rays a re p r i m itive; some of them have changed l i t t l e in 1 00 m i l l i o n yea rs . Sha rks and rays have no bones; their ske l -

SHARKS

AND

R AY S

etons are of cartilage, h a rdened by l i m e . They have sma l l , tooth l i ke (placoid) sca les, and g i l l s covered by severa l pa ra l l e l s l i ts . Of about 1 50 N orth American spec ies, all a re marine; a few i nvade fresh water. Shark Teeth

Hammerhead Shark Teeth

22

SMOOTH HAMM E R H EAD

has eyes at the ends of flattened exten­ sions of its sku l l . T his wa rm -water shark grows over 1 2 ft. long, may weigh over 1 , 000 lb. It lives nea r the surface, feeding on other fishes .

SANDBAR SHARK, common, g rows t o about 8 f t . Related to Tiger and B lue Sharks, both re­ puted "man-eaters . " Found from the tro pics north to New E ng­ land, east into the Mediterra­ nean. Feeds on bottom fishes .

S P I N Y DOG F I S H , a common pest of fishermen , g rows to 4 ft. As in other sharks, female is larger than male. Eggs develop inside fe­ male; 2 to 1 1 young are born alive. Found in Atlantic and Pacific .

NURSE SHARK is a large (6 to 1 0 ft . ). s l uggish s h a r k o f warm waters . A lazy scavenger, i t is often found in shallows along Florida shores. It has a short, blunt head ; sma l l teeth and eyes.

TIGER SHARK,

1 4 f t . or more, strea m l i ned, prefers worm surface waters. Feeds on oil kinds of sea life, including other sharks and rays. N otched sow-teet h , s i m i l a r in b o t h jaws. Young b o r n o l ive; browner than adults; spot ted .

a tropica l man­ eater, grows well over 30 f t . Most often seen offshore. It feeds on sea ls and many kinds of fi shes . Young ore born o l ive . There i s little danger f r o m s h a r k s i n tem­ perate coastal waters .

on unusua l shark, hos a long toil which i t threshes bock and f o r t h i n schools of small fish when feed i ng . Found in worm or temperate waters, the Thresher g rows to 20 ft . , over 1 , 000 lb. Shark i s good eating; the Thresher espec i a l l y so.

SOUP F I N S H A R K is h i g h l y prized by Asians as food . It has been pr ized on the Pacific Coast, too, for its liver, rich in vita m i n A. Possibly because of over-fi s h i n g , Soupfi ns ore n o w rare . Grows about 6ft. long; we ight to 1 00 l b .

TH R E S H E R SHARK,

WHITE SHARK,

WHALE SHARKS are the largest of a l l fishes. First discovered in 1 828, they remained a mystery for some time. Now known in a l l warmer seas, Whale Sharks grow 45 ft. long, perhaps longer, and may weigh as much as 1 5 tons. A 38-ft. specimen captured near F lorida showed the distinctive checkered and spotted pattern that marks Whale Sharks. These h uge, harm less sharks swim close to the surface and feed by straining sma l l sea a nima ls out of the water m uch the same way as Baleen Wha les. They have n umerous, very sma l l teeth in both jaws. Not m uch is known of the l ife history of these monsters. Young are hatched from eggs. C losely related to the Wha le Shark is the slig htly smal ler Basking Shark, wh ich has similar feeding habits. It lives in cooler waters a n d lacks the Whale Shark's markings. N either shark is common.

24

AT L A N T I C M ANTA is the l a rgest ray a nd the subject

of some of the biggest fish fa bles. Despite its large size ( it may be more than 20 f t . across and weigh we l l over a ton), it is not a dangerous fis h , but feeds o n crustacea ns and sma l l ocea n l ife somewhat as the Wha l e S h a r k does. Its teeth a r e very s m a l l-perhaps useless . Most rays l ive at the botto m , but this one prefers the s urface, often basking with its huge "wings" barely awa s h . Ma nta s , apparently in p lay, lea p complete ly into t h e a ir, fa l l ing back into the water with a thundering s l a p . They are found wid e l y in wa rmer waters and are common in the Gulf Strea m . The flesh is good eating a n d is sometimes used a s food . The h a r m l ess Manta is considered a sport fish in southern waters . I t puts u p a g a m e fig ht when harpooned .

BARNDOOR SKATE, one of the

LITTLE SKATE, a fish of northern

la rgest (up to 5 ft. long), is gen­ erally fou n d i n water over 100 ft. deep along the Atlantic coast as fa r north as Nova Scotia . It has a p ointed snout a n d a smooth skin. Food consists of bottom fish, crabs, a n d possibly shellfish. The egg case is large a n d g reenish brown.

Atlantic waters, is fou n d from the shore line down to depths of 300 ft. or m ore. Like a ll skates, it is a bottom feeder, livin g m a i n ly on crustaceans. I d entify it by its more rou nded nose and the a bsence of spines on its back. Length to 20 in. "Wings" make g ood eati n g .

EGG CASES may be fou n d empty o n almost every beach. Skates lay eggs, each in a h orny conta iner, nearly a l l yea r round. They h atch in 5 to 6 months, depending on wate r tem­ perature. Egg cases vary i n size from 1'12 by 3 i n . (exclusive of the h orns) to over twice as big.

TORPEDO is a trop ical r a y . Th is

SKATES'

26

squat, stubby fish has cells in its head which generate an electric cu rrent strong enough to give a severe shock. Usu ally u n d e r 3 ft. lang-occasion a lly m u c h larger. A simila r species lives in the Pa ­ cific, a n d one oth er small electric ray occu rs off Florida.

and sev­ eral s i m i l a r species of la rge rays (Stingarees) found i n warm waters have whiplike tails longer than their bodies, with a long stinger which can i nfl ict pai nful wounds. These rays, of the Dasyatis group, may grow up to 7ft. long . This stingray and its k i n are d i a mond­ shaped; they frequent shallow waters. BLUNTNOSE S T I N G RAY

P O I S O N OUS S T I N G E R S (1 to 3 of them ) , located part way down the whiplike ta i l , mark most rays. They are sharply toothed, bony, and poi sonous, causing pai nful w o u n d s . If i n ju r e d , s q ueeze wound and soak in hot water. Guard against i nfectio n . See a doctor unless healing is prompt.

ROUN D STING RAYS are brown with scattered yel l owish spots. These small rays (up to 24 i n . ) are common in shallow waters and are feared by swi m mers because of their "stinger. " Unlike skates, the young of rays are born alive. They bear from 2 to 8 young .

SMOOTH BUTT E R F LY RAY i s a very broad ray with a very short ta i l and an a l m o s t t r i a n g u l a r shape. The three species o f But­ terfly Rays all prefer wa rmer water, but a re found as far north as Cape Cod on the Atlantic coast. Common in bays and other sha l l ow areas; width up to 6 It .

roy found i n wormer waters . It d i ffers fro m other rays i n that it often ascends rivers . The nose i s mod ified into a flat­ tened , hard sow with from 1 6 to 32 pa i rs of "teeth" along the edges, depen d i ng o n the species. The young of Sawfi s h o re born o l ive, l i ke other rays , but the tiny sow of the young i s covered with a sheath which i s shed soon after b i r t h . Sawfi s h hove reached over 20 ft. i n l e n g t h and over l , 200 l b . in weig h t . They feed in sha l l ow water on sma l l fi s h , w h ich they slosh with the i r sows . Young Sawfi sh ore tasty but ore not often eaten . Do not confuse with Swordfi sh (p. 90) . G U I TA R F I S H E S ore intermed iate be­

tween sharks and rays . They l o c k the Sawfi sh's wea pon but ore genera l l y s i m i ­ l o r. Average length i s a bout 2 f t .

28

C H I MA E RA S a n d RATFI S H E S represent a sma l l but

i nterest i n g group of fishes intermediate between the sharks a n d bony fishes. Their skeletons a re s i m i l a r to those of sharks. They have only a s i n g l e g i l l open i n g , like the b o n y fi shes, b u t t h e g i l l cover i s n o t bony. C h i maeras a n d Ratfishes a re wor l dwide, ma i n l y i n deep water. The Atl a ntic C h i maeras a r e up t o 3 ft. l ong. Ratfishes are found i n the Gulf of Mex i c o and i n the Pacifi c , where they range north to Alaska. One Pac ific species enters s ha l l ow water. Ratfi shes lay eggs i n ridged capsules somet h i n g l i ke those of skate s . The back s p i nes are reportedly poisonous. Ma le Ratfishes a n d C h imae­ ras have a sha rp-spi ned , c l u b l i ke g rowth between the eyes and reproductive organs attached to the pelvic fi ns.

A

F A M I LY

TREE

OF

BONY

FISHES

T H E BONY F I S H ES ore the most recent, best known, a n d

most widely d istributed fishes. They form t h e largest c lass of bockboned anima ls-about 30,000 species. Since they ore so variable, common characteristics ore hard to single out; some of these ore g iven on the facing page.

Bony fi shes may be fl at, round , or d i storted . Sca l e s or fi ns may be reduced or a b s e n t . The s i n g l e pa i r of g i l l open i n g s h a s bony cove r i ng s . T h e l a rgest fi sh i s the Whale Shark; the s m a l lest is a goby less than a n i n c h long .

31

Atlantic Sturgeon resembles the fa med European species; the black eggs of the fema l e m a ke fine caviar. These a re fishes of a ncient l i neage {pp. 30-3 1 ), with stiff bony p lates and primitive tail s . They swim a l ong the bottom with chin barbe l s just touching the sand . When these sensitive feelers touch sma l l anima l s , the sturgeon shoots out its tubular mouth and sucks in its d i n ner. Other North American sturgeons incl ude smal ler lake Sturgeon (2 ft . ) , Shovel nose Sturgeon , and White Sturgeon of the West Coast. This and the Atlantic Sturgeon g row to over 1 0 ft. The Padd lefish, a fresh-water relative, has become rare i n recent years. STURGEONS

GARS, like sturgeons, are fishes of a n American family which was widespread in ancient times. All prefer warm water, where they prey on other American fishes; they have a lung- like swim bladder that supple­ ments the gills in the ab­ sorption of oxygen in sum­ mer when the supply in the water is low. Milt and roe of gars are poisonous (as is true of severa l other fishes). Gars are active, a rmored, and not easily caug ht. Some­ times "gar-rodeos" a re held to ca pture gars by wire snares. The Shortnose Gar occurs less commonly in brackish water of bays than the Longnose, Spotted, and A l ligator Ga rs. All i n habit fresh-water rivers and lakes of the Mississippi basin. The A l l igator Gar (4 to 6 ft.) is the largest.

33

TAR P O N , L A DYF I S H , a n d B O N E F I S H represent

three species s i m i l a r to the herri n g s (pp. 36-40) . All are favorites of sportsmen, but once caught, these bony fi shes are usua l l y turned l oose to fight aga i n . And they are terrific fig hters, a s enthusiasts will testify. Ta rpo n , fa mous for its specta c u l a r leaps, is l a rgest and

best known, avera g i n g a bout 4 ft. long a n d 60 l b . , though occasiona l l y much l a rger and heavier. Tarpon has a b l ue-g ray back, sha d i n g i nto bright si lver o n the sides, with a n occasiona l touch of yel l ow on the fi n s . It has a long , tra i l i n g d orsa l fi n ; coarse sca les, somet i mes over an inch across; and a l a rge mouth with m i nute teet h . Tarpon c o m e i nto sha l l ow water and u p i nto river s to feed on s m a l l e r fis h . Found only in summer in the north­ ern part of its range. La dyfi sh , sometimes known a s Ten-Pounder, i s s m a l l e r t h a n Tarpon but l ike i t has a b o n y p late u n d e r t h e throat. It, too, p refers bays, i n lets, a n d mouths of rivers, a n d i s va l ued m o r e a s g a m e t h a n a s a food fi s h . P refers wa rmer wate r s . A l 0 - l b . Ladyfish i s l arge; 2 o r 3 lb. i s the more usua l weight. Has a s i m i l a r relative i n the warmer waters of the Pacifi c . Bo n efi sh i s the last o f these si lver-sided g a m e fishes . This one a l so prefers sha l l ow water i n grass beds a n d i n lets but d o e s not a scend rivers. Bonefish have mouths

34

that open d ownwa r d , i n d i cating bottom feed i n g . They l ive on crabs and mol lusks, and a re genera l l y caught with l ive bait, such a s shrimp. The sportsman may take hours to l ocate Bonefish a n d hours more to hook one before he e n j oys the t h r i l l of the fig h t .

H E R R I N G FAMILY incl udes fishes with compressed bodies tapering to a sharp keel . Fins are without spines, and the pe lvic fins a re on the abdomen. The tail is forked and there is no adipose fi n . Herring are abunda nt, a prime food of predaceous fishes, a nd com prise more of the commercia l catch than a l l other families combined. ALEW I F E, a member of the herring family, similar to

Shad, was once very common and is sti l l of commercia l im porta nce. These prolific fish (sometimes cal led Branch Herring) live i n coasta l waters. They move u p rivers to spawn in spring just before the Shad. Young remain in the rivers til l fa l l . Then, 2 to 4 in. long, they swim back to sea, where they grow to about 1 0 to 1 2 in. (maximu m , 1 5 in.) and to a weight of 1 l b . A l ewife are caught in nets as they move u pstream, and are sol d as herring . They are used for oil and i n feed products. The H ickory Shad, a more southern species, is similar, but has a more tapering head and a thicker body.

36

AMERICAN S H AD, aristocrat of the h errings, has a

life h istory similar to the A lewife's. It too is n etted as it ascends rivers to spawn. But it is a larger, more tasty fish, prized as a table delicacy. Shad average under 2 ft. long and about 4 lb. in weig ht, though they may g row more than twice as heavy. Shad was one of the fi rst fishes to be artificia l ly propagated. I ntroduced a long the Pacific in 1 870, Shad soon became a commercia l fish. It was once abundant a l l a long the Atlantic, but tream po l l ution has cut the catch to less than one-fifth of its past average. Now, under good management, Shad are returning to som e of the eastern rivers.

(

'

PAC I F I C SAR D I N E S , often called P i l c hards or C a l ifor­

nia Sard i nes, are most fam i l i a r i n ca n s . Whatever their name, these m e m bers of the herring fam i l y are one of our i m portant commercial fishes . Over h a l f a m i l lion tons are caught a n n u a l l y, most of the catch g o i n g d i rectl y i nto canned fish and i n d ustrial products . Pacific Sard i nes a re a fish of open sea s , movi ng i n g reat schoo l s . Spec i a l sard ine boats w i t h g i a nt purse seines h a u l i n t h e catc h . The you n g m ove c l oser t o shore t o feed on p l a n kton . A s they mature they move seaward aga i n , a n d i n o n e to three yea rs g row 7 to 1 0 i nches long . They may l ive a s l o n g a s t e n years. Pacifi c Sardine young are pri zed a s bait fi s h . The Pacific tuna boats use m i l lions of pounds yea rly as bait in tuna fi s h i n g .

Sett i ng purse sei n e over s i d e of tra w l e r. S k i f f acts as a d r a g .

38

T h e pu r s e s e i n e s e t s a rou n d a s c h o o l of sard i nes.

AT L A N T I C M E N HA D E N or Mossbunker is a n i m por­ tant commercial fi s h , though rarely used a s food . Oil from them i s u sed i n chem ical i n d u stries; Menhaden fi sh mea l g oes i nto many prepared foods for a n i ma l s . Men­ haden a re open-water fish fou n d all a l ong the Atlanti c . Though common, n o t m u c h is known about them . Most a re caught i n the fa l l when l a rge schoo l s move south­ ward , to return again the next spring . The schoo l s swi m close t o the surface a n d a r e recog n i zed at a d i stance by the g u l l s hovering a bove and feed ing o n them . large n u m bers of young fi nd the i r way i nto bays a n d i n l ets, where they feed and g row up to 5 or 6 in. the fi rst yea r. I n three yea rs the Menhaden a re mature . By that time they a re 8 to 1 0 in. long a n d weigh V 2 l b . They occasion­ a l l y g row u p to 1 8 in. The G u l f Menhaden i s very s i m i lar.

T h e s e i n e i s s hut a n d m o s t of t h e net haul ed aboa rd .

F i s h are ba iled out . P a r t of the s e i n e rema i n s i n t h e water.

39

H E R R I N G are more fa mous i n Europe than i n this coun­ try, yet are i mportant food fi sh of o u r At lantic and Pacific fi sheries . The At lantic and Pac ific Herring are different subspecies, but q u i te simi l a r i n a p pearance and habits . Both l ive i n l a rge schoo l s , feed i n g o n p l a nkto n . I n fa l l they m ove towa rd shore to spaw n ; females lay about 30, 000 eggs each . The young stay near shore a n d , i n N ew Eng l a n d , are caught i n weirs at t h i s period . Young Herring form the New Eng land "sard i ne" catc h . Herring mature i n th ree yea rs and are then about 1 0 i n . l o n g ; they may g row u p t o 1 8 i n . A n u m ber o f other members of the herring fami ly i n c l ude the G i zzard Shad (with a toug h , muscu lar stomach) and the Th read Her­ ring, a more southern fi sh with a thread - l ike extension of its d orsa l fi n , l ike the Ta rpon's .

40

ANCHOVIES ore sma l l fish, closely related to herring, com mon a long both coasts. On the Atla ntic, the com­ monest species rarely venture north of Cope Cod. An­ chovies ore caught the entire length of our Pacific shore­ line, but o re more plentiful to the south. Not very much is known a bout their habits, but the Pacific species is nu­ merous and is a commercia l fishing resource. Anchovies ore gregarious, often travel ing in Iorge schools. The characteristics of the family include abdominal pelvic fi ns and a single sma l l dorsa l fi n . Anchovies lock sca les on their heads and do not hove a l atera l l ine. The lower jaw is d istinctive. Bay Anchovy of the Atla ntic (3 to 4 in. long) has a

Iorge, ga ping mouth. Note its Iorge scales a n d deeply forked toi l .

Northern Anchovy

N orthern Anchovy, a common a n d abundant Pacific species, is larger (up to 9 in.). It spawns throug hout the yea r. One form l ives in brackish water. Anchovies feed on copepods and other plankton. They o re, in turn, food for many pelagic or open-sea fishes. 41

SALMON a n d trout form a family renowned as food and game fish. The Pacific sa lmon (at least six species) are best known, being the basis of a 38-mil lion-do l l a r industry. Mature ma les differ from other s a l m o n a n d trout in having both jaws hooked. All have a large n u mber of rays ( 1 4 to 1 7) in the a n a l fi n. Sa lmon have an extra fatty (adipose) fin on the back near the ta il. Pacific sa lmon breed in rivers; young return to the sea to mature. The a n n u a l runs of breeding sa lmon at the mouths of streams cl imax a most unusual migration cycle.

C H I NOOK or King S a l m on is th e la rgest salmon, reaching 100 lb. a n d avera g i n g about 25. Fou n d north from Mon terey Bay, it mi­ grates fa r u p the la rger rivers ta breed, mainly in spring or fa l l . T h e Chi n ook, l i k e others, varies i n color with age, sex, a n d season . CHUM or Dog Salmon, smaller

than Chinook, has a Ianger h ead. I t spawns closer to the mouths of rivers and so has not been too badly affected by da ms. Length, about 18 in.; weight, 10 to 20 lb. Occurs n orth af Sacra mento River to Alaska.

PINK or Humpback Salmon may

be fou n d farther south tha n others. I ts m i g ration i s short; spawn i n g is done with i n a few m i l es u pstrea m . Th i s p i n k-fleshed salmon is one of th e s m a l ler spe­ cies (5 to 7 l b . ). The m a l e, before spawn ing, d evelops a h u m p on its back and twisted haoked jaws. COHO or Si lver S a l m on is a n ­ other smal ler species ( 5 t o 8 l b .) fou n d from Monterey n orth, a n d com m on arou n d Pug et Sou n d . I t does not spawn as f a r upstream as the Chi n ook. The silvery m a l es become red in spawn i n g season.

43

S O C K E Y E or Red Sa l m o n is p r i zed for its deep red flesh of excel lent flavor. Found north of Monterey, it is a smaller sa l m o n , avera g i ng 5 to 6 1b. , occasiona lly twice that. It has been introduced into New England and has a l so become a land locked species in a few lakes . The Sockeye i l l u strates the rema rkable color change the male undergoes during the breed­ ing seaso n . The adults die after spawn ing far u pstream . The fertili zed eggs, after passing through va rious stages s i m i l a r to thdse i l l us­ trated below, develop i nto fi ngerlings, which fi nd the i r way to the sea .

egg

Alevin: just hatched; after

5 Ia 6 months

DEVELOPMENT OF ATLANTIC SALMON

Alevin: yolk sac ie absorbed in about

6 weeks

Parr: feeds and swims freely-about

2 years

Parr becomes smolt as it begins journey ta the sea

AT L A N T I C S A L M O N , to some peo p l e , is the game

fi s h . Once c o m m o n i n N ew England strea m s , it has re­ treated before d a m s and water p o l l u ti o n . Usua l l y a good-si zed fi sh (average 8 to 1 2 l b . ) , it may exceed 50 lb. After two to four years at sea , a n Atlantic S a l m o n returns to the rivers to s p a w n , but d o e s not necessa r i l y d i e l i ke the P a cific sa l mon. I t spawns i n fa l l , with eggs hatching the fo l l owing spri ng . The Sebag o S a l m o n i s a sma l l er, l a n d - l ocked form of the Atl a n t i c Sa l m on; it spawns i n the tributary strea ms of N ew E n g l a n d l a kes .

CUTT H ROAT TROUT varies

and

calar.

A

gamy

in size western

fish, it sometimes migrates Ia sea . Averages 9 i n .

45

TROUT, close relatives of sa lmon, genera l l y prefer fresh

water. Severa l species return to the sea, a n d then their a ppea rance often changes, ca using sportsmen endless confusion. The Brown Trout introduced from Europe does better in warmer waters than our native species (below). It is marked with large, light-bordered red spots; often weighs 5 lb. Our native trout req uire colder water, espe­ cia l ly for spawn ing. They feed on insects, crustaceans, and sma l ler fish. Trout are often raised in hatcheries and released in suitable fishing waters. RAINBOW TROUT is a western

species with m a n y local forms. Tra nsferred widely to colder east­ ern stream s a n d la kes, where it d oes well. "Steelheads" are Rai n · bows w h i c h g o to sea. These la rge trout averag e 2 to 5 lb., may oc· casionally reach 40 l b . DOLLY VARDEN i s a n other west­

ern trout which may take to the sea . This one is a voracious feed­ er on you n g trout a n d so has a m ixed reputation. Dolly Vardens a re h a rdy and still plentiful. Like Brook Trout, they have lig h t stripes on the lower fi ns.

BROOK TROUT is a n eastern trout that has been i n trod uced i nto western streams. It is smaller t h a n the Dolly Ya rde n b u t oth erwise l ooks similar. Markings m ore mot­ tled; fins have wh ite edges. Weight about 2 lb., ra rely u p to 10. Thrives i n water below 50 °F. LAKE TROUT a r e cold-water fish of larger, deep la kes i n northern U.S. and Ca nada; a com merci a l food fi sh i n the G reat Lakes a n d a g a m e fish everywhere. Prefer deep water in s u m m er, sha llow water in fa l l. They are the largest trout, average 6 lb.

Ch ief Needaba h

46

Bob Wil son

Range of Lake W h i tefi s h

T H E W H I T E F I S H FAM I LY i n c l udes our most i m portant

inland food fi shes of northern waters . They are related to the sa l mo n but have la rger sca les and s m a l l e r mouths, with few or n o teeth . like sa l m o n , they have a n a d i pose fi n near the ta i l . Most are lake fi sh . The various members of t h i s fa m i ly a re not easy to d i st i n g u i s h without deta i l ed study of nostr i l s , teeth, and g i l l ra kers . La ke W h i tefi s h are fa i r l y large, avera g i n g 2 2 i n . a n d 3 V2 l b . ; a few have reached 2 0 l b . or more . The largest a re i n lake Superi or, but whitefi s h are found in a l l the Great lakes and have been tra n s p l a nted to other deep northern ones . la ke Whitefi sh feed o n aquatic i nsects and crustacea n s . They prefer deep water except when spawn i n g i n fa l l . The supply of these Whitefi sh i s bad ly depleted and the spec ies i s threatened .

48

C I SC O or L A K E H E R R I N G is not a true herring but a whitefi s h . It lives i n large schools near the sur­ face, but often goes down a hun­ dred feet or more. I n early winter this C i sco comes c l ose to shore to spawn . The fema l e lays her eggs on the bottom i n water 25 ft. deep or less . These C i scos feed on plankton, s m a l l crustaceans, and i nsect s . They grow to 1 2 in. long a n d , next to the Lake Whitefi s h , are considered the best lake spe­ cies for eating o r smoking.

not i n the whitefi sh fam i l y, i s closely re­ l ated . It i s marked by a long, soft, dorsa l fi n . Although once common i n the Great lakes, it now thrives only i n the upper Mis­ souri va lley.

A R C T I C GRAY L I N G ,

SHORTJAW C I SCOS are a l most as i m portant i n commercial lake fishing as S h a l l ow-water Ciscos, which they closely resemble. They too grow about 1 2 i n . long and a r e a b u n d a n t in deep w a t e r s (mainly about 1 80 f t . ) o f lake Superior and other lakes . Food l i ke that of the Lake Whitefi s h . Spawns i n N ovember. ROUND WHI T E F I SH o r P i l otfish is a cl ose relative of the Lake Whitefi sh but d i ffers from it in having a rounder cross section and a more deeply colored back. Its weight averages from 3 to 4 lb. Found i n all the Great lakes ex­ cept Lake Erie, it ranges north through the Canadian lakes and i n New England . These once­ common fish have now become very scarce.

S M E LTS show thei r relationshi p to s a l m o n i n the short a d i pose fi n near the tai l . However, they are much smal ler, avera g i n g 7-9 i n . long ( rarely over 1 ft . ) a n d weigh i n g a b o u t 6 o z . The American Smelt i s a s a lt-water fi s h , l i v i n g i n a n a rr ow b e l t c lose t o shore . I n s p r i n g it m oves up r ivers to spawn . Those that have been transpla nted i nto the Great Lakes and others m ove i nto strea m s for spring spawni ng. At this time they are caught in g reat n u m bers with nets, d i pnets, and hooks .

W h i teba i t S m e l t, o r Whiteba i t , i s the best known of

sever a l Pacific smelts found i n a bundance i n the waters north of San Francisco . The C a n d l efis h , a very o i l y species, was o n c e used by I n d i a n s as fue l . T h e Deep Sea Smelt or Argentine, of a related fa m i l y, i s a s l ightly l a rger fi sh with a sma l l e r mouth .

Hatchetfish

lanternfish

LANTERN F I S H a n d about a dozen other sma l l species representing half a dozen families a l l possess luminescent organs which make them shine in the dark. Most of these are fish of the open ocean, l iving at moderate depths­ about 500 ft. They are sometimes responsible for the flashes of l i g ht one sees around and below ships at night. (But many other kinds of luminescent animals l ive in the sea besides these fish.) The Lanternfish is a bout 3 in. long; other species are twice the size. They are found i n both the Atlantic a n d the Pacific. So are the sma l l (up to 3 i n .) Hatchetflsh; these thin, large-eyed fish have oversized mouths and severa l rows of l ight organs. Other luminescent fishes include the Viperfish and the Midshipman (p. 1 4 1 ). Hatchetfish a n d lanternfish i n t h e black depths.

E E L S represent a l a rge and unusual order of fi shes,

i n c l u d i n g 1 3 fa m i l ies and a bout 1 40 N o rth American spec i e s . Common characteristics are their snake l ike shape, l a c k of spi nes i n the fi ns, and the absence of ventra l fi n s . G i l l open ings are sma l l; and the tiny scales when present are em bedded i n the s k i n a n d practica l l y i nvi s i b l e .

t h e best known and one of the m o st myste­ rious of fi shes . Its l ife h i stor y was pract i ­ ca l l y u n known t i l l the 20th centu ry, a n d even n o w t h e story i s f a r fro m c o m p l ete . Both the E u ro pea n and the American Eel spawn i n the same deep waters south of Bermud a . Mature a d u l ts come to this area fro m both sides of the Atl a nti c . The females are pro l i fic; each l ays about ten m i l l i o n egg s . The a d u l ts proba b l y d i e a f t e r breed­ i n g . The l a r v a e - s m a l l , fl a t t e n e d , a n d tra n spa rent-beg i n t o m ove toward the i r MOV E M E NTS O F E E L L A RVAE

52

home waters, and by the time they arrive they have beg u n to change i nto typica l ee l s . S k i n c o l o r deve lops a n d , about a yea r after hatching, the young are ready t o move up bays into rivers, where they l ive for severa l years till they mature . Co n g e r E e l is a l a rger species (4 to 7 f t . l o n g and wei g h i n g u p to 25 l b . ) t h a n t h e American E e l . F o r identification, note that the Conger's upper jaw projects past the l ower; the eye i s ova l; and the dorsa l fi n beg i n s j u st about where the pectora l fi n ends. Congers d o not enter fresh water. Their breed i n g g round i s uncerta i n , but young have been found i n the West I n d i e s . Other American eels i n c l ude the tro p i c a l Worm E e l s and t h e S n a k e E e l s ( a l so tro p i ­ ca l ) , s o m e of w h i c h a r e brightly col ored . These occur o n the Pac ific coast a l so . Sev­ era l other e l ongate fi shes, such a s the C ut­ l a ssfi sh {page 1 ) not bel o n g ing to t h i s o r ­ der, are m i sta kenly ca l l ed eel s .

53

MORAYS are tropica l eels com­

mon i n cora l reefs, occasiona l l y occu rring as f a r n orth as New Jersey. These thick-skinned eels do not have paired fi ns. They have strong jaws and sharp teeth, and while not dangerous when u n dis­ turbed, when cornered or caug ht they ca n bite viciously, striking out in snake fashion. Their bites may leave jagged, but not poisonous, wounds. Most feed at nig ht, prey­ ing on sma l l fish. The Green Moray, found from F lorida southward, owes its color to a m ucus covering. The skin itself is gray. Sometimes the g reen is replaced by g ray or brown. Length, u p to 6 ft.; weig ht, to 30 lb. The Spotted Moray is sma l ler (3 ft.), more common, a n d variable in color as shown i n the two speci mens here.

B UFFALOS introduce the sucker fa m i l y, a group of fresh-water bottom feeders. Of about 1 00 kinds of suckers, m a n y are food fish. Buffa los are la rge, coarse, and somewhat bony suckers, common i n rivers a n d lakes a l l through the centra l states, where they ra n k highest among the commercia l species. look for them in q uiet or sluggish water, where they feed on mol l usks, aq uatic insect larvae, and water pla nts. The Big mouth Buffa lo may grow u p to 4 ft. long, weig hing 65 lb., but is usu­ a l ly much s m a l ler. It spawns from Apri l to June i n sha l ­ low water; eggs hatch in a bout 1 0 days. T h e mouth is directed forward rather than down, u n l ike the mouths in other buffa los. The Sma l l mouth Buffa lo is a sma l ler fish rarely reaching 20 lb. The Black Buffa lo is an inter­ mediate species, as regards both position of mouth a n d depth o f body. top: Smallmouth Buffalo

OT H E R S U C K E R S are widespread i n r ivers a n d l a kes

of the Mississippi ba s i n . Some a re commerc i a l food fis h ; some a re so easily c a u g h t t h a t ever y c h i l d k n ows them .

H OG S U C K E R g rows to 2 f t . but i s usually smal ler. Often seen grubbing through pebbles, with its snout protruded, probing for bottom life . Prefers clear, fost strea m s . Found from Alabama and Oklahoma northward to New York and Minnesota .

though bony, are netted as food fish because of their fi r m , sweet flesh . They a re va riable in color; fins become red i n spring and males become da rker then, a s these fish enter small creeks to spawn . length: up to 20 i n .

W H I T E S U C K E R S,

Shorthead Redhorse

a n d R iver C a r p ­ sucker a r e both called American Carp, though neither is rel ated to the carp (p. 5 7 ) . Both are wel l ­ known native suckers, often net­ ted i n lakes and rivers. Q u i l l ­ b a c k s run to 5 or 6 l b . Q U I L L BACK

56

S HORT H E A D R E D H O R S E i s one of a group of suckers with reddish fi ns; the dorsal is short. I t i s one of the tastiest suckers, g rowing to 2 f t . ; we ighs 8 to 1 0 lb. Red­ horses are coarse-scaled; prefer clear streams and lakes.

CARP are the largest m i n nows-a big fam i l y ( p. 58) in­

c l uding over 300 America n species, ma i n l y sma l l, fresh­ water fishes. The term "min now" is loosel y used for many smal l fishes. True minnows (fa m i ly Cyprinidae) are soft­ rayed fishes with teeth i n the throat on ly. Carp were brought to Europe from Asia and from Europe to America i n the 1 870's and '80's. Widely tra nspla nted, they are now found from coast to coast in lakes and slow streams. Carp are bottom feeders, often m uddying the water so much that aq uatic pla nts can not grow. However, Carp are here to stay and have proved a valuable com mercia l fish. They are occasion a l l y hooked, with doug h b a l l s as the favorite ba it, but more often are netted. They grow up to 3 ft. long, weig hing 20 lb. or more. Young g row rapidly. Most Carp a re sca led, but Mirror Ca rp have only a few larg e scattered sca les, and Leather Carp have no sca les at a l l . The goldfish ra ised in aq uaria and ponds are very sim ilar to Carp and are of the same family.

REDSIDE DACE (4 in.) occu rs

in the northeast a n d in cle a r midwest creeks. Males i n spring h ave crimson sides.

MI N N OWS, other than Carp (p. 57), are m a i n l y sma l l fish, a n d while a few grow large enough to b e used for food, most play a more indirect role as far as man is concerned. They are a favorite bait fish, and sel ling them is a sizable industry. More im portant in the long run is the natura l role of minnows as consumers of aquatic in­ sects and crustacea, and as food for larger, more va l u­ able fish. Minnows, a n d similar sma l l fishes, help main­ tain a plentifu l supply of sport fish. They a re a n essential l i n k in the cycle of fresh-water aq uatic l ife. CREEK CHUB is a la rge m i n now (to 12 i n .) with a black spot on the front of its dorsal fin. In spring, tubercules develop on the head. Found widely in small strea ms; oc­ casionally i n l akes. Male bu ilds g ravel nest for fertilized eggs. A good sports fish when trout a re sca rce.

58

GOLDEN S H INER is golden d u r­

ing the b reeding season; other­ wise the back is g reenish a n d o n ly t h e sides h ave a trace of gold. Th is h a rdy fish seems better a ble than others to su rvive in small ponds d u ring wi nter, when the oxygen content of the water is low. length : 5 in., rarely u p to 1 2.

T H I C K TA I L o r S A C R A M E N TO C H U B is abundant in the rivers of

the Ca lifornia Va lley. It is one of a few members of the minnow family to be found in the Pacific drainage. Note the dark spots on the scales. Its color is usually a dull brown . Length: up to 1 2 in . E M E RALD S H I N E R , a very com­ mon species in lakes and clear streams, is named for its g reenish back . The Emerald Shiner shows a preference for lakes. Large schools of young are often seen. Widely distributed through the Mississippi Va lley and north into Canada .

DAC E S i n c l u d e a northern and a southern species with very similar markings. The para llel back stripes are charac­ teristic . Males are brightly col­ ored; bel lies are scarlet in the spring, otherwise silvery. Length 3 to 4 in. R E D B E L LY

CUTUPS M I N NOW is most com­ mon in eastern streams and riv­ ers. Named for the mouth and jaw structure, which can be seen only when the fish is turned over. It has a blackish bar behind the gill covers. Grows up to nearly 6 in. long.

u nderside of jaw

CATF I S H E S are best known as warm-water, fresh-water fi shes. H owever, t h i s l a rge group (over 30 species) i n ­ cl udes t h e b u l l heads ( p . 6 2 ) and t h e Ha rdhead Catfish ( p . 6 3 ) . Catfishes rank second o n l y to buffa l o s as fresh­ water commercial fi shes . If combi ned with b u l l heads they are first. E u ropean Catfish, 1 2 ft. l o n g , have been re­ ported . Catfi shes take a wide var i et y of food , i n c l u d i n g c l a m s , i nsect l a rvae , and crustacea n s . T h e y are a l so scavengers . Some l ive in muddy waters where other fi shes d o not l ive . Catfi shes a re taken o n l i nes o r in hoop nets a s a bove . large-si zed catfi s h a re ed i b l e a n d tasty. A l l have smooth , sca leless bodies, long barbe l s a round the mouth, and spi nes i n the dorsal and pectora l fi ns which a re i rr i tati ng and perhaps poisono u s . N one is found i n the Pacific Coast states except the White Catfi s h , i ntro­ duced i nto C a l iforn i a . C h a n n e l C a tfi s h , with deeply forked ta i l and fa i r l y s l e n d e r body, i s probably best known . I t prefers clear, mov i n g water ; can weigh up to 20 l b . , usua l l y 3 o r 4 .

BRINDLED MADTOM is a very s m a l l (3 to 4 i n . ) ca tfish fou n d widely in swift streams. I t is o n e o f severa l •mailer species. Madtams a re sometimes used as bait.

STONECAT is a s m a l l fish ( 10 i n . ) s i m i l a r to B u l l h ea d s, but with a d i p ose fin conti n u ou s with ta i l . A yel l owish·brown species o f clea r water, fou n d u nder logs a n d stones.

FLATHEAD CATF I S H , true to its n a m e, h a s

a b r o a d , flattened h ea d with protruding l ower jaw. len g th to 5 ft.; wei g h t to 50 l b . or m ore. Mottled yel low a n d brown pattern .

BLUE CATF I S H is t h e largest catfish i n th e Mississi ppi draina g e; it can wei g h over 150 l b . Note b l u e·gray back a n d silvery belly. Fi ne eatin g .

61

B U L L H EADS are sma l l catfish which rarely grow over a foot long or weigh over 2 lb. They l ive in muddy ponds a n d streams and may survive in the mud when ponds "dry up." They feed on a l most any kind of plant a n d animal life they fi nd a long the bottom. Much of their food is snails, crayfish, and insects. B u l l heads are good eating, thoug h the flesh may have a m uddy flavor. They spawn in spring, making a nest on the hard bottom . The m a l e watches t h e nest and guards t h e young. B u l l heads have a sq uare or slig htly rounded ta il, and are often mottled yel lowish in color. Three species, common in centra l a n d eastern waters, a r e shown above.

62

MARI N E C AT FI S H E S a re common i n bays a n d ha rbors a l ong the Atlantic and Gulf coasts in summer. They winter in deeper water. These southern species a re usu­ a l l y found south of Virg i n i a and the C a r o l i n a s , rarely north to C a pe C od . The Gafftopsa i l Catfish i s n amed for its l o n g , ribbo n l ike pectoral and dorsa l fin s . It has two barbe l s on the l ower jaw. Length, to 2 ft. ; weight, 3 to 4 l b . The H a rd head Catfish i s sma l l er, and is considered a "trash" fis h . Both these {;atfish put a n unusua l burden on t h e m a l e during breed i n g . T h e m a l e carries the ferti l i zed eggs i n h i s mouth for about two months, going without food until wel l after they hatc h , a s the young continue to stay in this curious nest .

mouth f ull of eggs

mouth f ull of young

63

P I K E , P I C K E R E L , a n d M U S K E L LU N G E for m a sma l l but fa mous g roup o f l o n g , t h i n fi shes. A l l have s p i n eless dorsa l fi ns and l a rge ana l fi ns; long, narrow j aws with sharp teeth . They eat sma l l fi shes and c rayfi s h . F ive species occur in l a kes and streams of centra l a n d eastern state s . Most are val ued as game fi sh and are caught by tro l l i ng or casti n g , with spoons or spinners. They are good eat i n g , though somewhat bony. N o r t h e r n P i ke can be recog n i zed by their sca l i n g , which covers the enti rety o f t h e cheeks b u t o n l y the upper half of the g i l l covers . It is caught commerci a l ly, but is much m o re i m po r tant as a game fi s h . Sportsmen try for it with flashy l u res or l ive m i n n ows . M u s ke l l u n ge is the la rgest p i k e . Though not much

l a rger t h a n the N o r thern P i ke , i t i s considered a fiercer fighter a nd a better game fi s h . Lower cheeks and l owe r g i l l covers lack sca l e s . Body markings show reg iona l va riations i n the pattern of the dark spots o r ba r s . G r a s s P i c ke r e l ( Redfi n P i ckere l ) i s sma l ler and h a s

cheeks a n d g i l l covers comp l etely sca l ed . It i s the com­ monest pickerel of sma l l strea ms i n the Mississippi Va l ­ l ey. T h e eastern for m , Ma i ne to Alabama, w i t h a shorter snout, i s ca l l ed the Red fi n P ickere l . C h a i n P i c ke re l , often found with bass i n sha l l ow

l a kes a n d c lear strea m s , has cheeks and g i l l covers completely sca led . Occurs from N ew E n g l a n d south to F l orida and Texa s . 64

1 to 4 V2 ft. , 1 0 to 35 l b . Va riable mark­ ings. N o r thern strea m s and lakes.

NORT H E R N P I K E ,

M U S K E L L U N G E , 2 to 7 ft . ; 1 0 to · 20 lb. , rarely to 60 l b . N orthern strea m s and lakes. Long-lived-to 1 0 yea r s .

1 ft . ; wt. to about 1 l b . Strea m s and ponds, Maine to Alabama .

GRASS PICKEREL,

2 to 4 f t . , 1 0 lb. and more; Ea stern and Gulf drainage stream s .

CHAIN PICKEREL,

BANDED KILLIFISH, 3 to 4 in. Common in northern part of Mis­

sissippi basin.

SHEEPSHEAD MINNOW, 3 in. heavier fish, which feeds mainly

A

on aquatic animals.

2 in. The male Gambusia is much smaller than

MOSQUITOFISH,

the female.

KILLIFISH a n d Topm innows a re often c a l led minnows, but the term is more correctly used for smal ler relatives of the ca rp (pp.

57-59). K i l l ifish are sma l l (2 to 4 i n . ) with

long, somewhat com pressed bod ies, sma l l mouths, a n d projecting lower jaws. Tails are not forked; sca les are large. These fish l ive in ponds, streams, d itches, and sa lt marshes throughout the Un ited States, feeding on insect larvae, crustacea ns, a n d sma l l water plants. Some feed on wrigg lers and a re therefore of va lue in mosquito con­ tro l . Mosq uitofish

(Gambusia) retain eggs in their bodies

and bear their young a l ive. Ma ny species breed through­ out the sum mer.

MUMMICHOG, 5 in. Common in eastern coastal streams, marshes, and tide pools.

1 2 to 20 i n . , of southern waters. A similar species lives in California waters.

ATLANTIC N E E D L E F I S H ,

N E E D L E F I S H E S and H A L F B EAKS a re m a r i ne fi shes c l osely related to the fl yingfishes (pp. 68-69) . N ote the s i m i l a r u n b a l a nced ta i l s , l o nger at the botto m . A l l spe­ cies l ive i n warmer wate r s . N eed lefi sh have long bod i e s and v e r y l o n g , toothed jaws . They l ive at the s u rface and there feed o n s ma l l fi s h . Some spec ies g row to

5 ft . ,

as the H o u ndfi s h of -f l o r i d a waters . Ha lfbea k s , a s thei r name i n d i cates, have o n l y the l ower jaws extended . These sma l l e r fi shes rarely g row to 2 f t . l o n g ; they prefe r even wa rmer waters than need lefishes . Other species of need lefi shes and ha lfbea k s occur, but not too c o m m o n l y, i n waters off southern C a l iforn i a .

HALF B EAK, about 1 2 in . , o f south Atlantic shores . The Bal lyhoo is simi­ lar but has a ta i l shaped more like that of the N eedlefish.

67

F LY I N G F I S H E S a re ocea nic species often seen skitter­ ing near boats . They l eave the water primarily to escape from l a rger fi shes such a s tunas and ma ckere l s , which feed on them m a i n ly. The F lyi ngfish does not actua l l y fl y. It taxis a l ong the surface, vibrating its ta i l in the water; then it uses the wing l i ke fi ns to g l i d e u pwa rd , dropping down when momentum is exhausted . Often it takes to the air a second or third time without re-entering the water. Some species have the two pectora l fi ns e n l a rged ; others have both pectora l and pelvic fi ns deve l o ped for "flig ht . " The former a re known as Two-winged , the lat­ ter a s Four-winged , F lyi ngfishes . A l l species frequent wa rmer sea s , but may appear h a l fway u p o u r Atlantic and Pacific coa sts . They deposit eggs, covered with long s i l k y threa d s , i n k e l p beds , or attach them to any float­ ing object. The At lantic a nd the Marg i ned are two of the best­ known Atlcmtic species . The C a l ifornia F lyingfish i s s i m ­ i l a r to these . The B l ackwing F l yi ngfish (reported to "fl y" 500 ft. or more) i s found in both the Atlantic and Pacifi c . Severa l species have barbe l s when i m mature b u t a l l l ose them before maturity. Most spec ies average 7 to 1 2 i n . i n lengt h .

68

Margined Flyingfish (young)

69

Massachusetts' "Sacred Cod"

AT L A N T I C C O D sti m u lated the settlement of N ew E ng ­

l a n d , fostered s h i pbui l d i n g , and had o t h e r i nfl uences o n early A m e r i c a n h i story. I n testi mony of t h i s , a l a rge g i lded pine Codfi s h was hung in the Ma ssachusetts State H ouse i n 1 784 and i s sti l l there . W h i l e Cod wei g h i n g up to 200 l b . have been ta ken, they average 1 0 to 25 lb. About 83 m i l l ion pounds of Cod a re caught a n n u a l ly. Cod feed mainly on m o l l usks, crabs, starfi s h , worms, sq u i d , and sma l l fis h . Some Cod m i g rate south i n wi nter and spawn at that t i m e ; others move to deeper water. Large fem a l es produce three to five m i l l i o n egg s . Sma l l Cod , prepa red i n strips for cook i n g , i s ca l l ed Scrod . The Pacific C o d , caught from Oregon north, h a s be­ come more i mportant than the Atlantic Cod . In 1 950, Pacific catches were too insign ificant to be l i sted . In 1 98 5 , more than 1 20 m i l l ion pounds of Pacific Cod were take n , compa red to the 83 m i l l ion for the Atl a n t i c . The Burbot, the o n l y fresh-water member of the C o d fa m i l y, i s fou n d i n northern stream s and l a kes, often i n deep water. A s i n g l e barbel on the c h i n creates the m i staken idea that it i s a catfi s h . The Burbot i s a food fi s h , often caught i n tra p s .

70

green phase

egg hatches in 10-40 days

DEVELOPMENT STAGES OF THE COD young-4-6 months old

71

AT L A N T I C TOM C O D a n d P O L L O C K are both i n the

Cod fa m i ly. The To mcod i s sma l l , rarely over 1 5 i n . l o n g , 1 to 1 V2 l b . , a n d l ooks much l i ke a young Atlantic C o d ( p . 7 1 ) . N ote t h a t the tip o f t h e ventra l fi n i s l o ng and ta per i n g . living c l ose to shore, Tomcod feed o n crusta­ cea ns and sma l l fi s h . They are often caught i n bays and occa s i ona l l y in strea m s . Tomcods are good eating but not i m po r ta n t a s food fi sh . C o l o r i s va r i a b l e , usua l l y d u l l g reen a bove , white or ye l l owish be l ow. Pacifi c Tom ­ cod a re t a k e n i n sma l l n u m bers n o r t h of San Fra ncisco . The Atl a n t i c P o l l ock is a cool -water fi sh found on both sides of the N orth At lanti c . It g rows to 3 f t . , wei g h i ng up to 30 l b . Over 40 m i l l io n pounds are caught a n n u a l ly, c h i efly i n otter trawls s i m i l a r to the k i n d i l l ustrated at the bottom of p . 74 . The s i m i l a r Wa l l eye P o l l oc k , found ch iefly i n Alaska, was of neg l ig i b l e i m porta nce i n 1 950. Si nce the remarka b l e deve lopment of the Alaskan fi sh­ ery, the take of the Wa l leye P o l l ock has increased to 93 m i l l i o n pounds, more than d o u b l i n g that of its Atlantic relative .

Atlantic Pollock

H A D D O C K , 30 yea rs a g o , was the top-ra n k i n g food fis h . I t has d ropped drastiGeorge s c a l l y, fr o m 1 00 m i l l i o n pounds to 2 6 m i l l i o n pounds taken a n n u a l ly-mostly m a r­ keted as frozen fi s h . F i n n a n N antucket h a d d i e i s a l i g h t l y smoked Haddoc k . On the Georges N e w England fishing banks and other ba n k s , Haddock are more p l entiful than C od . They l ive in deeper water than Cod, though rarely deeper than 1 00 fathoms (600 ft . ) . Haddock a re strictly bottom feeders, ta k i ng m a n y ki nds of m o l l usks, sma l l c r a b s , w o r m s , a n d o t h e r i nver­ tebrates. They are found a lso i n colder E u ropean waters . Haddock is d i st i n g u i shed fro m Cod by having a black l atera l line, a n d a dark patch on each s i d e above the pectora l fi n . It i s sma l ler than Cod but l a rger than Tom ­ cod . I t occa s i o n a l l y reaches 35 i n . , wei g h s u p to 30 l b . Haddock mature when 3 t o 4 yea rs o l d .

LI NGS and HAKES a re Cod - l ike fishes, of considerable im porta nce in commercial fisheries. The Si lver Hake, also known as Wh iting, lacks the chin barbels of the true hokes or lings. It a lso has larger sca les. This s lender fish is a swift, strong swimmer which preys on shrimp a n d smal ler fish. It is fou n d at all depths down to about

300 fathoms

but prefers somewhat warmer water than the Cod. With the advent of q uick-freezing it has become an im porta nt food fish. The Si lver Hake spawns in sum mer; the tra ns­ parent eggs hatch in about 2 days. Ad u lts mature in years and rarely g row more than 2 ft. long, weig hing lb. (average

3 5

1 to 2 lb.). large runs occur in spring and

fa l l . A close relative is common i n the deeper waters of the Gu lf of Mexico. The lings include severa l very similar species. All are more slender than Cod and have two dorsa l fi ns, one short

6.

and the other l o n g . The ta i l is weak a n d rounded . A l l a r e bottom fi s h , feed i n g o n crustacean s a n d s m a l l fis h , b u t n o t o n m o l l u s k s . They are n i g h t feeders a n d may be caught by l i ne , though most of the commercial catch i s made with otter traw l s . White H a k e o r M u d H a k e , t h e l a rgest species, gets t o b e 4 f t . l o n g ; weight to 40 l b . ; average a b o u t 8 l b . I t s l a r g e m o u t h extends b a c k beyond t h e eye s . T h e Squ i rrel or R e d H a k e (or l i n g ) i s s m a l l e r t h a n the others, averag i ng 1 to 3 l b . , but i s otherwise very s i m i l a r to t h e W h i te H a k e . I t s m o u t h , s l ightly s m a l ler, extends o n l y a s far back a s the p u p i l of the eye . Southern H a k e , or F lor1 ida l i n g , i s sti l l s m a l ler­ usua l l y less than 1 f t . l o n g . It l ives at m ed i u m depths but comes i nshore d u r i n g c o l d weather. White Hake

Red Hake

H OGC HOKER or Broad Sole is one of a group of smaller flatfi shes ( p . 78) which i n c l ude the Euro­ pean species that provides filet of sole. I n the U n i ted States we get filet of sole from flounders.

Soles prefer warm , shal low water with a sandy or muddy botto m . Several Atlantic a n d one Pacifi c species occur.

F L AT F I S H F L AT F I S H E S form a u n i q u e and widespread group that

i n c l udes about 1 30 American species, common i n both At lantic and Pacifi c . Some are va l u a b l e food fi s h ; some a re pri zed by sportsme n ; all have deve l o ped a most u n u s u a l body form adapted to l ife o n the botto m . As shown below, the transparent la rvae soon change i n for m , a n d t h e eyes m i g rate t o o n e s i d e o f t h e head (either l eft o r right, depend ing o n the species) . The bottom side of the flatfish i s white or pa l e ; the top side va ries i n color, and a l l species can a d j ust their c o l o r and pattern to the bottom on which they live . All have a s i n g l e long dorsa l and a n a l fi n , without spines. There are two groups of flatfi s hes . The Soles have sma l l eyes, p l aced c l ose together, and a sma l l twisted mouth with few or no teeth . They a re genera l l y s m a l l e r fi s h . The F l o u nders are a much l a rger group a n d i n c l ude the F l ounders, F l u kes, H a l i buts, Tu rbots, and Dabs . De­ tailed identification may be d i ffi c u l t ; i t depends on num­ ber of rays i n fi ns, n u m ber of gill rakers, and other characteristics not ea s i l y observed . egg

76

larva­ newly hatched

(right), a northern fish, prefers muddy bot­ toms in cold, shallow water. I t breeds in winter. I t i s un usual i n that t h e female h a s smoother scales and shorter pectoral fi n s t h a n t h e m a l e . Note t h e straight latera l line and the smooth area between the eyes.

SMOOTH FLOUNDER

PLAICE, or Sand Dab (left), is common at 20 to 100 fathoms an muddy or sa ndy bottoms. Up to 6 million lb. are taken annually. length to 30 i n . (average, 18 i n . ) , weight, t o 1 4 l b . (average, 7 l b . ) . Feeds on sea urchins, sand dollars, and other bottom-dwellers.

AMERICAN

is an im­ porta nt food and game fish. large numbers are caught by trawls. Ang lers get them near shore during summer. In winter, the fish seek deeper water to spawn. The Summer Flou nder, which is found from Maine to South Carolina, is similar i n ap­ pearance and habits.

SOUTHERN FLOUNDER

swims on one side-eyes on the other swims u pright-eye on each side

77

mon and abundant Pacific flat­ fish fou n d from mid-C a l ifornia north to Alaska a n d west to Asia. One of the most attractive floun­ ders, it is as good eating as its drabber relatives. Feeds mainly on worms a n d crustaceans; weight u p to 15 o r 20 lb.

may HALIBUT g row 3 ft. lang and up to 60 l b ., thoug h the average size is much smaller. Note the small eyes, sep­ a rated by a large flat area. The lateral line swings into a h i g h arch near the pectoral fi n s. Found a l l year, b u t m ai n ly i n spring, from San Frcncisco south.

H A LI B U T, l a r g e, large-mouthed flatfish marked by a concave tai l, a re northern fish but avoid very cold water. They feed mainly on other fish. Halibut

may run from 400 to 600 lb. and to over 8 ft. Mo re usual are those of 20 to 1 00 l b . which a re caught offshore at 100 to 400 fathoms. Pacific Halibut are very similar.

STARRY FLOUNDER is a com­

A T LA N T I C

78

CALIFORN IA

STI C K L E BAC KS are a fa m i l y of sma l l fi shes, d i st r i b ­ u t e d widely around the world i n n o r t h e r n wate r s . Some are fresh-water, some m a r i n e , and some are a t h o m e in e i ther element. S t i c k l ebacks range from

1 V2 to 4 i n .

l o n g . They feed o n fi sh eggs, l a rvae a n d sma l l crusta­ cea n s . I n spring a n d s u m mer, when they spawn , the m a l e i s brightly c o l ored and v e r y jea l o u s . F i ghts between m a l e s are c o m m o n . E a c h m a l e b u i l d s a round nest of water plants h e l d together by mucus t h read s . I n i t , sev­ eral fem a l e s in success i o n may deposit t h e i r egg s . These are g u a rded by the m a l e , who a l so protects the young after they hatch- i n about

1 0 days .

The Brook S t i c k l e back is a fresh-water spec ies found i n northern l a kes and strea m s . I t i s identified by

5 or 6

spines in front of the dorsa l fi n . The N i nespine Stickle­ ba c k , of both fresh and brackish water, i s s i m i l a r, but with more s p i nes o n the ba c k . The Threes p i n e Stickle­ ba c k , of s i m i l a r habitat, i s a l so found i n E u ro p e . The male b u i l d s a nest using a sticky skin secret i o n and bits of vegeta ti o n .

SEAHORSES a n d PI PE­ F I S H a r e s u c h o d d crea­

tures that often people do not recognize them as fishes. Some l ive i n sha l l ow water, where they are often taken by s h r i m p trawlers . All feed on m i nute o rg a n i s m s . The smal lest species a re less than 2 i n . l o n g ; the l a rgest, 7 or 8 i n . A l l are southern fi s h , sometimes f o u n d n o r t h t o C a p e Cod . Sea horses, cov­ ered with t h i n bony plates, swi m upright . Thei r g i l l s a re sma l l ; the g i l l open i n g i s a pore . The fema l e sea horses and pi pefi s h deposit their eggs i n a pouch on the un­ derside of the m a l e . Here they rem a i n until they hatch as m i n i a ture a d u l t s . The pipe­ fi sh are more fi s h l i ke but have the same long snout and the same breed i n g h a b­ its as the sea horses . U s u a l l y found i n sha l l ow water, they a re 4 to 1 2 i n . l ong . About fifty species are known .

Northern P i pefi s h

M U L L E T S a n d S I LV E RS I D E S introduce the spi ny­ rayed fi shes, which i n c l ude most species through p . 1 3 1 and a few others . The m u l l ets a re b l unt-nosed , warm­ water fi shes of both Atlantic and Pacifi c . They are c o m ­ mon i n sha l low water, w h e r e sma l l schoo l s may l e a p i n unison when frightened . Mu l l ets feed o n aquatic p l a nts and mud but they someti mes bite on d o u g h ba l l s . A good food fis h , they are often netted and s m o ked . Of severa l spec ies, the Stri ped Mul let is most c o m m o n ; it grows to 2 ft . Silversides a r e shore fi s h , but much s m a l ler i n s i z e . L i k e Mul l ets they have two dorsa l fi ns, but a l so a si lvery stripe o n the side . The I n l a nd Si lverside (a c l ose relative of the Pacific Whitebait) i s found from N ew E n g l a nd south . It rarely g rows over 3 i n . long . The Brook S i lver­ side is a s i m i l a r, fresh-water species .

CAL I FO R N I A G R U N I O N i s a l a rger and better known

relative of the s i lverside . This fi ne Pacifi c fis h , known from Monterey south , comes to the beach d u r i n g the h i g hest tides to s pawn and lay its eggs i n the sand . Such times a re the occasions for a l l -n i g h t Grunion parties. As the fi sh are cast ashore by the waves, they are g ra bbed ba re-ha nded for cooking on the beach or l ater a t home . These slender, silvery Grunions, mistakenly ca lled Smelts, are 5 to 8 i n . long . Some a re caught commerc i a l l y i n round-haul nets. To ps m e l t and J a c k s m e l t are actua l l y si lversides,

not Smelts. They are caught a l ong the C a lifornia coast and are c lose relatives of the Grunion . Jacksmelts a re taken by a nglers and a l so form a major part of the C a l i fornia "smelt" fisheries; length, 1 0 to 22 i n .

82

BAR RAC U DAS are the large, slender "tigers" of tropica l seas, widely known because they are both ferocious and excel lent food a n d game fishes. Barracudas strike at a ny­ thing bright or movi ng. They may occur in sha l low water; and the la rgest, the Great Barracuda, is often accused of being dangerous to swim mers. Some evidence of this dan­ ger has recently been confirmed, but the fact remains that ba rracudas are much less da ngerous than sharks. The Great Barracuda g rows to 1 0 ft. long, thoug h any over 5 ft. are rare. The Pacific Barracuda is usually not over 4 ft. long and weighs 10 to 1 2 lb. The Northern Barracuda and other sma l ler species are not dangerous. Barracuda feed on sma l ler fish. They are caught by tro l l ing or with live ba it, and are a lso netted in com m er­ cial fishing. They spawn in summer but may spawn twice a year. 83

appears in great schools from the Carolinas nort h . The back has a dark, wavy pattern; the undersides are pla in. Average, 1 ft. long , 1 V2 l b . ; but may atta i n twice t h i s length, and up to 4 1 b .

ATLANTIC MAC K E R E L M AC K E R E L , a nother northern species i n both t h e At­ lantic and Pacific, i s similar to Atlantic Mackerel but with finer pattern of markings on bac k. Often found with Atlantic Mack­ erel. length about 2 ft.

CHUB

S PAN I S H MAC K E R E L and its kin are southern fishes with elongate spiny dorsa l s . Spa n i s h , Pai nted , and Sierra Mackerels are spot­ ted . All reach a maximum of 3 ft. and 1 0 or 1 5 l b .

MAC K E R E L and their k i n are easily recog n i zed by thei r deeply forked ta i l s , which na rrow greatly as they j o i n t h e body. B o t h d orsa l and a n a l fi ns have sma l l fi n lets beh i n d them; and fi n a l l y, the mackere l s a l l have a s l eek, stream l i ned form with smooth, a l most scaleless skins. Their

84

KING MACKEREL or Cere is the only member of the Spanish Mack­ erel genus that lacks spots. Like other mackerels, it feeds on sma l l fish a n d squid. I t is fou n d north Ia the C a rolinas. It can weigh u p t o 60 l b .

WAHOO is a m ore sol ita ry mack­ erel of the G u l f Strea m a n d wa rm­ water reefs. Note long dors a l fin and wavy bands, exten d i n g wel l past the l a tera l l i ne. Averages 1 5 to 20 l b .-someti mes much la rger.

iridescence m a kes them more attractive than many other species. These swift fishes usua lly travel i n schools, which migrate widely. They l ive a long shore a n d far at sea . In this group a re the world's best game fishes a n d fishes of high commercia l value. 85

T U NA, A L BAC O R E , a n d B O N I TO are l a rg e mem­

bers of the mackerel fam i l y. A few are no l arger than the mackere l s on the preceding pages, but the g i a n t tunas are the l argest of the bony fishe s . These l a rger mackerels a l so swi m i n schoo l s . They m i g rate i n i rreg u l a r paths and

L I T T L E T U N N Y or Fa lse Albacore is a fish of open waters frequently caught and cal led "bonito" by sportsmen . Found north to Cape Cod in summer. 2 to 3 ft. , 1 0 lb. Feeds on fl yi ngfishes.

o r Ocea n i c Bonito prefers warmer waters on Atlantic and Pacific coasts. N ote stripes on underside and that the lateral lines curve down sharply; 2 ft. long; 20 l b . ; few larger.

live a l l a l o n g t h e coast, b u t a re more abundant i n t h e south . T h i s is t h e "whitemeat tuna" important in commercial fi shing . Atlantic and Pacific spe­ cies are identica l .

B O N ITO is not so im­ portant in commerc i a l fi sheries. A good sport fi sh, more abun­ dant i n summer. A very s i m i l a r and s l i g h t l y larger Pacific species g rows to 40 in. and 25 lb.

A L B AC O R E

86

S K I PJ A C K T U N A

sched u l e s . A l l feed on such pe l a g i c fish as mackere l s , h e r r i n g , a n d sardines, a n d a l so sq u i d . A l l are va l u a b l e food fishes, a n d tuna a re fa mous g a m e . T h e s e fi sh and thei r k i n range the tropical a n d temperate sea s . C a l ifor­ nia tuna boats fi sh a s fa r south a s Peru .

are represented by two very s i m i l a r species, one on the Atlantic and one on the Pacifi c . The Atlantic species is larger: 200- to 500- lb. fishes are commonly caught. The record is about 1 , 496 l b . Tuna come to­ ward shore and move north i n summer, following a more plenti­ ful food supply. BLUEFIN TUNA

and the Skip­ jack are the principal species caught at sea by the California tuna fleet . Large n umbers of Yel ­ lowfi n have recently been found in the G u l f o f M e x i c o . M o r e southerly in i t s range t h a n the B l uefi n , this tuna i s also smal ler­ up to 500 l b . , usually 1 25 l b . or less. An excellent game fi s h . Y E L LOWF I N T U N A

MARLINS �an k hig hest on the sportsman's l ist. A l l are

open-sea fishes which feed on other fish. Of fh ree species living in North American waters, the Blue Marlin is best known . Th is, the largest marlin (up to about 1 ,000 lb.), is foun d i n the Gulf Stream as far north as Long Island. Its up per jaw is extended into a long p ike, used in c lub­ bing sma l l fish as it feeds. The ventra l fins a re reduced fo a pair of long fi l aments. The Striped Ma rlin of the Pacific barely enters California waters from the south and is caught near the Sa nta Barbara Islands. It is smal ler than the Blue Ma rlin-up to 300 or 400 lb. Its back is m arked by a bout a dozen g ray stripes. The Wh ite Marlin is pa ler i n color a n d m uch smal ler-rarely weig hing more than 1 00 lb. It l ives i n our Atlantic waters, moving northward as spring ad­ vances.

88

S A I L F I S H a re found as far

north as Cape C od o n the At lantic and a s fa r north a s Monterey on t h e Pacific . The :two subspec i e s , one i n the Atlantic and one i n the Pa­ cifi c , are a l m o st identica l , except that the Pacifi c sub­ species may average u p to 1 00 lb. and the Atl a n t i c Sa i lfish comes nearer 6 0 l b . B o t h h a v e a h i g h , wide dorsa l fi n , w h i c h g ives the fish its name; a l so sma l l sca les embedded i n the skin, a s i n marl i n s . Sa i lfish l a c k fi n l et s . T h e y often a ppea r i n schoo l s chasing Mackere l , M e n ­ haden, and s m a l ler fi shes . Sa i l fish have o i l y f l e s h a n d a r e n o t a favorite food , b u t they a r e pri zed a s g a m e . They are usua l l y caught by tro l l i n g in deep water. When hooked , a s a i l fi s h wi l l leap, twi st, and "ta i l -wa lk" o n t h e water i n a n effort to s h a ke loose. Sportsmen often release the fi sh they have l a nded . 89

SWO R D F I S H , bear i n g a l o n g , sharp, broad "sword , " are quite d i sti nct from the marlins and sai lfish with their round pointed beaks . Swordfish a re found in warmer waters of the Pacifi c a n d Atl a n t i c ; they move as fa r north a s N ova Scotia by the end of the summer. Often bask a t the sur­ face a n d are not eas ily d i sturbed . Sword­ fi sh g row up to 1 5 f t . long a n d weigh u p to 1 , 000 l b . , but fi sh even half that size are considered l a rg e . An excel lent food fish and pri zed game fi s h , taken with line o r by harpoo n . Swordfish prefer deeper, off­ shore waters of the G u l f Strea m . Feed on sma l l fi s h .

Swordfish sword

I N S H O R E L I ZARDF I S H represents a southern fa m i l y. Lives an sandy bottoms; feeds on smaller fi sh . length to 1 f t .

DOLP H I N or Dorado should not be confused with the m a m m a l of the sa me name (p.

1 52). These fi s h are u n usual

i n severa l ways: their odd, b l unt heads a n d ta perin g bod ies with a l o ri g dorsa l fi n ; their magnificent color, which varies from fish to fish and which changes i n waves on the living Dolphin; and their unusual speed. Dolphins are one of the fastest fishes. They l ive at the surfa ce, chas­ ing and feeding o n tlyin gfishes and other sma l l kinds. Ma i n l y a southern fish, the Dolphin has been fou n d n orth to New England in summer. It is occasio na l ly reported

6 ft. long, 60 l b . ; usua l ly it is much smal ler. Dolphins freq uent­

a long the Pacific also. Ma ximum size is up to weight

ly leap from the water when h u nting sma l ler fish or when they a re chased by someth ing larger. The h ig h forehead is characteristic of the male.

BUTTERFISH are sma l l (6 to 9 i n . long, weight Y2 lb., occasiona l l y larger) food fish widely d istributed in open waters of the Atlantic. They live in schools on sandy bottoms close to shore. Butterfish spawn in summer, d is­ a ppearing from northern waters in the winter. N ets yiel d a bout 7 m i l lion pounds a n nua l ly. Butterfish a n d Harvest­ fish represent the ha rvestfish family in the Atlantic. HARVESTFISH l ive more to the south than Butterfish a n d a r e n o t as im porta nt as food fi s h . Their size is simi lar. Note the d ifferences in the fins. The California Pompano (not a true pom pa no) is a common Pacific harvestfish.

92

MOONF I S H and LOOKDOWN belong to the fa m i l y

o f jacks (pp. 94-95), mackerel - l ike fishes o f warmer waters. These two species are more flattened than other jacks. The Moonfish is the more common of the two a n d is netted in t h e south as a food fi s h . Both fishes average about 9 in. long and weigh about half a pound, thoug h they may get larger. The lookdown is similar to the Moonfish but has elongated dorsa l a n d a n a l fins and a n even b l u nter head. The young have long fi laments o n dorsa l a n d ventra l fins. lookdowns are caught loca l l y i n channels a n d n e a r ledges. They put up a good fi g ht a n d a r e fi n e eating. 93

Creva l l e Jack

or Common Jack has a dark spot on gill covers. Grows aver 2 ft. long and up to 36 l b . U sually i n small schools n e a r pil­ ings. Caught by trolling. CRIVALLE

J AC K S a n d POMPA N O represent a large a n d i m por­ tant fa m i l y of open-sea fi shes . N ote the deeply forked ta i l s on t h i n sta l k s , often strengthened by heavy kee l s , with k n ife-sharp ridges . J a c k s and the i r k i n p refer warm wa ters, though i n s u m m e r some may be fo und a l l a l ong the Atlantic C oast . A few species occur o n our Pac ifi c Coast . M a n y j a c k s a r e exce l l ent f o o d a n d ga m e fi sh . " P o m pa n o en pa p i l l ote" (coo ked in pa per) is a fa mous d e l i ca cy.

94

i s a n i mportant commerc i a l fish i n southern C a l i ­ forni a . Usually 8 to 1 5 iri . , to 5 lb. , but occasionally much larger. Caught mostly i nshore, though seen 500 miles out. Feeds on sard ines .

JACK MAC K E R E L

(above) i s stream l i ned l i ke the mackerels. Schools are found on our southern Pacific coast. A pop­ ular game fi s h . Weight to 40 lb.

(below, left) i s a pri zed food and game fis h , most common south of t h e Caro­ linas i n i n lets and near shore. It is also caught at buoys or at off­ shore oil rigs. Weight about 2 l b .

( l eft) i s larger than t h e Common Jack­ averaging 1 2 l b . , occasionally reaching 1 00 . Common off F lor­ ida; rarer farther north . Feeds , like other jacks, on smaller fishes.

P E RM I T resembles t h e pompano and i s sometimes cal led Round Pompano. Length a bout 1 ft. ; weight about 2 l b . Found in i n lets of most southern waters with pompanos.

CAL I F O R N I A

Y E L LOWTA I L

G R E AT E R A M B E RJ A C K

FLORIDA POMPANO

95

P I LOTFISH is a slender jack, rarely g rowing over 2 ft. long. It is widespread i n warmer waters a n d is occa­ siona l l y foun d north to Cape Cod. Pilotfish prefer deeper water, often fo l low­ ing ships or large sharks and feeding on scra ps these bigger fish leave be­ hind. They do not lead sharks to food, as some sto­ ries have it.

B L U E F I S H (below) is in a family by itself. It rese m b les pom pano i n some aspects, though it may be more closely related to the sea basses. B luefish are excel lent food and game fish, foun d in both deep a n d sha l l ow water and caught by trolling, nets, or seines. length to a bout 30 in., weight 1 0 to 1 2 lb.; rarely larger.

96

P E RC H E S are a l a rge fa m i l y of med i u m to sma l l fi shes a l so found i n E u rope . The Ye l l ow Perch (to 1 2 in. and 1 l b . ) i s best known . It i s a bundant i n l a kes and l a rge strea m s , feed i n g O )l i n sects, crayfi s h , a n d sma l l fi s h . Perch spawn i n spring; l ower fi ns then red d i s h . Wa l l eye is a la rger, da rker perch ( u p to 1 0 l b . ) , fished commer­ c i a l ly, and a popu l a r game fi s h , though beco m i n g less com mon . E astern Sauger, s i m i l a r to Wa l leye but s l e n ­ d e r e r and s m a l l e r ( 1 2 to 1 4 i n . ) , often o c c u r s with i t . RAI N B OW DART E R ( 2 t o 3 i n . ) . Moles attractive with red on fi n s . Prefer larger creeks w i t h grovel botto m s .

(2 t o 3 i n . long) belongs to a Iorge group of sma l l perc h l i ke fishes of brooks a n d lakes .

J O H N N Y DARTER

BASSES, often cal led the fi nest of fresh-water game fish, a re of the sunfish fam i ly, which includes 30-odd species i n warmer la kes and ponds. A l l members of the family have a single dorsa l fin, the spiny and soft dorsals being contin uous. All build nests in which the male guards eggs and fry. Sunfishes are widely distributed and some have been tra nsplanted outside of their native eastern waters. Largemouth Bass, when young, has on the sides a dark stripe, which disa ppears as the fish matures. The mouth is large and extends back beyond the eye. Foods are mainly crayfish and sma l l fish. Largemouth a n d Sma l l­ mouth Bass are top game fish. Both have been introduced west of the Rockies. To 8 lb.; larger in south. Bass differs from the Largemouth in having faint vertica l bars on the sides, and a mouth that extends to, but not beyond, the pupil of the eye. Maximum weig ht about 6 lb. The Sma l lmouth prefers deeper and cooler water than the Largemouth. It does not range as far south and is absent from Gulf Coast streams. Sma l lmouth

Spotted Bass is intermediate between the Largemouth

and the Sma l l mouth in mouth size, body size, and fi n sha pe. I t has a latera l stripe a n d many small dark spots over the sides. F i ngerlings are easily distinguished by their bright orange tail. 98

_

_.,__·"""""'

members of the sunfish fam ily (see p. 98). These favorites in la kes, streams, and ponds incl ude over a dozen species, a l l easy to catch. B l u eg i l l, one of the largest sun­ fishes, sometimes weighs over 1 lb. - averages 1,4 lb. Color va riable, usua lly with fa int bars, and dark lobes extending back from the g i l l covers. Found in centra l states and as far west as Colorado. I ntroduced in Pacific coast states, they thrive in farm ponds and lakes. Longear Sunfish is so named be­ cause of the long flaps or lobes that are extensions of its ·g i l l covers. This sunfish rarely gets over 8 in. long­ usua lly not over 6. The bri l l iantly col­ ored longear shows bright orange and blue in irregu l a r patterns. One of the two commonest su nfishes (Green Sunfish is the other) of smal l creeks i n the Mississippi Va l l ey.

Green S u n f i s h

P u m p k i n seed

P u m p k i n se e d , or C o m m o n Sunfi s h , has a less reg u l a r c o l o r pattern t h a n t h e B l u eg i l l b u t usua l l y h a s strong orange and blue stri pes o n the cheeks, a n d a te l l -ta l e r e d s p o t marks the b a c k of t h e g i l l covers . R a r e l y over 8 i n . l o n g ; weight to 1 l b . Often found i n schools o n weedy m a rg i n s of ponds and lakes, feed i n g o n i nsects and s m a l l crustacea n s . G re e n S u n fi s h , o n e o f t h e s m a l l e r s u nfi shes, rarely gets over 6 i n . l o n g . P robably the most common sunfi s h , it i s s i m i l a r to t h e P u m pk i n seed b u t l a c k s t h e r e d s p o t o n t h e g i l l cove r s . There a re black spots at t h e base of the soft d o r s a l and anal fi n s . Found throughout the centra l states a n d a s fa r west as C o l orado, it has been i ntro­ duced a l ong the Pacifi c .

L o n ge a r S u nfish

1 01

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish or Shel lcracker (above) is common i n the Mississippi basin from I l l inois south, and most abundant in the south; sometimes in brackish water. It grows a bit larger than other species (up to 1 0 in.) and has been tra nspla nted outside its ra nge. Note the red tip on the lobe of the g i l l covers; this gives the fish one of its common names. Warmouth ra nges through the Mississippi basin to the

Gulf in lakes, ponds, and large streams. It feeds on insects a n d smal l fish and, l ike other sunfishes, takes the hook readi ly. Grows 8 to 1 0 in. long and usua l l y not over 1 lb. It is a nest builder. Warmouth has a large mouth l ike that of the Rock Bass, but it has only three anal spines and more conspicuous lines back of the eye. Rock Bass is difficult to picture, since it changes color rapidly to b lend with its surroundings. It, too, occurs in the Mississippi basin, but is more common in the cooler c lear waters of the north. It spawns in l ate spring on gravel bottoms and under weedy banks. A good game fish, 8 to 1 0 in. long; often weig hs over 1 lb.

1 02

Spotted Sunfish (Spotted Bream or Stumpknocker),

common in southern ponds, streams, and brackish water, is a smal ler sunfish, marked by s m a l l dark specks. During the breeding season, mature fish develop a brick red color. Length, 6 to 8 in.; weight usua l l y 8 to 1 8 oz.

Spotted Sunfish

C RA P P I E S a re the l a rgest of the sunfishes . Two species,

the B lack Crappie and the White Crappie, inhabit about the same range i n the Mississippi va l l ey and Great lakes reg i o n . They have been widely tra nspl anted e l sewhere . There are s l i g h t differences i n c o l o r pattern and i n the dorsal spines, and the shorter snout of the B l ack Crappie i s turned u p . Both species spawn i n spring when one o r two yea rs o l d . They feed on s m a l l water a n i m a l s , i n sects, crustacea ns, and to some extent on sma l l fi s h . C rappies are e a s i l y caught through wi nter ice or i n the spr i n g , and make a n exce l lent pan fis h . They often g row to 1 2 i n . long a n d wei g h over 2 l b .

W h i te C r a p p i e

1 04

BLUEGI LL-BASS CYCLE bass eat

small animals eat

bluegills

smaller plankton

I

bluegills eat crustaceans

F I S H C U LTIVAT I O N in farm ponds is i ncreasing. Over a m i l l ion such ponds exist; some produce as much as 200 lb. of fish per acre. Where soi l fertil ity a n d therefore the pond fertility are very low, com mercia l fertil izers are used to aid the growth of plankton (microscopic p l a nt and a n i­ m a l l ife). This serves as food for crustacea ns a n d sma l l fishes, which are eaten b y larger fishes. Too-high ferti l ity may cause excessive and obnoxious plant growth. I n the popular Bluegil l-Bass combi nation, the problem has been to avoid excess production of b l uegil ls, by i ntensive angling and netting. Detai led instructions a re ava i la b le from federa l a n d most state conservation agencies.

1 05

G i a n t Sea Bass

T E M P E RAT E BAS S E S incl ude the W h i te Perch w h i c h ,

until 1 970, was placed i n the same fa m i ly a s the sea basses (p. 1 08) . N ow the White Perc h , White Bass, Ye l l ow Bass, and Striped Bass have been found to be d ifferent enough from the sea basses to m ove them to the newly created fa m i l y of temperate basses . A l so in­ c l uded i n t h i s fa m i l y i s the Giant Sea Bass, or Pacifi c J ewfi s h , a d a r k , heavi ly b u i l t bottom fish t h a t may wei g h up to 6 0 0 l b . a n d atta i n 7 ft. o r more i n lengt h . T h i s popu l a r game fi s h , found from central C a l ifornia south , a l so has some com merci a l i m po r tance as a food fi s h .

WHITE BASS, a fresh-water fish, belongs to the fam i l y of temper­ ate basses. I t lives in the larger rivers and lakes of the Mississippi

1 06

Va lley and in the Great lakes . Note the silvery, striped body and divided dorsal fi n . A good game fish . length: to 1 8 i n .

ST R I P E D B A S S ( i l l u s ­ trated on p . 8) i s t h e best­ k n ow n t e m p e r a t e b a s s , found from F l orida t o C a n ­ ada but b e s t k n o w n from N ew J ersey to Cape Cod . It has been successfu l l y tra nspla nted t o the Pac ific S u rf f i s h i n g for Stri ped B a s s coast. The Stri ped Bass is a superb food and game fi sh, growi ng up to 1 25 l b . , though h a l f that weight is more typica l . I n May it moves i nto bays o r u p strea ms to spawn . Food : fi s h , crabs, shri m p , a nd other i nvertebrates . White Perch i s a n other fi ne temperate bass of both brackish and fresh water o n t h e A t l a n t i c coast .

Ye l l ow B a s s

is related and quite s i m i l a r to White Bass. It rarely grows over 1 5 in. long . Some of the stripes on its sides are i nterY E L LOW BASS

ru pted . A good game and food fis h , it i s found i n north-central lakes and rivers, and sometimes in brackish bays .

1 07

S E A BAS S E S are a l a rge and d iverse fa m i l y of perch l i ke

fi shes . Most species have three heavy spi nes before the ana l fi n , and one or two spines o n the edge of the g i l l covers . B l a c k Sea B a s s is most common from F l o r i d a to Cape Cod . T h i s bottom fi sh is often found near rocks, both inshore and off, feed i n g o n crabs, s h r i m p , and sma l l fi shes . S i des mottled , with na rrow horizonta l stripes. A superior game fi s h . Weight to 6 l b . ; length to 1 8 i n .

B l a c k Sea B a s s

Ke l p B a s s i s a much s m a l l e r fi s h ; i t rarely gets to be over 2 ft. l o n g . It i s common i n kel p bed s , where it is freq uently taken by ang lers using l ive ba i t . One of the lead i n g C a l ifornia sport fi shes and of some commerc i a l i m portance, it i s caught m o r e often i n s u m mer. It i s rare north of Monterey.

1 08

J EW F I S H E S A N D G RO U P E R S are l a r g e sea basses ,

found i n southern waters of the Atlantic and the Gu lf, usua l l y o n rocky bottoms a n d a round reefs . The Wa rsaw Grouper, o r B l a c k J ewfi s h , does not occur n o r th of the C a ro l i n a s . I t reaches a length of 6 ft . and a wei g h t of at least 500 lb. Odd ly, sma l l fi sh are rarer t h a n those of the l a rger s i z e . J ewfi s h a re taken by h o o k and l i n e commerc i a l l y as we l l as for spo r t . The J ewfish i s n o t found n o r t h o f F l o r i d a . I t , too, i s a fi sh of r o c k s a n d reefs , t h o u g h it a l so l ives a r o u n d p i l i n g s . T h i s j ewfish grows l a rg e r than the Wa rsaw, rea c h i n g over 600 l b . (record 6 9 3 l b . , length 8 ft . ) . I t i s a s l u g g i sh fi s h and hence i s easy prey to spea r fi shermen , who take them freq uently. As a food fish i t once had little va l u e , but now i t i s beco m i n g i n c reas i n g l y popu l a r a n d more widely used .

1 10

Y E L L O W F I N G R O U P E R is a West I ndies fish that is also fou nd in the Florida Keys. It p refers reefs and offshore b a n ks, where

it feeds on crabs a n d small fishes. This h a ndsome fish has two color p hases and c h anges color rapidly. Grows to 1 8 i n . ; averages 3 lb.

RED GROUPER ranges as fa r north as the C a roli nas. Along with the Black Grouper it forms the b u l k of the commercial g rouper catch. Food simila r to that of other groupers. This common spe­ cies g rows to 50 lb.

BLACK GROUPER, a West I n d ies

species, is a lso co m m o n on the northern Gulf Coast. It is abun­ dant in Florida Keys; occasio nally ranges to Massa c h usetts. Grows 3 ft. long, up to 50 lb.

S N OO K S a re widely d i stri buted i n tro p i c a l sea s . One spec ies i s c o m m o n off F l orida and a long the Texas coast. Pacific species d o not q u ite touch U . S . waters . Snooks are found c l o se to shore, i n bays a n d i n lets, often g o i ng upstream into fresh water. They a re fi ne g a m e fish and are excellent eating also. Snooks a re related to the sea basses ( p p . 1 08- 1 1 0) but h ave longer, t h i n ner bod ies, a stra ight l ower profi l e , a n d a projecting l ower j aw. Av­ erage wei g h t a bout 4 l b . , occa s i o na l l y u p to 50; length up to 4 f t .

gets i t s name from the prominent dorsal and anal fi ns, which make the fi sh look as if it had three tails. Common in

T R I P L ETA I L

Atlantic north to Cape Cod; more common in the sout h . Feeds on smaller fi shes. Length about 20 in . ; average weight over 1 0 l b .

111

S N APP ERS are another group of tropica l fishes which

fi n d their way a long the Gulf and Atla ntic coasts, some­ times as far north as Cape Cod. Sna ppers usua l l y aggre­ gate on offshore " l u m ps," though some species of less commercial i mporta nce are found near shore. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and sma l l fish. School master, of F lorida waters, is found around wharves a n d a long the reefs. Grows about 1 8 in. long; weig ht 2 to 3 lb., occasiona l l y up to 8. A common species, ma rked by light bars and yel low fins. Gray Snapper, a lso ca l led Ma ngrove Snapper, is often

found a round mangroves in the F lorida Keys. Reputed to be one of the best-tasting snappers, it feeds l a rgely on crabs. Occasiona l ly foun d as far north as New Jersey. Average length is a bout 1 8 in.; average weight about 2-3 lb., but specimens of 1 5 to 1 8 lb. have been caught. Red Sna pper is a famous food fish found mainly in the

Gulf of Mexico, but a lso a long the Atla ntic Coast as far north as long Island. It is usua l ly caught with h a n d l ines. Pensaco la and Ca ribbean Red Sna p per have recently been shown to be the same species. length, to 3 ft.

Red Snapper

Yel l owta i l Snapper is a sma l l sna pper with a big

reputation as a tasty fish. It is rarely foun d north of F lorida, where it l ives a long reefs and in in lets. I dentified by a deeply forked ta il, yel low fi n s, and a yel l ow stripe a long the sides to the ta i l . Length to 2 ft. ; average length under 1 ft.

PORKF I S H A sma l l , brightly col ored grunt of F l orida waters; 1 t o 2 lb.

G R U NTS are c l osely re lated to snappers but have fewer

teeth and brightly colored mouth s . Most are sma l l , a l l a re tropica l . Common i n t h e Atlant i c . T h e C a l ifornia Sorgo i s a common grunt of Pacific wate r s . W h i te G r u n t , common f r o m t h e West Ind ies to the

C a r o l i n a s and a favorite food fi sh, has four rows of e n l a rged scales a bove latera l l i n e . Average length, 1 f t . ; average weight, 1 l b . -rarely up to 1 8 i n . l o n g and 4 l b . Found o n sha l l ow, sandy botto m s . B l u es t r i p e d G r u n t i s ma rked as its name i n d i cates with narrow, hori zontal b l ue stri pes . F i n s a re yel l owish, inside of m outh red . lacks the large sca les of the White Grunt. T h i s handsome, tasty grunt grows to about 1 8 i n . a n d up t o 4 l b . C o m m o n i n the F l orida Keys . E a s i ly caught. To m t a t e i s a sma l l grunt, not more than 8 or 1 0 i n .

long . It h a s t h e s a m e range a s t h e White Grunt. U su a l l y found i n sha l l ow water, a round rocks and d o c k s , feed i ng on whatever a n i m a l l ife it encounters . P i g f i s h occasiona l l y fi nds its way to long I s l a n d Sound and westwa rd i n the G u l f to Texas . Most common i n s o u t h U . S . A t l a n t i c coasta l waters, w h e r e i t i s a n i m por­ ta nt food fis h . Habits s i m i l a r to Tomtate's . N ote diago­ nal stri pes o n back . To about 1 4 in. and 3 l b .

1 14

P O RG I E S are sma l l - mouthed fi shes with strong jaw teeth , adapted to feed ing o n shel l fish a n d crustacea n s . S c u p o r Porgy (from t h e C a r o l i n a s to C a pe Cod , o n sandy bottoms) i s a sport a n d food fi s h . lengt h , a bout 1 6 i n . ; weight, 1 to 2 lb. The n o r thern and southern forms are the same species . Sheepshead Porgy, common and l a rg e , affords sport to spea r fi shermen . Found south of C hesapeake Bay and i nto the Gulf. N ot rel ated to C a l ifornia Sheepshead ( p . 1 30 ) . Of other southern spe­ cies, the J o lt-head i s l a rgest (up to 1 0 l b . ) and best known; so c a l led beca use it j o l ts and pushes shel lfi s h off p i l i n g s when feed i n g .

1 16

S H E E P S H E A D PORGY, a bottom feeder; u p to 20 Ia 30 lb. Dark bands most conspicuous in young.

P I N F I S H i s a porgy; a l so ca l led P i nfi sh Brea m , or Sa i l ­ or's C h o i c e . (The l a st n a m e i s appl ied t o two g runts a l so . ) Found from C a pe Cod south a nd common a l o n g t h e G u l f i n bays, i n l ets, and around piers . Grows 6 t o 1 0 i n . long , l e s s t h a n 1 l b . A fi ne-flovored fi s h . O PA L E Y E , a l so cal led G reen Perch or C a ta l i n a Perc h ,

i s t h e o n l y c o m m o n member of a Pacifi c fa m i l y and a favorite sport fi sh for surf casters . Max i m u m size a bout 20 in. long and 6 l b . The young have whitish bl otches o n each s i d e of t h e bac k . Opa l eye i s found from Monterey Bay south to l ower C a l iforn ia .

1 17

C H U B S are sma l l - mouthed fishes somewhat l i ke por­

gies. They a re k n own to fo l l ow ships at sea , proba b l y a s scavengers . The Bermuda C h u b , common off F l or i d a , i s found n o r t h to C a pe Cod . It wei g h s 3 to 4 l b . , occa s i o n ­ a l ly m u c h m o r e ; has d i st i nct l i g h t d o t s o n dark b a c k ­ ground . L a r g e school s a re f o u n d a round o l d wrecks and a l ong reefs , feed i n g o n a n i m a l and vegeta b l e matter. MOJ A R RAS are sma l l tropica l fis h , rare l y over a foot

l ong . They extend their jaws i nto a long tube (as shown bel ow) a s they feed o n whatever p l a nt o r a n i m a l materia l i s ava i la b l e . There are many American spec ies, a l l s i l ­ very. They a re a m o n g t h e commonest Atlantic shore fi shes a n d a re a l so found on the Pac ific Coast . More abundant i n wa rmer waters, moja rras a re seldom over 6 i n . long . S ilver Jenny

1 18

Spotted Seotrout

W E A K F I S H a n d S E AT R O U T S are best known of the

croakers, a fa m i l y of temperate- and wa rm-water fi shes that frequent sha l l ows . A l so c a l l ed Squetea g ues, Wea k ­ f i s h are i m portant f o o d a n d game fi sh a l o ng the Atlantic coast . Their wea k mouths tear when h o o ked . large sch o o l s m ove north i n late spring, feed i n g o n sma l l fi shes and i nvertebrate s . length , 3 f t . ; wei g h t , 1 2 lb. The Spot ted Seatrout or "spec k l e trout" i s s i m i l a r but has dark spots o n fi n s and body, and a m o re southerly ra n g e . length, 2 ft . ; weig h t , S i b . W H I T E S E A B A S S , a Pacific croa ker, relative of the Wea kfi s h , l ives a s far north as Puget Sound . Found i nshore, often i n k e l p beds , feed ing o n small fis h and crustacea n s . Weight to 60 lb. An i m portant commerc i a l fi s h .

AT L A N T I C C ROA K E R i s the common species of the

croaker fa m i ly. I t feeds on m o l l usks, crustacea ns, and small fi shes i n bays and sha l l ow water, where it usua l l y l ives i n eel g rass or i n oyster bed s . H a s s m a l l c h i n bar­ be l s . Occa s i o n a l l y caught u p to Cape Cod , but more common to the south . Averages 1 l b . , sometimes reaches 4 or 5 lb. Spawns offshore i n late s u m mer.

S P OT F I N C ROA K E R i s ma rked by l a rge dark spots at the base of the pector a l fi n s . It i s often caught by Pac ific

surf-fishers, a l so from docks and boats near shore . common south o f Monterey. length, to 2 ft . ; weight,

Coast More

to 6 1bs.

1 20

DRUMS are the largest and noisiest of the croakers, which make loud noises by vibrating m uscles that cause their air bladders to vibrate. The Black Drum grows to over 4 ft. and weighs up to 1 50 lb., but averaging less tha n ten . like the Sheepshead Porgy (p. 1 1 6) it feeds on mollusks. Though large and good to eat, this drum is not considered much of a game fish. The Red Drum, or Channel Bass, is a n excel lent sportsman's fish. Found from New York south, it feeds on sma l l fish, shrim p , and crabs. Note its color. There may be more than one b lack spot at the base of the tai l . This fish travels in school s a n d weighs 5 t o 1 5 lb.-occasiona l ly 5 0 lb. o r more.

K I N G F I S H E S , h i g h l y pri zed for thei r food q u a l i ties, a re a group of croa kers found i n both Atlantic and Pacifi c . A l l are somewhat similar and have a c h i n ba rbe l . The N orthern K i n gfis h , a lso known as Whiting , i s com­ mon a s far south as Maryl a n d , where it g radua l l y be­ comes rarer a s the Southern Ki ngfi s h becomes com­ moner. Both species are bottom feeders found o n sandy bottoms i n fa i r l y sha l l ow wa ter. The G u l f K i ngfish is confi ned to sandy beaches from Chesapeake Bay to Texas . The Corbina, which i s the Pacific cou nterpa rt of the Gulf K i ngfi s h , i s often taken by s urf-casti ng . K i n g ­ fishes wei g h 3 l b . , g row to 2 f t .

TILEFISH a re u n usual fish with a most u n usual history. Studies show that they thrive only at depths of 50 to 1 00 fathoms, a n d there only when the water temperature is close to 50 degrees. I n this narrow range the tilefish is a bottom feeder, growing to over 3 ft. long a n d a weight of over 35 lb., though averag ing much less. Note the fleshy flap at the top of the head and the smal ler ones at the corners of the mouth. The eyes a re much larger in tilefish taken from the Gulf of Mexico. Tilefish are excel lent eating, but this l a rge a n d valu­ able fish was n ot taken a long the northern Atla ntic Coast till 1 879. Fishing for this species developed rapidly. Then, within three years, the tilefish nearly became extinct­ probably because of the s hift of a cold-water current into the na rrow area they occupied. I n March, 1 882, steam­ ships and fishing boats reported m i l l ions upon m i l l ions of dead tilefish floating at sea north of Delaware Bay. None was caught i n the next few years. Gradu a l ly the fish re­ turned, a n d after 1 9 1 5 commercial fishing was taken u p again. Peaks of 1 2 m i l lion pounds a n n u a l ly have been reached, but recent catches i n North Atlantic waters have again been much smal ler.

1 23

SC U L P I N S are a family of odd, bizarre fishes with large,

spiny or a r mored heads and short tapering bodies, some­ times soft, sometimes armored too. The pectora l ti ns, large and fanlike, are used by fresh-water species to hang onto stones. Scu l pins are arctic or northern fishes fou n d around the worl d in cooler waters. Most l ive on the bottom, feed­ ing o n crabs and sma l l fishes. The flesh of Scu lpins is edible, b ut because of their small size a n d unattractive form, scu lpins are se ldom eaten. They are a n uisance to fishermen. Eastern kinds are used for lobster ba it. L O N G H O R N SCU L P I N has on its head sharp spines which make it hard to handle. Its color varies with the bottom on which it l ives; usually it has light and dark b lotches. Length to 1 ft.; weight to 1 lb. The Shorthorn Scu l pin is similar, with smal ler spines.

S E A RAV E N ( p . 1 24), a l a rger scu l p i n u p to 20 i n . long and wei g h i n g u p to 5 l b . , has l a rge teeth and can bite severely when caught. The mottled s k i n i s prickly. The Sea Raven swe l l s u p when caught. It prefers rocky bot­ toms in fa i r l y deep water. CAB E Z O N i s a l a rge Pacific Scu l p i n , up to 30 i n . l o n g , wei g h i n g 20 to 25 l b . A favorite o f a n g l e r s , it l ives on hard or rocky bottoms i n fa irly sha l l ow water. Good eat i n g , but the roe i s repor ted poisonous . N ote soft ski n , lack of sca les, and large s p i ne near eye s . MOTT L E D S C U L P I N represents a s m a l l b u t wide­ spread group of fresh-water scu l p i n s . Some are l a ke dwe l lers, but the Mottled prefers strea m s with g ravel bottoms i n the Atlantic and eastern Mississippi d r a i n ­ age. Grows 4 to 6 i n . l o n g ; i s of no c o m m e r c i a l va l u e .

S EA RO B I N S a n d F LY I N G G U R N A R D S rese m b l e

scu l p i n s , t h o u g h e a c h represents a d i fferent fa m i ly. Leopa rd S e a ro b i n has a l a rge head a n d tapering body; mouth s m a l ler than scu l p i n's, l ower rays of pec­ toral fi ns free a n d mod ified for wa l k i n g o n the bottom . Found i n the G u l f and Atl a ntic north to the C a ro l i nas, this fish sometimes stirs u p the bottom searc h i n g for crabs, worms, m o l l usks, and even sma l l fi shes. I t g rows to about 6 i n . a n d forms part of the commerc i a l "scrap" that i s used i n can ned cat food . F l y i n g G u r n a rd is a southern Atlantic fi sh with enor­ mous pectora l fi n s each d ivided into a l a rger and a s m a l l e r p a r t . It takes leaps out of the water, but noth ing l i ke those of flyingfishes . The ventra l fi ns a re used a s wa l k i n g orga n s . T h e g i l l covers taper i nto t h i c k spines. I t g rows to less than 1 ft. long .

LUMPFISH and SEA SNAI LS a re odd creatures of northern waters fou n d on both sides of the Atlantic. These interesting but unim portant fishes have unusual sucking discs, by w h ic h they cling to rocks and seaweeds.

Lumpfish is the larger (up to 20 in. and 20 lb.). It is a bottom dweller, fo und from the surf out to depths of

1 50 fat homs. L u m pfish often c l ing to lobster pots a n d feed on sma l l invertebrates. They spawn i n spring. The male gua rds the spongy masses of eggs.

Sea Snails have a n unusual ta d­ 6 in.) and

pole sha pe. Sma l l (under

soft-bodied, they a re fou n d as far south as New Jersey. A l l species have a

we l l - deve loped

sucking

d isc,

formed from modified ventra l fi ns. Sea Snails feed on sma l l m o l l usks and other bottom invertebrates. They spawn ea rly i n spri ng. 1 27

ROC K F I S H E S a re members of the sco r p i onfish fam i l y w h i c h g ive b i r t h to young after they devel o p i n s i d e t h e fema l e . About 6 0 species occur o n o u r Pac ific coast a n d a few o n t h e Atl a n t i c . All have armored h e a d s l i ke the related scu l p i n s and searobins (pp. 1 24- 1 26). More common in cool or temperate waters . Boc a c c i o , found from British C o l u m b i a s outhward , g rows u p to 3 ft . long and weighs up to 20 l b . T h i s very common and i mportant food and game fish is o live brown with var i a b l e a m o unts of red , orange, and sometimes black. C h i l i p e p p e r i s f o u n d a long the C a l iforn i a c o a s t , m o r e commonly to the south . It ranks with Bocacci o a s t h e m o s t i m po r tant rockfi s h . N ote the p i nk stri pe a long t h e latera l l i n e . length to 24 i n . ; weight to 1 0 l b .

1 28

O C E A N P E RC H a n d S C O R P I O N F I S H are eastern

representatives of the rockfish fa m i l y. Both are found a l ong the At lantic coast, and are temperate-water fishes. Ocea n P e rc h , sometimes cal led Redfi s h , g rows to

about 20 i n . and wei g h s to 5 l b . It i s very abundant a n d recently has become a n i m portant commerc i a l species­ more va l u a b l e than cod and a source of frozen fi l ets and fi sh-st i c k s . It i s taken by traw l s i n deep water, rarely caught by sport fi shermen . N ote the l a rge eyes, g i l l open i n g s , a n d t h e bright colors which fad e ra p i d l y after death . like the Pac ific Rockfish it g ives birth to living you ng . P l u m e d S c o r p i o nfi s h is a more souther ly scorpion­ fi sh representing a group of about 20 species o n the Atlantic coast a n d a few o n the Pacifi c . I t lays egg s . To 8 in.

Plumed Scorpionfish

1 29

W RAS S E S are attractive, large-toothed , sma l l -mouthed

tropica l fi shes found in cora l reefs and around rocks . They have a continuous dorsa l fi n . Add itional g r i n d i ng teeth i n the throat a i d in crushing m o l l u s k s . Sca les a re la rge and smooth . See Razorfish and B l uehead , p . 1 33 . found north to the Carolinas but more common i n Florida waters, is a fine food fish u p to 2 ft. long . N ote the three long spines i n the dorsal fin and the bright colors, usua lly some shade of red , which cha nges rapid ly. HOGF I S H ,

TAUTOG, one o f two northern wrasses, is foun·d south to the Carolinas. A good food and game fi sh, 2 to 5 l b . , it i s found in

summer around rocks, piers, and ledges, feed ing o n mussels and o t h e r m o l l u s k s . It w i n t e r s i n deeper waters.

C A L I F O R N I A S H E E P H E A D or C a l i f o r n i a R e d fi s h i s a I o r g e wrasse o f rocky shores from Mon­ terey sout h . Mole ( left) and

female ore illustrated here . D u l l r e d of female sometimes has d a r k blotches. A c o m m o n s p o r t fi s h . length t o 3 f t . ; weight to 30 l b .

1 30

B U T T E R F LY F I S H E S and ANG E L­ F I S H E S form a group of compressed trop­

ical reef dwe l lers of F l orida waters with sma l l m ouths a n d teeth . Angelfishes d i ffer fro m Butterflies in bea r i n g a spine on the g i l l cove r s . A l s o , the dorsal fi n of Angel­ fi shes ends i n a l o ng fi l a m e n t .

Q U E E N A N G E L F I S H i s t h e l a rgest of the group, g rowi n g to 2 ft. long. l i ke other a n g e l f i s h e s , i t is good eat i n g , though the group is not i m p o r t a n t a s a food fi s h . An­ gelfishes feed o n crabs, b a r n a ­ c l e s , a n d other i nvertebrate s .

S P OT F I N B U T T E R F LY F I S H i s a we l l - k nown reef dwe l l e r, marked by a d a r k line through the eye ond another near the ta i l . T h i s s m a l l fi sh (5 to 8 i n . ) , fast a n d a g g r e s s i v e , feeds o n s m a l l invertebrate s . F R E N C H A N G E L F I S H ( 1 ft . ) i s a West I n d i e s spec i e s as is the Gray Angelfish which occasiona l l y spreads north to New J ersey. They are both popu l a r s a lt-water a q u a r i u m fishes . You n g have ver­ tical ye l l ow b a n d s o n a b l a c k backgrou n d .

1 31

T R O P I C A L MA R I N E F I S H E S form a n i m portant part

of American sea l ife . Some a re accidenta l stragg l ers; some come into o u r range during summer; some l ive the year round in F l orida and Gulf waters . Southern C a l i for­ nia, with cooler waters, has fewer tropical species. S E RG E A N T MAJ O R , named for its stripes, a nd Reef

F i s h , common o n cora l reefs, a re in the d a m se l fish fa m­ i l y. Range north to F l orida . Ma les guard eggs. 6 i n . RAI N B OW PA R R OT F I S H i s o n e of t h e l a rgest herbiv­ orous and coral -eating reef dwe l l e rs . It grows up to 3 ft. The Parrotfish fa m i ly i n c l udes brightly c o l o red spe­ cies, with fused, nipping teeth that can cut a hook in two . S PAD E F I S H , a relative of angelfishes ( p . 1 3 1 ), is larger (to 3 ft. ) and a fi ne food and game fis h . A favorite target of skin d ivers . There is a l so a Pacific Spadefi s h . s ..... ant Major

TRIGGERFISHES are so named because the fi rst of the three stout spines of the dorsa l fi n is locked u pright by the second when the fish is d isturbed. It w i l l d rop o n ly when the second spine is pressed as a trigDORSAL FI N TRIGGER MECHANISM ger. Triggerfishes a re com pressed fishes a l most as high as long, with fin u p heavy sca les and tough skin. Ventra l fi n s are m uc h reduced or a bsent. These fishes average about 1 ft., rare­ ly weig hing over 1 lb. All a re tropical, from Florida a n d the West I n d ies. fi n released Gray Triggerfish is varia b ly colored, usua l l y a mottled brown, yel l ow, or gray. length, a bout 1 ft. It gets farther north than other species. Ocea n Trig­ fin down gerfish is larg er, up to 2 ft., a n d weighs 3 to 5 lb. or more.

FI LEFISHES have tiny, hard sca les set in a tough skin which was once used as sandpa per-hence their n a m e. They a re relatives of triggerfishes, but have only one dorsa l spine instead of three. The ventral fi n s a re re­ d uced or a bsent. Fi lefishes a re common in northern a n d temperate waters, though t h e family is a tropica l one. They feed on a lgae a n d sma l l invertebrates. P l anehead F i l efish rarely gets over 1 0 i n . long. It is fou nd north to Ca pe Cod but is more common in the south. The Fringed F i l efish, of southern waters, is similar but has a l a rger ventra l fl a p than the Planehead Fi lefish. Orange Fi lefish, a longer, less deep species, may reach a length of 2 ft. This one is more common in the Gulf of Mexico and a long the F lorida coast. The Ora nge Fi lefish is not a lways orange, but is mottled, with olive gray, orange, or w h ite.

1 35

T R U N K F I S H E S are marine odd ities . The body scales

fuse, forming a solid, triangular she l l from which the mov­ ing fi ns and ta i l protrude. The box l i ke shell is made up of six-sided plates, each fi rmly attached to those which sur­ round it. The Tru n kfi shes are therefore s l ow and l i m i ted i n their movements. When they a r e found north o f their southern range they have usua l l y been carried a l ong by the Gulf Strea m . The young are more rounded and, in some species, are brightly colored . C o m m o n Tru n kf i s h is found mainly in F l orida waters

but a l so to the north a s fa r as Cape Cod . Only very sma l l fi sh a r e found that fa r north . U p t o l 0 i n . S c ra w l e d C o w f i s h

is a l a rg e r t r u n k fi s h , s o m e t i m e s over a foot l o ng . L i ke other trunkfi shes it is ed i b l e . Trunk­ fi shes are sometimes baked i n their own shel l s .

1 36

Southern Puffer (inflated)

P U F FERS, a lso known as Swe l lfishes, can q u ickly inflate their bodies with air or water ti l l they swe l l to three times norm a l size. When danger i s past, they def late just as rap­ id ly. Puffers are found all a long the Atla ntic Coast an d at points along the Pacific Coast. They live i n shal low water, feed ing on crabs and other invertebrates. Some puffers a re poisonous. Since the poison is extremely potent, it is unwise to use puffers as food. Smooth Puffer, one of the l a rgest species, is most com­ mon i n southern waters. It has prickles confi n ed to area on bel ly. U p to 2 ft. Northern P uffer is not common north of Cape Cod . It spawns i n s u m mer. Ba n dtai l Puffer, from F l ori da south, a n d Southern Puffer of the G u lf, are simi lar i n form a n d size.

1 37

P O RC U P I N E F I S H a n d B U R R F I S H are closely

rel ated to t h e puffers, but i n a d d i t i o n to their a b i l i ty to swe l l , the i r skin i s cov­ ered with stout spi nes which make them da ngerous to other fi shes and hard to hand l e . These are tropica l fi shes, occa s i o n a l l y found Porcu pinefish north to C a pe C o d , usually i n sha l l ow water, where they feed on sma l l i nverte­ brates . Of n o commercia l va l u e , but i nterest i n g because of their form , m e m bers of this fa m i l y and the puffers a re found i n the P a c i fi c south of o u r border. Porc u p i n efi s h h a s l o n g , stout spi nes w h i c h stick out i n all d i recti o n s . length, 1 f t . ; occasiona l l y 3 f t . S t r i ped B u r r f i s h o r S p i n y Boxfi sh i s a c o m m o n species with short, stout spines. I t i s so s l ow i t p rovides sport for skin d ivers, who c a n ea s i l y catch them . 1 0 i n .

OCEAN S U N F I S H is no

relative of t h e fresh-water sunfishes (pp. 1 00- 1 01 ) , but i s kin to the B u r rfish a n d Porcupi nefish { p . 1 38 ) . The Ocean S u nfish i s a l so c a l led Headfi s h , for its head d o m i nates the entire body. It pre­ fers warmer waters , though i t occurs w i d e l y i n all sea s . T h i s odd , l a zy fi sh i s o n e of th ree species i n o u r waters . Spec i mens 6 f t . l ong a n d 600 l b . have been c a u g h t ; the record weight i s a bout a ton . Food i s s m a l l m a r i n e i nvertebrate s . T h e Ocea n Su nfi sh h a s a leathery outer skin with a thick tough white l ayer benea t h . Its bones are soft a n d wea k , a n d its movements a re l i m i ted . Har­ pooned a s a g a m e fi s h , i t h a s no use a s food .

1 39

R E M O RAS are a l so c a l led S h a rksuckers because of the u n usua l , ova l sucking disc on the top of the head . With t h i s they a t ta c h themse lves to swordfi s h , s h a r k s , or a ny other large fis h for a free ride . Remoras a re not para­ s i tes, nor d o they " g u i de" their host. They merely share left-over d i nner scra p s . The s u c k i n g d i s c deve l oped from the front dorsal fi n ; m u s c u l a r fl a p s open to create the s u ct i o n . There are several species of remora . They a l l prefer wa rmer waters . The Sha rksucker, i l l ustrated a bove , i s the l a rgest and most com m o n , usua l ly a bout 2 f t . l o n g , sometimes a foot longer. Remoras are found on other fi shes su c h a s Drums, Swo rdfi s h , a n d Ma r l i n s ; s'ometimes on l a rge s e a turtles . They c o m m o n l y attach to skin d ivers . Northern Stargazer

STARGAZ E RS a re southern fishes best k n own from Atlantic species, which a re seldom over 1 f t . lo n g . Mouth , nostr i l s , a n d eyes h i g h i n t h e head m a k e it poss i b l e f o r Sta r ­ gazers to l i e b u r i ed i n the s a n d e l ec t r i c orga n s o n a w a i t i n g u n wa r y c r u s t a c e a n s . head of Stargazer Some Sta rgazers have, i n the top of thei r hea d s , e l ec t r i c a l cel l s w h i c h have deve l o ped from the optic nerve . These can g ive a strong shock to a n a n i m a l o r perso n . When the mouth opens to g ra s p a n a n i ma l , a n a c c o m p a n y i n g shock pa ra lyzes t h e prey.

TOA D F I S H , found o n m u d d y bottoms of s h a l l ow water,

feed on crustacea n s , m o l l u s k s , a n d s m a l l fi s h e s . Leng t h , t o 1 f t . The m a l e g u a rd s the eg g s , w h i c h m a y rest i n a n o l d she l l o r even i n a t i n Toa d f i s h g u a r d i n g e g g s c a n o r bot t l e . H e b i tes v i ­ c i o u s l y w h i l e o n d u t y. M i d ­ s h i p m a n (see a l so p . 5 1 ) , of toadfish fa m i l y, lays and guards eggs i n m u c h the same m a n ner.

K e l p Gree n l i n g

G R E E N L I N G S are a P a c i fi c fa m i l y most a b u nd a n t i n

waters n o r t h of Monterey. Severa l s p e c i e s , m o re o r l e s s c o m m o n , w h i c h g row to about 20 i n . long , a re a l l d e s i r ­ a b l e g a m e fi sh . T h e y a re t a k e n c l ose to shore i n a l l sea s o n s b u t never a ppea r i n l a rge enough n u m bers to be i m po r t a n t in commerc i a l fisher ies . Gree n l i n g s are char­ acterized by one or two pa i r s of sma l l fleshy fl a p s on the top of the head . The K e l p G reen l i n g , i l l u strated a bove , is sometimes ca l led Seatrout or Rockfi s h , t h o u g h both these n a mes are m i s l e a d i n g . The male and fema l e d i ffer i n c o l o r and form of m a r k i ngs-an u n c o m m o n occu rrence among fishes . Rock Green l i n g s , or Red Rock Tro u t , a re usually brown (some are g reen); they a re northern fishes . The Wh ite-spot ted Green l i n g is more c o m m o n i n Oregon waters a n d n o r t hward .

1 42

K E L P F I S H E S represent a n other Pacific fa m i l y. Most species a r e fou n d a l l a l o n g the coast near rocky shores a n d i n k e l p bed s . Most a re s m a l l fi shes ( 4 t o 8 i n . l o n g ) w h i c h have l i t t l e e c o n o m i c i m po r t a n ce a n d even lack c o m m o n n a m e s . The k e l pfishes are re­ lated to the b l e n n i es ( p p . 1 44- 1 4 5 ) . G i a n t Ke l pfi s h , the species i l l u strated a bove and bel ow, i s much l a rger than its relat ives- 1 8 to 24 i n . l o n g . I t i s often c a u g h t by a n g l ers a n d fi n d s its w a y i nto commerc i a l nets . I t i l l u strates t h e protective co l o r a t i o n s e e n so o f t e n i n fi shes . T h o s e l i v i n g i n ke l p bed s , a bove , a re red d i sh a n d m o t t l ed , s o they b l e n d with the swayi n g k e l p s . Those l iving i n eelgrass, bel ow, are s i lver a n d g reen , m a tc h i n g those surround i n g s . T h i s ke l pfi s h i s ed i b l e , t h o u g h the flesh m a y have the same g reen c o l o r a s the s k i n .

B L E N N I E S a n d G O B l E S are two large fa m i l i es of

s ma l l fi shes, d iffi c u l t to identify, yet seen by pract i ca l l y everyone w h o h a s wa l ked a l o ng t h e beaches. These are the fishes of tide poo l s , oyster bed s , a n d m u d fl ats . They l ive i n e e l g rass a n d i n the s ha l l ows a n d i n lets . Some prefer brackish o r even fresh water. N o n e i s of speci a l eco n o m i c i m portance, yet a l l are o f va l u e a s pa r t o f the nevere n d i n g cyc l e of m a r i n e l i fe . B L E N N I E S i n c l ude a group of tropica l species and a n other group of arctic spec i e s . The northern ones are l a rg er. Some b l e n n ies a re sca led; others have na ked s k i n s . Some have fl eshy fi l a ments or fr i nges on their hea d s . The ve ntra l fi ns a re redu ced to one s p i n e and a few soft rays . They eat any sma l l a n i m a l s . GO B l E S a l so a bo u n d i n sha l l ow water, espec i a l l y a l ong

southern shores . They a re both scaled a n d n a ked , and all have ventra l fi ns c l osely j o i ned o r m o d i fied to form a s u c k i n g d i s c , a s i n their relatives, the c l i ngfishes .

STR I P E D B L E N N Y occurs as far north a s New Yor k in s h a l l ow water. lays eggs i n empty s h e l l s a n d r o c k crev i c e s . U p to 5 i n .

1 44

F R E C K L E D B L E N N Y is fou nd c l o se to shore from the C a ro l i nas a l l around t h e G u l f to Tex a s . C o m ­ m o n i n t i d e poo l s . U p to 3 i n .

SHARPTA I L GOBY l ives in brack­ i s h o r s a l t water i n bays along the G u l f C o a s t . L e n g t h , about 6 i n . ­ somet i me s u p t o 1 0 i n .

FAT S L E E P E R , rel ated t o the Go­ b i e s , t h r ives in fre s h , s a l t , or brackish water. Occa s i o n a l l y large enough t o b e a food fi s h .

LONGJAW M U D S U C K E R, a P a ­ cific Go by, i s m u c h i n d e m a n d a s a b a i t fi s h . Ver y h a r d y . L e n g t h , 3 to 4 i n . ; rarely l a rger.

1 45

WO L F F I S H E S represent a fa m i l y that rese m b les ove r­

g rown b l e n n i e s w i t h l a rge , tusk- l i ke teeth . All a re n o r t h ­ ern fi s h e s , with a preference f o r a rc ti c w a t e r s on both sides of the At l a n t i c . Wo l ffi shes have a s i n g l e , long d o rsa l fi n , l i ke b l e n n ies, but the tips of the spines are sof t . Two species occ u r north of C a pe C od , one off N ova Scot i a , and one a l ong our P a c ific Coast. At l a n t i c Wo l f f i s h i s ma rked by about a dozen dark ve r t i c a l bars a l ong i ts sides . Found from t h e s h o re­ l i ne out to depths of 500 or 600 f t . , i t i s a s o l itary fi s h , feed i n g on s e a u r c h i n s , m o l l u s k s , a n d c r u stacea n s . I t i s often c a u g h t i n c o d nets a n d i s sometimes taken on l i nes . It is a v i c i o u s fi sh a n d can bite da ngero u s l y. length , to 6 f t . ; average is less tha n 3 . We i g h t , to 40 l b . Good eating; it i s caught commerc i a l l y i n q u a n t i t y a n d often sold a s "ocean catfi s h . " 1 46

S U R F P E R C H E S , as their n a m e i nd i cates, form a fa m i l y o f perc h - l i ke fi shes, m a n y l iv i n g i n t h e s u r f , fo u n d a l l a l ong t h e P a c i fi c C o a s t . S o m e prefer deeper water; a n d there i s a s i n g l e fresh -water species . S u r fperches bea r their yo u n g a l ive . Ad u l ts are s ma l l , com pressed fi shes, usua l l y less t h a n 1 f t . l o n g a n d weig h i n g n o t m u c h over 1 l b . Often c a u g h t by sports m e n , they a l so form a m i n o r p a r t of the commerc ia l ha u l . T h e th ree spec ies i l l ustrated on this page are representat ive of the fa m i ly, and are among the best k n own and most commo n .

SARGAS S U M F I S H are s ma l l ang lers w h i c h l i ve i n the fl o a t i n g sargassum bed s of the warmer Atlant i c . Their c o l o r a n d adapta t i o n s , such a s the a r m l i ke pectora l fi n s , e n a b l e them to t h r ive i n t h i s l i m i ted env i r o n m en t . These fi s h g row to a bout 6 i n . , with large mouths and d eep bod i e s . They feed o n other fi shes often a s l a rge a s they. Sargassumfish sometimes d r ift north i n patches of weeds and are found past C a pe Cod . Their g i l l open i n g s are two s m a l l open i n g s , l ocated be h i n d the pectora l fi n s . WART E D S EA D E V I L i s a deep-sea a n g l er found 2 0 0 t o 6 0 0 fathoms d own , or more. N ote t h e l u m i nous "bait" w h i c h d a n g l es. i n front of the mouth . Ma les a re para s i t i c , attac h i ng them selves to the fem a l e s a n d g rowi n g f a s t t o them , t h e i r eyes a n d d i gestive o r g a n s cea s i n g to de­ ve l o p . Severa l spec ies; 6 to 40 i n . l ong .

GOOS E F I S H is the b i g g est a n g ler a n d is odd i n m a n y other way s . I t h a s a s m a l l g i l l open i n g beh i n d a r m l i ke pecto ra l fi n s l i ke the Sargassumfish a n d Batfi s h . Its first dorsal spine has become a long rod , a t t h e end of w h i c h i t d a n g les a " b a i t " w i t h w h i c h i t h a s b e e n observed t o attract o t h e r fi shes by fl a s h i n g it back a n d f o r t h l i ke a worm before its vast mouth; it opens its m o u t h , then sucks its p rey d own i nto its g u l l et . The g o o sefi s h can swa l l ow a fi s h a l most a s big a s itself a n d sometimes does; o n e spec i men conta i ned seven ducks. Goosefi sh grow 2 to 4 f t . l o n g a n d weigh u p to 5 0 l b . S H O R T N O S E BAT F I S H , a n ­ other a n g l er, l i ke t h e goosefi s h has pectora l fi n s at the e n d of a bony joint. Batfi s h are small ( 8 t o 1 2 in . ) , a n d are found i n warm wa ter s .

Shortnose Batf l s h

1 49

R E D DORY grades from p i n k t o s i lvery. F i n s yel l o w i s h , e x ­ cept b l a c k a n d w h i te ven­ tra l s . 600 to 1 , 200 ft. d e e p .

D E E P - S E A F I S H E S is a term often a p p l ied to spec ies l ivi n g below the 1 00 fathom (600 f t . ) l eve l . Here, many fi shes and m a r i ne i nvertebrates a re c o l o red a bright red . The si lvery c o l o r s a n d s howy m a r k i n g s of s h a l l ow-water fishes a re usua l l y lacking . Below 200 fathoms more fishes tend to be b l a c k or dark brown in c o l o r and possess l u m i nous organs (see p. 5 1 ) . Some have l a rge m o uths a n d expa n d a b l e stomachs a n d can swa l l ow fi shes l a rger than themselve s . Other deep-sea fi shes have a long ten­ ta c l e e n d i ng i n a " b a i t" that dangles befo re the i r m o uth a n d a t tracts their p rey. The deep-sea bottom may be covered with forests of sponges, c r i n o i d s and other i nvertebrates w h i c h provide food for fi shes . Deeper bottoms may be soft m u d and fi shes l i v i n g there may have fi n s ending i n long fi l a m ents to support them a bove the soft ooze that covers m i l e after m i l e o f ocea n floor. less i s known o f t h e l i fe h i sto­ ries of the fi shes l iving here .

1 50

Dolphin

A N I M A L S M I STA K E N F O R F I S H ES F I S H ES make up only a sma l l frac­ tion of the a n i m a l l ife of the sea, which ra nges from m ic roscopic pro­ tozoa to wha l es. Many forms of marine l ife are obviously not fishes. Some others are fi s h l ike and are a source of confusion. Foremost of these a re the marine m a m ma ls: the dolphins, porpoises, blackfishes, a n d wha les. Whales a n d their kin have horizonta l fl ukes, while fishes h ave vertical ta ils. The m a m m a l s are warm-blooded air breathers a n d m ust come up for a i r sooner or later. Other a n i m a l s confused with fishes are not fi s h l ike but often have the word "fish" as part of their n a me. The starfish has no backbone l ike fishes, but has stiff arms and a spiny, limy ski n . J e l lyfi shes lack a backbone a lso a n d are m uch sim­ pler than fishes. Sea Snakes are not fi shes, nor are the free-sw i m m ing marine worms a n d other ocean a n i­ m a l s without backbones. For more a bout them rea d SEASHORES (p. 1 53).

B O O K S TO

READ

F I S H E S are perhaps more d iffi c u l t to identify than other backboned a n i m a l s . Accurate identifica t i o n depends on a c a refu l study of the fi shes, with atte n t i o n to the struc­ ture of the fi n s , teeth , kind of sca les , a n d n u m ber of rows of them . Li sted be l ow i s a group of books to e n r i c h you r rea d ­ i n g a bo u t fi s h e s . Most are non -tech n i ca l ; the rest a r e nea r l y so . Breder, C h a r l e s M. J r. , f i E L D BOOK OF MARI N E f i S H E S OF T H E ATLANTIC COAST, G. P. P u t n a m 's Sons, New Yo r k , 1 94 8 . A c o m p l ete but necessa r i l y b r i ef guide to A t l a n t i c spec i e s . Photographs a n d drawi n g s . C u r t i s , B r i a n , THE L I F E STORY OF THE f i S H , Harco u r t , B r a c e , a n d C o . , N ew Yo r k , 1 94 9 . A very rea d a b l e , i nformal b i o l og y of fi shes-what they a r e , how they l ive, brea t h e , swi m , a n d see . Adds another d i m e n s i o n to fi sh i d e n t i fi ca t i o n . Hubbs a n d Log ier, f i S H E S OF T H E GR EAT LAKES REGION , C r a n brook I n s t i ­ t u t e of S c i e n c e , B l oomfi e l d H i l l s , M i ch . , 1 94 7 . A system a t i c reg i o n a l guide. LaMonte, Francesco, N O R T H AMERICAN GAME f i S H E S , D o u b l e d a y a n d C o . , New Yo r k , 1 94 5 . A c o n c i se g u i d e to f r e s h - a n d s a l t-water game fi shes w i t h some fi ne c o l o red p l ates a n d a table of record we i g h t s . Roed e l , P h i l M . , C OMMON O C E A N f i S H E S OF T H E CALIFORNIA COAST, State of Calif. Dept . of Fish a n d G a m e , Sac­ ramento, C a l i f . , 1 95 3 . ( F i sh B u l l e t i n No. 91 ) . An exce l l e n t g u i d e . D i rect, i nformat ive text a n d fine photog r a p h i c i l l u strat i o n s . S m i t h , P h i l i p W. , THE f i S H E S OF I LLINOIS, p u b l i shed for the I l l . State N a t . H i s t . Survey by the U n iv. of I l l . Press, U rb a n a , C h i c a g o , Londo n , 1 97 9 . E x c e l l e n t for fresh-water fish i d e n t i f i c a t i o n a n d ecology. Zim a n d I n g l e , SEASHO R E S , A Golden Guide, G o l d e n Press, N ew Yo r k , 1 95 5 . A beg i n ner's g u i d e to a l l m a r i n e l i fe of the shores e x c e p t fishes, hence a h e l pf u l s u p p l e m e n t . F u l l - c o l o r i l l ustra t i o n s . CLING FISH, a 4-in. relative o f b l e n n i e s .

(ventral v i ew)

WHER

0

E

H

u

Study fi shes i n deta i l at every opportun ity. If yo u a re a good swi m m e r, try s k i n d iv i n g . V i s i t a q u a r i a a n d m u ­ seu m s to s e e l iv i n g spec imens a n d prepa red exh i b i t s . Shedd Aqua rium, Ch icago, I l l . Marine Stud ios, Morinelond, F l a . Stei nhart Aquarium, Son Francisco, Calif. John Pennekomp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, F l o . Municipal Aqua r i u m , Key West, F l a . American Museum o f Natural H i story, New York City Chicago N atural H istory Museum, Chicago, I l l .

Ma r i n e b i o l o g i c a l sta t i o n s operate i n c o n n e c t i o n with u n iversities a n d government conserva t i o n d e p a r t ments . Resea rch fac i l ities a n d cou rses may be ava i l a b l e . I n q u i re before v i s i t i n g . U n iv. of Mich . Bioi . Statio n , Douglas Lake, C heboyg a n , M i c h . U n iv. of Okla . B i o i . Station, L a k e Texoma, Willis, O k l o . U n iv. of M i n n . L a k e ltaska Bioi . Station, L a k e ltaska P. O . , M i n n . Franz Stone l n s t . of Hydrobiology, Put-in- Bay, O h i o Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Moss. Duke Un iv. Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, N . C . Univ. o f Miami Marine Laboratory, Coral Gobles, F l o . Gulf Coast Resea rch Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Miss. I nstitute of Morine Science, Port Aransas, Tex . Scripps I nstitute o f Oceanography, L a J o l l a , Calif. Friday Harbor Laboratories, U n iv. of Was h . , Friday Harbor, Was h .

CIE

5

The following pages list the scientific names of t he spec ies i l l ustrote d . The number refers to the pages on which the fi sh is pictured; then follows a name or part of a nome that d i stingui shes the fish from others on that page; then the scientifi c name-first t h e g e n u s , t h e n the spec i e s . If the g e n u s name i s abbreviated, i t i s t h e s a m e as the o n e j u s t a bove i t . Atlantic, Pacific, and fresh-water species a r e identified by A , P , and F. 1

Trichiurus lepturus, A

2 Trout, Salmo aguabonita, F 8

1 54

Triggerfi s h ; B a l i stes vetu la, A Morone saxat i l i s , A P F

1 9 Lam prey : Petromyzon marinus, AF Trout: Sa lvel i n u s namoycush, F Hagfi s h , Myx i n e g l u t i nosa, A

22 Hammer, Sphyrna zygaena , AP Sandbar< Ca rcharh i n u s plumbeus, A Dogfi s h , Squalus acanthias, AP Nurse: Ginglymostoma cirratum , A 23 White: Carcharadon carcha r i a s , AP Tiger: Galeocerdo cuvier i , AP Thresher, Alopias vulpinus, AP Soupfin, Galeorhinus zyapterus, P 24 Rhincadon typus, A P 25 Manta b i rostr i s , A 26 Barndoor: Raja laev i s , A l i t t l e S k a t e , R . erinacea, A Torpedo, Torpedo nobiliana, A 27 B l untnose: Dasyatis soy i , A Round , U rolophus h a l l e r i , P Butterfl y : Gymnura micrura, A 28 Sawfi s h : Pristis pectinate, A Guitarli s h , R h i nobatos lentiginosus, A 29 Ratli s h , Hydrolagus c o l l i e i , P Chimaera, C h i maera affi n i s , A 32 Al l . Sturgeon, Aci penser oxyrhynchus, A F Shovel nose St . , Scaphirhynchus platorhynchus spathu l a , F Paddleli s h , Polyodon spath u l a , F 33 longnose: Lepisosteus osseus, F Shortnose, l. platosta m u s , F 34 E lops saurus, A 35 Tarpon, Mega lops atlantica, A Bonefis h , A l b u l a vulpes, A 36 Alosa pseudoharengus, AF 37 A. sap i d i u i m a , A P F 38 Sardinops sagax, P 39 Brevoortio tyra n n u s , A 40 Herring, C lu pea harengus, A Shad , Dorosoma ceped i a n u m , AF 4 1 B a y , Anchoa mitch i l l i , AF Northern: E n g r a u l i s mordax , P 42 C h u m , Oncorhynchus keta, PF P i n k , 0. gorbuscha, A P F 43 C h i nook, 0. tshawytsch a , P F Coho, 0. k i sutch, A P F 44 0. nerka, P F 45 Sebago, Atlantic, Salmo salar, AF Cutthroat, S. c l a r k i , P F 47 Brook, Salve l i n u s font i n a l i s , AF Rainbow, Salmo g a i rdneri , APF Dolly, Salve l i nus m a l m a , P F lake Tr. , S . namaycus h , F

48 lake Wh . , Coregonus c l upeaform i s , AF Shortjaw, C . zenithicus, F

49 C i sco' C . a rted i i , F

50 51 52 53 54 55 56

57 58 59

60 61

62 63 65

66

R a u n d Wh . , Prosopi u m cylindraceum , F Gray l i n g , Thyma l l u s a r c t i c u s , F Rainbow: Osmerus mordox, APF Whitebait, Allosmerus elongotus, P Hatchet, Sternoptyx diaphana, A lantern, Myctophum affi ne, A Anguilla rostrate , A F Conger: C o nger ocea n i c u s , A Worm : Myroph i s punctatus, A Gree n : Gymnothorax funebri s , A Spotted , G . moringa, A Smallmouth, lctiobus buba l i s , F Bigm, I. cyrpi n e l l u s , F White: Catostomus commersoni, F Hog, Hypente l i u m n i g r i c a n s , F Q u i l l back, C a r piodes cyprinus, F Redhorse : Moxostoma macrolepidotum, F Cyprinus carpio, F Dace, C l i nostomus elongatus, F Creek Ch. , Semotilus atromaculatus, F Golden Sh. , Notemigonus crysoleucas, F Thickta i l C h u b , G i l a crassicauda, F Dace, Phox i n u s erythroga ster, F Emerald Sh . , Notropis atherinoides, F C u t l i p s : E x o g l o s s u m max i l l i n gua, F lcta lurus punctatus, F Tom: Noturus m i u r u s , F Stonecat, N . flavus, F F lathead, Pylodictis o l i v a r i s , F B l u e , lcta l u r u s furcatus, F B l a c k , I. m e l a s , F Yel low, I . nata l i s , F B rown , I . n e b u l o s u s , F Gofftopsa i l : Bagre m a r i n u s , A Hardhea d , Arias fe l i s , A P i k e : Esox l u c i u s , F Musk e l l ' E . masqui nongy, F Grass : E. americanus, F C h a i n , E . n i ger, F Banded, F u n d u l u s diaphanus, F Sheepshead, Cyprinodon variegotus, AF Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, A F Mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, AF

1 55

67 Need le, Strongyluro marina , A

68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77

78

79 80 81 82 83 84

85 86

87

1 56

Ha lfbea k , Hyparhamphus un ifas­ ciatus, AP Ballyhao, Hemiramphus brasiliensis, A Cypselurus melanurus, A Blackwing, Hirundichthys rondeleti, AP California, Cypselurus califarnicus, P Margi ned , C. cyanopterus , A lata Iota , F Gadus morhuo, A Tomcod, Microgodus tomcod , AF Pollock, Pollochius virens, A Melonogrammus aeglefi n n s , A Merluccius b i l i neoris, A White, U rophyc i s ten u i s , A Red , U . chuss, A Southern, U. fl oridono, A Trinectes maculatus, A Smoot h , l i opsetta putnam i , A Plaice, H i ppog lossoides plotes­ soides, A South . F l ounder. P a ro l i chthys lethostigmo, A Co l . H a l i but, Porol i chthys co l i ­ fornicus, P Starry F l . , Plotichthys stellatus, PF Atl . Ha l . , H i ppaglossus hi ppo­ glossus, A Brook, C u laeo inconsto n s , F Threespine: Ga sterosteus aculea­ tus, A P F Seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, A P i pefi s h , Syngnothus fuscus, A Mullet, Mug i l cepho l u s , AP Inland, Menidio ber y l l i n o , AF Brook, labidesthes sicculus, F Grunion: Leuresthes tenuis, P Jocksmelt, Atherinopsis califor­ niensis, P Poe . ' Sphyroeno orgenteo , P Great, S. barracud a , A At I . , Scomber scombrus, A Chub, S. japonicus, A P Spa n i s h : Scomberomorus mocu­ lotus, A K i n g , S. covo l l o , A Wa h o o : Aca n t h o cy b i u m s o l a n ­ deri , A little Tunny, Euthynnus o l letteratus, A Skipjack , E. pel o m i s , AP Albacore, Thunnus a l o lunga, AP Bonito, Sardo sarda , A B luefi n , Thunnus thynnus, AP Yel l owfi n , Thunnus a l bacores, A P

88 B l u e ' Makoiro nigricons, A P Striped, Tetrapturus a u d a x , P White, T. o l b i d u s , A

89 lstiophorus platypterus, A P 90 Swordfi s h , Xiphios glad i u s , AP li zardfi s h , Synodus foete n s , A

91 Coryphoena h i ppurus, A P 92 B u t t e r : Poronotus triacanthus, A Harvest, Pepr i l u s o lepidotus, A

93 Moonfi s h , Selene seto p i n n i s , A lookdow n : S. vomer, A

94 Crevo l l e , Coronx hi ppos, A Amberjack, Seriolo dumeri l i , A

95 J a c k : Trachurus symmetr i c u s , P Yel l owta i l , Seriola l o l a n d e i , P F lorida Pompano, Trachi notus caro l i n u s , A Permit, T. folcotus, A 96 Pi lotfi s h , N o ucrotes ductor, AP Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, A 97 Perch, Perea flovescens, F Walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, F R a i n bo w : E t h e o s t o m a c a e r u ­ leum, F Johnny, E . nigrum, F 98 Archop l i tes i n terruptus, F 99 l a r g e m o u t h , M i c r o p t e r u s s o l ­ moides, F Smallmouth, M. dolomieu i , F Spotted , M. punctulotus, F 1 00 Lepom i s macroc h i r u s , F 1 0 1 Pumpkinseed , l. g i bbosus, F Green , l. cyane l l u s , F longear , l. mego lotis, F 1 02 l. m icrolophus, F 1 03 Spotted , l. punctotus, F Wormouth, Choenobryttus gulosus, F Boss' Amblopl ites rupestr i s , F 1 04 Block: Pomoxis nigromoculatus, F White, P. a n n u l o r i s , F 1 06 Giant, Stereolepis g i g a s , P White, Marone chrysops, F 1 07 W h . Perch , M. americana , A F Yel . B a s s : M . m i s s i s s i p p i e n s i s , f 1 08 Block, Centropristis striata, A K e l p : Paralabrax clathratus, P 1 09 Warsaw, Epinephelus nigritus, A J ewfi s h , E. itojoro , A 1 1 0 Yel lowfi n , Mycteroperco vene­ nosa , A Red, E p i nephelus moria, A Block, Mycteroperco bon o c i , A 1 1 1 Snook , Centroparnus undecimolis, AF Tripletoil, lobotes surinomensis, A

1 1 2 Lutjanus a padus, A 1 1 3 Red , L . campechanus, A 1 14 115

1 16 117 1 18 1 19 1 20 121 1 22 1 23 1 24

1 25 1 26 1 27 1 28 1 29 1 30

131

Gray, L. g r i seus, A F Yellow, Ocyurus chrysurus, A Anisotremus virginicus, A White, Haemulon p l u m i e r i , A B l uestripe d , H . sciurus, A Tomtate: H . auroli neatum , A Piglish, Orthopristis chrysoptera, AF Scup' Stenotomus chrysops, A Sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus, AF Jolt, Calamus bajonado, A P i n : Lagodon rhomboides, AF Opaleye, Girella nigricans, P Chub, Kyphosus sectatrix, A Silver Jenny, Eucinastomus gula, A Weakfis h , Cynoscion rega l i s , A Spotted , C . nebulosus, AF Bass: Atractoscion nobi l i s , P At I . , Micropogonios undulatus, A Spotfi n , Roncador steorns i , P Red , Scioenops ocellatus, AF Black, Pogonias crom i s , A So. King: Menticirrhus americanus, A Corbina , M. undulatus, P Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps, A Sea Rave n : Hemitripterus americanus, A Scu l p i n , Myoxocepha lus octodecemspinosus, A Cabezon : Scorpaenichthys marmoratus, P Scu l p i n , Coitus ba i r d i , F Rob i n : P r i onotus scitulus, A Gurnard, Dactyloplerus volitans, A Lump, Cycl opterus lumpus, A Sna i l , Liparis atlanticus, A C h i l i , Sebasles good e i , P Bocacci o : 5 . pauc i s p i n i s , P Plumed: Scorpaena grandicor· nis, A Ocean P. : Sebastes m a r i n u s , A Hagfish, Lachnalaimus maximus, A Tautog : Tautoga o n i t i s , A Sheephead , Semicossyphus pulcher, P Queen : Hol aconthus c i l i a r i s , A Spotfi n , C h aetodon ocel latus, A French, Pomacanthus paru, A

1 32 Parrot: Scarus guaca m a i a , A Spade, C haetod ipterus Iaber, A Sgt . , Abudeldul saxat i l i s , A

1 33 Stoplight, Sparisoma vi r i d e , A

1 34 1 35 1 36 1 37 1 38 1 39 1 40

141 1 42 1 43 1 44

1 45

1 46 1 47

1 48 1 49 1 50 151

Blueheo& Thalassomo bilasciatum, A Razor: Hemipteronotus novacula, A Reef, C h r o m i s marginatus, A Ocean: Canthidermis sufflamen, A Gray, B a l i stes capriscus, A Orange, AI uterus schoepli , A Planeheod , Monoconthus hispidus, A Cowlish, Lactophrys quodricornis, A Trunkfis h : L. tr-igonus, A Southern, Sphoeroides nephelus, A Smooth, Lagocepha lus laevigaIus, A Porcupi n e ' D i odon hystri x , AP Burr, C h i l o mycterus schoepli , A Mola m a l a , A P Sharksucke" Echeneis naucrates, A Starga zer : Astroscopus guttaIus, A Midsh i p m a n ' Porichthys plectrod o n , A Toadli s h , Opsanus beta , A Hexagro mmos decogra m m u s , P Heterostichus rostratus, P Striped, C hasmodes bosq u i anus, A Frec k l e d , H y p s o b l e n n i u s i o n !has, A Naked , Gobiosoma bosci , AF Shorptail, Gobionellus hostatus, A Sleeper, Dormilator moculatus, A Long, G i l l ichthys mirabilis, P Anarhichas l u p u s , A White, Pha nerodon lurcatus, P Black, E m b i otoca jackson i , P Barred: Amphistichus argenteus, P Sargassum : H i strio h i s t r i o , A Seadev i l : C r yptopsaras coue s i , A Goose : Lophius americanus, A Bat, Ogcocepha l u s nasutus, A Zenion rose u s , A Buckler: Zenopsis conchifera, A Little, Zen i o n h o l o l e p i s , A Scorp . : Setarches parmatus, A Barbier: Hemanthias viva n u s , A

1 57

I N DEX Asterisks ( * ) designate pages where fishes are pictured . Keep i n m i nd that i n this i ndex both preferred and a l ternate names are l i sted, but the pictures are captioned with the preferred names only. Adaptations of fishes, 7 Al bacores, * 8 6 Alev i n , * 44 Alewife, * 3 6 , 3 7 Amateur activities, * 1 6 Amberjac k , * 9 4 , 95 Anchovies, * 4 1 Angelfishes, * 1 3 1 , 1 3 2 Ang lers, * 1 48 , * 1 49 Argentine, 50 Balance, sense of, 7 Bal lyhoo , 67 Barracudas, * 1 0, * 8 3 Basses, 9 8 , * 9 9 K e l p , * 1 08 largemouth, 9 8 , * 99 r a i s i n g , 1 05 Rock, 1 02 , * 1 03 Sea , 1 06 , * 1 08 , * 1 09 Sma l l mouth, 9 8 , * 9 9 Spotted , 9 8 , * 9 9 Striped , * 8 s u r f fi s h i n g for, * 1 07 Temperate, * l 06, * 1 07 White , * 1 06 , 1 07 Yellow, * 1 07 Batfi sh, * 1 49 B l ackfi s h , * 1 5 2 B l e n n i e s , 1 43 , * 1 44 , 1 46 , 1 53 B l uefi s h , * 9 6 B l ueg i l l s , * 1 00, 1 05 B l uehead, 1 30 , * 1 33 Bocacc i o , * 1 2 8 Bonefi s h , * 1 0 , 34- * 3 5 Boni tos, * 86 Bony fishes, * 30 - * 3 1 Bottom fishes, * 1 0 Bowfi n , 3 1 Bra i n structure, * 7 Branch Herring , * 3 6 Bream , * 1 00, 1 03 , *117 Buffa los, * 5 5 , 60 B u l l heads, 60, * 6 2

158

Burbot, * 70 Burrfi s h , * 1 3 8 , 1 39 Butterfish, * 1 1 , * 9 2 Butterfl yfi shes, * 1 3 1 Cabezon, * 1 25 Cand l efi sh, 50 Carp, 56, * 5 7 , 5 8 , 66 Co rpsuckers , * 5 6 Catfishes, • 6 , * 1 0 , * 60- * 6 3 B l ue, * 6 1 Brind led Mad tom, *61 Channe l , * 6 , * 6 0 Europea n , 60 F lathead , * 6 1 Gafftapsa i l , * 6 3 H a rdhea d , * 6 3 Marine, * 6 3 Ocean Catfi s h , * 1 46 Stoneca t , * 6 1 White, 60 Caviar, 3 2 C h i l i pepper, * 1 2 8 C h i maeras, * 29 Chubs, *58, * 5 9 , * 1 1 8 C i scas, • 4 8 - • 49 C l i ngfishes , 1 44 , * 1 5 3 Cad, * 6 , * 70 - * 7 2 , 7 3 , 1 29 C o l l ecting fishes, 1 7 Conserva t i o n , 1 3 Corbina, * 1 2 2 Cowfi s h , * 1 36 Crappies, * 1 04 Creva l l e , * 94 Croakers, * 1 1 9- * 1 2 2 C u l t ivation of fi shes, * 1 05 Cutlassfi s h , * 1 , 5 3 Dabs, 7 6 , * 77 Dace , * 5 8 , * 5 9 Damselfi s h , 1 3 2 Darters, * 9 7 Deep-sea fi shes, * 1 50- * 1 5 1

Deve lopment of, Cod, * 7 1 fishes, * 1 4- * 1 5 F lounder, * 76 - * 7 7 Dogfi s h , Spi ny, 1 0- * 1 1 , *22 D o l p h i n (fi s h ) , * 9 1 D o l p h i n (mamma l ) , * 1 52 Dorado, * 9 1 Do ry, * 1 50 , * 1 5 1 Drums, * 1 2 1 , 1 40 E e l larvae, * 5 2 , * 5 3 E e l s , * 6 , * 1 1 , * 5 2 - * 54 S l i me E e l , * 1 9 E g g cases, Skates', * 2 6 E g g s , guarded b y Toad­ fi s h , * 1 4 1 E l ectric organs o n Starga zer, * 1 4 1 Eyesight of fi shes, * 7 Fa l se Al bacore, * 8 6 F a m i l y Tree, * 3 0- * 3 1 Fat Sleeper, * 1 45 F i e l d studies, 1 6 F i l elishes, * 1 35 F i shes: adapta t i o n s , 7 and water, 1 0 as w i l d l ife, 1 3 balance, sense of, 7 bottom fi shes, * 1 0 bra i n structure, * 7 c o l l ect i n g , 1 7 cultiva t i o n , * 1 05 distribut i o n , 6 eyesight, * 7 field studies, 1 6 identificat i o n , 1 8 internal structure , * 9 major groups, * 4 - * 5 migrations, 1 0 names, 7 o r i g i n and development, * 1 4- * 1 5 parts of, * 8 pelagic fi shes, * 1 0 photog raphy, * 1 7

F ishes (cont . ) , poisonous, 33, 1 37 sca les, * 1 2 shapes, 1 1 speci a l studies, 1 8 tails, * 1 2 tank studies, 1 6 Fishing, 1 3 Fishing banks, New England, *73 F latfishes, * 7 6 - * 7 8 F lounder, * 1 1 , * 76, * 77, *78 F l ukes, 76 Flyingfishes, 67, *68- * 69, 1 26 Gars, * 3 3 Gizzard Shad , *40 Gobies, 3 1 , 1 44, * 1 45 Goldfish, * 5 7 Goosefish, * 1 49 Gouro m i , 3 1 Grayl i n g , *49 Greenlings, * 1 42 Groupers, * 1 09, * 1 1 0 Grunion, * 8 2 Grunts, * 1 1 4- * 1 1 5 , 1 1 7 Guitarfishes, * 2 8 Gurnards, F l y i n g , * 1 26 Haddock, * 73 Hagfishes, * 1 9 Hakes, * 74 , * 75 Halfbeaks, * 1 0, *67 Halibuts, 7 6 , * 78 Harvestfish, *92 Hatchetfish, * 5 1 Headfis h , * 1 39 Herring-like fishes, *34*35 Her r i n g s , 3 4 , * 3 6 - * 4 0 , 4 1 , 87 Atlantic, *40 Branch, * 3 6 Lake, *49 Pacific, 40 Thread , 40 Hogchoker, * 76 Hagfish, * 1 30 Houndfish, 67 ldent. ol fishes, 1 8 Jack Mackere l , *95

Jacks, * 93- * 96 Jacksmelt, * 82 Jel lyfi sh, * 1 52 Jewfi shes, * 1 09 Kelpfishes, * 1 43 K i l l ifish, * 66 Kingfish, * 1 22 Ladyfis h , * 34 l a k e Herrin g , *49 Lampreys, * 1 9 Lanternfi sh, * 5 1 Latimeria, 3 1 Lings, 74, * 75 Lizardfi sh, *90 Lookdown, *93 lumi nescent fishes, * 5 1 Lumpfish, * 1 2 7 Lungfish, 3 1 Mackerel , * 1 0, * 1 1 , * 84- * 8 7 , 89 Atlantic, * 84 Cero, * 8 5 Chub, * 8 4 King, *85 Pai nted , 84 S i e r r a , 84 Spanish, * 84, 85 Wahoo, * 8 5 Madtom , * 6 1 Manta , * 2 0 , * 2 5 Marlins, * 8 8 , 90, 1 40 Menhaden , * 39, 89 Midshipman, 5 1 , * 1 4 1 Migrations ol fishes, 1 0 Milt, poisonous, 33 Minnows, *57-*59, 66 Mojarras, * 1 1 8 Moonfi s h , * 9 3 Morays, * 5 4 Mosqu itofi sh, * 66 Mossbunker, *39 Mudsucker, * 1 45 Mullets, * 8 1 Mummichog , * 66 Muskellunge, 64 , *65

Opa l eye, * 1 1 7 Pacific Sardine, * 3 8 Padd lefi sh, * 3 2 Parr, *44 Parrotfish, * 1 32 , * 1 33 Pelagic fishes, * 1 0 Perches, *97, 98, * 1 1 7 Ocean, * 1 29 Perm i t , *95 Photography, * 1 7 Pickere l , 64, *65 Pigfish, 1 1 4, * 1 1 5 Pike, 64, *IS5 P i lchards, * 3 8 P i l otfish, *49, *96 Pinfish, * 1 1 7 Pipefish, * 1 1 , *80 Plaice, * 77 Plankton, 1 3 , 1 05 Poisonous fishes, 3 3 , 1 37 Pollock, * 72 Pompanos, 92, 94, *95, 96 Ponds , farm, 1 05 Porcup i nefish , * 1 38 , 1 39 Porg ies, * 1 1 6, * 1 1 7, 1 1 8 Porkfish, * 1 1 4 Porpoise, * 1 52 Portuguese Man-of· War, * 1 52 Puffers, * 1 1 , * 1 37, 1 38 Pumpki nseed, * 1 0 1 Purse seining for sardines, *38-*39 Quillback, * 5 6

Names ol fishes, 7 Needlefishes, *67

Ratfi shes, * 2 9 Rays, * 20 - * 2 1 , * 2 5 - * 2 8 Razorfish, 1 30, * 1 33 Redfi s h , * 1 29, * 1 30 Red horse, *56 Reef f i s h , 1 32 , * 1 33 Remoras, * 1 40 R i bbon Wor m , * 1 52 Rock Bass, 1 0 2 , * 1 03 Rockfish, * 1 42 Rockfi shes, * 1 28, 1 29 Rock Trout, 1 42 Roe, 32, 3 3 , 1 25

Ocean Catfish, 1 46 Ocean Perch , * 1 29 Ocean Sunfi s h , * 1 39

"Sacred Cod , " * 70 Sailfish, *89, 90 Sailor's Choice, * 1 1 7

159

S a l m o n , * 6 , * 4 2 - * 45 , 46, 4 8 , 50 Atlant i c , * 45 Ch inook, * 43 C h u m , * 4 2 , 43 C o h o , *43 Dog, 43 H um p b ac k , 43 King, *43 Pacific, 4 2 , 45 Pink, *42, 43 Red, *44 Sebag o , * 4 5 S i lver, * 4 3 Sockeye, * 44 Sard i nes, * 3 8 , 8 7 p u r s e s e i n i n g f o r , * 3 8* 39 Sargassumfi s h e s , * 1 48 , 1 49 Sorgo, 1 1 4 Sauger, 9 7 Sawfi s h , * 2 8 S c a l e s of fishes, * 1 2 S c h o o l m a ster, * 1 1 2 Scientific names, 1 54 - 1 57 Scorpionfishes, 1 2 8 , * 1 29 , * 1 5 1 S c r o d , 70 S c u l p i n s , * 1 24 , * 1 2 5 , 1 26 , 1 2 8 Scup, * 1 1 6 Sea Basses, 96, 1 06 , * 1 08 , * 1 09 , 1 1 1 , *119 B l a c k , * 1 08 G i a n t , * 1 06 Grou per, * 1 09 , * 1 1 0 J ewfi s h e s , * 1 09 K e l p B a s s , * 1 08 Red Barbier, * 1 5 1 White, * 1 1 9 Seohorses, * 8 0 Seaperch e s , * 1 47 Sea Raven, * 1 24 , 1 25 Sea robi n s , * 1 26 , 1 28 Sea S na i l s , * 1 2 7 Sea S n a k e , * 1 5 2 Seatrout, * 1 1 9 , * 1 42 Sergeant M a j or, * 1 3 2 Shad, 36, * 3 7 , *40 S h a r k s , * 20- * 24 , 3 1 , 1 40 Basking, 24 B l ue , 2 2

160

S h a r k s (cont . ) ' H a m merhead , * 2 2 Nurse, * 2 2 Sand bar, * 2 2 Smooth H a m m e rhead , *22 Soupfi n , * 2 3 Spiny Dogfi s h , * 2 2 Thresher, * 23 Ti ger, * 2 3 Whale, * 2 4 , 2 5 , 3 1 White, * 2 3 Sharksuckers, * 1 40 Sheephea d , 1 1 6 , * 1 30 She l l c racker, * 1 0 2 Shiners, *58, *59 S i lver Jen ny, * 1 1 8 S i lvers ides, * 8 1 , 8 2 Skates, * 2 6 Skin diving, * 1 6, 1 7 S k i p j a c k , * 8 6 , 87 S l eeper, * 1 45 Slime Eel, * 1 9 Smelts, *50, * 8 2 S m o l t , *44 Snappers, * 1 1 2 , * 1 1 3 , 1 14 Snook, * 1 1 1 S o l e s , * 76 Spadefi s h , * 1 3 2 Squeteo g u e , * 1 1 9 Squ i d , 87 Starfi s h , * 1 5 2 Stargazers, 1 40 , * 1 4 1 S t i c k l e b a c k s , * 79 Stingarees, * 2 7 Stingrays, * 1 0 , * 2 7 Stonecat, * 6 1 Stumpknocker, * 1 03 Sturgeons, * 3 2 Suckers, 5 5 , * 5 6 S h a r k , 1 40 Sunfishes, * 9 8 , * 1 00* 1 04 Ocean, * 1 39 Surf fi s h i ng for bass, * 1 07 Surfperc h , * 1 47 Swe l l fishes, * 1 3 7 Swordfi s h , * 90 , 1 4 0 Tank studies, 1 6 Ta rpon, * 6 , 34- * 35 , 40 Ta ste, sense of, 7 Ta utog, * 1 30

Te m perate Bosses, * 1 06 , * 1 07 G iant Sea B a s s , * 1 06 P a c i fic J ewfi s h , 1 06 S t r i ped B a s s , * 8 , 1 06 White B a s s , * 1 06 , 1 07 White Perch, 1 06, * 1 07 Ye l l ow Boss, 1 06 , * 1 07 Ten-pounder, * 3 4 T i l efi s h , * 1 2 3 Toadfi sh , * 1 4 1 Tom c o d , * 7 2 Tomtote, 1 1 4 , * 1 1 5 Top m i nnows, * 6 6 To p s m e l t , 8 2 To rpedo, * 2 6 Tri g g e r fi s h , * 2 , * 1 34 Tr i p l e ta i l , * 1 1 1 Tro p i c a l m a r i n e fishes, 1 32 - * 1 33 Tro u t , * 2 , * 6 , * 1 9 , 4 2 , * 45 - * 4 7 Brook, * 6, 46, * 47 Brown , 46 Cutthroat, *45 Dolly Va r d e n , 4 6 , * 47 Golden, * 2 Lake, * 1 9 , 4 6 , *47 R a i n bow, 4 6 , * 4 7 Red R o c k , 1 42 Stee l h e a d , 4 6 , * 4 7 Trunkfishes, * 1 3 6 Tu na fi s h i n g , 3 8 Tu n a s , 6 8 , * 8 6 - * 8 7 Tu rbots, 7 6 Viperfi s h , 5 1 Wa h o o , * 8 5 Wa l l eye , * 9 7 Wa l l eye P o l l o c k , 72 Wa r m o u t h , 1 02 , * 1 03 Wa rsaw, * 1 09 Wa rted Seodev i l , * 1 48 Water and fi shes, 1 0 Wea k fi s h , * 1 1 9 We i r, h e r r i n g , * 4 0 Whole S h a r k s , * 2 4 , 2 5 , 31 W h i t e ba i t , * 5 0 , 8 1 W h i tefi s h , * 4 8 - * 49 W h i t i n g s , 74 , 1 2 2 Wo lffi shes, * 1 46 Wrasses, * 1 30 , * 1 3 3 Ye l l owta i l , * 9 5 N

0

P

Q

S

T

FISHES A GOLDEN GUIDE® HERBERT S. ZIM, Ph. D. , Sc. D. , an originator and former

editor of the Golden Guide Series, was also an author for many years. Author of some ninety books and editor of about as many, he is now Adjunct Professor at the Uni­ versity of Miami and Educational Consultant to the Amer­ ican Friends Service Committee and other organizations. He works on educational, population and environmental problems .

HURST H. SHOEMAKER, Ph . D. , Associate Professor of Zoology Emeritus at the University of Illinois, has studied at the Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve and at Stanford University; conducted surveys of fish for the state of Illi­ nois; and taught at the University of Chicago and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Dr. Shoemaker is Curator of Fishes (volunteer) at the Museum of Natural History, University of Illinois. JAMES GORDON IRV ING

has exhibited paintings at the American Museum of Natural History and the Na­ tional Audubon Society. In the Golden Guide Series he has illustrated Mammals, Birds, Insects, Reptiles and Am­ phibians, Stars, Fishes, and Gamebirds.

GOLDEN PRESS NEW YORK •

A GOL DEN GU I DE®