THE ROCK CODS OF THE PACIFIC. 263 



If then exanined, the two eyes of the young fish can be distinctly seen. Later a slender body 

 appears, with traces of vertical fins, the length then being about one-fourth to one-third of an inch. 

 They are probably extruded at about the length of one-third of an inch, and in a very slender and 

 pellucid condition, as I have never seen them in anymore advanced stage of development. Noth- 

 ing is known of the modes of copulation, nor of the circumstances under which the young are 

 excluded, but the time of breeding is probably for the most part in May. Young fishes of one and 

 a half to two inches are common in August, and in the fall they are large enough (S. pautispinis, 

 JJaridun) to be taken with hook and line from the wharves. Individuals of less than six or 

 eight inches are rare in the spring, and the fish of that length are probably a year old. 



The enemies of these fishes are of course their predatory neighbors, and the larger individ- 

 uals prey upon the smaller. The hag-fish (Polistotrema) destroys considerable numbers. They are 

 usually very free from internal parasites. 



All the members of this family rank high as food-fishes. The flesh is firm and white, and, 

 although not very delicate, is of a fair quality. That of Scorpcma guttota is probably best; that of 

 Sebastichthys mystinus brings the lowest price in market, but the prejudice against the latter species 

 perhaps rests on its color. 



SCORPENE (Scorp&na guttata Girard). This species is known by the names "Scorpene," "Scor- 

 pion," and " Sculpiu." "Scorpene" (Scorpina), in common use among the Italian fishermen, is, 

 of course, the name of Scorpana porous, S. scrofa, and other Mediterranean fishes, transferred to 

 this very similar North American fish. The wound made by the dorsal spines of this fish is 

 excessively painful, far more so than the sting of a bee, as though the spines had some venomous 

 secretion. The name Scorpccna is evidently derived from this. This species reaches a length of 

 something over a foot and a weight of about two pounds. It is found only from Point Coucepcion 

 southward to Ascension Island, living about rocks and kelp, but often entering the bays. It is 

 generally common, and takes the hook freely. It feeds upon Crustacea and small fishes, and spawns 

 in spring. Nothing distinctive is known of its breeding habits. As a food-fish it ranks with the 

 best, being superior to the species of Sebastichthys, and it always is in good demand where known. 



BLACK-BANDED ROCK-PISH (SebasticKthys nigmcinctus (Ayres) Gill). This species has, so far 

 as we know, received no distinctive name from the fishermen. It reaches a weight of about four 

 pounds and a length of eighteen to twenty inches. It ranges from Monterey northward, being 

 found only in deep water (ten to twenty fathoms). About San Francisco it is exceedingly rare, not 

 half a dozen usually coming into the markets in a year. In the Straits of Fuca and outside in the 

 open ocean it is tolerably abundant. The food and the breeding habits, so far as known, difi'cr 

 little in this family, and the general remarks on the group apply to all the species of Sebastichthys. 

 As a food-fish this species sells readily on account of its brilliant and attractive colors, second only 

 in brilliancy to those of the "Spanish Flag." 



TREE-FISH (Sebcuttichtln/s scrriceps Jor. & Gilb.). "Wherever this species receives a distinctive 

 name, it is known as the "Tree-fish," an appellation originating with the Portuguese at Monterey, 

 and without obvious application. Southward it is confounded with other species as a Garrupa. 

 Its size is rather less than that of S. nigrocinctits, which it much resembles. It ranges from San 

 Martin Island to San Francisco, being found in rather deep water among rocks. It is most 

 common about the Santa Barbara Islands and is rare in the markets of San Francisco. It is a 

 handsomely-colored species, and therefore sells well in the markets. 



SPECKLED GARRUPA (Sebontidiilii/x neZmtosws (Ayres) Gill). This species is known as "Gar- 

 rupa" and "Rock Cod," rarely receiving any distinctive name. It reaches a weight of three and 

 one-half pounds. It ranges from Monterey to Puget Sound, being generally common at all points, 



