THE PIG-FISH OR GRUNT. 399 



described by Holbrook: "Body above, pale browu; belly, silvery; sides marked with numerous 

 orange-colored or yellow spots; those above the lateral line disposed in irregular oblique lines, 

 those below it in horizontal rows. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins with similar spots; sides of the 

 head pale bluish with a silvery tint and marked with yellow spots; lower jaw, orange at the 

 angle of the mouth ; internal surface of the gill membrane, bright orange." l 



Mr. S. C. Clarke has communicated a full account of a species which is either identical or closely 

 related to this. " The common Pig-fish or Grunt of the Indian River region : This fish, answer- 

 ing the same description, occurs at the mouth of Saint Johns River, and is probably the same." 

 Mr. Clarke states that in the Indian River region they spawn in April in deep salt-water rivers, 

 the spawn being very small and of a brown color. The young fish are not abundant, nor are the 

 adults very numerous, though the number has increased of late years. In 1872 and 1873, three or 

 four might be taken in a day, while in 1874 twenty or thirty were taken by one line on a tide. The 

 largest weight is one and a half pounds ; the average fish weighs three-quarters of a pound. The 

 Pig-fish come from the sea into the salt-water rivers in December. Their appearance is regular, 

 though they vary in abundance from year to year. They swim low, and prefer to live in deep 

 water with shell bottom. They go out to sea soon after spawning in April ; they feed upon small 

 fish, crab, and shrimp. They are captured by hook, with mullet, clam, and shrimp bait; never 

 with nets. They are much prized for food ; the best of table fish, rich and delicate. 



This species was first described by Mitchill from a specimen taken in the bay of New York. 

 The National Museum has many specimens from various parts of the Southern coast and the Gulf 

 of Mexico. " In New York," wrote DeKay in 1842, "this is a rare fish, but occasionally appearing, 

 as I am informed, in our harbor in considerable numbers. It is a very savory food." Professor 

 Baird did not find it on the coast of New Jersey in 1854. Uhler and Lugger state that it occurs 

 in the salt water of the lower part of the Chesapeake Bay, and is much esteemed for food. 



A correspondent, at Hunger's Wharf, Virginia, writes: "In my estimation it is the finest fish 

 that swims. It grows to the size of about one pound, and is now rather scarce. When 1 was a boy, 

 about forty years ago, they were very plentiful, and I have known three hundred pounds caught 

 at one haul of the seine. They have since gradually become scarcer, and a few years ago we rarely 

 caught one during the season. In 1879 and 1880 they are coming in plenty, especially in 1880, and 

 I believe that in a few years we will have them in plenty again. They come about the 1st of July 

 and remain until November." 



At Beaufort, North Carolina, where it is also called " Hog-fish," according to Jordan, it is 

 extremely common everywhere in the harbor. Holbrook wrote about 1860 : " The ' Sailor's Choice ' 

 makes its appearance in our waters about the month of April and continues with us until Novem- 

 ber, when the largest are taken. I have found in the stomach of this animal only the remains of 

 smaller fish, and yet it takes the hook readily when baited with shrimps and clams. It is found 

 along the coast from Georgia to Virginia, where it is called " Hog-fish," and is held in great 

 estimation by epicures." 



" In the Gulf coast," writes Stearns, " it is common everywhere and throughout the year. It 

 lives in shallow water among the grass, feeding upon small and crustaceous animals. It spawns 

 in April and May and is a choice food-fish. The average length is about ten inches." Stearns 

 also refers to three species known respectively as the "White," "Yellow," and "Black" Grunt ; 

 which are found at Key West and upon the neighboring reefs in great abundance. He states that 



'The colors of the fishes of this group are thus minutely described in order to aid observers in discriminating 

 between the different kinds of these fish which so closely resemble each other. In most cases this has been thought 

 unnecessary, since the plates and the reference to Jordan's " Synopsis" are thought to be sufficient. 



