42O SKY KM 1 1 REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



name Fairmaid is regularly applied to the latter species at Cape Charles, Va., 

 according to B. A. Bean. In Norfolk, Va., Mr. Bean heard the name Maiden for the 

 young of the common Scup. 



The Scup seldom migrates north of Cape Cod, although it has been taken occa- 

 sionally off Cape Ann. Attempts to introduce it into Massachusetts Bay have been 

 unsuccessful. 



The Scup comes into our northern waters in great schools, the large spawning 

 fish coming first, making their appearence in New York waters in May. The species 

 feeds upon small crustaceans, mollusks and annelids, and is one of the readiest 

 biters along the coast. The fishery fluctuates greatly ; in certain years the fish is 

 comparatively scarce, and in others it is extremely abundant. It is caught in 

 pounds and traps, and remains in Great South Bay until cold weather sets in. It 

 has been taken on Cape Cod as late as December 10. Sometimes a sudden cold 

 spell kills the fish in large numbers. 



In 1890 we found only a few specimens at Fire Island and at East Island, late in 

 September, and on October i a few examples were taken in a trap at Islip. In 1898 

 adults were taken in moderate numbers off Southampton August 3. Half-grown 

 specimens were obtained at Islip August 18. A single young individual was seined 

 at Nichols's Point September i, and a moderate number of young, about 2 inches 

 long, were secured at the east side of Fire Island Inlet September 16. In 1901 

 small Scup, about 6 inches long, were obtained in a gill net August 13, and in 

 Watt's Pound, July 31, in Clam Pond Cove. 



The Scup arrives in Gravesend Bay in May, and is taken as late as November. 

 In captivity it lives until December, and in properly heated water it can be kept 

 indefinitely. It is thrifty, and is seldom in bad condition. 



At Woods Hole, Mass., according to Dr. Smith, the fish appears about May I 

 and leaves about October 15 or 20, being most abundant in June and July. 

 Spawning occurs during first part of June, and young y 2 inch to ^ inch long are 

 observed by the middle of July. The eggs are l /^ inch in diameter and hatch in 4 

 days at a mean temperature of 62 F. In 1900 the Scup arrived off Newport April 

 21, at Cutty Hunk April 26, and at Woods Hole May I. Hundreds of young are 

 killed there annually by a sudden fall of temperature. The growth of the young is 

 recorded by Sherwood & Edwards as follows: July 3, length ^ to \y 2 inches 

 August 2, \ l / 2 to 2 inches; September 6. 2 to 3 inches; September 29, 3 to 4 inches; 

 November i, 4 inches. The largest individuals observed weighed 3 pounds. 



The young are devoured in large numbers by Cod, Weakfish, Bluefish and other 

 predaceous species. 



