42 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



England into the harbor, where they are generally speedily caught. 

 Pilot-fish attain a length of 12 inches only. When very young their ap- 

 pearance differs so much from the mature fish that they have been de- 

 scribed as a distinct genus, Nauclerus. This fry is exceedingly common 

 in the open ocean, and constantly obtained in the tow-net ; therefore 

 the Pilot-fish retain s its pelagic habits also during the spawning season, 

 and some of the spawn found by voyagers floating on the surface is, with- 

 out doubt, derived from this species."* 



The Medregal. 



(Zonichthys fasciatus.) 



This fish, called in Cuba the Medregal and in Bermuda the Bonito, 

 has been observed in South Florida and along the coasts of the Caro- 

 linas. It is apjiareutly exceedingly rare in the waters of the United 

 States. In Bermuda it attains a length of two feet or more and is highly 

 esteemed af a food -fish. 



The Banded Eudder-fish. 



{Seriola zonata.) 



This siiecies, known in South Carolina by the names "Jack-fish" 

 and " Banded Mackerel," has been observed as far north as Salem and 

 Beverly, Mass. Several specimens have been taken north of Cape Cod 

 during the past forty years. It has also been found in South Carolina 

 and Georgia, though rare in that region. It is a small fish, rarely ex- 

 ceeding 6 or 8 inches in length, conspicuous by reason of its brilliant 

 and beautiful colors, and good to eat, though rarely saved by the 

 fishermen who accidentally capture it. It is called the Rudder-fish on 

 account of its resemblance to the Eudder-fish of the ocean. Naucrates 

 ductor. 



This fish was observed in the Gulf of Mexico by Mr. Silas Stearns, who 

 writes : 



" The Amber-fish is quite common off the West Florida coast, occur- 

 ring in from 10 to 30 fathoms of water, on or near the 'Snapper Banks' 

 throughout the year. It is a very active fish, swimming just below the 

 water's surface, preying upon schools of small fish. It is rather shy of 

 a baited hook, and but few are caught. It is a good food-fish. It at- 

 tains a size of 40 inches length, and 15 pounds weight. Its average 

 size but little more than half that." 



The "Eock Salmon" of Pensacola [Seriola honariensis) is recorded 

 by Stearns as occasionally occurring near Pensacola in company with 

 the preceding species, which it resembles in habits. It is caught with 

 hook and line and is eaten. In his opinion, it attains a larg«er size than 



* Glinther's Study of Fishes, p. 444. 



