16 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



big fish and each is securely hitched to a pile by means of a strong 

 line. The fish are removed from the live cars as wanted. When the 

 fish are dressed, the scales are shaved off with a sharp knife, and 

 the flesh is cut into steaks and strips. The flesh sells for about 20 

 cents a pound and always finds a ready sale, the entire catch being 

 consumed locally. 



The jewfish prefers moderately deep water with rocky or coral 

 bottom. Small individuals weighing from 1 to 10 pounds, however, 

 are frequently taken in shallow water close to shore. The species is 

 particularly common on the southwest coast of Florida. The largest 

 fish of which there is a reliable record weighed, according to a meas- 

 urement formula, 693 pounds. This fish was caught with shark 

 tackle on January 23, 1923. about 35 miles south of Miami, and it 

 was 8 feet long and 6 feet 4 inches in girth. 



Range. — Both coasts of tropical America, north to Florida and the 

 Gulf of California. 



34. Mycteroperca venenosa (Linnseus). Yellow-finned grouper; Yel- 

 low grouper. 



This grouper is uncommon about Key West and is seen only oc- 

 casionally in the fish markets, but it is somewhat more plentiful in 

 the Habana markets. Maximum weight, 20 pounds; average, 5 

 pounds. 



Range. — North Carolina to the Bahamas; southern Florida, Ber- 

 muda, and the West Indies; rare north of Miami. 



35. Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey). Black grouper. 



^The black grouper is rather common about the Florida keys and 

 Key West. It is not taken in large numbers, but its great size makes 

 it one of the most important market fishes. It is generally caught in 

 water more than 25 feet in depth, but small fish are occasionally taken 

 in shallow water near shore. This grouper is taken throughout the 

 year, but it is most common during February, March, and April. 

 The usual market fish weigh from 5 to 50 pounds; fish weighing 

 more than 50 pounds are uncommon though not rare. Large or small 

 fish can be kept in live cars for long periods. Maximum weight, 

 about 100 pounds ; average, 10 pounds. 



Range. — Usual range Florida to Brazil. The young have been 

 carried by the Gulf Stream as far north as Woods Hole, Mass. 



36. Mycteroperca microlepis (Goode and Bean). Gag. 



This species is rather common about Key West and may be caught 

 there throughout the year. It is generally taken on the shallow 

 reefs in 10 to 25 feet of water and on rocky, coral, or grassy bottoms. 

 When hooked, it puts up a somewhat better fight than do most of 

 the other groupers. It is a good food fish. Maximum weight, 20 

 pounds; average, H pounds. Fish weighing more than 10 pounds 

 are rare, and the weight of the market fish usually ranges from one- 

 lialf to 3 pounds. 



Range.— Beaufort (N. C.) to Florida; on the Gulf coast to Pensa- 

 cola. 



