20 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



of water, but small fish of one-half to 2 pounds are sometimes taken 

 on the shallow reefs, in 2 to 4 fathoms, along with grunts, porgies, 

 etc. The average size of deep-water fish is about 3 pounds, but ex- 

 amples weighing 15 and 20 pounds are not rare. It is reported that 

 a 25-pound fish was caught off the railroad pier at Key West by an 

 angler using rod and reel. Maximum weight, 25 pounds; average, 

 3 pounds. 



Range. — Usual range both coasts of Florida to Brazil. The young 

 have been recorded from Beaufort, N. C, and Woods Hole, Mass. 



44. Lutianus synagris (Linnaeus). Lane snapper; Red-tailed snapper. 



The lane snapper is a beautiful and abundant fish about Key West. 

 It is usually caught on rocky, coral, or grassy bottoms in water 

 ranging in depth from 2 to 6 fathoms. It is found in company with 

 various species of grunts, porgies. snappers, and groupers. Although 

 the average size is only about one-half pound, it is rather gamey when 

 hooked. It is caught in greatest numbers during the winter and 

 spring. Spawning is said to take place in October, at which time 

 the fish gather in schools. Maximum weight, 4 pounds; average, 

 one-half pound. 



Range. — Pensacola and Indian River, Fla., southward to Brazil; 

 known from the Bahamas, Cuba, Martinique, Jamaica, Santo Do- 

 mingo, Porto Rico, and Panama. 



45. Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch). Yellowtail; Rabirubia. 



The yellowtail is perhaps the most important of all the snappers 

 found about Key West. It is one of the most esteemed of the local 

 fishes and is abundant throughout the year excepting during the 

 winter when the cold drives it away to deeper water. It may be 

 caught at depths of 2 or more fathoms, and it is especially abundant 

 on the rocky edges of the outer reefs near Key West. This fish is 

 rather gamey and is caught with crawfish or sardine bait. Fish 

 weighing 3 and 4 pounds are not uncommon; the maximum size is 

 G pounds and the average 1 pound. 



Range. — Usual range southern Florida to Brazil; known from 

 Bermuda, Cuba, Martinique. St. Kitts, Jamaica, Porto Rico, and 

 Brazil. The young are recorded from Katama Bay, Mass. 



46. Haemulon album Cuvier and Valenciennes. Margate fish; Mar- 



garet grunt. 



This species is not as common about Key West as are several other 

 grunts, but is one of the largest of the grunts and a good food fish. 

 It is taken in rather deep water on rock or coral reefs. Spawning 

 occurs during the early summer. Its food consists chiefly of crabs, 

 crawfish, worms, etc. Maximum weight, 10 pounds; average, 2 

 pounds. 



Range. — Southern Florida to Brazil ; reported from Bermuda, the 

 Bahamas, Habana, .Jamaica, Porto Rico, and St. Thomas. 



47. Haemulon macrostomum Giinther. Gray grunt ; Striped grunt. 



This grunt is common among the Florida Keys but because of its 

 small size is considerably less important than various larger species. 

 Young fish 4 to 6 inches long are sometimes abundant close to shore 



