6 TJ. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



6. Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum). Barracuda ; Picuda. 



The barracuda is rather common among the Florida keys, where 

 it is taken throughout the year, generally by trolling. It is a game 

 iish of some merit and is much sought after by sportsmen. It is a 

 large voracious fish, attacking prey larger than itself, and is much 

 feared by bathers. At Key West it is a food fish of some importance, 

 although its flesh is considered inferior. It is not sold in large quan- 

 tities, but as many as 2 dozen may be seen in the market on certain 

 days during the winter. Maximum size, about 8 feet ; average, about 

 4 feet. 



Range. — Cape Cod to Bahia, Brazil; Bermuda; Gulf of Mexico, 

 north to Pensacola. Generally common in the West Indies and 

 among the Florida keys; not common north of Florida. 



7. Upeneus maculatus (Bloch). Red goatfish. 



The goatfish is comparatively rare along the Florida keys, but is 

 occasionally seen among the smaller fishes brought in by the hand- 



Fh;. 2. — Striped mullet (MugU cephahts). 



line fishermen. In Porto Rico it is a food fish of considerable im- 

 portance. Maximum size, about 12 inches; average, about 9 inches. 

 Range. — North Carolina to the West Indies; Bermuda, Cuba, 

 Porto Rico, and Martinique. Rare north of Key West. 



8. Sarda sarda (Bloch). Bonito. 



The bonito is taken as a straggler along with the Spanish mackerel. 

 It is a pelagic species inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean and is found 

 both in Europe and in this country. It is a food fish of some impor- 

 tance, although inferior to the mackerel. The annual catch along 

 the Florida keys is negligible. The maximum weight is about 15 

 pounds; average, 3 pounds. 



Range. — Atlantic Ocean. Found along the European coast and 

 on the North American coast from Casco Bay (Me.) to Florida, 

 or perhaps farther south; not definitely recorded from Central or 

 South America. 



9. Scomberomonis maculatus (Mitchell). Spanish mackerel. 



The Spanish mackerel is now the most valuable food fish taken in 

 the immediate vicinity of Key West. However, it is only during 

 recent years that large numbers have been caught in southern Flor- 



