THE SQUETEAGUES. 



121 



important of these are undoubtedly Cynoscion nobilc and C. parvipiiine. 

 Jordan thus describes their habits : 



^'- Cynoscion nobile is everywhere known as the Sea-bass and the Sea- 

 trout, sometimes as 'White Sea-bass,' to distinguish it from the Black 

 Sea-bass or Jew-fish. The young, while yet banded, are -known as ' Sea 

 Trout,' and generally considered a distinct species, and both are frequently 

 called ' Corvina ' and 'Caravina.' 



THE RONCADOR. 



" It reaches a length of four to six feet and a weight of fifty to seventy- 

 five pounds, perhaps more. Those usually seen in market average about 

 fifteen. 



" It ranges from Cape Mendocino southward to below San Diego, being 

 especially abundant from Santa Barbara to Monterey in spring and summer. 

 It is not often seen in winter. Only adults are taken in spring, and it 

 prol;)ably comes to the shore from deeper water for the purpose of spawning. 

 It goes in small schools, and its movements are irregular. Its food consists 

 of crustaceans and fishes. It spawns in June or July. It is one of the 

 most important food-fishes of the coast. Its flesh is excellent, firm and 

 Avell flavored, and its great size renders it a very valuable species. In 

 the firmness of its flesh it differs strikingly from most of the other species 

 of the genus. 



" Cynoscion parvipinne, is usually known as the ' Corvina ' or ' Caravina.' 

 It is also occasionally called Bluefish. It reaches a length of about two feet, 

 and a weight of eight pounds. It is found from San Pedro southward to 

 the Gulf of California, rarely straying to the north. In San Diego Bay it 

 is abundant. It feeds on crustaceans, and especially on small fishes, as 



