2 34 AMERICAN FISHES. 



The Banded Rudder-flsh, Scriola zonata, 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 is a small fish, rarely exceeding 

 six or eight inches in length, conspicuous by reason of its brilliant and 

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

 who accidently capture it. It is called in Southern New England the 

 "Rudder-fish" on account of its resemblance to the Rudder-fish of the 

 ocean, Naucrates ductor. 



Seriola fasciata, called in Cuba the " Medregal " and in Bermuda the 

 "Bonita," has been observed in South Florida and along the coasts of 

 the Carolinas. It is apparently exceedingly rare in the waters of the 

 United States. In Bermuda it attains a length of two feet or more, and 

 is highly esteemed as a food-fish. 



The Leather-jacket, Oligoplitcs saurus, which is found throughout the 

 West Indies and south as far as Bahia, and on the Pacific coast of Mexico 

 and Central America, has since 1875 been severel times observed between 

 Florida and Newport, R. I. It is known to fishermen as the " Skipjack," 

 sharing this name with a number of other scombroid fishes, which leap 

 from the water as they pursue their prey. It is one of the most beautiful 

 and graceful fishes in out waters, but at present is of no economic import- 

 ance, its flesh being hard and dry. 



" The Runner, Elagatis pinimlatvs, known at Key West as " Skipjack " 

 or "Runner," and at Pensacola as "Yellow-tail" or "Shoemaker," is, 

 according to Stearns, abundant on the western and southern coasts of 

 Florida. At Pensacola it spawns in spring ; the young fish are seen in 

 July and August. It is found in the bays and along the sea-beaches, seem- 

 ing to prefer clear salt-water, swift currents, and sandy bottoms. It 

 usually moves in small schools of a dozen or two individuals. It feeds 

 upon small fishes and crustaceans. When pursued by larger fish it jumps 

 repeatedly from the water, very much in the same manner as the flying 

 fish, only its flights are much shorter and oftener repeated. This habit has 

 given it the names of 'Skipjack ' and ' Runner ' at Key West, where it 

 may be seen at almost any time. It is sometimes eaten at Key West, and 

 at Havana is quite an important fish in the markets, being also exposed 

 for sale at stands on the streets, cooked and ready for use. 



The dolphins, Coryphcenida, are found usually in mid-ocean, where they 

 feed upon other pelagic fishes, such as the flying-fish. They are strong. 



