FISHERIES OF THE COASTAL WATERS OF FLORIDA. 19 



were protected in their rights. The depredations of poachers, com- 

 bined with losses incurred from storms, have greatly hampered the 

 plan of increasing the supply by cultivation, and the tendency is to 

 abandon the business unless ample protection is afforded. 



FISHES. 



During the conduct of the investigations covered by this report the 

 food-fishes of the principal fishing centers of Florida were studied, 

 with the object of determining the food-fishes of the different sec- 

 tions, the relative abundance, distribution, spawning habits, food, and 

 enemies of each. Information was sought regarding the present abun- 

 dance, size, and condition of the various species as compared with 

 former years. The chief inquiries were made in Indian River, Lake 

 Worth, Biscayne Bay, at Key West, Tampa, and Tarpon Springs. 



As regards the number of species of fishes handled by the fishermen, 

 Key West is by far the most important fishing center in Florida. This 

 is due to the fact that in the waters about Key West are found more 

 species of fishes which are used for food than can be found at any other 

 single locality in the United States. If to the food-fishes of Key West 

 are added all the other species found there, a list of more than 225 

 species known from that region is obtained. The species which are 

 used as food are not fewer than 100 in number. 



The investigations indicate that there has been no serious decrease 

 in the abundance of any of the food-fishes of this region. The methods 

 are calculated to conserve the fisheries to the fullest extent. Few fishes 

 are lost for want of a market. Only such as are thought salable are 

 brought into market, and there they are kept alive until they are sold. 

 So long as these methods continue, no serious diminution is likely to 

 occur with any of the numerous food-fishes of Key West. 



The more important food-fishes of Key West are briefly discussed in 

 the following pages. The different species are considered by groups 

 approximately in the order of their commercial value. The common 

 names given are those in use among the Key West fishermen. The 

 Spanish names in use among the Cuban fishermen of Key West are 

 given in many cases. 



1. Grunt. Common Grunt. "White Grunt, cr P.onco, Hwmulon phmieri (Lace"pide). 

 The most abundant of all the Key West food-fishes, aud caught all the year 

 round, the best season being during the fall. Their spawning season is 

 during August aud September, at which time they gather up into schools 

 on shoal, feathery, rock bottom, where they spawn. Each roe is from 1 to 2 

 inches in length. The eggs are said to be "gritty" to the touch and about 

 the size of a Xo. 10 shot. When ripe they separate and r!ow freely from 

 the fish. When done spawning the schools break up and the fish scatter. 

 They are so abundant, however, that they can usually be found in large 

 numbers anywhere on suitable bottom. The best fishing is always on rock 

 bottom, Crawfish Bar being one of the best grounds. 



These fish grow to about 18 inches in length and a maximum weight 

 of 4 pounds. They are not often seen, however, weighing more than 2 

 pounds, and the average weight does not exceed one-third of a pound. 



