THE FOOD AND GAME FISHES OF NEW VORK. 



437 



often with a black blotch near the middle of the dorsal fin. Some individuals are 

 yellowish and the young are often green. 



The Cunner is known also as Chogset and Bergall (this changed to Bengal in 

 Great Egg Harbor Bay, N. J.). Mitchill gives the name of Blue fish as in use in 

 New York in 1815 ; Perch, Sea Perch and Blue Perch are New England names given 

 for this fish. Names used with reference to its bait-stealing propensities are : Nip- 

 per and Bait-stealer. 



The Cunner is common from Labrador to at least as far south as New Jersey. 



The Bergall is found in Gravesend Bay throughout the year. In 1898 the writer 

 found it in Peconic Bay and the adjacent Scallop Pond ; south side of Great South 

 Bay opposite Patchogue ; Fire Island Inlet; Blue Point Cove and Duncan's Creek. 



BERGALL. 



In 1899 young examples were taken at Water Island ocean beach, June 6. In 1901 

 young of a yellow color and only li/s inches long, were seined in a creek near Fire 

 Island Inlet August 15. Half-grown and adults were caught at a wreck on Tobey's 

 Flat August 14, and at Smith's Point August 23. 



At Woods Hole, Mass., the Cunner is very abundant and remains during the 

 entire year. Thousands perish from cold every winter. The fish spawns in June. 

 The egg is about "/'^e inch in diameter, buoyant, and has been hatched in the tidal 

 cod-jar in five days in water of a mean temperature of 56° F. By August i the 

 young an inch long are observed. Outside of Gayhead and Cuttyhunk the fish 

 reaches a weight of 2}^ pounds, but the usual weight is from '/( to y> pound. In 

 February, 1901, thousands of Gunners were killed by extreme cold at Wootl's Hole. 



The Cunner endures cajstivity very well, incli\-itluais having been kept three years 

 or longer. The species is usually associated with the Tautog or Black fish ; in 

 many places it proves a great annoyance to fishermen. In some parts of New 



