FISHES OF NEW YORK 215 



Taking forward. Gill rakers rather long and slender, numer- 

 ous, the longest on first arch three fourths as long as the eye. 

 Origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and front 

 of eye, its length of base four sevenths of length of head, its 

 longest ray one half as long as the head, a sheath of scales at 

 base; anal with a strong sheath of scales, its base as long as the 

 head without the snout; ventrals small, originating in advance 

 of dorsal origin, the length equal to e^^e; axillary scale of pec- 

 toral one half as long as the head. Width of silvery band one 

 fourth the length of head. D. 14 to 15; A. 20. Scales 40 to 42. 

 Upper parts light brown; sides silvery; a broad, bright silvery 

 lateral stripe. Length sometimes above 6 inches. Here de- 

 scribed from an example taken at Lifesaving station no. 22, 

 Long Island, and now in the U. S. National Museum. 



The species occurs from Cape Cod southward to Brazil and 

 the West Indies. 



This is the satin striped herring of MitchilFs Fishes of Neio 

 York, p. 456. By some of the fishermen in Great South bay it is 

 supposed to be the whitebait and is so called. The anchovy was 

 extremely abundant in the bay in September 1884. I found it 

 at the mouth of Swan creek, in Blue Point cove, near the Life- 

 saving station, at Oak island and at Fire island. Specimens 

 were seen as late as October 7. 



This anchovy forms a very important part of the food of the 

 young weakfish and bluefish in Great South bay. It is present 

 in very large numbers and could be utilized as a food species. 

 The largest examples of this fish which we have seen were taken 

 in Great Egg Harbor bay in August; individuals measuring 5^ 

 inches in length were taken in the surf by hundreds, and weak- 

 fish were feeding on them ravenously. In two hauls of a 20 

 fathom seine we took here 54 weakfish. 



This species was not common in Great South bay during tlie 

 -summer of 1898. It was found at Blue Point cove August 18, 

 and young were obtained at Nichols's point September 1. 



Dr Smith records it as usually abundant at Woods Hole, occa- 

 ^sionally rather uncommon. Found from August to late in fall. 

 3Iore numerous than any other anchovy. 



