MASTERS OF THE WATER-BONY FISHES 



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dorsal fins are widely separate from one another. One peculiar habit usually 

 identifies them. These little fishes are most often seen in the company of large 

 conchs or other shellfish, whose living shells they use for retreat. Cardinal fishes 

 are largely nocturnal and some carry their eggs in their mouths for incubation. 



conchfish: Apogonichthys stellatiis— Color Plate 3 



Size: Up to 2 inches. 



Distribution: West Indies to Florida. 



Identification: This is one of the smallest cardinal fishes, and has exceptionally 

 large ventral fins. 



Hahits: Among the cardinal fishes, this one in particular is addicted to using 

 the mantle cavity of the large queen conch, Stroinhus gigas, for retreat. It is 

 also known to use the cavities of sponges for the same purpose. Its food consists 

 of small invertebrates. 



SNOOKS: Family Centropomidae 



There is but one genus containing a few very similar species, all found in 

 the American tropics. 



SNOOK (sergeant FISH, PIKE, ROBALo) : Centrofomus undecimalis 



Size: Up to 5 feet. 



Weight: Averages 4 to 8 pounds. Up to 60 pounds or more. 

 Distribution: West Indies to Florida. Baja California to South America. 

 Identification: Pikelike build and a black lateral line which extends onto the 

 tail. The color is straw-brown. 



Fig. 118. Snool 



Habits: This is a large, swift, predatorv fish of shallow waters. It especially 

 likes brackish waters of mangrove areas and river mouths, sometimes traveling 

 in small schools. Its food, taken largely at dusk or at night, consists of small 

 fish and crustaceans. 



SEA BASSES: Family Serranidae 



The four hundred to five hundred species of sea basses found the world 

 over in warm temperate and tropical seas offer some of the most rewarding 

 experiences under water. The large tropical species (groupers), if not frightened 

 because of spearfishing pressures, are fearless and very easy to train by chum- 

 ming. After only a few feedings, large groupers will follow the swimmer 



