off Rhode Island. Three specimens, 8 to 11 inches (TL) were col- 

 lected from the trawler Dauntless, taken on the continental shelf 

 off Block Island on April 20, 1957. 



Family Dactylopteridae 

 Genus Dactylopterus 



(181) Dactylopterus volitans (Linnaeus) 1758 

 living gurnard, flying robin, flying fish 



Specimens: (PLATES 60, 61) 



This southern species is an occasional visitor to Rhode Island 

 waters in the fall. On October 5, 1957, a 5.5 inch (TL) flying gurnard 

 was captured by E. Nugent while he was scallop dredging in Little 

 Narragansett Bay, Westerly. Specimens have also been taken in 

 the fall of 1957, in Salt Pond and Ninigret Pond. 



Family Labridae 

 Genus Tautogolabrus 



(182) Tautogolabrus adspersus (Walbaum) 1792 

 dinner, bergall, chogy, nibbler 



Specimens: (PLATE 62) 



This species is very common around rocks, wharves and jetties. 

 It provides considerable sport. Cunners observed by the writer 

 ranged from three to nine inches (TL). Further elaboration on 

 the habits of cunners can be found (Gordon, 1957 h). 



Economic Importance: 



Large cunners make excellent food fish. In 1956, 190 pounds of 

 cunners, valued at S6, were recorded at Rhode Island fishing ports. 



Genus Tautoga 



(183) Tautoga onitis (Linnaeus) 1758 

 Tautog, black, blackfish 



Specimens: (PLATES 63, 64) 



The blackfish lives around rocks and seaweed in shoal water. 

 This is a favorite species with many hook and line anglers and 

 spearfishermen. Listed below are 1960 World Records, recognized 



71 



