1957. Tracy (1910) mentions round pompano in Narragansett 

 Bay in 1899. 



(141) Trachinotus carolinus (Linnaeus) 1766 

 Common pompano 



Specimens: 



Tracy (1910) mentions specimens at Nantucket; Noank, Con- 

 necticut and in Narragansett Bay during 1899. 



Family Pomatomidae 

 Genus Pomatomus 



(142) Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus) 1758 

 Bluefish, choppers, snappers 



Specimens: (PLATES 43, 44) 



This migratory species is present in Rhode Island waters during 

 the summer and fall. The abundance of the species fluctuates 

 periodically from time to time. Bluefish have been observed by the 

 writer in local waters from June until the end of November. On 

 June 5, 1953, there were 12 bluefish taken in the Point Judith 

 traps ranging from three to seven pounds. Commercial fishermen 

 catch bluefish in Rhode Island waters using gill nets, traps, haul 

 seines, otter trawl and hand-lines with heave and haul method. 

 Small members of this species six to eight inches (TL) are known 

 as snapper blues and provide considerable sport for anglers. 



Economic Importance: 



Among the most popular of the food fishes, bluefish brings a 

 good price at the fish market. Sport fishermen spend considerable 

 time and money in Rhode Island pursuing the sometimes elusive 

 bluefish by boat and from the shoreline. During 1957, 50,246 pounds 

 of bluefish, valued at $7,003, were landed by Rhode Island com- 

 mercial fishermen. 



Family Serranidae 

 Genus Roccus 



(143) Roccus saxatilis (Walbaum) 1792 

 Striped bass, striper, rockfish 



57 



