Specimens: 



Several specimens of this rare West Indian species were collected 

 by the author in 1957. Three trumpet-fish, 260 mm., 292 mm., and 

 304 mm. (TL) were obtained from John Ropes who captured them 

 at Pettaquamscutt River, on August 6, 1957, and August 15, 1957. 

 A 380 mm. (TL) cornetfish taken five miles east of Watch Hill on 

 October 2, 1957, was obtained from the trawler Jane Dorc. 



Family Scombridae 

 Genus Scomber 



(107) Scomber scombrus Linnaeus 1758 

 Mackerel, tinkers 



Specimens: (PLATE 35) 



This migratory species has been observed by the writer to ap- 

 proach the coast in the spring and to move offshore into deeper 

 water in the fall. During May and June of 1956 and 1957, schools 

 of small mackerel, 8 to 12 inches (TL), were taken in the traps 

 at Point Judith. Slightly larger mackerel, 12 to 15 inches (TL), were 

 taken off Watch Hill during July and August, 1957, by trailers. 

 The largest mackerel are those taken in waters around Block Island 

 in late summer, reaching 20 inches (TL). Mackerel are captured by 

 trap fishing, otter trawl, purse seine, and trolling silvered metal 

 jigs- 

 Economic Importance: 



The mackerel is an important food fish. During 1957, 96,101 

 pounds of mackerel, valued at $14,863, were landed by Rhode 

 Island fishermen. 



Genus Pneumatophorus 



(108) Pneumatophorus colias (Gmelin) 1789 

 Chub mackerel, hardhead, bullseye 



Specimens: 



Closely resembling the common mackerel, this species differs 

 from Scomber scombrus by possessing an air bladder, larger eyes 

 and slightly smaller size. An irregular summer visitor, this species 



46 



