THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 327 



9. Prionotus pilatus, Storer. 



Flying Fish. 



Prionotus pilatus, Storer, Proc. Bost. Soc. NaL. Hist. 11, 77; also, 

 Hist, of the Fishes of Mass. 20, plate vi, lig. 1. 



Above mottled olive and reddish brown, with three or lour large 

 quadrate spots of" darker across the back. The reddish brown spots 

 predominate along the lower part of the sides, in some cases almost 

 terming a longitudinal stripe. Abdomen and inferior part of the body 

 generally reddish white. Head reddish brown, cheeks coppery. Bran- 

 chiostegal membrane and inside of mouth behind, brownish black. 

 Pupil violet ; iris olive-green externally, brassy or coppery internally. 

 Anterior dorsal olivaceous dusky at base, with two^ or more inter- 

 rupted bars of pale bluish nearl}" perpendicular to the rays. A distinct 

 dark spot on the membrane, between the fourth and fifth dorsal spines. 

 Posterior dorsal transparent, mottled or coarsely vermiculated with 

 olivaceous. P. very dark olive-green, with reticulations of a lighter 

 color; chalk-white on the posterior edge of the lower surface. A. C. 

 V. W'ith the pectoral processes reddish brown, brightest along the mar- 

 gin ; the former white along the base. Length six inches. 



This species was very abundant, and frequently taken with the 

 hook, when its disentanglement proved to be a matter of some danger, 

 on account of the spines of the head. In one instance a man was con- 

 fined to the house for two weeks in consequence of a puncture received 

 in this way. 



When caught, this fish commences a loud croaking or barking, the 

 sound apparently produced in the abdominal region. This is so loud 

 and constant that in hauling a large seine the presence in the net of a 

 single specimen of this gurnard, however small, could general^ be de- 

 termined by the peculiar sound emitted. For this reason it is sometimes 

 called pig-fish by the inhabitants. 



The pectoral processes are used as organs of progression, the fish 

 dragging itself slowly upon the bottom by their aid, or raising itself up 

 and resting on their tips. In swimming, or resting, the broad pectoral 

 fins are generally spread out horizontally to iheir fullest extent — pre- 

 senting a very beautiful and striking appearance, and closely resem- 

 bling the wings of some butterfly. 



The flesh is sweet, white, and palatable, though on account of its com- 

 paratively small size this fish is seldom eaten. Specimens caught on the 

 surf or out at sea are usually much larger than those in the bay, some- 

 times exceeding a foot in length. It is said to be only a summer 

 visitant. 



