340 NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OP 



31. Batrachus variegatus, Les. 



Toad-Fish — Oyster-Fish. 



Batiachus variegatus, Les., Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. Ill, 398. — 

 DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 171. 



Body olivaceous, closely but rather coarsely vermiculated with 

 darker; three or four quadrate spots across and along the back; iris 

 greenish yellow, with four broad double radii of greyish; fins reddish 

 brown towards the borders, their general color light olivaceous ; C. and 

 P. with well defined bands of darker, transverse to the rays; D. and A. 

 with similar bands disposed obliquely towards the rays, the angle ante- 

 rior; a dark spot on the anterior dorsal ; V. and inferior parts of body 

 reddish white — in large specimens, the latter yellowish, with dark 

 blotches. Length six inches. 



The toad-fish, or, as it is called at Beesley's point, the oyster-fish, 

 on account of its frequenting the oyster beds, is one of the fishermen's 

 pests, from its great abundance, and pertinacity in taking the hook 

 baited for nobler game. Few fish are more repulsive in appearance 

 than this species, with its large, flattened head, broad mouth, laciniated 

 processes or fringes about the jaw, goggle eyes, and slimy body. It 

 will live a long while out of water, snapping at the finger even when 

 almost dried up. It is capable of inflicting quite a severe bite, and is 

 always handled with a great deal of caution. 



The eggs are said to be laid on oyster shells, or between their empty 

 valves, at Beesley's point, in the entire absence of stones or pebbles, 

 which constitute the usual place of deposite. An artificial pile of stone 

 near Chattin's tavern is a favorite locality with them. The eggs are 

 about the size of number 6 shot at first, but enlarge to the bulk of a 

 pea; their color is a bright yellow. The fish watches its nest very 

 vigilantly, and can scarcely be driven away, snapping at the finger or a 

 stick, and when forcibly removed returning with the first opportunity. 



The flesh is said, by those who have been able to overcome their 

 aversion to the fish, to be very sweet and palatable. 



The toad-fish seldom comes very near shore, few having been taken 

 in the hauling of small seines. I have never seen it up the small 

 creeks. 



32. Tautoga Americana, Cuv. and Val. 



Taufog — The Black Fish. 



Tautoga amcricana^ Cuv. and Val., Hist. Nat. des Poiss. XIII, 293. — 

 DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 175, plate xiv, fig. 39. 



The tautog, smooth black fish, or chub, as the species is indifferently 

 called, was not abundant at Beesley's point during the past summer, 

 although their number is said to be greater in the fall. They are 

 caught off the steep banks, in the channel- ways and the thorough tiires. 



