The Sailfishes 



port and Savannah. It reaches a length of 6 feet and is an ex- 

 cellent food-fish. 



The genus Tetrapiurus, distinguished from Istiophorus by 

 having but one ray in the ventral fin, contains 2 species, the 

 most important of which is T. imperator. Among its common 

 names are spearfish, billfish, and aguja blanca. 



This great fish reaches a length of 7 feet or more and a 

 weight of 150 pounds. It is found among the West Indies and 

 on our coast occasionally as far north as Cape Cod. It is probably 

 identical with the species found in southern Europe. They swim 

 in deep water, according to Poey, and pass Cuba in pairs in 

 summer. 



The spearfish is sometimes taken on the hook. When the fish 

 has swallowed the hook it rises to the surface where it makes pro- 

 digious leaps and plunges. At last it is dragged to the boat, secured 

 with a boat-hook, and beaten to death before it is hauled on board. 

 Such fishing is not without danger, for the spearfish sometimes rushes 

 upon the boat, drowning the fisherman, or wounding him with its 

 terrible weapon. The fish becomes furious at the appearance of 

 sharks, which are its natural enemies. They engage in violent com- 

 bats, and when the spearfish is attached to the fisherman's line, 

 it often receives frightful wounds from these adversaries. 



The other species, T. amp/us, is a rare fish occurring in the 

 West Indies. It reaches a length of 10 feet or more and a 

 weight of 800 pounds. It is the aguja de casta of the Cubans, 

 and would be an important food-fish were it more abundant. 



392 



