314 AMERICAN GAME FISHES. 



Snapper, L. blackfordi, which is an ocean species of quite 

 different habits. Like the Grouper, the Mangrove Snapper 

 is stationary, seldom found far from its hole, in which it 

 takes refuge when alarmed. It is one of the most shy and 

 cunning fishes of the coast, and long casts from the boat are 

 necessary to beguile it. It makes for the roots as soon as 

 hooked, after the manner of the Grouper, and is a more 

 active fighter, though perhaps not stronger, than that fish. 

 Probably fine tackle would be more successful than the 

 coarse hand-lines generally used, but the Snapper has very 

 sharp teeth, and silk-worm gut would stand no chance. Cut 

 Mullet is the bait commonly used, cast as far as possible 

 from the boat into the deep channels near the mangroves. 

 Let the bait rest quietly on the bottom for five or ten minutes, 

 and as soon as the bite is felt get the fish away from the 

 bank, or he will be lost. In form the Mangrove Snapper 

 resembles the Small-mouthed Black Bass. Color, a reddish 

 brown, with golden reflections. Canines long, with which it 

 snaps savagely when captured. Eye very large and bright, 

 with golden-colored iris. Head small, with wide mouth, 

 well filled with teeth. Half of dorsal fin with hard spines; 

 scales large. The large eyes seem to indicate nocturnal 

 habits, confirmed by the fact, that the Snapper feeds more 

 freely at night, and on dark days. The fishermen say that 

 when placed in a car with other fish, the Snapper will mangle 

 and devour them. The young, say of a pound weight, are 

 often in considerable numbers in deep holes, and are taken 

 with the cast-net. Size, in Halifax River, from half a pound 

 to five pounds. In the Indian River they have been taken 

 of ten pounds weight. A fish of good quality on the table, 

 and keeps well. 



JORDAN AND GILBERT'S DESCRIPTION, 



Lutjanus aiironibens {Cuv. & Fa/.). Centropisics aiirorubois 

 {Storer). Rhomboplites aiirorubens {Goodv and Bra/i). 

 "Vermilion red above, rosy below; sides with oblong irreg- 



