392 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



spotted and clouded with bluish ; the second 

 dorsal has pale yellowish spots, with rows of blue 

 ones, separated by greenish reticulations ; the 

 anal fin is colored like the second dorsal ; the 

 pectoral fins are bluish with olive spots. 



The leather-fish, or turbot, resorts to rocky 

 shoals and coral reefs, feeding on the small 

 marine organisms that are abundant in such 

 localities. Nothing is known of its breeding 

 habits. It grows to a foot in length and is con- 

 sidered a good food-fish by the people of Key 

 West. The thick skin and rough scales are 

 pared off together with a sharp knife by the 

 fishermen when delivered to a customer. It is 

 caught, with the grunts, porgies, etc., in the 

 channels among the keys and reefs with the 

 baited hook, and also in wire traps. Very small 

 hooks must be used for the turbot, as it has a 

 very small mouth. Cut crawfish, conch, or bar- 

 nacles are good baits. 



