The longspine porgy proved to be the most common species taken 

 in every period except August when only comparatively shallow areas were 

 sampled. Its proportion in all samples increased sharply from January to 

 February and reached a peak in March. 



Seasonal composition of bottom-fish samples taken off east Texas, 

 Gulf of Mexico, August 1960-April 1961. 



Distribution by depth seemed well defined for some of these fishes. 

 The longspine porgy dominated Seimples from 20 to 45 fathoms but was infre- 

 quently taken within the 10- fathom range. Conversely, the seatrout, croaker, 

 threadfin, and bumper, all most abundant inside the 10-fathom curve, were 

 not found at depths greater than 20 fathoms. The shoal flounder predominated 

 between 10 and 20 fathonns. These findings should be compared with those 

 from 3 years' sampling of commercial bottom-fish catches made in the Delta 

 area. The Atlantic croaker predominates there, making up about 50 percent 

 of annual landings. Rajiked closest behind it are the spot and silver seatrout, 

 each contributing 10- 12 percent, Recedl, however, that the fishery in this 

 area confines itself to those waters within the 20-fathom curve. It is likely 

 that beyond this zone, species such as the longspine porgy and rough scad 

 are as abundant as they appear to be at the same depths off the Texas coast. 



32 



