BLENNIIDAE Blennies 



Lnhrisomus nuchipinnus (Quoy and Gaimad) Hairy Blenny 



Juvenile and young of the hairy blenny were taken infrequently by dip net 

 throughout the period, but were observed on numerous occasions, principally 

 during the spring and summer months, and are undoubtedly year-round inhabitants 

 of the lagoon. Captured specimens varied from 3 to 8 cm. in length. Although not 

 taken in the study area, a specimen measuring 18.5 cm., caught on rod and reel 

 from the South Jetty, seems worthy of note due to its extremely large size. 



TRICHIURIDAE Cutlass Fishes 



Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus Cutlass Fish, Silver Eel 



(Texas) 



This very active fish never was taken by our collecting gear. It occurred in 

 large numbers within the area, chiefly during the warmer months, and was most 

 abundant throughout late spring and autumn. Cutlass fish are caught frequently 

 by anglers and are thoroughly detested as aggressive bait-robbers. 



The average observed size was approximately 40.0 cm. Much larger individuals 

 were noted on numerous occasions, and one, taken on rod and reel by the senior 

 author, measured 86.0 cm. 



Cutlass fish are extremely predaceous, and frequently were observed decimat- 

 ing schools of small fish. Considering these activities and its abundance, the cutlass 

 fish unquestionably plays an important role in the ecology of the lagoon. 



ELEOTRIDAE Sleepers 



Dormitator maculatus (Bloch) Fat Sleeper 



This colorful fish suddenly appeared in large numbers in the waters of the 

 lagoon mouth on October 16, 1957. They were easily captured with a dip net or 

 cast net, and for approximately a week, were the favorite bait used by flounder 

 fishermen. However, they rapidly decreased in abundance, and by the end of the 

 month could not be found anywhere in the vicinity. Evidently the heavy rainfall 

 that deluged the watersheds of the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers for the first 2 

 weeks of the month, and which resulted in the \yorst flood conditions in years, 

 flushed many freshwater inhabitants out of their normal habitat into bayous and 

 lagoons of more saline waters. 



The sleepers varied in length from about 5 to 1 5 cm. Five specimens, 

 averaging 10.0 cm. in length, were placed in a 70-gallon aquarium. They sought 

 cover immediately, and in the 2 years of captivity emerged from "hiding" only 

 to feed. 



GOBIIDAE Gobies 



Gobies observed and occasionally taken included young and adults of the lyre 

 goby, Evorthodus lyricus (Girard); the sharptailed goby, Gobionellus hastatus Girard; and 

 the Texas goby, Gobiosoma molestum Girard. 



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