26 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHEEIES. 



56. Calamus calamus (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Saucer-eyed porgy. 



This is a common species about Key West and is found through- 

 out the year, but it is most abundant during the winter. It is taken 

 with hook and line on coral bottom in 12 to 40 feet of water. This 

 and other species of porgies all are important food fishes in Key 

 West. Maximum weight, 1| pounds; average, one-half pound. 



Range. — Florida keys to Brazil; known from Bermuda, Mar- 

 tinique, Jamaica, Cuba, Porto Rico, and Panama. 



57. Calamus proridens Jordan and Gilbert. Little-head porgy. 



A common species in Key West and always present in the live cars. 

 This and other species of porgies found here are sold together with- 

 out respect to species. Maximum weight, 2 pounds; average, one- 

 half pound. 



Range. — Florida keys to West Indies. 



58. Calamus bajonado (Bloch and Schneider). Jolt-head porgy; 



Bajonado. 



This is the largest of the porgies and because of its size is the most 

 important member of the group found at Key West. It is found on 

 rocky, coral, and grassy bottoms at a depth of 15 to 40 feet or more. 

 Spawning takes place during July and August. Fishermen catch it 

 with hook and line all the year round. Maximum weight, 10 pounds; 

 average, 2 pounds. 



Range. — Southern Florida to West Indies. 



59. Calamus penna (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Sheepshead porgy. 



The sheepshead porgy is a common species and is most abundant 

 in the winter. It frequents shallow water near the keys. Maximum 

 weight, 4 pounds^ average, 1 pound. 



Range. — Southern Florida to Brazil; known from Charlotte Har- 

 bor, St. Thomas, Habana, Panama, Camamu, Rio de Janeiro, and Rio 

 Grande do Sul. 



60. Calamus arctifrons Goode and Bean. Grass porgy. 



This is an abundant species locally, especially in shallow water and 

 on grassy bottom. It is found in company with other species of 

 porgies. Maximum weight, 2 pounds; average, one-half pound. 



Ra/tige. — Pensacola and Biscayne Bay south to Key West and Porto 

 Rico; not common in the West Indies. 



61. Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus). Pinfish; Sailor's choice ; Bream. 



This little fish is abundant about the shores and wharves of Key 

 West and is one of the most common species taken with hook and 

 line in the vicinity of the Bureau of Fisheries biological station. 

 It is a ready biter and will take a hook baited with fish, spiny lobster, 

 hermit crab, and many other kinds of bait. It is seldom caught 

 out on the reefs away from shore. It is a good pan fish, but because 

 of its small size its commercial value in Key West is slight. A fish 



