10 MORTALITY OP FISHES, WEST COAST OF FLORIDA. 



Of invertebrates, sea urchins (Arbacia), the king, or horseshoe 

 crab (Limulus) , and sponges were noted. It is a matter worth noting 

 that very few animals other than fishes were killed. Barnacles, 

 oysters, and mussels were examined, but they were in good condition. 

 Live conchs and hermit crabs were repeatedly observed. Porpoises 

 were plentiful during the period of observation. Pelicans and other 

 water birds behaved normally. Buzzards were common in the lo- 

 cality, yet they neglected the dead fish entirely. 



The dead fauna of the Gulf beach was not markedly different from 

 that of the bays. Relatively more carangids, sharks, and rays were 

 seen, but many of the dead forms were buried ia the hard beach sand, 

 hence the Gulf beach did not present such a striking picture as did 

 the inside beaches. Taking the whole territory into consideration the 

 relative abundance of the different species is estimated as follows in 

 the order given, less abundant species being omitted : 



Grunt {Hcemulon plumieri) (H. sciurus). 



Mullet (Mugil cephalus). 



Trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus) (L. tricornis). 



Puffer {Spheroides sp.). 



Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus). 



Sardine {Clupanodon pseudohispanicus) . 



Red-mouth grunt (Bathystoma rimator). 



Spadefish {Chcetodipterus faber). 



Moray (Lycodontis sp.). 



Filefish (Monacanthus f). 



Sheepshead (Archosargus probatoccpJialus). 



Spotted squeteague (Cynoscion nebulosus). 



