THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 307 



Specimens were obtained by the Expedition at Nassau and Clarence 

 Harbor in June and July, 1903. 



Family RHYPTICID^ (Soap Fishes). 

 RHYPTICUS BISTRISPINOSUS (Mitchill) (Soap Fish). 



Plate LTI. 



A curious fish, named on account of the soapy or oily feeling of the smooth 

 skin. Found along the south Atlantic coast of the United States from Charles- 

 ton to Pensacola, straying northward to coast of New England. Obtained by 

 the Expedition at Nassau and Green Cay in June and July, 1903. 



Family KYPHOSID.E (Sea Chubs). 

 KYPHOSUS SECTATRIX (Linnaeus) (Bermuda Chub). 

 The " rudder-fish," " chub," or " chopa blanca," as it is variously called, 

 occurs in the open ocean from the West Indies northward to Cape Cod, and 

 eastward to the Canary Islands. It is observed following vessels, probably foi 

 the food thrown overboard, and is often seen around the rudder, from which 

 habit is derived one of its common names. 



Obtained by the Expedition at N. Lat. 31 13', W. Lon. 74, on June 

 13, 1903. 



Family H^MULONIDyE (Grunts). 

 BATHYSTOMA AUROLINEATUM (Cuvier and Valenciennes) (Jeniguano). 



One of the smaller species of grunts, occurring throughout the West In- 

 dies. Obtained by steamer Albatross at Abaco Island, April, 18S6. 



BATHYSTOMA RIMATOR (Jordan and Swain) (Tom Tate or Red-mouthed 



Grant). 



This grunt occurs in the Atlantic from Cape Hatteras to Trinidad. It is 

 one of the most abundant of the food -fishes about Charleston Harbor. Ob- 

 tained by the Expedition at Clarence Harbor, July 14, 1903. 



ALBUM Cuvier and Valenciennes (Margate Fish). 

 This is one of the most important and highly esteemed food-fishes of the 

 West Indies, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas and Bermuda. It grows to a 

 length of 2 feet, and is more or less abundant. Numerous specimens were 

 observed and captured by the Expedition in the various places visited, and the 

 fish was always a welcome addition to the mess. 



