THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 309 



Secured by the Expedition at Nassau, July 2, 1903. Named for the Virgin 

 Islands, where the fish is common, and not for Virginia, where it is seldom if 

 ever found. 



Family LUTJANID^ (Snappers). 



LUT JANUS ANALIS (Cuvier and Valenciennes) (Mutton Fish). 

 A large, handsome food-fish, often sold as red snapper, occurring on the 

 fishing banks of the West Indian waters, Florida and the Bahamas. Obtained 

 at Nassau by the steamer Albatross. Observed in the markets at the time of 

 our visit. 



Catesby says : " For the excellence of its taste it is in greater esteem than 

 any other at the Bahama Islands." 



LUTJANUS APODUS (Walbaum) (Schoolmaster). 



Grows to a weight of 8 pounds. An attractive fish, used for food. Com- 

 mon to Bahama, Florida and the West Indies generally. 



LUTJANUS BUCCANELLA (Cuvier and Valenciennes) (Black-fmned Snapper). 



Occurring in the West Indies; taken in deep water. Obtained by the 

 steamer Albatross at Nassau in 1886. 



LUTJANUS GEISEUS (Linnaeus) (Gray Snapper). 



This is one of the commonest and best food-fishes of the West Indian 

 fauna. It is known as "mangrove snapper," attains a length of three feet 

 (18 Ibs.), and is found in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Florida and the West Indies. 



LUTJANUS MAHOGONI (Cuvier and Valenciennes) (Mahogoni Snapper). 



One of the smaller species of snapper, found in the West Indies, etc. Ob- 

 served and collected by the Expedition in Nassau market during June and 

 July, 1903. 



LUTJANUS SYNAGRIS (Linnaeus) (Eed-tailed Snapper). 

 One of the most abundant of the snappers, rarely exceeding a foot in 

 length, chiefly inhabiting shallow waters. A food-fish of importance about 

 Havana, occurring there in great numbers, but a little less abundantly found 

 from Tampa to Brazil. Specimens were obtained by the exposition at Nas 

 sau, July 20, 1903. 



