PACIFIC COAST FISHES. 355 



TRACHINID^. 



Of this family the Heterostichus rostratus is very common. 



SPHYR^NID^. 



The barracouta, or barracuda, {Sphyrcena argeniea, Girard) is 

 ver)' common, a voracious and very active fish, talcen by trolling 

 just outside of the kel[-). 



SCORPyENID^. 



Rock Fish; rock cod. — Scorjxrna guttata. Girard. 



Bites best at " lobster," (so called,) or at the flesh of Haliotus 

 splendens, the "ear-shell." 



Rock Cod ; red fish . — Sebastes rosaceus. Girard. 



Is quite common, frequenting the vicinity of islands, and as it 

 bites readily at a baited hook, furnishes excellent sport. It varies 

 from sixteen to twenty-two inches in length. The upper regions 

 and sides are of a light purplish brown, the latter being mottled a 

 shade darker. The superior surface of the head is spineless. Sev- 

 eral other varieties, or species, are found south of Astoria, Oregon, 

 namely, the pauctspinis, auriculaius, inelanops, and fasciatus, 

 which differ only in minor details. 



SCI^NID^. 



Little Bass. Liostoinus lineatus. — Ayers. Common Kingfish. Umbrina undu- 

 lata. Girard. 



Not abundant. 



ATHERINID^. 



Smelt. — A therinopsis calif m 



This beautiful silvery fish, with its silver lateral Hne extending 

 from its shoulders to its tail, is common along the Pacific coast, 

 and are taken in great quantities from February ist to October. 

 They average nine inches in length, and individuals have been 

 taken that weighed two pounds. A fish of the latter size affords 

 fine play for the angler. They are taken in the bays, especially in 



