PISCES 191 



ing millions and swim near the surface to secure the worms, 

 insects, and crustaceans. They are therefore easily taken 

 in nets. 



The shad (Clupea sapidissima) is an important food fish, 

 passing the greater part of its life in the ocean along the 

 Atlantic and Pacific coasts. When mature it ascends a 

 stream, often traveling more than a hundred miles to de- 

 posit its eggs, numbering many thousands. On these trips 

 the fish are caught with seines. Like the lampreys, a few 



FIG. 221. Photograph of the shad one sixth natural size. 



days after spawning they die. The shad fisheries of the 

 Atlantic coast are worth two millions of dollars annually. 

 The salmon are the most valuable of all the food fishes. 

 The five species of the Pacific coast salmon, canned in such 

 immense quantities, yield an annual revenue of thirteen 

 million dollars. During most of their life they live in the 

 ocean, but ascend a stream, often two or three thousand 

 miles, to spawn, after which they die. It is during their 

 migration for breeding purposes that they are caught in 

 such vast numbers. The quinnat or chinook salmon, attain- 

 ing a weight of fifty pounds, affords the most delicious 

 meat, but they have become somewhat scarce lately owing 



