THE ANGLER AND HUNTSMAN 55 



MISCELLANEOUS MARINE FISHES: 



Among marine fishes are several worthy of spe- 

 cial mention, such as the tautog, Spanish mackerel, pollock, 

 and haddock; also sea herring, scup, sea bass, squeteague, 

 cunner, sheepshead, and several flounders. 



The Tautog: 



This fish (Tautoga onitis) is a strongly marked spe- 

 cies and belongs to a family (Labridae, or the wrasses) 

 characterized in part by one dorsal fin, thoracic ventral 

 fins, double nostrils, thick lips, and strong teeth in the 

 jaws. The eye is small and placed high on the side of the 

 head. This fish is found from Maine to South Carolina, 

 being most abundant in the waters of Massachusetts, 

 Rhode Island, and New York. Its strong and sharp teeth 

 enable it to consume mollusks and crustaceans, which con- 

 stitute its chief food, and it also eats sand-dollars, worms, 

 and other animals. It bites quite readily and is a great fa- 

 vorite with anglers. Its average weight ranges from 2 to 3 

 pounds, however tautog weighing 6 to 15 pounds are by no 

 means rare. 



The Spanish Mackerel: 



This fish (Scomberomorus maculatus) is widely dis- 

 tributed, being found on both coasts of North America. 

 On the west coast it does not enter United States waters, 

 but on the Atlantic seaboard it ranges from Texas to Mas- 

 sachusetts, and is especially abundant in the Gulf of Mex- 

 ico, among the Florida Keys, in Chesapeake Bay, and on 

 the coast of the Middle Atlantic States. It is one of our 

 most important food fishes. 



Haddock, Pollock and Other Gadidae: 



These are important food fishes. The pollock is found 

 from New Jersey northward, while the haddock ranges 



