The Tilefish 



but that some unusual lowering of temperature in the warm 

 belt brought immediate death to many of its inhabitants. This 

 is the more probable since it is a well-known fact that sudden 

 increase of cold will bring many fishes to the surface in a be- 

 numbed or dying condition, and there was no evidence of any 

 shock or earthquake having occurred at that time. 



For several years following no tilefish could be found and 

 it was feared the species had become extinct. Although frequent 

 search was made for them it was not until 1892 that they were 

 found again. In that year the Grampus took 8 fish and in the 

 following year 53 others were obtained. Thirty more were caught 

 in 1897, and in 1898, when more careful tests were made, the 

 United States Fish Commission caught 342 fish. And every year 

 since 1898 large experimental catches have been made by the 

 Commission and there is now no question but that the tilefish 

 has thoroughly re-established itself, and it is hoped and believed 

 that it may soon become the object of an important fishery. The 

 tilefish grounds are at the edge of the Gulf Stream in about lat. 40 

 N. and long. 71 W. and in 70 to 80 fathoms. 



The tilefish reaches a length of 3 feet and a weight of 30 pounds, 

 and is a superior food-fish in every respect. Everyone who has 

 eaten it praises it very highly. Mr. Willard Nye, an expert in such 

 matters, pronounces it superior to any other fish except the pom- 

 pano fresh from the water. It is best when boiled or baked. 



506 



