32 



Embiotoca, Hypsurus, and Rhacochilus, which have only a few teeth 

 in each jaw, and from Micrometrus and Amjjhistichus, which have a 

 double row. 



The present species, together with Hyperprosopon agassizii and 

 Hyperprosopon arcuatus, differ considerably in form from the rest of 

 the family, as the greatest width is contained in the total length to 

 the tip of the caudal only two and a half times. 



All these brought to market in May, so far as I have_ observed, are- 

 females, with the ovaries full of young; but this species is taken at 

 all seasons of the year. 



Holconotus rhodoterus, Agassiz, Red-fin Perch — This is another of 

 the kinds which inhabit the Bay of San Francisco. It may be read- 

 ily identified by the reddish color of the fins, while the shape of the 

 spinous dorsal, which is highest in the middle, differs from that of 

 all the other Emhiotocidx except those belonging to the genus Hyper- 

 prosopon, from which the smaller eye and more elongate form at once 

 distinguishes it. 



As is the case with most of the species of Embiotocidse, the supply 

 of this fish is very irregular. After weeks during which it either 

 does not occur or is very rare, it will suddenly appear in the market 

 in great abundance, forming a large proportion of the total catch of 

 perch. 



Ampltistichus argenteus, Agassiz, Silver Perch — This is another of 

 the species common in the bay. From Micrometius aggregatus it may 

 hQ known by its much smaller scales, and by the persistence, in the 

 adult, of transverse bands upon the body; and from Hyperprosojion 

 argenteus by its smaller eye and more elongated form; and from Hol- 

 conotus rhodoterus by the lower spinous dorsal. _ In length it seldom 

 exceeds ten or twelve inches, and the largest individuals attain a 

 weight of two pounds "or a little more. The fifth dorsal spine is 

 sliglitly longer than the last, which is a little shorter than the ante- 

 rior articulated rays. 



SPHYR^NID^. 



Sphyroena argentea, Girard, the Barracuda — It is well not to be mis- 

 led by English names. That of barracuda is applied not only to all 

 the species of Sphyroena, of which there are several, but also to fishes 

 of other families, and even other orders. In the rivers of South 

 America the name is given to the Sudis {Arapaima) gigas, a soft 

 finned, large scaled, fresh water, carnivorous fish. Ail barracudas, 

 however, are fierce, rapacious fishes, and the one we are at present 

 considering attains a length of over three feet, and a weight of from 

 twelve to fourteen pounds. The form is slender, but it is nearly as 

 thick as it is deep, and its jaws are armed with a formidable row of 

 sharp teeth. When darting through the water it looks like a silver 

 arrow. It is usually obtained south of the bay, and at the Faral- 

 lones, but occurs at least as far north as Tomales. Its flesh is very 

 good eating, so that if it devours our food fishes we may console our- 

 selves by devouring it. 



I am informed that this fish has never been known to occur in the 

 bay. This fish may at once be recognized by its long, cylindrical 

 shape, elongate head, cycloid or smooth scales; first dorsal fin of five 

 spines only, the second spine highest, and second dorsal, of eleven 

 rays, placed far behind the first dorsal. This species is the only rep- 



