45 



laterale, D. furcatum, Bhacochilus toxotes, Damalichthys argyrosomay 

 AmjjJiistichus argenteus, and Holconotus argenteus. In the spring 

 (April and May), Hypsu.nis caryi, the Orange-banded Perch or Bu- 

 gara, is common. The Red-finned Perch is not often in the market. 



The Silver Surf-fish {AmpJi. argenteus) was, during last Winter,, 

 sent in great numbers from Monterey, and many individuals ap- 

 proached the Alfione, or Thick-lipped Perch, in size and weight, 

 reacliing a length of fourteen to sixteen inches, and a weight of four 

 Or five pounds. 



Professor Jordan does not believe Hyperprosopon arcuatus to be a 

 valid species; so that all the large-eyed, up-turned mouth and short- 

 bodied perch, are to be considered as one species, and the name WalK 

 eye will suit very well. 



Hysterocarpus traski, the only member of the family that inhabits 

 fresh water, has been frequently sent to market during the summer, 

 notwithstanding its small size. It occurs in streams at least as far 

 south as San Luis Obispo. 



FAM. SOI^NID^. 



The family of scisenoids is not largely represented on the northern 

 portion of our coast, but its members become more numerous from 

 Point Concepcion southwards. Into the Bay of San Francisco come 

 Cynoscion nobilis, the sea bass; Genyonemus lineatus, popularly called 

 king-fish, and Seriplius politus, also called king-fish. The last is far 

 from common, but the first two are well known and highly prized 

 food fishes. The first attains a large size, examples of from forty to 

 sixty pounds weight being frequently brought to San Francisco 

 market in summer months. 



The king-fish rarely exceeds ten inches in length, but makes upfor 

 its small size in its delicate flavor. 



Below Point Concepcion occur Corvina saturna, Roncador stearnsii, 

 Unihrina xanti, Cynoscion parvipinnis, and Ilenticirrus undulatus, 

 making a total of eight species. 



Cynoscion parvipinnis, Blue-fish, Corvina, also called Caravina, and 

 Sea Bass — This species, originally described by Dr. W. 0. Ayres. 

 occurs at San Pedro and southward, and is not rare in winter, when 

 it frequents the bays and is taken in seines and gill nets. It feeds 

 chiefly on crufetacea. Its flesh is esteemed, but will not keep long, 

 reeembling in this respect the weak-fish — {Oiolithus regalis) — of the 

 Atlantic States. It reaches a length of two feet, and a weight of five 

 pounds, (Jordan). 



Cynoscion nobilis {Atractoscion nobilis), Sea Bass, White Sea Bass — 

 Very abundant in spring and summer from San Francisco south- 

 ward. It feeds on Crustacea, anchovies, etc. The young are sold as 

 sea trout, and are often considered by fishermen a distint species. 

 This is one of the most valued food fishes of the coast, having firm 

 wliite flesh. Examples of from fifty to sixty pounds weight are not 

 rare in our markets. 



Menticirrus undidatus, Sucker Bass, also known as Bagre and 

 Sucker — Abundant from Santa Barbara southward, on sandy shores, 

 and taken in seines and gill nets. It feeds largely on Crustacea, 

 reaches a length of eighteen inches, and a weight of two pounds and 

 a half, and is held in moderate esteem as food. (Jordan). 



Umbrina xanti, Yellow-finned or Yellow-tailed Roncador — This 



