48 



FAM. SPIIYR^NID.E — BAKRACUDAS. 



This small family of highly carniverous and swift swimming fishes 

 contains the genus Sphyrcena only, and is represented on this coast by 

 S. argentea, the well known Barracuda of our markets. From San 

 Francisco southward it is abundant in summer, when it probably 

 comes near shore for the purpose of spawning. Its chief run is in 

 July. In the winter it probably retires to deeper water. Professor 

 Jordan states that it is taken chiefly by trolling at a distance of three 

 or four miles from shore, except about the Santa Barbara Islands,, 

 where it is taken with hook and line. In autumn and winter the 

 young are sometimes taken in seines. It is considered one of the best 

 food fishes, and and when salted and dried, sells at a higher price 

 than Alaska codfish. It reaches a length of three or more feet, and a 

 weight of twelve i)ounds. The Sphyrsenidaj are covered with smooth 

 scales, and have the ventrals placed far back. 



FAM. ATHERINID.E — FALSE SMELTS. 



Three species of this family, which, though containing chiefly small 

 fishes with feeble teeth, agrees with the last in having smooth scales,, 

 and in the abdominal position of the ventrals, are found upon this 

 coast. 



AtJierinopsis californiensis, the Common Smelt, is taken in great 

 numbers in all bays open to the ocean from San Francisco south- 

 ward. It resides in positions sheltered by rocks, and is often caught 

 by trolling with a small hook. 



Atlierinops affinis, the Little Smelt, prefers, according to Professor 

 Jordan, more sheltered situations than the former for a residence. It 

 is considered a pan fish of good quality, having firm but rather dry 

 white flesh. Though smaller than ^4. californiensis, it reaches a foot 

 in length. Many are dried by the Chinese. 



Leuresthes tenuis — This occurs in large schools at San Diego, and 

 reaches a length of five inches. 



FAM. MUGILID^ — MULLETS. 



The Mullet, mentioned in the last report of the Fish Commis- 

 sioners, proves to be really Mugil mexicanus. In San Diego Bay^ 

 Professor Jordan found it abundant. At San Pedro it made its 

 appearance three years ago, and has since been tolerably common, 

 and it is occasionally sent to our markets from Monterey. Professor 

 Jordan believes that it is spreading northward along the coast. It 

 feeds upon mud containing organic matter, reaches a length of about 

 fifteen inches and is much esteemed as a pan fish. 



In winter, it enters creeks and lagoons, where many are land- 

 locked and destroyed by sea birds. 



FAM. SC0MBERES0CIDJ3 — GAR-FISHES. 



This group of fishes is represented on the southern part of our 

 coast by four species. From all otherwise related families these may 

 be known, by the union of the lower pharyngeal bones into a single 

 bone (as in the Lahridse), and by the presence of a series of keeled 

 scales along each side of the belly. 



