380 NATURAL HISTORY OF AQUATIC ANIMALS. 



of fair quality. In appearance and in value it approaches closely to the Surf Whiting of the 

 Atlantic, M. littoralis. 



THE QUEEN-FISH SERIPHUS POLITUS. 



This species is known as "King-fish" or "Queen fish." It reaches a length of eight inche.s, and 

 a weight of half a pound. It ranges from Tomales Bay southward, and is abundant in summer, 

 when it is found in great numbers in the surf along sandy shores. Enormous numbers of them 

 are sometimes taken in seines, especially at Santa Barbara and Soquel. It is not often brought 

 into the San Francisco market. It feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, etc. It spawns in summer. 

 It is a food-fish of excellent quality, but it is too small to possess much economic value. 



