I094 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



Above, the division extends backward half as far again as on the underside. The 

 inner surface of the air bladder presents no projecting membranous partitions or the 

 like. The outer membrane is strong, tough, fibrous, and rigid; the inner somewhat thicker 

 than usual. On the sides of the air bladder are found a couple of large muscular bands, 

 especiall}' thick behind, which cover more than half the surface of the organ. On the 

 underside they do not extend as far toward the middle as on the upper surface, where 

 they meet behind. The muscular fibers run transversely but at the same time some- 

 what obliquely backward (on the ventral side beginning at the middle, on the upper side 

 toward the middle) ; toward the hinder end of the organ the fibers gradually run trans- 

 versely. The pleura is strong, but rather thin; it is, however, thicker on the back side, 

 where the muscle bands meet. 



With this air bladder the fish is enabled to make the sound above noted, 

 and which is variously rendered as"oonk," "koonk;" or "ung," "kung." The 

 note or sound is always given twice, "koonk-koonk." The fish in the labora- 

 tory rarely make this sound, which has considerable carrying power, save at 

 night or when caught and carried about (generally wrapped in a towel for 

 precaution's sake). 



ECONOMIC VALUE. 



Those who have eaten this fish pronounce the flesh not unpalatable. 

 Rafinesque (1818) says that the fishermen "don't reckon it good to eat, and 

 often throw it away on the beach, yet it is as good as the different species of 

 Phycis or Cusk." De Kay (1842) affirms that it "finds no favor with the 

 fishermen, on account of its unsightly appearance; its flesh, however, when 

 properly cooked, is well flavored." 



Storer (1855) writes on this subject as follows: 



The toadfish is not commonly employed as an article of food. Its generally repulsive 

 aspect causes it to be looked upon rather with disgust. That its flesh is delicate and 

 good, however, can scarcely be questioned, though the small size which it attains and 

 the fact that it is never taken in any large quantities prevents it from being of any 

 economic value. 



Goode (1884) took a more optimistic view of the commercial possibiUties 



of this fish. He writes : 



The toadfish may be regarded as constituting one of the undeveloped resources of 

 our waters, and it can scarcely be questioned that in future years it will be considered 

 as much more important than at present. No estimates can be given as to the quantity 

 now yearly entering into consumption, and, since it is almost never offered for sale, no 

 price quotations can be presented. Professor Baird also bears testimony to the fact 

 that its flesh is very sweet and palatable, and Mr. Stearns states that its flesh is highly 

 esteemed by many of the Gulf fishermen. 



Bean (1891) does not seem to think so highly of it as a food fish, for he 

 dismisses the subject by saying: 



The species is not an attractive one, and although the flesh is sweet and palatable, 

 it is never eaten. 



Gill (1907) found it good eating. 



