88 FISH—-CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 
pecially since the X7phias gladius, here known as the Emperador, 
is often taken in our waters. 
It is only necessary to glance at the figure of 7. de/one given 
by Cuvier and Valenciennes and to carefully follow the descrip- 
tion, to be satisfied that it is another species. The /zstophorus 
americanus, which we call Aguja prieta or Agujo voladera, is also 
found on our shores. Of the true Zetraptures we have two 
species, very distinct, the Agua blanca (Tetrapturus albidus) and 
the Agwja de Casta (Letrapiurus amplus). 
Tetrapturus albidus is abundant during the month of June and 
up to the middle of July ; some are taken in August. The or- 
dinary weight is forty pounds, though they are sometimes taken 
of one hundred pounds weight. 
Tetrapturus amplus makes its appearance at the end of July, 
and is most abundant during August. Its ordinary weight is 
two hundred to three hundred pounds, but it reaches a much 
greater size,and is often taken weighing four hundred to five 
hundred pounds, and even eight hundred. 
The males are the smaller. These two species swim at the 
depth of one hundred fathoms. They journey in pairs, shaping 
their course toward the Gulf of Mexico, the females being full 
of eggs. . 
Only adults are taken. It is not known whence they come, 
where they breed, or how the young return ; it is not even known 
whether the adult fishes return by the same route. 
When the fish has swallowed the hook it rises to the surface, 
making prodigious leaps and plunges; exhausted at last, it is 
dragged to the boat, secured with a boat-hook, and beaten to 
death before it is hauled on board. 
Such fishing is not without danger, for the Zetrapture some- 
times rushes upon the boat, drowning the fisherman or wound- 
ing him with his terrible weapon. 
The fish becomes furious at the approach of sharks, which are 
its natural enemies. They engage in violent combats, and when 
the Zetrapture is attached to the fisherman’s line it often receives 
frightful wounds from its adversary. 
The ovaries are large ; the ova are small and yellow, and 
nearly one-eighth of an inch in diameter. 
