124 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
in the streams of this region and, like those last mentioned, are sold 
chiefly to the Chinese. 
The German carp ( Cyprinus carpio ), originally introduced by the U. S. 
Fish Commission, is now abundant at all seasons ; it sells at from 3 to 
8 cents per pound. From 75,000 to 100,000 pounds are annually dis- 
posed of in the San Francisco market. 
The fresh -water cattish tAmiurus nebulosus) is another market species 
brought from the East. Its price varies from 5 to 10 cents per pound. 
Eels are scarce all the year and are in much demand, the price rang- 
ing from 50 to 75 cents each. 
The white sturgeon (Acipenscr transmontanus) is abundant and meets 
with a good demand at all seasons, selling at from 4 to 12 £ cents per 
pound. Jordan considers it “one of the most important species in 
the San Francisco market.” It is sold in the markets under the trade 
names of “sturgeon,” “bass,” “ white salmon,” and “tenderloin sole.” 
The latter is the choice piece. The trade names generally apply to 
the particular part of the fish the “ cut” is taken from, and the manner 
in which it is carved. A lengthwise cut has a different trade name and 
a different price from a piece that is cut crosswise. The ordinary weight 
of this species is from 50 to 100 pounds ; it often attains a weight of 300 
to 500 pounds, and one taken in 1870 is said to have reached 800 pounds. 
The green sturgeon (A. medirostris ) is not in favor as a food-fish. 
Ten years ago, according to Jordan, it was not used for food, and had 
the reputation of being poisonous. Now it is found in the markets only 
when the white sturgeon is scarce. Both varieties are reported less 
plentiful than formerly. 
Skates (Raia inornata and R. binoculata) are abundant and in good 
demand in the markets. The small ones sell at from 10 to 25 cents 
each, and the large fish at from 2 to 6 cents per pound. 
Shark’s fins are sold in the market, but no special attempt is made to 
get them. The very few brought in are taken incidentally. The price 
is 10 to 25 cents each. 
Dogfish ( tSqualus acanthias ) are numerous; they are sold to the 
Chinese. 
Squid ( Ommastrephes tryoni Gabb) and octopus {Octopus punctatus 
Gabb) are largely eaten by the Chinese, and are chiefly a product of the 
Chinese fishery. Squid come mostly from Monterey, and are mentioned 
here principally for the purpose of calling attention to the market sup- 
plies ; the price is from 5 to 10 cents per pound. Octopus retail at from 
$1.50 to $2 each ; if cut up, each of the arms sells for 25 cents. 
Oysters have been discussed in a special chapter. 
Clams (Mya arenaria and Tapes f Cuneus] staminea Conrad) are found 
in the markets at all seasons. The soft clam, or Mya, is very abundant 
in San Francisco Bay, but the round clam is obtained from the northern 
coasts, and in limited numbers. It is believed by competent authority 
that M. arenaria has been introduced, incidentally, with oysters brought 
