

THE JAPANESE SPECIES OF THE GENUS PAGRUS. 



BY 



KAMAKICHI KISHIiMOUYE. 



WITH PL. II— VII AND 3 WOODCUTS. 



The present paper, dealing with the systematic work, is intended to 

 be the first part of the contributions to the natural history of tai 

 (Pagrus). The tai is the most valued prime fish in Japan. It is con- 

 sidered necessary in the table of the feast, especially in the case of 

 celebration. The method of catching the fish is consequently well de- 

 veloped and its supply in the market is constant. The fish is very 

 delicate in taste. We are not satiated with it, even in the case when we 

 take it daily. It has a magnificient form, with large, strong fins, and 

 beautiful coloration. The wide distribution and the constant supply of 

 the fish are also useful factors in augmenting the importance of the fish. 



The following table shows the total quantity and value of the tai, 

 taken from our waters, except Formosa, in each of the past six years, 

 1895 — 1900. 





Weight in 



Kwah 



1895 



4 



674 



55 2 



1896 



5 



117 



708 



1897 



4 



75 2 



147 



1898 



4 



445 



846 



1899 



4 



178 



697 



1900 



5 



228 



840 



Value in 



Yen 



1 617 



655 



2 214 



377 



2 609 



187 



2 695 



830 



3 316 



733 



4 109 



802 



