The Channel Fishes 349 



It is not certain what the name is intended to 

 signify. It may allude to the " bayonet-like," 

 interhaemal bones, or to bajio, meaning a " sand- 

 bank" or "shoal," in allusion to its habitat. The 

 jolt-head is abundant along the Florida Keys, 

 especially in the vicinity of Key West, where it 

 is one of the commonest market fishes ; its range 

 extends to the West Indies. 



It has a short, deep body, compressed, its depth 

 being half its length ; its back is more regularly 

 arched than in the other porgies, or not so hump- 

 backed. The head is large, with a long, pointed 

 snout, and mouth moderate in size ; the profile is 

 more regularly curved than in the other porgies. 



The predominating color is dusky or bluish, 

 with brassy reflections; the upper fins are pale or 

 bluish, more or less mottled with darker shades ; 

 the lower fins are plain ; the cheeks are coppery 

 in hue. 



The jolt-head resorts to the rocks and reefs, 

 as well as to hard, sandy shoals, feeding on small 

 fishes, crustaceans, and soft-shelled mollusks. It 

 grows usually to eight or ten inches, but often 

 to two feet in length, and six or eight pounds in 

 weight. It is a good food-fish, much in favor 

 with the people of Key West, and is always one 



