The Channel Fishes 351 



was first described by Cuvier and Valenciennes, 

 in 1830, from the West Indies. They named it 

 calamus, meaning " quill " or " reed," from the quill- 

 like bones (interhcemal) that articulate with the 

 spines of the anal fin. It is abundant in the West 

 Indies, and is common about the Florida Keys, 

 but not so plentiful as the jolt-head or little-head 

 porgies. 



It is very similar in conformation to the jolt- 

 head, but is more humpbacked, being quite 

 elevated above the shoulder. The body is short, 

 its depth about half its length. Its head is short 

 and deep, with a thin and gibbous profile, and 

 small mouth. Its color is silvery with bluish 

 reflections ; the scales golden, forming longitu- 

 dinal stripes, with pearly-bluish interspaces ; the 

 cheeks and snout are purplish, with round brassy 

 spots ; the fins are pale, blotched with orange ; 

 the iris of the eye is golden. 



The saucer-eye grows to twelve or fifteen 

 inches in length, and is considered a good pan- 

 fish at Key West, commanding a ready sale. It is 

 found in the same situations as the other porgies, 

 grunts, and snappers, and is equally voracious, 

 taking the proffered bait eagerly. The tackle for 

 this porgy is the same as for the others, consisting 



