406 GAME FISH dF NORTH AMERICA. 



Skipjack ; Skipper ; sanry ; bone-fish ; \3&j-%^—Samaeresox tenteUatm. 

 Le Sueur. 



This fish belongs to the family scomberesocidae, and as the 

 name implies, this fish combines the characteristics of the mack- 

 erel and the pike. He is a beautiful fish, growing to several 

 pounds in weight, is shaped like a pike, with fins similarly located, 

 large mouth well armed with teeth ; dark blue on the back, silvery 

 on the sides, and white on the belly ; fins white. He is as vora- 

 cious as either the pike or mackerel, and takes bait, spoon, or flies 

 freely. He is often hooked when not wanted while angling for 

 other better fish. Very common in southern waters, especially in 

 Florida. Tastes well enough, but is bony. Plays havoc with light 

 tackle, and affords good sport. 



MUGILID^. 

 Mullet. — MugilaSmla. — Linn. ; brasiliensis. — A%, 

 There are several species of the mullet. They are found every- 

 where in the bays and sounds in immense shoals, and are taken in 

 seines and cast nets in size from half a pound to six pounds. It 

 is a very valuable fish to the inhabitants, since it takes salt better 

 than any other southern species, being equal to the mackerel in 

 that respect. It also furnishes a valuable food in its spawn, which 

 is salted and smoked. It is also used extensively as bait for most 

 other fishes. The mullet appears to subsist upon the minute 

 animals found in the mud, with which substance its stomach and 

 intestines are usually found to be filled. Eaten fresh, the mullet 

 affords a rich and savory food. Spawns in January and February 

 in strong currents on the surface. 



ELOPlDvE. 



TAltPXTH. — Megalops otiaTtiicus, GOL 



The Tarpum has immense silvery scales two to three inches in 

 diameter ; is fix)m three to four feet long ; very active, plays and 

 jumps on the surface ; generally taken with harpoon, but known to 

 take the hook. 



^ Jewpish. — Promicropt guasa. GDI. 



The Jewfish is a dark reddish-brown color, two to six feet long, 



