The Bluefish 161 
suggested that they spawned late in the year, 
as small bluefish were seen at Beaufort in 
December; but the question is an open one. 
About ten per cent of the young of each fish 
are supposed to attain maturity. When about 
fourteen inches long the weight is a pound. A 
fish two feet in length will weigh about seven 
pounds, and the early spring fish often range 
from seven to ten pounds in weight, larger 
and more robust specimens appearing later in 
the season. As to the spawning habits of the 
fish in the Gulf of Mexico there is more definite 
data. According to Mr. Stearns it is very abun- 
dant on the Gulf Stream coast as far west as 
the mouth of the Mississippi River. It arrives 
in April or the last of March, there being several 
distinct “runs.” The first to arrive are smaller 
than those coming later. Then, every fish 
Mr. Stearns found in spawn, and that it is 
deposited at this time, in the months of May, 
June, July, and August, he is confident, as he 
has caught young bluefish in June and August 
not over three-quarters of an inch in length. In 
June nearly all the adults disappear from view, 
and in November and December the young fish 
are seen to pass through the inlets and go to sea. 
M 
