Game Fishes of the Colonies 403 
margate-fish of Florida are known; but not much 
can be said for their game qualities, at least in 
my estimation, They are famous bait-eaters, 
excellent pan-fishes, and among the loudest of 
all the grunters, or “ talkers,” of which there are 
many among fishes. I well remember the first 
grunt I ever caught. It was such a good-natured- 
looking little creature that I unhooked it care- 
fully, feeling that its large and expressive eyes 
were watching me with more earnestness than 
is usual among fishes; and as I held it, it 
began to grunt, so loudly that I surrendered at 
once and tossed it overboard, quite convinced 
that the extraordinary sounds were pleas for 
mercy. Nearly all of the grunts are attractive, 
even beautiful fishes,—the common grunt of 
Porto Rico, Ronco arara, being one of the most 
striking in its range and combination of color. 
In some of the parrot-fishes the singular joined 
teeth are blue or pink, and this quaint and 
familiar grunt has the inside of its mouth colored 
a vivid red; and when hooked it comes pleas- 
antly up with its mouth wide open, ready to 
fairly grunt its way to liberty if the angler is sen- 
timental or soft-hearted, as without doubt certain 
anglers are. 
