GEOUPEES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO. 413 



named Myeteroperca brunnea, M. microlepis, and M. stomias, is said by Mr. Stearns to be common 

 in company with tbe Eed Grouper, although not so abundant. It spawns in June and July, at 

 seti and in the inlets. Asa food-flsh it is considered superior to the Eed Grouper, although it is 

 not more readily sold. It attains a weight of fifty pounds. Professor Jordan is of the opinion that 

 the form recently described by Goode and Bean as M. stomias is the adult of that previously char- 

 acterized by them under the name M. microlepis. 



The Eockflsh of Key West, which has not yet been identified, is said by Mr. Stearns to be 

 very common, and is sold almost every day in the market. The average weight is four or five 

 pounds, the maximum twenty-five to thirty. There appear to be, from Mr. Stearns' notes, at Key 

 West, as well as in Bermuda, various local forms closely related to this, one of which is known by 

 the name ''Gag"; another fish of this genus, Myeteroperca falcata, is called at Pensacola by the 

 name " Scamp." It is common off the Florida coast, living near the bottom in company with the 

 other species of Groupers. It is found on the coast all the year round, and is caught with hook 

 and line. It seldom exceeds the weight of twenty pounds, and the average size is much smaller. 

 It is considered an excellent table fish. 



Several of these fishes, whose relations have not yet been determined, have been taken along 

 the Atlantic coast, particularly at the mouth of the Chesapeake and at Wood's HoU, Massachusetts. 



There are several other species belonging to this family which have been observed, none of 

 which, however, are of any economic importance. 



138. THE SERBANOID FISHES OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



By David S. Jobdan. 



The Jetv-pish — Steeeolepis gigas. 



This species is everywhere known as the "Jew-fish." It is also sometimes called the "Black 

 Sea Bass." It reaches a weight of five hundred pounds, being the largest food-fish on the coast. 

 It ranges from the Farallones to below San Diego, and is generally abundant in deep water about 

 the islands, but from its great size is seldom taken. It feeds upon smaller fishes, and is voracious. 

 It is often taken by swallowing a white-fish when the latter is on the hook. Its flesh is of excellent 

 quality, and those small enough to be available always bring a very high price in the market. 



The Cabeilla — Sbeeanus olatheatxjs. 



This species is called at Monterey, where it is not common, the " Kelp Salmon"; farther South 

 it is known to the "Americans" usually as "Eock Bass," and to the Italians and Spaniards as 

 ''Cabrilla," a name applied to other species of Serranus in the Mediterranean. The Chinese call 

 it "Lockee Cod" ( Eock Cod). It reaches a length of eighteen inches and a weight of about five 

 pounds. It ranges from San Francisco to Cerros Island, being very abundant about the Santa 

 Barbara Islands, where it is taken in large numbers. It lives in water of no great depth, chiefly 

 about the rocks. It feeds on squid, Crustacea, and small fishes. It is an excellent food-fish, similar 

 in quality to the related Atlantic species. 



The Johnny Veede — Sbeeanus nebultpee (Grd.) Steind. 



This species receives the name "Eock Bass" and "Cabrilla" with the other species. The 

 distinctive Spanish name of "Johnny (Juan) Yerde" is also in frequent use, especially at San 

 Pedro. It reaches a length of twelve to twenty inches and a weight of about five pounds. Most 

 individuals seen are, however, small, not averaging two pounds. It has been taken at Monterey, 

 but it is common only from San Pedro southward to Magdalena Bay. So far as known to us, it 

 agrees in habits and value with the preceding. 



