THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 323 



Alutera scripta (Osbeck) (Unicorn Fish). 

 This curious fish, also known as " file-fish," was observed by Catesby in 

 the Bahamas, and by Goode in Bermuda, where it was so uncommon (1873) 

 that it did not have a common name. It grows to a length of 3 or 3 feet. 

 Observed by us at Nassau during June and July, 1903. 



Family OSTRACIONTID'JB (Trunk-fishes). 

 Laotopheys bicaddalis Linnaeus (Shell-fish). 

 This curious, showy fish is common to the West Indies. It was present 

 in the Nassau market and is more or less esteemed as food. Like other mem- 

 bers of the genus, it is sold to curiosity hunters. 



Lactophrts tricornis Linnaeus (Horn-fish). 

 This species is rather common from the coast of North Carolina to Brazil. 

 It is the " cow-fish " of Bermuda, " cuckold " of Jamaica," and " toro " of the 

 Cubans. The fish reaches a length of 18 inches and is much esteemed as food. 

 Obtained by the Expedition in Nassau market, June 20, 1903. The steamer 

 Albatross collected it at Nassau and Abaco in 1886. 



Lactophrts trigonus Linnsus (Trunk-fish). 

 West Indies north to Key West, and straying to the coast of Massachusetts. 

 Four specimens were collected by the Expedition at Clarence Harbor, July 14, 

 1903. The steamer Albatross obtained a specimen at Eum Cay, July, 1903. 



Family TETRODONTID.^ (Puffers). 

 Spheroides spengleri (Bloch) (Swell-toad). 

 This fish, known also as " puffer " and " tambor," is found from Florida 

 and Texas throughout the West Indies to Eio Janeiro and eastward to the 

 Canaries and Madeiras. Eeeorded by Mr. Goode from Bermuda. Obtained 

 by the Expedition at the Current, Powells Point, Clarence Harbor and at east 

 end of Hog Island, July, 1903. 



Fainily DIODONTID.Si (Porcupine Fishes). 



DiODON HTSTRix Linuaeus (Porcupine Fish). 



This species is widely distributed, being found in tropical seas, everywhere 



more or less common. Its chief value is as a curiosity, and it is sold by dealers 



of marine curios. Many dried and inflated skins were seen in the shops at 



Nassau, ranging in length from 1 to 2 feet. In Bermuda, Mr. Goode says. 



