FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 423 



119. Billfish ; Spearfish {Tetraptunis iviperator Bloch & Schneider). 



The Billfish, or Spearfish, inhabits the West Indies. It is not rare on our east 

 coast, ranging occasionally north to Cape Cod. It reaches the length of 7 feet and 

 the weight of 100 pounds. At Woods Hole, according to Dr. Smith, it is generally 

 rare, but between 1885 and 1890 numbers were taken in traps in Vinej^'ard Sound 

 and Buzzards Bay during July and August. Most of them were caught in the trap 

 farthest up Buzzards Bay, at Ouisset Harbor. 



Family XIPHIIDiE. Swordfishes. 



120. Swordfish [Xiphias gladins Linnaeus). 



The Swordfish was described by MitchiU under the same name and also by 

 DeKay. DeKay states that in 1791 a Swordfish 16 feet long was exhibited in New 

 York, and that in 1 8 17 one measuring 12 feet long Avas taken by a harpoon off 

 Sandy Hook and described by Mitchill. In some years, he states, they are quite 

 abundant. In the summer of 1840 the New York markets were well supplied with 

 the Swordfish. It is preferred to halibut or sturgeon, which it somewhat resembles 

 in flavor. This fish frequents the Atlantic Ocean on both coasts and is most abund- 

 ant between Cuba and Cape Breton. It is not rare off Cape Cod and Newfoundland 

 Banks. It is rather common in southern Europe and also occurs in the Pacific, being 

 occasionally taken about the Santa Barbara Islands. 



It is abundant near Gay Head, but is rare now in Vineyard Sound, although 

 some years ago a number were taken there annually near Tarpaulin Cove. This 

 fish is the object of an extensive and valuable fishery. 



Family CARANGID.^. Pompanos, etc. 



121. Leather Jacket {Oligoplites saurus Bloch & Schneider). 



The Leather Jacket is found on both coasts of tropical America ; it is abundant 

 in the West Indies and along the Florida coast. Northward it e.xtends to Cape Cod 

 and lower California. It is a small, thin fish, not valued as food, being dry and 

 bony, but it is a very beautiful species. It grows to the length of about 12 inches. 

 At Woods Hole, Mass., according to Dr. Smith, it is very rare. In 1874 one 

 example was caught in a trap at Menemsha ; on August 13, 1875, another was taken 

 and in September, 1886, two or three specimens were caught in a pound net at the 

 breakwater. The fish was obtained also at Newport, Rhode Island, September 10, 

 1886. This is a rare fish in Gravesend Bay. An example 93/^ inches long was taken 

 in De Nyse's pound net in the summer of 1896. 



