FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 4" I 



225. Spotted Codling [Uropliycis regius Walbaum). 



The Spotted Codling inhabits the North Atlantic Ocean south to Cape Fear, 

 ranging from shallow water to a depth of 167 fathoms. It grows to a length of 

 about I foot, and is said to exhibit electric powers in life. It is remarkable among 

 fishes of its family in having the lateral line dark brown interrupted by white spots. 

 The inside of the mouth is white, and the first dorsal is chiefl}' black with a white 

 margin. 



Mitchill called this fish the Spotted Cod. He described and figured it in the 

 Transactions, Literary and Philosophical Society, New York. DeKay calls it the 

 Spotted Codling. He described a fish 10 inches long. He says this is an exceed- 

 ingly rare but distinct species, occurring from the coast of New York to the gulf of 

 St. Lawrence. The fish is found in small numbers in Gravesend Bay in the fall. It 

 has a habit of lying on its side just like the Tautog and other Labroids. 



At Woods Hole, Mass., it is reported rare and is taken in the seine only late in 

 the fall. It varies in length from 7 to 12 inches. 



226. Hake {UropJiycis tenuis Mitchill'). 



The Hake is known also as the \Vhite Hake, Slender Cod, and Codling. It is 

 abundant on our shores from Labrador to Virginia. Its young are among the 

 commonest of the surface fishes in our bays and sounds during the summer months. 

 The Hake reaches the weight of 30 pounds, but in the markets its average weight is 

 only about 10 pounds. The fish frequents muddy bottoms and is local in its habits. 

 Its food consists of crabs and other crustaceans and small fishes. The chief fishery 

 for Hake takes place in the fall and winter months. It will take the hook at night 

 as well as during the da\'. In Great South Bay small examples were found sparingly 

 at Blue Point Cove, and Fire Island, late in September, 1890. Two small individuals 

 were seined in Mecox Bay, August 2, 1898, and a very young one was caught in the 

 Atlantic, September 11, at Southampton. 



227. Squirrel Hake (Uj-opliycis chiiss Walbaum). 



The Squirrel Hake frequents the Atlantic coast from Virginia to the gulf of St. 

 Lawrence. It is common northward and is sometimes taken at a depth of 300 

 fathoms. It seldom exceeds 5 pounds in weight. 



This Hake is found occasionally in Gravesend Bay. It usually lives in deeper 

 water off shore. At Woods Hole, Ma.'^s., according to Dr. Smith, it abounds in May 

 and June, and in October and November. It fills the traps and causes the fisher- 

 men much annoyance, as there is no sale for it. The fish weighs from 2 to 5 pounds. 



