FISHES OF CHESAPEAKE BAY 
345 
Virtually nothing is known about the spawning and breeding habits of this fish. A large 
specimen taken in Lynnhaven Roads on May 17, 1921, had the ovaries somewhat developed, and 
they contained numerous eggs just distinguishable with the unaided eye. Eight fish caught at 
Ocean View, Va., on October 4 to 22, 1922, were 151 to 227 millimeters (6 to 9 inches) in length. 
This foolfish is reported to attain a length of 2 feet. Although common within most of its range, 
it is not taken in large numbers and has no commercial value. It is called foolfish probably in part 
because of its awkward appearance and actions, and also because of its stupidity in escaping from 
a net. It often remains in a net when avenues for escape are plainly evident and when all other 
fish have left it. When removed from a net and placed in open water it usually remains quiet for 
some time before apparently knowing that it can swim away at will. Its rough skin, no doubt, 
has given rise to the name “filefish.” 
Habitat— Portland, Me., to Brazil; uncommon north of Cape Cod. 
Chesapeake localities. — (a) Previous records: St. Marys River, Md.; “southern part of Chesa- 
peake Bay” (Lugger, 1877); Cape Charles and Hampton Roads, Va. (6) Specimens in collection: 
Cape Charles, Ocean View, and Lynnhaven Roads, Va. 
Family LXXXIX— OSTRACIIML. The trunkfishes 
Body short, cuboid, three, four, or five angled, covered by a hard, boxlike shell composed of 
polygonal plates, these wanting only on caudal peduncle, about the mouth and the bases of the 
fins; mouth small, terminal; a single row of pointed teeth in each jaw; gill opening consisting of a 
more or less vertical slit, situated below and posterior to eye; dorsal fin small, composed of soft 
rays only, placed far backward; caudal fin square or round; anal fin similar to the dorsal and nearly 
opposite it; ventral fins wanting; pectoral fins short. 
153. Genus LACTOPHRYS Swainson. Three-angled trunkfishes 
Body, in adult at least, three angled; ventral surface flat or concave; carapace closed behind 
anal fin; frontal and lateral spines present or wanting; dorsal fin with 9 or 10 rays. A single species 
of this genus is known to occur rarely in Chesapeake Bay. 
