72 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
can most frequently be found, and certain areas of this kind in the lower Potomac, 
known as u skeepshead rocks,” have become famous for miles around. The fishermen 
often sink a number of long poles in favorite locations, and on these the barnacles soon 
grow and become attractive food for the sheepshead, which can often be taken in con- 
siderable quantities around the hurdles. In line fishing, blue and fiddler crabs and 
maninoses are the best baits. 
Mr. P.L.TThler, in the list of the fishes of Maryland, refers to this fish as weighing 
from 10 to 25 pounds ; but specimens even as large as the minimum weight mentioned 
must now be very rare in the Chesapeake and are never seen in the lower Potomac, 
where the fish usually range from 4 to 7 pounds. 
On St. George Island, sheepshead intended for the table are often kept alive for 
several weeks in pens made for the purpose. 
19. Liostomus xanthurus Lac. “Spot"; “Crocus." 
Perhaps the most important food-fish in this region during the summer, although 
too small to be of great commercial value; enormous quantities are consumed locally 
at hotels and in private families, and it deservedly ranks as the best pan-fish. It is often 
called u crocus” by the local fishermen, a designation also shared by the croaker, of 
which name it is a corruption. 
20. Micropogon undulatus (L.). “Crocus"; “Grumbler", Croaker. 
Although not uncommon, the croaker is much less abundant than its near relative, 
the spot, with which it associates. The largest individuals appear to occur towards 
the end of summer. 
21. Menticirrus nebulosus (Mitchill). Whiting; Kingfish; Barb. 
This fish must be of very rare occurrence in the Potomac River. Uhler and 
Lugger refer to it as being occasionally met with in the lower part of Chesapeake Bay. 
A small specimen was taken with a line in the St. George River in August, 1887. 
22. Cynoscion maculatum (Mitchill). “Trout"; Spotted weakfish. 
Occurs throughout the summer in varying abundance. In June the fish are mostly 
small, weighing only one-half a pound, but in August there is an advent of large fish 
ranging from 1 to 3 pounds, which remain in the region until October. 
23. Batrachus tau (L. ). “ Toadfish." 
Exceedingly numerous, especially on oyster beds in shallow water. Takes the 
hook freely and at times is very troublesome to anglers. Rot esteemed for food, on 
account of its extreme ugliness, but is sometimes eaten by negroes and is said to be 
well flavored. 
24. Paralichthys dentatus (L.). “Flounder”: Summer flounder ; Plaice. (Plate xx.) 
The common flounder of the lower Potomac during the summer months; it takes 
the hook readily, and when of large size is one of the most valued food-fish of the river. 
Uhler and Lugger did not find this fish m Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries, but 
say that it has been occasionally taken on the coast of Worcester County. 
The specimen figured was about 6 inches long. The superior surface was of a 
uniformly brownish- olive color, with ten distinct ocelli consisting of a dark-brownish 
center with a pale border. The basal part of the caudal was obscurely spotted, and a 
single dark spot appeared on the middle of a few of the dorsal and anal rays. 
