194 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
The total number of species collected is sixty. Two-thirds of these species have 
already been recorded from Key West, Fla. The fish fauna is essentially West Indian. 
The shore line of Cozumel abounds in tide-pools formed by the beating of the surf j 
upon the exposed rock. These pools are usually small and deep, and in them may be 
obtained an abundance of fishes of the genera Oobius, CJiwtodon, QlypMdodon, Hcemu- 
Ion, Lutjanus, Pomacanthus, Harengula, and many others belonging to the shore fauna. 
One might easily empty the majority of these pools by pumping out the water, 
and the results obtained would amply repay the trouble. Besides fishes the collector 
would secure sea-urchins, brittle-stars, crabs, shrimps, squillas, sea-anemones, chitons, 
annelids, and other invertebrates in abundance. 
Among the characteristic shore fishes are AtJierina, Stolepliorus, Harengxda, Spari- 
soma, Oerres, Hcemulon, Lutjanus, Tylosurus, and Lussumieria; most of these can be 
taken among the algae along shore even with a small Baird seine. The absence of ’ 
cyprinodonts is rather remarkable. 
The fish best known to the people of Cozumel for food purposes, apparently, is the 
barracuda, Sphyraina picuda, which we found to be an excellent table-fish. The ' 
Traehurops crumenophthahnus proved to be a most palatable fish, and Harengula sar- 
dina is a fish of great delicacy. The species of Hcemulon, Lutjanus, and Ocyurus are l 
also very acceptable as food. 
A very large species of ray was seen groping around the bottom in the vicinity 
of our steamer, which was not obtained, and consequently could not be identified, but, : 
judging from its size, it may have been a species of Manta. j 
There was no fishing by natives during our stay. Casting-nets were seen on the i 
island, but not in use. 
Unless otherwise indicated the species about to be mentioned were taken in the 
seines. The management of the fishing apparatus by Captain Collins was perfect, 
and the results obtained were due principally to his skill. 
1. Diodon liturosvis Shaw. 
The length of the single individual obtained is lOG millimeters ; it was taken in ] 
the seine. Museum No. 37110. / 
2. Orbidus spengleri Bloch. 4 . 
Two examples, catalogue No. 37065, were secured in the seine. These measure 
110 and 125 millimeters, respectively. Both specimens have scattered, slender fila- 
ments on the back and sides, and from twelve to thirteen roundish dark blotches close f 
to the ventral outline. » 
3. Ostracion triqueter L. 
Two specimens, catalogue No. 37117, were caught with the hook, January 28, in v 
the lagoon harbor. One of these measures G-j^q and the other 7-i% inches in length. » 
The carapace is three-ridged, spineless, and forms a continuous bridge across the > 
back behind the dorsal fin. The body and tail are profusely covered with white spots, { 
none of which are as large as the pupil. Lips, roots of the fins, and margin of the j 
caudal dark brown. 
4. Ostracion bicaudalis L. Peace Toro; Bull-fish. (PI. 28, Figs. 1-3.) 
A fine example, catalogue No. 37130, was seined January 29, at the southern end 4 
of the island. This is lOy inches long. The species is known at Cozumel as Pesce 
Toro (the Bull-fish). 
