COBIA , MOON-FISH AND FLASHER . 
147 
The range of this species along our coast is very wide. It has been 
found in Guatemala, and perhaps farther south, and the British Museum 
has specimens from Texas, Santo Domingo, and Jamaica. It is said to be 
somewhat abundant on the coast of South Carolina, and not uncommon at 
the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. They are occasionally taken about 
New York, and several individuals have been obtained by the Fish Com¬ 
mission at Woods Holl. It is occasionally taken in Southern California, 
about San Diego. It attains the length of eighteen inches and the weight 
of several pounds. The large adult specimens have a peculiar globular bone 
in the head, unlike anything which has been found in any other fish. 
Two species have been recognized by American ichthyologists. It seems 
probable that these represent different ages of the same fish. The only 
study of its habits in existence is the following, which is quoted from Mr. 
Stearns’ excellent journal of observations. 
“ The Spade-Fish, Ch at0 dip ter us faber, is common on the West Florida, 
Alabama, and Louisiana coasts. I have not observed it in South Florida. 
It is found throughout the summer and fall in the bays, about wharves, 
rock-piles, and old wrecks, where crustaceous animals are abundant. In 
October and November large schools are seen along the sea-beaches, evi¬ 
dently leaving the coast for warmer waters, at which time many are caught 
by seine fishermen. It spawns in early summer, and the young are seen 
until October. I have seen specimens of Spade-fish fifteen inches long ; 
but the average size is not more than eight inches. It is an excellent 
pan-fish, selling readily in market.” 
This species is known to the fishermen of the St. John’s and Indian 
Rivers, Fla., under the name “ Angel-fish.” Holbrook states that it ap¬ 
pears on the shores of South Carolina in May and June, and is then taken 
in considerable numbers with the seine. Jordan states that it is common 
at Beaufort, N. C., where it is used as a food-fish. Lugger remarks that 
it is not uncommon in the salt-water region near the entrance to Chesa¬ 
peake Bay, but is seldom, if ever, brought to the Baltimore markets. 
DeKay remarks that in the waters of New York it only appears periodi¬ 
cally, and occasionally in great numbers during the summer months. 
About 1822 they were caught here in seines in great numbers, and exposed 
in the markets for sale. I am not aware that any such incursion has since 
been observed. On the coast of California, where, according to Jordan, 
it is occasionally taken about San Diego in the kelp, it is too rare to be of 
commercial importance. 
