234 
AMERICAN FISHES . 
The Banded Rudder-fish, Seriola zonata , has been observed as far north 
as Salem and Beverly, Mass. Several specimens have been taken north of 
Cape Cod during the past forty years. It is a small fish, rarely exceeding 
six or eight inches in length, conspicuous by reason of its brilliant and 
beautiful colors, and good to eat, though rarely saved by the fishermen 
who accidently capture it. It is called in Southern New England the 
“Rudder-fish” on account of its resemblance to the Rudder-fish of the 
ocean, Naucrcites ductor. 
Seriola faseiata , called in Cuba the “ Medregal ” and in Bermuda the 
“Bonita,” has been observed in South Florida and along the coasts of 
the Carolinas. It is apparently exceedingly rare in the waters of the 
United States. In Bermuda it attains a length of two feet or more, and 
is highly esteemed as a food-fish. 
The Leather-jacket, Oligoplites sauries, which is found throughout the 
West Indies and south as far as Bahia, and on the Pacific coast of Mexico 
and Central America, has since 1875 been severel times observed between 
Florida and Newport, R. I. It is known to fishermen as the “ Skipjack,” 
sharing this name with a number of other scombroid fishes, which leap 
from the water as they pursue their prey. It is one of the most beautiful 
and graceful fishes in out waters, but at present is of no economic import¬ 
ance, its flesh being hard and dry. 
“ The Runner, Elagatispinnulatvs, known at Key West as “ Skipjack ” 
or “Runner,” and at Pensacola as “Yellow-tail” or “Shoemaker,” is, 
according to Stearns, abundant on the western and southern coasts of 
Florida. At Pensacola it spawns in spring; the young fish are seen in 
July and August. It is found in the bays and along the sea-beaches, seem¬ 
ing to prefer clear salt-water, swift currents, and sandy bottoms. It 
usually moves in small schools of a dozen or two individuals. It feeds 
upon small fishes and crustaceans. When pursued by larger fish it jumps 
repeatedly from the water, very much in the same manner as the flying 
fish, only its flights are much shorter and oftener repeated. This habit has 
given it the names of ‘ Skipjack ’ and ‘ Runner ’ at Key West, where it 
may be seen at almost any time. It is sometimes eaten at Key West, and 
at Havana is quite an important fish in the markets, being also exposed 
for sale at stands on the streets, cooked and ready for use. 
The dolphins, Coryphasnidce , are found usually in mid-ocean, where they 
feed upon other pelagic fishes, such as the flying-fish. They are strong, 
