268 
AMERICAN FISHES. 
Sebastichthys sentomelas is very similar to the preceding in size and 
habits. Thus far it has been only found in deep water outside of Monte¬ 
rey Bay. 
Sebastichthys mystinus, is most generally called the “ Black Rock- 
fish,” but in Puget Sound is known, with its more abundant relative, 
Sebastichthys melanops , as the “ Black Bass.” The Portuguese at Monterey 
call it ‘‘ Pesce Pretre,” or Priest-fish, in allusion to its dark colors, so 
different from those of most of the other members of the family. It 
reaches a weight of five pounds, but as usually seen in the markets, varies 
from two to three. It ranges from Santa Barbara to Vancouver’s Island, 
inhabiting waters of moderate depths. It is much more abundant about 
Monterey and San Francisco than either northward or southward, and 
large numbers are taken in Tomales Bay. In the markets of San Fran¬ 
cisco it is found, taking the year through, in greater numbers than any 
other species. It sells at a lower price than the others, its color causing 
a prejudice against it, although the quality of the fish doubtless differs 
little from that of the rest. 
Specimens of the Alaska Black Rockfish, Sebastichthys ciliatus , from the 
Islands are in the National Museum. Nothing distinctive is known in 
regard to its habits, which probably agree with those of S. melanops. 
The Spotted Black Rockfish, Sebastichthys melanops , is founded with S. 
mystinus by the fishermen, under the name of “Black Bass” in Puget 
Sound, “Black Rockfish” in San Francisco, and “Pesce Pretre” at 
Monterey. In size and value it agrees with S. mystinus. Its range is 
more northerly, from Monterey to Puget Sound, being not very common 
at San Francisco, and one of the most abundant species in Puget Sound. 
The Yellow-Tail Rockfish, Sebastichthys flavidus , is occasionally called 
the “Green Rockfish” or “Rock-cod” at San Francisco. At Monterey 
it is always known by the appropriate name of “ Yellow-tail,” the caudal 
fin being always distinctively yellow. To distinguish it from the Yellow- 
tail of further south we may call it the Yellow-tail Rockfish. This species 
reaches a weight of six and seven pounds, but its usual weight is about 
two. It ranges from Santa Catalina Island to Cape Mendocino, and is 
taken both in deep water and near shore. About Monterey and San 
Francisco it is very abundant, and is one of the principal species in the 
markets. As a food-fish it ;s considered as one of the best in the group. 
About Monterey and San Francisco, the Boccacio, Sebastodespaucispinis , 
