FISHES COLLECTED BY WILLIAM P. SEAL IN CHESAPEAKE BAY, 
AT CAPE CHARLES CITY, VIRGINIA, SEPTEMBER i6 TO OCTOBER 
3. i8go. 
BY 
Barton A. Bean, 
Assistant Curator of the Department of Fishes. 
On the 15th of September, 1890, Mr. William P. Seal, of the U. S. 
Fish Commission, left Washingtou and proceeded to Cape Charles City, 
Virginia, on Cliesapeake Bay, about 5 miles north of Cape Charles, for 
the purj)Ose of collecting living lislics for the national aquaria at 
Washington, District of Columbia, lie was accompanied by Messrs. 
L. G. Harron and D. W. Kenly, also of the Fish Commission, and by 
the writer in behalf of the U. S. National Museum. Mr. Seal carried 
with him the necessary outtit for collecting purposes. It consisted of 
nets and seines, tul)s, buckets, transportation boxes and cans for live 
fishes, live boxes, and an outfit of tents, etc., for the accommodation of 
his party, which camj^ed upon the beach immediately in front of the 
town of Cape Charles. The party, with the exception of the writer, re- 
mained there nntil October 4, when they returned to Washington. As 
a result of this trip a very creditable exhibit of liviitg fishes was ob- 
tained and quite a little added to our knowledge of the marine life in 
the Chesapeake. 
We found the water quite shallow in front of the town and the first 
few hanls of a 30-fathom seine brought up quite a number of species. 
King's Creek, which is about 1^ miles north of the town, is one of the 
richest collecting grounds in the neighborhood. It is a good feeding 
place for fishes. The pound nets furnish much of interest to tbe col- 
lector. Sterling Bros., of Cape Charles City, are always very obliging 
and of much assistance to those seeking specimens and information 
concerning the fisheries. Cape Charles City is the shipj)ing point for 
all the fishes taken in pound nets for a distance of 10 miles. It is the 
terminus of the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Kailroad, and is 
connected with Norfolk by steamers twice daily. 
Besides the species listed by me, Mr. Seal observed the following : 
C'liilom'jcterus, Astroscopes, Stromateus triacanthus, Sphyrama, and 
Sphyrna zygccna. When it is not specifically stated the common names 
given do not refer to Cape Charles. Tbe water of this portion of the 
bay is very salt, there being no tributary streams of fresh water of any 
consequence on the eastern shore of Virginia. 
Proceedinga National Museum, Vol. XIV — No. 843. 
83 
84 FISHES FROM CHESAPEAKE BAY BEAN. 
I am iudebted to the U. S. Fish Ooiuraission for the early use of the 
material collected by Mr. Seal, and to Dr. T. H. Beau aud Dr. T. Gill 
for various suggestions iu the i^reparation of this paper. 
1. Tetrodon tiirgidus Mitch. Swell-fisb or Puffer. 
U. S. N. M. 43153. Individuals from 3 to 10 inches long were com- 
mon in the bay at Cape diaries City. They were seined and taken ia 
pound nets. At St. Jerome's, Marylaud, iu September, 1889, Mr. Seal 
saw a few of this species iu boats, but none were seined by his party. 
This is called sucking toad at Cape Charles, Virginia. 
2. Alutera schoepffi Walb. File-lisb. ) 
U. S. ]Sr. M. 43146. Many specimens were takeu but they could not 
be kept alive for the aquaria. It is called fool fish at Cape Charles 
because, as the fishermen say, it is too foolish to get out of the way of 
anything. Those observed ranged in length from 6 to 12 inches, occur- 
ring iu the pounds and seine. 
3. Monacanthus hispidus L. Short File-fish. 
U. S. N. M. 43177, 43204. A large number of examples were seined 
in the bay at Cape Charles City, where it is called fool fish. The indi- 
viduals observed measured from 2^ to 7 inches in length. 
4. Siphostoina fuscum Storer. Pipe Fish. 
U. S. N. M. 43242. Sixteen specimens. This species is common in 
the bay. 
5. Siphostoma louisiauae Gthr. 
U. S. N. M. 43206. This species is rare iu the bay, so far as we have 
observed, aud Mr. Seal obtained but two examples. These measured 
11 and 12 inches respectively. Mr. Seal secured this fish, also, at St. \ 
Jerome's, Maryland, in September, 1889. 
6. Achirus liiieatus L. Sole ; Hog Choker. 
Abundant throughout the bay and in the Lower Potomac River. 
7. Aphoristia plagiusa L. 
U. S. N. M. 43207, 43226. Five specimens, 2 to 3 inches long, were 
seined at Cape Charles City. 
8. Citharichthys niicrostomiis Gill. 
U. S. N. M. 43227. Six specimens, measuring from 1 to 3 inches, 
were collected by the seine. 
D. 80-83 ; A. 03-64 ; scales 45-47. 
i 
^^^89L^'J PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 85 
9. Paralichthys dentatus L. Flounder. 
U. S. N. M. 43162. Numerous young of this species were seined and 
larger ones taken in the pouud nets at the tiuie of Mr. Seal's visit. The 
one here catalogued is but 4i inches long. In May, 1889, Mr. Seal ob- 
tained the yonug of the common flounder at Point Lookout, Maryland, 
securing specimens from 1 to 1^ inches long, and in September, 1889, 
he collected examples from 5 to 10 inches in length at St. Jerome's, 
Maryland. 
The flounder is called chicken halibut by the bay tishermen and also 
by marketmen in Norfolk, Virginia, and Washington, District of Colum- 
bia. 
10. Bothus niaculatus Mitch. Sand Flounder. 
U. S. N. M. 43131, 43179. Two specimens measuring Oi and 9 inches 
in length. This species was obtained in small numbers by Mr. Seal, 
and several specimens were brought alive to Washington, where they 
do well in the marine aquaria. 
No. 43131 has D. 62; A. 52 ; V. 6. 
The pectoral of the eyed side is much longer than that of the blind 
side, and contains one spine and nine rays, while that of the blind side 
has but eight rays. The length of the eye is one-fourth that of the head, 
and the mandible is slightly less than half length of head. Eyed side 
and fins profusely spotted with brown, and the scales are edged with 
black. 
11. Ophidium maiginatum De Kay. 
U. S. N. M. 43168. One specimen, 4^ inches long. 
Mr. Seal seined several examples of this species at Cape Charles City, 
a few of which were brought aliv^e to Washington. 
12. Hypsoblenniiis punctatus Wood. Blenny. 
TJ. S. N. iM. 43160, 43215. Eight si>ecimens from 2 to 5 inches long. 
Abundant on oyster beds. 
By the bay fishermen the blennies are confounded with the toadfish, 
Batrachus iau. 
D. XII, 14-15; A. 18; P. 14. 
13. Chasniodes bosquianus Lac. Oyster Blenny. 
U. S. N. M. 43218. Two specimens, 2^ inches long. Common on the 
oyster beds. Mr. Seal found this species in considerable numbers on 
the oyster beds of the Lower Potomac in May, 1889, I found a lernean 
l)arasitc attached to the dorsal membrane of one of the specimens. 
This little fish is often found in oyster shells, where it apparently 
seeks refuge from enemies. In January, 1889, Mr. Evan Lyons, of 
Georgetown, District of Columbia, bought some oysters in Washing- 
ton, and upon'opening one, which lie had kept two or three days, instead 
86 FISHES FROM CHESAPEAKE BAY BEAN 
of an oyster be found an oyster bleuuy. Tlie fisb was aliv^e when found, 
and bad eaten tbe oyster, wbicb, in all probability, bad inclosed the 
blenny a week or so before. Mr. Seal found an empty quahaug shell 
inhabited by a Chosmodes, the eggs of which were attached to the sides 
of tbe shell. 
14. Batrachus tau L. Toadfisli. 
Called buUfish at Cape Charles City, where it is very common. Indi- 
viduals from an inch to 1 foot in length were taken. 
The toadfish is found in large numbers in tbe Lower Potomac and at 
St. Jerome's, Maryland. Mr. Seal says the fishermen eat them and pro- 
nounce tbe flesh excellent, although they are never shipped to market. 
15. Gobiosoma bosci Lac. (roby. 
U. S. N. M. 43220 Four specimens, from 1 to 2 inches long. 
In jNIay, 1889, Mr. Seal found this species quite abundant on tbe 
oyster beds of t lie Lower Potomac, and in September, 1889, be secured 
several specimens at St. Jerome's, Maryland. 
16. Prionotus strigatus Mitch. Sea Robiu. 
U. S. N. M. 43201. One specimeu, oi inches long. Several speci- 
mens were obtained and brought alive to Washington. 
17. Hiatula onitis L. Tantog ; Black Fish. 
U, S. X. M. 43133, 43172. Two specimens, from 2i to 5.^ inches long. 
In the bay at Cape Charles City tbe young of this species were seined 
in large numbers. In May, 1889, Mr. Seal secured two specimens 15 
inches long, which had been taken with hook and line off Point Lookout. 
18. Gerres argeuteus Cnv. & Val. Silver Jeuny. 
U. S. N. M. 43173, 4321G, 43221. We seined large numbers of this 
species in tbe bay at Cape Charles City. They ranged in length from 
1 to 3 inches. None were seen in the pounds by me. Tbe name Silver 
Jenny was given me by a gentleman at Cape Charles, who said it is 
applied to this fish and that the species grows much larger than any 
specimens we bad, and also that it is a good food fisb. I think the 
young Gerres must be mistaken for the young of Bairfliella, which is 
known as silver perch. 
19. ChaetodipteriLS faber Brous. Moon Fi.sli ; Angel Fish ; Porgee. 
U. S. K M. 42477, 43140, 43141. This species is frequently taken 
in the pound nets At tbe time of our visit but few were observed. I 
saw several examples that were about 7 inches long. The National 
Museum has a good series of tbe young of this species, measuring from 
1 to 5 inches in length. In Jum-, 1881, Colonel M. McDonald obtained 
VOL. XIV 
1891 
'] PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 87 
a specimen 3| inches long in the Potomac Eiver, at Gunston, Virginia. 
This point is abont 80 miles from the river's mouth. Prof. John A. 
Eyder obtained young specimens ranging from 1 to 2^ inches long, in 
the Chesapeake region in St. Jerome's Creek, Maryland, and other speci- 
mens from 1 to 2 inches in length are from Beaufort and Charleston, 
South Carolina, and others from Florida. This fish is to be lound quite 
regularly in the Washington, District of Columbia, market. Its flesh is 
excellent food. Specimen No. 42477, taken at Cape Charles City, Vir- 
ginia, is 5i inches long, and has D. VIII-I, 20; A. Ill, 18. The third 
spine of the dorsal is longer than the head. The length of the eye is one- 
firth that of the head. Mr. Seal saw a boy taking this species by hook 
and line, in the grass, in water 4 or 5 feet deep, at Cape Charles City. 
20. Trichiurus lepturus L. Silvery Hair-tail. 
U. S. N. M. 43188. Ten specimens, measuring from 20 to 23 inches 
in length. Secured from the pound nets. 
Thf flesh of this fish is excellent eating, being white and well flavored. 
It is rather common in the Chesapeake, and has been taken at the mouth 
of the Potomac liiver. 
21. Sconiberomorus maculatus Mitch. Spanish Mackerel. 
Very few of this species were being taken while we were at Cape 
Charles. The retail price there was 30 cents per pound. Those we 
observed in the pound nets ranged in length from about 12 to 24 inches. 
22. Trachynotus carolinus L. Pompauo. 
U. S. N. M. 43183. Six specimens, measuring 4, 6, 6.}, 7, and 9 inches, 
respectively. A few very young examples, 2 inches long, were seined 
September 18, 1890, in the bay at Cape Charles City, and it is probable 
that the species is more or less common there. 
23. Caranx chrysus Mitch. Crevall(5. 
U. S. ]Sr. M. 43164, 43193. Six specimens, measuring from 5.J to 7^ 
inches in length. 
24. Trachurops crumenophthahnus Bloch. 
U. S. N. M. 43174, 43199. Fifteen specimens, 6^ and 7 inches long. 
25. Chloroscombrus chrysurus L. 
U. S. N. M. 43192. One specimen. 
26. Selene vomer L. Look Down. 
U. S. K. M. 43148, 43165, 43191. Fourteen specimens, 5 to 10 inches 
long, taken in Sterling Brothers' pound nets, in tlie bay at Cape Charles 
City. 
88 FISHES FROM CHESAPEAKE BAY BEAN. 
27. Stromateus paru L. Harvest Fish. 
U. S. y. M. 43 U7, 43156, 43190. Twelve specimens, from 4 to 7 inches 
long. This species is known in Chesapeake Bay as butterlish. and it is 
sold in the markets nnder this name. It is one of our sweetest flavored 
fishes. 
Mr. Seal observed bat one specimen of ;^. triacanthus at Cape Charles. 
I saw a number in Wasbiugtou. District of Columbia, market about 
^November 1, said to come from Chesapeake Bay. 
28. Larimus fasciatus Holbrook. 
U. S. y. M. 43217. One specimen, i inch long. D. X-I. 24 : A. II, 6. 
Mr. Seal's discovery of this species in the Chesapeake extends its 
recorded range northward. The Museum has two specimens, Xo. 33162, 
from Charleston. South Carolina, which were collected by C. H. Gilbert. 
These measure oh and 7i inches. Uhler and Lugger, in their list of the 
fishes of Maryland, published in 1876, refer to the young of Pogonias 
chromis under the name Larimus fasciatus. Pogonias fasciatus was 
intended. 
29. Cynoscion regalis Bl. & Schn. Weakfisb. 
This species is known as trout, or gray trout, in the Chesapeake, and 
it is a very important fish to the fisbermen. They are taken in the 
pound nets, and those caught at the time of our visit ranged from 1 to 
3 pounds in "weight. Mr. Seal obtained this species from the pounds at 
Point Lookout in May, 18S9; and at St. Jerome's in September, 1S89, 
observed specimens ranging in length from 6 to 15 inches. It occurs 
in the Potomac as far up as Lower Cedar Point. The water at this point 
is quite fresh, being probably never above l.( 05. 
30. Cynoscion maculattis Mitcli. Spotted Sea-trout. 
U. S. y. M., 43159. Two specimens. 8 and 9 inches in length. 
This species was rather rare at Cape Charles City at the time of Mr. 
Seal's visit. On September 20, 1890, I saw a fair supply of this fish in 
the Norfolk. Virginia, market. These market specimens ranged in 
weight from 1 to 5 pounds. According to the dealers, they are seldom 
seen over 5. although they sometimes have specimens weighing 10 
pounds. 
Mr. Seal notes that the young sea trout, 3 to 6 inches long, were abun- 
dant at St. Jerome's in September, 1889. 
31. Bairdiella chrysura Lac. Yellow-tail. 
U. S. >'. M.. 43175, 43194. 43214. Sixteen specimens, ranging from 
7 to S.J inches in length. 
Mr. Seal obtained specimens measuring 1 and 1.} inches in length at 
Point Lookout. ^lay 17. 1889, and others, from 2 to 5 inches long, at St. 
Jerome's in September, 18S9. This is called silver perch in many local- 
ities. 
I 
^°i'89i!' ] PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 89 
32. Menticirriis alburnus L. Whiting. 
U. S. N. M., 43155, 43180. Four specimens, from 9 to 12 inches long. 
The kiug-flsli, M. nebulosus, was not secured at Cape Charles, but Mr. 
Seal reports it as abundant at St. Jerome's in September, 1889, ranging 
from 1 to (» inches in length. He took it at Point Lookout in May, 
1889, also. 
33. Liostomus xanthurus Lac. Spot. 
U. S. :N". M., 43138, 43139. Two specimens. 
Large numbers of young spot from 3 to 4 inches in length were seined 
in the bay at Cape Charles City. They were present in abundance, 
numerous schools being seen. Mr. Seal collected the young, li inches 
long, in the Lower Potomac in May, 1889, and found the species, from 
3 to C isiches long, abundant at St. Jerome's, Maryland, in September. 
As a i)an lish, the spot is the most highly prized of all fishes sold in the 
^Norfolk market. It is very hardy as an aquarium lish, and Mr. Seal 
experiences no trouble in transporting and keeping them alive in Wash- 
ington. 
34. Micropogon undulatus L. Croaker. 
U. S. N. M., 43132, 43158. 
This fish, like the spot, was taken in the shallow waters of the bay 
at Cape Charles City, in rather large numbers. It ranged in size from 
3 to 8 inches, those from 3 to 5 being very common. Larger specimens 
were taken in the pound nets. 
Young specimens, from 1 to 1^ inches long, were collected by Mr. 
Seal in the Lower Potomac in May, 1889, and larger ones, 3 to G inches 
long, were taken at St. Jerome's in Sei)tember, 1889. 
35. Sciaenops ocellatus L. Red Drum. 
U. S. N. M., 43130. One specimen, 16 inches long; weight, about 2J 
pounds. This species was seined in a quiet cove of the bay, near Cape 
Charles City, at night. Quite a number, about IG inches long, were 
obtained and brought to Washington, where they do well in the marine 
aquaria. Mr. Seal observed them as large as 30 inches or more from 
the pounds. 
I was very much surprised at the great abundance of red drum in the 
Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, markets on September 20, 1890. 
Cart loads of this species were to be seen, especially in Portsmouth. 
The fish ranged in weight from 1 to 3 pounds, and were packed into the 
carts as thickly as they could be placed standing on their heads or tails. 
No ice was used on them. 
In November, 1890, Mr. Joseph Ragau, of the Washington market, 
called my attention to a red drum, which had, besides the two black 
spots on the caudal fin, three similar marks on either side of the body, 
90 FISHES FROM CHESAPEAKE BAY — BEAN. 
those of the light side being very close together, while the ones of the 
left side were farther apart ; the body spots being the same, white edged, 
as the one at the root of the tail, which is seldom, if ever, absent. 
36. Archosargus probatocephalus Walb. Sheepsliead. 
U. S. K. M., 43187. One specimen, 4 inches long. Mr. Seal obtained 
a few young examples of this species. A few days before our arrival 
at Cai)e Charles City a hook and line fisherman had taken six fine 
sheepshead along the piles forming the breakwater at that place. In 
May, 1889, Mr. Seal failed to secure this species in the Lower Poto- 
mac. At St. Jerome's, Maryland, in September, 1889, he purchased a 
specimen measuring 20 inches, which had been captured on a ledge J 
near Point Lookout. The fishermen at this point receive 17 cents ])er 
pound for sheepshead. 
This valuable species seems destined to extinction in our northern 
waters. The outrageous practice of dynamiting fish on the New Jer- 
sey coast has driven it away from places where a few years ago it was 
moderately abundant. 
37. Diplodus holbrooki Bean. Holbrook's Scup. 
U. S. N. M., 42486, 43152, 43198. Seven specimens. A small num- i 
ber of this beautiful scup were seined, and Mr. Seal succeeded in bring- 
ing several living individuals to Washington. A distinctive mark of, 
this species is the black blotch around the caudal peduncle. 
D. XII, 14; A. Ill, 14. Scales in lateral line 55. Length of speci- 
mens, 4 and 5 inches. 
38. Stejiotomus chrysops L. Scup. 
TJ. S. N. M., 42490, 43184. Five specimens, from 5 to 8 inches long. 
Very few of the common scup were seined by us at Cape Charles 
City, and in the Norfolk market the species was equally rare, September 
20, 1890. A dealer gave me the name "maiden'' for a scup abouf 8 
inches long. 
39. Lagodon rhoniboides L. Fair-maid. 
U. S. N. M., 42489, 43157, 43189. Numerous specimens, from 5 to 
6i inches long. This species was seined in the bay at Cape Charles 
City in large numbers. It is very beautiful in life and a hardy fish for 
the aquaria. At Cape Charles City it is called fair-maid, a very appro- 
priate name, owing to its i)leasing colors. 
40. Orthopristis chrysopterus L. Pig-fisli. 
U. S. N. M., 43135. Fourteen specimens, ranging in length from 3 
to inches. A specimen 11 inches long was obtained by Mr. Kenly in 
Norfolk. Its vulgar name is derived from its annoying habit of steal-; 
ing bait off hooks. 
VOL. X 
1«91 
m^'] PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 91 
41. Lutjanus caxis Bl. it Schu. Gray Snapper. 
U. S. N. M., 43209. Three yoiiug specimens, 1^ and 2 inches long. 
D. X, U; A. Ill, 8. 
Color: Upper parts dark bluish; sides olive; throat, pectorals, ven- 
trals, and caudal pale ; dorsal and anal spotted ; membrane of spinous 
dorsal edged with black. A blue stripe as wide as the pupil extends 
from the snout through the eye to end of head. The dark spots on 
scales form longitudinal stripes on body. 
42. Centropristis striatus L. Sea Bass. 
U. S. N. M., 43143, 43171, 43211. Ten specimens, from U to 7 inches 
long. 
Tliis hsh is called Black Will at Cape Charles City, while at St. 
Jerome's, Maryland, Mr. Kenly tells mo they call it Black Nell. Those 
observed by us were small, requiring three or four fish to the pound. 
Very young specimens, from 2 to 4 inches long, were common in the 
seine. A few individuals weighing about 1 pound each were taken at 
the end of the breakwater. 
According to Mr. Seal the sea bass is taken in the Potomac River as 
far up as the Wicomico Kiver. It occurs also in Breton's Bay, near 
Leonardtown, Maryland, and at Point Lookout he collected a number 
ranging in length from 6 to 7 inches. 
43. Pomatonius saltatrix L. Bluefish. 
U. S. N. M., 43134, 431G7. Two specimens, 8 inches long. 
This is the "tailor" of Chesapeake Bay. The young, from 3 to 8 
inches long, were very abundant around the wharves at Cape Charles 
City. Few large bluefish were being taken in the pound nets at the 
time of our visit. Earlier in the season the fishing was much better. 
From the 19th to the 21st of September, 1889, Mr. Seal found the young, 
measuring from 5 to 8 inches in length, quite abundant along the 
j wharves at St. Jerome's, Maryland, and in the Potomac River as far up 
as Lower Cedar Point. 
44. Elacate Canada L. Crab-eater. 
U. S. K. M., 43145,43161. Fourteen specimens, ranging from 11 to 
14 inches in length. 
This species is called " bonito" in the Chesapeake. It is taken in the 
pound nets. Mr. Seal saw this fish from the pounds measuring at least 
3 feet in length. In 1 889 I saw a specimen in the Washington, Dis- 
trict of Columbia, market, which measured more than 4 feet in length, 
and probably weighed as mudi as 35 pounds. Specimens ranging from 
2 to 3 feet are common in this market during the summer months. 
92 FISHES FROM CnESAPEAKE BAY BEAN. 
45. Menidia nptata Mitch. Silverside. 
U. S. N. M., 43213. This species was abimdant at Cape Cbarles 
City. Mr. Seal found it iu abundance in the Lower Potomac, May 1(3, 
1889, and at St. Jerome's, Maryland, September 19-21, ranging in length 
from lA to 5 inches. Its chief value is as food for larger fishes. 
46. Mugil curema Cuv. & Val. Gray Mullet. 
U. S. N. M., 42480. Two specimens. 
47. Mugil albula L. Striped Mullet. 
U. S. N. M., 43137. One specimen, 9 inches long. 
Called jumping mullet or fat back. Mr. Seal found the young mul- 
lets, 3 to 10 inches in length, exceedingly abundant. About Sej^tember 
25, he took about five thousand in one seine haul in the bay at Cape 
Charles City. The mullets are hardy and attractive for aquaria. The 
species was abundant in the Norfolk market, September 20, 1890, and 
the writer saw some in the Washington, District of Columbia, market 
about November 1. The species was reported as abundant on the 
North Carolina coast in 1890, where the bluefish devoured them by the 
thousands. 
48. Hemirhamphus pleei Cuv. & Val. Half-beak. 
U. S. N. M., 43185. Fourteen specimens, from 12 to 16 inches long. 
This species was very abundant in the bay at Cape Charles City, and 
was seined in large numbers in shallow water. They are not hardy, 
and none of them reached Washington alive. 
49. Hemirhamphus roberti Cuv. & Val. 
U. S. N. M., 43178, 43195. Four specimens, 6i inches long. 
This species was not near so common as the H. pleei. Half-beaks 
were observed by Mr. Seal at Point Lookout, Maryland, May 17, 1889. 
50. Tylosurus marinus Bl. & Scliu. Silver Gar. 
U. S. N. M., 4318G. Nine specimens, from 12 to 14 inches long. 
Common at Cape Charles City. Mr. Seal observed the species at 
Point Lookout in May, and at St. Jerome's in September 1889. I have 
observed the species in the Potomac Kiver at Washington. 
51. Fuudulus niajalis Walb. Mummichog. 
Moderately common. 
52. Fundulus heteroclitus grandis Bd. & Grd. 
TJ. S. N. M., 42495. One specimen. Common, especially in the shal- 
low water back of the docks. 
In May, 1889, Mr. Seal obtained this species, besides F. diajihanns, 
majalis, Gyprinodoii variegatus, Tjucania parva., and Gambnsia patruelis 
in the Lower Potomac, from Lower Cedar Point to Point Lookout. 
'"l«yi" J PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 93 
I 53. Syiiodus foetens L. Lizard Fish. 
U. S. N. M., 42479, 43144. Seventeen specimens, from 6 to 10 inches 
lou^. 
II Mr. Seal found this fish lo be common at St. Jerome's in September, 
'1889. The fishermen called it scorpion, pronounced " scarpen," and its 
bite is feared bv the colored people. Other common names elsewhere 
in use are, cigar fish, spear fish, sand diver, etc. 
54. Elops saurus L. Big-eyed Herring. 
U. S. N. M., 43149, 43150. Two specimens, 12 and 13.^ inches long 
Mr. Seal tells me that this species is called lady fish at Cape Charles 
City. 
55. Opisthonema oglinuni Le S. I'Lrcad Herring. 
U. S. N. M., 43205. Three si)ecimens, 5 inches long. 
56. Brevoortia tyraniius Latrobe. Meuhadeu. 
U. S. N. M., 43130. This species is known as old wife in the Chesa- 
(peake at Cape Charles City. On the way to the pound nets we saw 
jmany schools, some of which were very large. The nets were full of 
them. Being of no use to the fishermen as food fish, the menhaden 
jWere thrown back into the bay. Mr. Sterling, of Sterling Brothers, 
told us that there were more menhaden in the bay than had been seen 
1 for years. Notwithstanding the great abundance of this fish there was 
|a scarcity of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, weakfish, and crab-eaters 
("bonito"). In May, 1889, Mr. Seal obtained the menhaden in the 
Lower Potomac, and in Sei^tember at St. Jerome's, Maryland. At the 
latter place they ranged in length from 2 to 8 inches. 
57. Stolephorus broAvni Gmeliu. Anchovy. 
ir. S. N . M., 43224. Thirty-seven specimens, 3 to 4 inches long. Anal 
20. Abundant in coves, where they are fed upon voraciously by the 
weakfish. 
• As a delicacy the anchovy is probably the best fish of our waters. 
58. Stolephorus mitchilli Cav. it Val. Anchovy. 
I U. S. N. M., 43223. Fifty specimens, 1 to 2i inches long. Anal 27. 
I Mr. Seal took the anchovy in the Wicomico River, Lower Potomac, 
May 16, 1889, and at St. Jerome's in September, 1889, where he records 
I it as not abundant. It was found from one-half to 3 inches in length. 
59. Conger conger L. Conger Eel. 
A few examples were taken in the Atlantic, near Cobb's Island, and 
brought alive to Washington. The species was not observed in the 
Chesapeake. 
94 FISHES FROM CIIEFAPEAKE BAY BEAN. 
60. Anguilla lostrata De Kay. Eel. 
U. S. N. M., 43196. One specimen, 4 inches long. 
Mr. Seal fonnd the common eel to be everywhere abundant in the 
Lower Potomac, in May, 1889, ranging in length from 1 to 3 feet, and at 
St. Jerome'S; Maryland, in September, 1889, specimens from 3 inches to 
2 feet in length were abundant. 
61. Scoliodon terrae-novae Rich. Sharp-nosed[Shark. 
U. S. N. M., 42491. One specimen. Length, 20A inches. 
Sharks, ra^^s, and skates are common in the Chesapeake at Cape 
Charles City. The capture of Raia, PteropJatea, Rhinoptera., and blue 
sharks is of ordinary occurrence in the pound nets. They are used as 
bait for crabs. 
62. Raia laevis Mitch. Barndoor Skate. 
TJ. S. IST. M., 42500. One specimen. Length of disk, 10 inches ; width, 
33 inches; length of tail, 10 inches. Secured in the pound nets of 
Sterling Brothers. 
■ir> 
63. Pteroplatea maclura Le S. Butterfly Eay. 
U. S. N. M., 42502. One specimen. Disk, 9 inches long; tail, 3 
inches; width of disk, 16 inches. Secured in the pound nets of Ster- 
ling Brothers. 
'» 
64. Rhinoptera quadriloba Le S. Cow-uosed Ray. 
U. S. K. M., 42499. One specimen. Length to caudal spine, 12 
inches; length of tail, measured from spine, 21 inches; width of disk, 
19 inches. Two serrated caudal spines: the first but half an inch in 
length, the second 1^ inches. Width of mouth, 2 inches.