110 ST. S E L E N A .
O r d e r P h y so s t o m i.
Fam. Scqpelida.
Saurus, C. & V.
* S . a t l a n t i c u s , Johnson.—The Rock-spear of S t . Helena; found
also at Madeira and Zanzibar.
S. m y o p s , Forst.—The Sand-spear of the Island is common to
tropical seas. Both of these species are good as food, hut not very
abundant, and are too bony to be popular, excepting with the labouring
people.
Fam. Scombresocidce.
Exocsetus, Art.
E . c y a n o p t e r u s , C. & Y.—This species of Flying-fish is a large
one, generally measuring eighteen inches in length, and therefore
probably a more acceptable morsel to its pursuer the porpoise,
which chases it until it flies ashore and falls powerless on to the
stony beach. I t is also found at Brazil.
Belone, Cuv.
*B . lo v i i , Gthr.—Pike-fish ; inhabits the shallow water close to
the rocky shore; also found at Cape Yerde Islands.
Fam. Murmnidee.
Conger, Cuv.
C. v u l g a r i s , Cuv. var. Nigra.—The Common Conger Eel, which
is found in the seas of Europe, South America, East Indian Archipelago,
Japan, and Tasmania, also takes its place in considerable
numbers at St. Helena; where it attains a large size, and often when
caught and brought into a boat is a formidable antagonist, requiring
a considerable thumping and pounding about the head before it is
conquered. I t is generally taken in about 100 fathoms of water,
and is rather popular as food.
Congromursena, Kaup.
*C. m e l l i s s i i , G th r—The Silver Eel is not very abundant, but
is esteemed as food. I t is peculiar to the Island.