An Annotated List of Salt and Brackish Water Fishes, with a New Name for a Menhaden, Found in North Carolina Since the Publication of "The Fishes of North Carolina" by Hugh M. Smith in 1907

Abstract

FEW catalogues based on the fauna or flora of a restricted area have been used more extensively than Dr. Hugh M. Smith's book, "The Fishes of North Carolina." This work has been the guide for the identification of the local fishes, and the information as to their habitats and life histories included, has been eagerly read, ever since its publication, by the many investigators who have worked at the Fisheries Biological Station at Beaufort. Furthermore, the schools in the state, especially the colleges, use it extensively. At the time of publication Dr. Smith's catalogue was strictly up-todate, and it has proven to be remarkably free of errors. Much information, however, has been accumulated, especially as to the life histories of the local fishes, and 83 species of salt and brackish water fishes, not known from North Carolina when Dr. Smith's book was written, are listed herewith. It is not surprising that additional species have been found along the coast, especially in the vicinity of Beaufort, where intensive collecting both in inshore and offshore water has been carried on throughout much of the time since the publication of the catalogue. The additional species secured brings the total number of salt and brackish water species that apparently may be recognized from North Carolina up to about 306. The species of fresh water fish recorded since the publication of the catalogue have not been checked and cannot now be given. The list that follows includes all the salt and brackish water species, namely 68, that have been recorded from North Carolina, as far as known to the writer, since the publication of Dr. Smith's catalogue. It includes, also, 15 species not previously recorded from North Carolina, and 3 species for which an extension of range within the state is reported.