ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY THE GIFT OF Terrace Pratt IN 3 1924 081 060 539 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924081060539 A MANUAL OF THE VERTEBRATE ANIMALS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES (NCLUDING THE DISTRICT NORTH AND EAST OP THE OZARK MOUNTAINS, SOUTH OF THE LAURENTIAN HILLS, NORTH OF THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF VIRGINIA, AND EAST OF THE MISSOURI RIVER INCLUSIVE OF MARINE SPECIES BY DAVID STARR JORDAN PRESIDENT OF LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY TWELFTH EDITION NEWLY REVISED AND ENLARGED CHICAGO A. C. McCLURG AND COMPANY Ig16 CoryRIGHT By JANSEN, McCLuRG, AND Co, A.D. 1876, 1878 CoPpyRIGHT By A. C. McCLure anp Co, A.D. 1888, 1899 Tus University Press, Camprince, Mass., U.S. A. PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. Tuis book is designed to give to students and collectors a ready means of identifying the Vertebrate fauna of the region which it covers, and of recognizing the characters on which the families, genera, and species of these ani- mals are founded. To these ends, I have made use of a system of analyti- cal keys by which differential characters are brought into contrast. The usefulness of such keys has long been recognized by botanists, and in ornithology the recent works of Coues and Ridgway have proved their value to the student. That the book might not reach a size too large for field or class use, I have made all descriptions very concise, with as few repetitions as possible. I have confined the generic characters to the analytical keys, using as a rule only such characters as are distinctive as well as descrip- tive. The need of condensation has caused the omission of synonymy, and of references to authorities except in special cases. In the first four editions of this work (1876, 1878, 1880, 1884), large use was made of artificial characters in the analyses of the genera. The use of such characters is often a help to quick identification of species, but with the disadvantage of hiding from the student the real char- acters on which classification is based. In the present edition, these artificial keys have been chiefly set aside, i PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. and I have tried, with more or less of success, to set be- fore the student the essential characters of each group. The present edition is wholly re-written and it is printed from new stereotype plates. The order of ar- rangement is reversed, the lowest forms being placed first. The region covered by the Manual has been extended in the present edition so as to include, in addition, Mis- souri, Iowa, Minnesota, the Provinces of Canada, and the sea-coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras. The deep- sea fishes of this region are, however, omitted, as well as the tropical and semi-tropical forms which occasionally drift northward in the Gulf Stream, without gaining any permanent place in the northern fauna. Several species of birds which have been once or twice taken in our limits, but which are merely accidental wanderers from the West or South or from Europe, have also been omitted. I have wished to include only those animals which really form a part of the fauna of the region in question. I have made free use of every available source of infor- mation, and I believe that the present state of our knowl- edge in this field is fairly represented. The arrangement of the fishes is essentially that of Jordan and Gilbert’s “Synopsis of the Fishes of North America” (1883), and, almost exactly that of Jordan’s “Catalogue of the Fishes of North America” (1885). The manuscript of the fresh water fishes, in the present edition, has been carefully re- vised by Prof. Charles H. Gilbert. The arrangement of the Batrachians and Reptiles is essentially that set forth in the various papers of Prof. Edward D. Cope. I have made use of Boulenger’s Cata- logues of the Reptiles in the British Museum, and of the “Catalogue of North American Batrachia and Reptilia” by N.S. Davis and Frank L. Rice. The manuscripts of the Reptiles and Batrachians have been revised by Prof. O. P. Hay. PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. ili In the nomenclature and classification of the Birds, I have followed exactly the “Check List of North Ameri- ean Birds,” published by the American Ornithologists’ Union. In the preparation of analytical keys to the genera of Birds, I have made large use of Ridgway’s “Manual of North American Birds,” and of Coues’ “Key to North American Birds.” In the arrangement of the Mammals, I have been guided primarily by Professor Baird’s “History of North American Mammals.” In the - Rodentia, I have made use of the elaborate monographs of Dr. Elliott Coues and Dr. J. A. Allen; and in the other groups reviewed by Dr. Coues, I have adopted most of his conclusions. In the Cetaceans, I have used chiefly the papers of Mr. Frederick W. True and Prof. E. D. Cope, and both these naturalists have kindly furnished me with unpublished catalogues of the species recognized by them. In the preparation of the present edition I am also personally indebted for aid in various ways to Prof. Ed- ward D. Cope, Mr. Leonhard Stejneger, Prof. Charles H. Gilbert, Prof. Oliver P. Hay, Mr. Frederick W. True, Mr. Robert Ridgway, Mr. Amos W. Butler, Dr. J. Sterling Kingsley, Mr. Charles H. Bollman, Dr. Stephen A. Forbes, Mr. Barton W. Evermann, and others. I may again refer to the obligations acknowledged in the earlier edition, — especially to my indebtedness to Dr. Elliott Coues, Dr. Theodore Gill, Dr. G. Brown Goode, Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, Prof. Herbert E. Copeland, and Mr. Edward W. Nelson. DAVID 8S. JORDAN. Buoomineron, Inprana, June, 1888. PREFATORY NOTE TO EIGHTH EDITION. Tuer present edition is printed from the same plates as the fifth edition, published in 1890. The decade which closes the century has seen greater activity in the study of species of animals and their relation to their environment than has been known in any other corresponding period in the world’s history. Such study has given much greater precision to our knowledge of the characters and the dis- tribution of species, with the minor results of the recogni- tion of synonyms, and the correction of nomenclature by its establishment on the solid basis of priority. Most of the recent changes in the scientific names of animals are due to the use of the earliest name given to the species, instead of some later one applied through error of one sort or another. To bring the present work up to date, it is necessary to change these antedated names, but there is no correspond- ing change, in most cases, in the definitions of the genera and species themselves. It has therefore seemed unneces- sary to ask the publishers to incur the great expense of resetting the type for a new edition. I have indicated in an appendix the principal additions and alterations which seem necessary in the group of Fishes. By the applica- tion of these corrections the nomenclature of this group will be made to correspond to that of Jordan & Ever- mann’s Fishes of North and Middle America (4 parts: part 1, published 1897; parts 2 and 3, 1898; part 4 in 1899), to which elaborately illustrated work students are referred for further details. vi PREFATORY NOTE TO EIGHTH EDITION. The corrections in the Reptiles and Batrachians have been made on the plates, from data kindly furnished by Dr. Leonard Stejneger, and Dr. Oliver P. Hay of the Smithsonian Institution, and by Dr. John Van Denburgh of the California Academy of Sciences. A few additional species are inserted in an appendix, the descriptions having been furnished by Dr. Stejneger. ‘The Birds” is revised to follow the generally accepted nomenclature of the American Ornithologists’ Union. “The Mammals” has been fully revised and is printed from new plates. The nomenclature has been carefully corrected in accordance with the views of Mr. T. S. Palmer of the Department of Agriculture. ‘‘The Cetaceans” has been revised by Mr. Frederick W. True of the United States National Museum. Two of my own students, Mr. William Weightman Price and Mr. Walter Kenrick Fisher, have assisted me in the revision of the account of the Mammals and the compila- tion of the additional descriptions needed to bring the work fairly up to date. DAVID STARR JORDAN. Levanp Stanrorp Jr. UNIVERSITY, Pato Ato, CALIFORNIA. March, 1899. THE VERTEBRATE ANIMALS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES. VERTEBRATA. (THE VERTEBRATES.) Tue Vertebrates are, in popular language, “animals with a back-bone.” They are distinguished from all other animals, says Professor Huxley, “ by the circumstance that a transverse and vertical section of the body exhibits two cavities, completely sep- arated from one another by a partition. The dorsal cavity contains the cerebro-spinal nervous system; the ventral, the alimentary canal, the heart, and, usually, a double chain of ganglia, which passes under the name of the ‘sympathetic.’ A vertebrated ani- mal may be devoid of articulated limbs, and it never possesses more than two pairs. These are always provided with an internal skeleton, to which the muscles moving the limbs are attached.” Modern researches have shown that, besides the ordinary “ back- boned animals,” certain other creatures, formerly considered as Mollusks or Worms, are really degenerate forms of Vertebrates, and must be considered as members, or at least as associates, of this group. The resemblance to the other Vertebrates on the part of the forms in question is seen in their early or larval develop- ment, and scarcely at all in the adult condition. ‘ Many of the species start in life with the promise of reaching a point high in the scale, but after a while they turn around, and, as one might say, pursue a downward course, which results in an adult which dis- plays but few resemblances to the other vertebrates.” (Kingsley.) These are the Tunicates or Ascidians, forming the Class or Prov- ince of “ Urochordata.” The essential character of the Vertebrata, in the broad sense of the term, is now understood to be this: “The 6 VERTEBRATA. possession of a cellular cord, — the ‘ notochord,’ — which runs un- derneath the central nervous system, and which in the higher forms is surrounded by the permanent vertebral column and skull, and is largely obliterated by the development of these structures. So the term CHORDATA is frequently employed as synonymous with VER- TEBRATA in its wide sense.” (R. R. Wright.) Without further discussion of the VERTEBRATA or “ CHOR- DATA” as a whole, we may proceed to the account of the several subordinate groups or classes. The existing forms may first be divided into about six primary groups, which have been called “provinces ” by Professor Huxley. These are (I) the Urochor- data, including the class Tunicata ; (II) the Hemichordata or En- teropneusta ; (III) the Cephalochordata, corresponding to the class Leptocardii; (IV) the Ichthyopsida, including the classes of Cyclo- stomi, Pisces, and Batrachia; (V) the Sauropsida, including the Reptilia and Aves; and finally (VI) the Mammalia, correspond- ing to the single class of the same name. The relations of these provinces and classes are shown in the following analysis taken, in part, from Dr. Gill's “ Arrangement of the Families of Fishes.” Only the more obvious characters are here mentioned. Others may be found in the more elaborate works on Comparative Anatomy. Analysis of the Classes of Chordata. a. Anterior end of the central nervous axis not dilated into a brain, and not surrounded by a protective capsule or skull. 6. Notochord confined to the tail and usually present only in the tadpole- like larval stage of the animal (UROCHORDATA): adult animal not fish-like nor worm-like, its wed invested with a tough envelope or “tunic.” . «4 e * 4 » « « Tuntcata, A. 6b. Notochord not sontined to the tail, but exteuding forward to the anterior end of the body; sides of body with numerous gill slits which are persistent through life. d. Notochord developed in anterior end of body only (HemricHor- DATA): adult animal worm-like, without trace of fins; a long proboscis before the mouth. . . . . . ENTEROPNEUSTA, B. dd. Notochord perfect, continued forward to a point before the mouth (CEPHALOCHORDATA): body elongate, lanceolate, somewhat fish- like in form, not worm-like nor enveloped in a ‘tunic’; middle line of body with rac aed fins; no proboscis; the mouth slit- like, fringed with cirri... : . . Leprocarpny, C. aa. Anterior end of the nervous axis dilated into a ‘‘brain,’? which is con- tained within a protective capsule, the ‘ skull ” notochord not continued forwards beyond the pituitary body; heart developed and divided into at least two parts, an auricle and a ventricle. (CRa- NIOTA.) e. Respiration during part or the whole of life performed by means of gills; blood cold. (IcHTHYOPSIDA.) VERTEBRATA. 7 J. Skull imperfectly developed and without jaws; paired fins un- developed, with no shoulder girdle or pelvic elements; a single median nostril ; gills eters skin naked ; skeleton car- tilaginous. . . : . .« CycLostomr, D. Jf. Skull well develope and wilt sane shotaldey girdle and pelvic elements developed; nostrils not median. g- Limbs developed as rayed fins (rarely abortive); rayed fins nor- mally present on the median line of the body; respiration throughout life by means of gills; lungs usually not developed. Piscss, E. gg. Limbs not developed as rayed fins, but, if present, having the same skeletal elements as in the higher vertebrates; respiration in the adult chiefly accomplished by means of lungs, the gills usually not persistent; skin usually naked. . . . . Barracuta, F. ee. Respiration performed throughout life by means of lungs, the gill slits disappearing before birth. h. Mammary glands not present; diaphragm incomplete; a single occipital condyle; oviparous (or sometimes ovoviviparous), the young hatched from a rather large egg. (SAUROPSIDA.) i, Exoskeleton developed as scales or bony plates; blood cold; heart with three (rarely four) cavities. . . Reprii1a, G. ii, Exoskeleton developed as saad blood warm; heart with four cavities. . . e » « « « Aves, H. hh. Mammary glands piste the pou devine’ within the body from a minute egg (except in the Monotremata), and nourished for a time after birth by milk secreted in the mammary glands; exoskeleton developed as hair; two occipital condyles; dia~ phragm complete; heart with four cavities; blood warm. Mamma.y, I. Of these classes, the Tunicata (A) and the Enteropneusta (B) are excluded from the plan of the present work. The Tunicata are all marine forms, of small size, the larger species being familiarly known as “Sea Squirts,” “Sea Peaches,” and “Sea Pears”; but the most of them are without common names. A considerable number of species, representing several families, are found on our Atlantic coast. The Enteropneusta consist of the single genus Balanoglossus, a worm-like creature, of which two or three species are found on our coasts. They reach a length of six to twelve inches. They have been considered as worms having possible affinities with the Echinoderms, but the recent studies of Mr. William Bateson seem to show conclusively that their place is among the Chordata. Leaving these groups aside, we take up 8 LEPTOCARDII: CIRROSTOMI. — I. CLass C.— LEPTOCARDII. (THE LaNceLets.) Skeleton membrano-cartilaginous; no brain; no skull; the noto- chord persistent and extending to front of body; no heart, its place being taken by pulsating sinuses; blood colorless; respiratory cav- ity confluent with cavity of abdomen ; gill slits in great number ; the water expelled from an abdominal pore in front of vent; no jaws; the mouth inferior, slit-like, with cirri on each side. (Gr. Aemrés, thin; xapdla, heart.) Orprer I. CIRROSTOMI. The single order of this class contains but a single family. (Lat., cirrus, hair; Gr. oréwa, mouth.) Famiry I BRANCHIOSTOMATIDA. (Tue LANCELETS.) Body elongate-lanceolate, compressed, naked, colorless, the fins represented by a low fold which extends along the back around the tail, past the vent, to the abdominal pore; eye rudimentary ; liver a blind sac of the simple intestine. One genus, with 5 or 6 species; small, translucent creatures found imbedded in the sand on warm coasts. These animals are highly interesting to the anatomist as showing the vertebrate type in its simplest condition. 1. BRANCHIOSTOMA Costa. (Amphioxus Yarrell.) (Bpdyyza, gills; oréua, mouth.) 1. B. caribeeum Sundevall. Lanceret. Muscular bands (myocommas) 55 to 60 (837-++ 14+ 9 = 60); tail short; extremi- ties attenuate. (Otherwise as in the European B. lanceolatum, which has 56 to 60 myocommas; 35 + 12 + 13 = 60). N.Y. to - S. A. buried in soft sand, locally abundant. (Name from Carib- bean Sea.) MYXINIDA, —~ IL. 9 Cuass D. CYCLOSTOMI. (THE Myzonrts.) Skeleton cartilaginous; skull imperfect, not separate from ver- tebral column; no jaws; no limbs; no ribs; no shoulder girdle nor pelvic elements ; gills in the form of fixed sacs, 6 or more on each side; nostril single, median; mouth subinferior, nearly circular, adapted for sucking; heart without arterial bulb; alimentary canal straight, simple ; vertical fins with feeble rays. Naked, eel- shaped animals found in all cool waters. (Gr. kvxdos, circle; oréya, mouth.) Orders of Cyclostomi. a. Nostril tube-like with cartilaginous rings, penetrating the palate; gill openings remote from the head; no eyes.. . . . HYPEROTRETA, 2. aa. Nostril « blind sac not entering the palate; gill openings close behind the head; eyes well developed in the adult.. . . HyYPERoartTia, 2. Orver II. HYPEROTRETA. Characters as given above. Only one family. (dmepqa, palate ; tpnrés, perforate.) Famity Il MYXINIDAi. (THe Hac-risuses.) Snout with eight barbels; no lips; a median tooth on the palate and two rows on each side of the tongue, which is a powerful organ with a strong fibrous tendon moving in a muscular sheath; each side of abdomen with a series of mucous sacs; no eyes; intestine without spiral valve; skin thin and loose; eggs large, with a horny case and threads for adhesion; genera 2; species4 or 5. Lamprey- like animals, burrowing into the flesh of fishes, on which they feed ; marine. a. Gill openings one on each side, this leading by six ducts to six branchial SACS. © ee we ee ee tt ew ew ee. 6 MYXINE, 2. 2. MYXINE Linneus. (Gr. pvéa, slime.) 2. M. glutinosa L. Hac-risu, Borer. Bluish; head 34 to 4 in length. N. Atl, S. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) 10 CYCLOSTOMI: HYPEROARTIA. — III. Orper Ul. HYPEROARTIA. Characters given above. One family only. (tmepda, palate ; Gprios, complete.) F Famity JI. PETROMYZONTIDA. (Tue Lampreys.) Body eel-shaped, naked, compressed behind ; mouth subcircular, armed with horny teeth, which rest on papille; gill openings 7, arranged in a row along the side of the “chest”; lips present, fringed ; nostril on top of head, just in front of eyes; dorsal fin more or less notched ; intestine with a spiral valve; eggs small. The lampreys undergo a metamorphosis, the larva of all species being toothless and having the eyes rudimentary. The name Ammoceetes was formerly applied to the larval forms; originally, however, to that of A. branchialis. Genera 3 or 4, species about 15, chiefly of the fresh waters of temperate regions. They attach themselves to fishes, and feed by scraping off the flesh with their rasp-like teeth. a. Second dorsal joined to the caudal. b. Supraroral lamina (‘‘ maxillary tooth’) expanded laterally, forming a crescent-shaped plate, with a cusp at each end, and sometimes a median cusp; anterior lingual teeth serrate... . . . . . AMMOCETES, 3. 66. Supraoral lamina contracted, of two or three teeth close together; discal teeth numerous, in concentric series; buccal disk large (in adult, very small in larva). Seer . . » PETROMyYzON, 4. 3. AMMOCCETES Duméril. (dupos, sand; xoirn, bed.) u. Supraoral lamina with a very small median cusp or none; edge of anterior lingual tooth small, crescent-shaped, dentate, the median denticle en- larged; buccal disk small, with few teeth. (AMMOCC@ETES.) 3. A. branchialis (L.). Mup Lamprey. Brook LAMPREY. Dorsal continuous, deeply notched, both parts high; about 3 bicuspid teeth on each side of buccal disk; the other teeth sim- ple; infraoral plate with 5 to 9 blunt subequal cusps; head with gills 48 ; myocommas 67, between gills and vent; an anal papilla present in spring. Color bluish black. L. 8. Cayuga L. (Meek) to Minn. and Ky., ascending brooks in spring. (Eu.) (P. niger, Raf., not of Lacepede.) (Lat., having gills.) 4. PETROMYZON (Artedi) Linnzus. (érpa, stone ; pve, to suck.) u, Anterior lingual tooth divided in two by a median groove; dorsal fin con- tinuous, with a broad notch. (Jchthyomyzon Girard.) 4. P. castaneus (Girard). Supraoral lamina (maxillary tooth) tricuspid ; some lateral teeth bicuspid ; infraoral lamina (mandib- PETROMYZONTIDA. — III. 1l ulary tooth) with 7 to 12 cusps. Color yellowish. L.10. Miss. Valley, Minn. to Kans. and La. (Jchth. hirudo Girard.) (Lat. chestnut-colored.) 5. P. concolor (Kirtland). Supraoral lamina bicuspid; teeth on disk all simple, and placed in about 4 concentric series ; infra- oral lamina with 7 cusps; head 74; with gills 4; 51 muscular im- pressions between gills and vent. Color bluish silvery, sometimes mottled ; a small bluish spot above each gill opening, — this found even in the larva. L.12. LL. Erie to Mo. and N., a common para- site on the Sturgeon and other large fishes. (P. argenteus Kirtland, not of Bloch.) (Lat., uniformly colored.) aa. Anterior lingual tooth with a deep median groove, and extending in an incurved point; dorsal fin divided. (Petromyzon.) 6. P. marinus L. Great Sea Lamprey. “LAMPER EEL.” Supraoral lamina bicuspid; infraoral cusps 7 to 9; first row ol lateral teeth on side of mouth bicuspid; the others simple; myo- commas, 64 between gills and vent ; males in spring usually with an elevated fleshy ridge before the dorsal. Color dark brown, usually mottled with blackish. L. 3 feet. N. Atlantic, S. to Va., ascending rivers to spawn, and permanently land-locked (var. uni- color, Dekay) in the lakes of W.and N. N. Y. The larva is blind, toothless, with a contracted mouth, in which the lower lip forms a lobe distinct from the upper. The eyes appear before the mouth isenlarged. (Eu.) In the spring the Lamprey ascends small brooks for the purpose of de- positing its spawn. They are then often found clinging to stones and clods of earth. Later in the season they disappear, and are seldom seen except when attached to some unlucky fish. They are rarely seen descending the stream, and “it is thought by fishermen that they never return, but waste away and die, clinging to rocks and stumps of trees for an indefinite period; a tragic feature in the scenery of the river bottoms worthy to be remembered with Shakespeare’s description of the sea floor.” (Thoreau.) 12 PISCES. Cuass E.—PISCES. (THE FISHEs.) A “fish” in the popular sense is a member of any one of the three classes of aquatic or fish-like vertebrates, the groups here designated as Leptocardii, Marsipobranchii, and Pisces. But the Lancelets and the Lampreys differ so widely from the other groups that we must exclude them from consideration as fishes. Many writers go still further and remove from the Pisces, the Sharks, Chimeras, and Dipnoans, but for our present purposes all these may be referred to the same class as the true fishes, or Teleosts. The Pisces or “ Fishes” may then be defined as cold-blooded ver- tebrates adapted for life in the water, breathing by means of gills which are not purse-shaped, but attached to bony or cartilaginous gill arches; having the skull well developed and with a lower jaw; with the limbs present and developed as fins, or rarely wanting through atrophy ; with shoulder girdle present, furcula-shaped, curved forward and with the sides connected below ; with pelvic bones present; having the exoskeleton developed as scales or bony plates or horny appendages, sometimes obsolete, and with the me- dian line of body with one or more fins composed of cartilaginous rays connected by membrane. The existing representatives of the class Pisces may be conveniently divided into four subclasses: Selachit or Elasmobranchii, Holocephali, Teleostomi, and Dipnoi. The last group (Ceratodus, Lepidosiren) has well-developed lungs and the paired fins flipper-like. It forms a connecting link be- tween the Ganoidei and the Batrachia. As there are no North American species of Dipnoi, the group needs no further men- tion in this work. Subclasses of Pisces. u. Gills not free, being attached to the skin by the outer margin. Ova few and large, impregnated and sometimes developed internally: embryo with deciduous external gills; membrane bones of head undeveloped, except sometimes a rudimentary opercle; skeleton cartilaginous; skull without sutures; tail heterocercal; ventral fins abdominal; male with large intromittent organs or claspers attached to ventral fins; skin naked or covered with minute rough scales, sometimes with spines; no air-bladder; arterial bulb with three series of valves; intestine with a spiral valve; optic nerves united by a chiasma; cerebral hemispheres united. b. Gill openings slit-like, 5 to 7 in number; jaws distinct from the skull, jeined to it by suspensory bones; no membrane bones; teeth distinct. (Sharks and Skates.). . 1. 1 6 6 ew ee SELACHN, page 14. PISCES. 13 bb. Gill opening single, leading to four gill clefts; jaws coalescent with the skull; a rudimentary opercle; teeth coalescent forming bony plates. (Chimeras.). . . . « © » « » « +» HOLocEPHALI, page 24. aa, Gills free, attached at base only to the gill arches; gill opening single on each side; eggs comparatively small aud numerous; no claspers; mem- brane bones present on head; cerebral hemispheres not united. (True Fishes.) . . se 8 © 6 «© © © « © + TELEOSTOMI, page 25 14 SWLAUHIL: SQUALL — Lv. Supc ass SELACHII. (THE SELACHIANS.) This group, sufficiently defined above, includes two orders, the Sharks and the Rays, — marine fishes of large size, abundant in most seas. (Gr. oéAaxos, shark.) Orders of Selachii. u. Gill openings lateral. . . . 2 2 2 6+ «© © «© «© « + «©6SQUALT, 4. aa. Gillopenings ventral. . 2 2. 6 2 ew wt we wo Rava, 5 Orpver IV. SQUALI. (THE SHarks.) The typical sharks are elongate in form, quite unlike the skates in appearance. Intermediate forms connect the two groups so closely that the position of the gill openings is the only constant character by which the two orders can be separated. (Lat. a shark, from Gr. yadeds, allied to yadéy, a weasel.) Nore. — The Sharks are mostly fishes of the high seas, and any of the larger Atlantic species may stray to our coasts. Besides those here described, the following have been at least once taken within our limits :— Echinorhinus spinosus (Gmelin), Cape Cod; Centrocyllium fabricii (Rein- hardt), off Gloucester; Centroscymnus celolepis (Bocage & Capello), Glou- cester; Pseudotriacis microdon (Capello), Long Island; Aprionodon isodon (Miller & Henle); Jsogomphodon limbatus (Miiller & Henle), Wood’s Holl. Omitting extralimital families, we bave the following analysis of Families of Squali. «. Pectoral fins moderate, without deep notch at base in front; gill openings 5 6. Anal fin wanting. c. Dorsal fins each with a stout spine. . . . . . . SQuanip”, 4, cc. Dorsal fins without spine . . . +. « . « Somnrosipa, 5. 66. Anal fin present; both dorsals wiles spine, the first inserted before the ventrals, d. Caudal fin not lunate, the upper lobe very much longer than the lower, with a notch below, towards its tip; side of tail without keel. e. Last gill opening above base of pectoral. F. Tail moderately developed, not half length of rest of body; eyes with nictitating membrane. g- Head kidney-shaped or hammer-shaped, much wider than long. SPHYRNIDA, 6. gg. Head normally formed. . ... . GALEORHINIDA, 7. Jf. Tail very pa as ee as rest of itis no nictitating mem- brane. . ‘ . . ALormpa, & SQUALIDA, — IV. 15 ee. Last gill opening before base of pectoral; dorsal fins subequal. CARCHARUD&, 9. dd. Caudal fin lunate, the lower lobe not much shorter than the upper; tail with a keel on each side, last gill opening before pectorals. h. Gill openings rather large; teeth large. . . . . Lamnipa, 10. hh. Gill openings very large, nearly meeting both above and below; teeth small (largest of all fishes), . . . . CETORHINIDA, 11. aa. Pectoral fins very large, wing-like, expanded at the base in front, this ex- pansion being separated from the neck by a deep notch; no anal fin. SQuaTINIDs, 12. Famity IV. SQUALIDAH, (Tue Doc-risHEs.) Sharks with two dorsal fins, each armed with a stout spine, and without anal fin; no nictitating membrane; spiracles moderate ; gill openings narrow, all before pectorals; ventral fins inserted posteriorly ; teeth small, compressed ; nostrils inferior, near front of snout. Genera 6; species about 15; small sharks, chiefly of the Atlantic. (Spinacide Auct.) a. Teeth in both jaws, simple, subquadrate, each with a nearly horizontal cutting edge, and a point directed outward; dorsal spines strong. Squatus, 5. 5. SQUALUS (Artedi) Linnzus. 7, 8. acanthias L. Dog-risn. Dorsal spines not grooved; slate-color, back with whitish spots fading with age. L. 3 feet. North Atl, S. to Cuba; abundant N., its liver valued for the “Dog-fish oil.” (Eu.) (Gr. dxavéias, having spines.) Famity V. SOMNIOSID AS. (THe SLeepEerR SHarks.) Sharks with two dorsal fins, both without spine, and no anal fin, the first dorsal much before ventrals, otherwise essentially as in the Squalide. Genera 5; species 5 or 6, mostly large sharks of the Atlantic. a. Dorsal fins about equal; upper teeth lancet-shaped, incurved; lower quad- rate with a horizontal edge, ending in a point directed outwards; fins verysmal]l, . . 1. 2 6 ee + + ee © + + + Somntosus, 6. 6. SOMNIOSUS Le Sueur. (Lat., sleepy.) 8. S. microcephalus (Bloch). Steerer. Nurse. Color blackish; caudal blunt. L. 10 to 18 feet. Arctic seas, S. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (juxpés, small; xepady, head.) Famity VI. SPHYRNIDA. (Tae Hammer-Heapep SHARKS.) Characters of the Galeorhinide, except that the head has a form hammer-shaped or kidney-shaped, its sides being much extended, the eyes borne at the ends of the hammer. One genus, with 4 or 5 species; large sharks of the warm seas. 16 SELACHII : SQUALI. — IV. 7. SPHYRNA Rafinesque. (An old name from odvpa, hammer.) a. Teeth in both jaws oblique, each with a notch on the outside near the base; no spiracles, b. Head truly hammer-shaped; a long groove extending forward from nostrils. (Sphyrna.) 9. S. zygeena (L.). HAMMER-HEADED SHARK. Width of “hammer ” twice its length. Gray. L.15 to 20 feet. All warm seas, N. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (An old name from (vyéy, a cross- beam.) bb. Head kidney-shaped, the frontal groove obsolete. (Reniceps, Gill.) 10. S. tiburo (L.). Bonnet-Heap SHark. Width of “ ham- mer” not nearly twice its length. Ashy gray. L. 3 to 5 feet. Warm seas, N. to Va. (Eu.) (Tiburo, an Italian name of some shark.) Famiry VII. GALHORHINIDA. (Tue Tyrricar Saarks.) Sharks with two dorsals and an anal fin; no spines; tail mod- erate, not lunate, bent upwards, the fin notched below near the tip ; basal lobe short; no caudal keel; last gill opening above base of pectoral; eye with nictitating membrane; head normally formed. Genera 15, species about 60, found in all seas, a. Teeth blunt, paved, without cusps or cutting edges; spiracles present; no pit at root of tail; labial folds about mouth. ,. . . GaLgus, 8. aa. Teeth more or less compressed, with sharp cutting edges. 6. Spiracles present; teeth large; serrated. c. Root of tail with a pit above; caudal fin with two notches. GALEOCERDO, 9. bb. Spiracles none; teeth sharp; a pit at root of tail. d. Teeth all serrate in the adult. . . . . . . CARCHARHINUS, 10. dd. Teeth all entire, all except the median ones oblique; their points turned away from the middle so that the inner margins are nearly horizontal, and form a cutting edge. . Scottopon, 11. 8. GALEUS (Rafinesque) Leach. (Mustelus Cuvier.) (yards, shark; yadén, weasel.) u, Embryo not attached to uterus by a placenta; teeth very blunt. (Galeus.) 11. G. canis (Mitchill). Doc SHarx. Hounp Suarx. Boca Duce. First dorsal higher than long, its middle midway between pectorals and ventrals; snout shortish. Pale gray. L. 3 feet. Smallest of our sharks. N, Atl.; common N. (£u.) 9. GALEOCERDO Miller & Henle. (yaneds, shark; kepdo, fox). 12. G. maculatus (Ranzani). Tiger SHarx. Brown, with numerous large dark spots. L.10 feet. Warm seas; rarely N. to N.Y. (Lat., spotted.) ALOPIIDA. — VIII. 17 10. CARCHARHINUS Blainville. (Carcharias Cuvier.) (xdpxapos, rough ; pivn, shark.) (The largest genus of sharks, represented in most warm seas. It is often divided into several genera, but intergradations make it difficult to maintain these divisions. In young specimens the serration of the teeth is not evident.) a. First dorsal far behind pectoral, nearer root of ventral than that of pec- toral. ( Carcharhinus.) 13. C. glaucus (L.). Great BLue Suarx. Snout very long; color grayish blue. A large shark, rare on our coast. (Eu.) (Lat., grayish blue.) aa. First dorsal not far behind pectoral. 6. Upper teeth oblique; deeply notched on outer margin. (Platypodon Gill.) 14. C. obscurus (Le Sueur). Pectorals large; second dorsal evidently smaller than anal; first dorsal large; head pointed. L. 10 feet, N. Atl. Frequently on our coast. bb. Upper teeth sub-erect, triangular, scarcely notched at outer margin. (Eulamia Gill.) -15, C. caudatus (Dekay). Snout moderate, its length from mouth forward not less than width of mouth; pectoral fin not very long. Atlantic coast: a little known species of uncertain synon- ymy. (Lat., long-tailed.) 11. SCOLIODON Miller & Henle. (cxodtds, oblique; ddav, tooth.) 16. S. terre-nove (Richardson). SHarp-Nosrep SHaRrK. Body slender; snout depressed ; mouth with short labial grooves on both jaws; second dorsal smaller than anal; gray, tail dusky- edged. West Indies, N. to Cape Cod, common S. (erroneously ascribed to Newfoundland). (Lat. terra, land; nova, new. New- foundland.) Famity VIII. ALOPIIDAN. (Tue Taresuer SHarKs.) Body rather slender; snout short; teeth equal, flat, triangular, entire; gill openings moderate, the last above P.; no nictitating membrane ; spiracles obsolete; first dorsal large, second dorsal and anal very small; tail about as long as rest of body; no caudal keel; pectorals faleate, very large. One species, a large shark, found in most warm seas, 12. ALOPIAS Rafinesque. (ddan, a fox.) 17. A. vulpes (Gmelin). THREsHER, SwINGLE-Taw. Fox SHark. Color gray. L. about 20 feet. Open sea; occasionally on our coast. (Hu.) 2 18 SELAUHIL: SQUALL — Lv. Famity IX. CARCHARIIDAS. (Tue Sanp SHarks.) Body elongate, the snout sharp; mouth wide, the teeth large, long, narrow, entire, very sharp, most of the teeth with one or two small cusps at base; gill openings all in front of pectorals; dorsals small, similar to the anal; tail as in Galeorhinide ; no nictitating membrane; spiracles minute. One genus and 3 species; rather small sharks, of the Atlantic. 13. CARCHARIAS Rafinesque. (Odontaspis Agassiz.) (xdpxapos, jagged.) a. First and fourth teeth of the upper jaw, and first tooth of the lower without basal cusps. (Eugomphodus Gill.) 18. C. littoralis (Mitchill). Sanp Sark. Pectoral short. Color gray. L. 6 feet. Cape Cod to 8. C., rather common N. A voracious little shark. (Lat., of the shore.) Famity X. LAMNIDA. (THe Porseacwes.) Body robust, contracted to a rather slender tail, which has a keel on each side ; caudal fin lunate, the lower lobe nearly as large as the upper, and not very different in form; teeth large; gill openings wide, all in front of pectorals; first dorsal and pectorals large ; second dorsal and anal very small; a pit at root of caudal, spiracles obsolete. Large, voracious sharks of the warm seas. Genera 3, species about 6. a. Teeth slender, sharp, with entire edges; tail very slender. b. Teeth very slender, flexuous, without basalcusps . . . Isurus, 14. bb. Teeth broader, most of them with a small cusp on each side at base. Lamna, 15. aa. Teeth broad, compressed, triangular, distinctly serrate; tail rather stout. CARCHARODON, 16. 14. ISURUS Rafinesque. (ioos, equal; odpd, tail.) u. First dorsal entirely behind pectorals, nearly midway between base of P. and V. (Jsuropsis, Gill.) 19. I. dekayi (Gill). Macxeret Swarx. Color bluish. L. 15 feet. W.I., rarely N. (For James E. Dekay, author of the Fauna of New York.) 15. LAMNA Cuvier. (Aduva, a kind of shark.) 20. L. cornubica (Gmelin). PorBEAGLE. MAcKEREL SHARK. First dorsal close behind pectorals; snout conical, sharp; back elevated ; third tooth on each side in upper jaw small. L. 8 feet. Warm seas, frequently N. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (Lat., pertaining to Cornwall.) SQUATINIDA. — XII. 19 16. CARCHARODON Andrew Smith. (xdpyapos, jagged ; é8ayv, tooth.) 21. C. carcharias (L.). Man-EaTeR SHarK. GREAT WHITE Suark. First dorsal somewhat behind pectorals. Color leaden- gray, P. edged with black. L. 25 feet. Most voracious of all sharks, and next in size to Cetorhinus, weighing nearly aton. Warm seas, occasional off our coasts. Linnzus says, “ Jonam prophetam ut vete- res Herculem, in hujus trinoctem ventriculo tridui spateo, besisse verosimile est.” The fossil teeth of a far larger extinct species, Carcharodon megalodon, are often found in tertiary beds along our South Atlantic coast. (Eu.) (kapyapias, old name of large sharks.) Famity XI. CETORHINIDA. (THe Basxine SHarks.) Largest of all fishes; immense sharks with the gill openings ex- tremely wide, nearly meeting above and below; mouth moderate ; teeth very small, numerous, conical, simple; no nictitating mem- brane; spiracles very small; first dorsal and pectorals large; sec- ond and anal small; caudal lunate, the upper lobe the larger ; tail keeled on the side. One species, a huge, sluggish creature, found in Northern seas. 17. CETORHINUS Blainville. (kjros, whale; pivn, a shark.) 22. C. maximus (Gunner). Basxinc SHarx. Head small, snout blunt. Gray. LL. 35 feet; depth nearly 6 feet. Open sea, 8. to Va. (Eu.) Famity XIL SQUATINIDAS. (THE ANGEL-FISHES.) Ray-like sharks, with the body depressed, the pectoral fins very large, expanded in the plane of the body, the anterior margin bear- ing some resemblance to the bend of the wing in birds; ventrals very large; dorsal fins two, small, subequal, behind ventrals ; cau- dal small; no anal; gill openings wide, subinferior, partly hidden by base of pectoral; spiracles wide, crescent-shaped, behind eyes; mouth and nostrils anterior ; teeth small, conical, pointed, distant. A single species, in most seas. The singularly formed pectoral fins give an absurd resemblance to the conventional pictures of angels. 18. SQUATINA Duméril. (hina Giinther.) (Latin name, from squatus, skate.) 23. S. squatina (L.). ANGEL-FisH. Monx-FrisH. Skin rough, with small, stiff prickles; ashy gray above, usually much mottled. L. 3 or 4 feet. Warm seas, rarely N. (Eu.) Orver V. RAIA. (Tae Rays.) The Rays, as a whole, differ from the sharks in having the gill openings underneath the flat disk formed by the body and the 20 SELACHII: RALE.— V. expanded pectoral fins. The tail is comparatively slender, and its fins are small. Spiracles present. The Rajide produce large eggs, enclosed in leathery cases; most of the other Raiw are ovovi viparous, bringing forth their young alive. Families of Raiz. uw. Tail comparatively thick, with two dorsal fins; no serrated caudal spine nor cephalic fins. 8. Snout much produced, flat, armed with strong teeth on each side, set at right angles to its axis; body somewhat shark-like, the disk grad- ually passing into the tail. . . . . Pristipips, 13, bb. Snout not saw-like; disk ending ssustlcg at Late of tail. c. Electric organs wanting; skin not perfectly smooth. . Rasrpa, 14. cc. Electric organs present; a structure of honeycomb-like tubes between pectoral fins and head; skin perfectly smooth. . TorPEDINIDA, 14. aa. Tail slender, with but one dorsal fin or none, and usually armed with a serrated spine. d. Pectoral fins uninterrupted, confluent about the snout; teeth small. DASYATID&, 15. dd. Pectoral fins divided, leaving detached appendages (‘‘ cephalic fins ’’) on the snout. e. Teeth very large, flat, tessellated. . . . . . AETOBATIDS, 16. ee. Teeth very small, flat or tubercular; size enormous, largest of the rays. MANTID&, 17. Famity XT. PRISTIDIDA. (Tue Saw-risHes.) Rays with elongate body, stout, thick tail, and a long saw-like snout, below which is the inferior mouth with small blunt teeth. Dorsals and caudal well developed. One genus, with 5 or 6 species, in warm seas. 19. PRISTIS Latham. (mpicrns, one who saws; the ancient name.) 24. P. pectinatus Latham. Saw-risu. Saw with 25 to 28 pairs of spines. L.10 feet. West Indies; occasional N. (Lat. comb-toothed. ) Famity XIV. RAJIDAi. (Tue Skates.) Rays with the disk broad, rhombic, more or less rough; the males usually with about two rows of strong spines on each pec- toral; tail rather stout, with a fold of skin on each side, and twc dorsal fins above ; caudal fin small or obsolete ; no serrated spine : no electric organs. Egg in a large leathery case, four-angled, and having two tubular horns at each end. Genera 4, species 40 mostly of the Northern seas. a, Caudal fin rudimentary; pectorals not confluent, leaving a translucen’ area at the snout; ventrals deeply notched. ol BH » Raga, 20 TORPEDINIDA. — XV. 21 20. RAJA (Artedi) Linneus. (Raia or Raja, the Latin name.) a. Middle line of back and tail behind shoulders, unarmed in adult, with a row of spines in young; outline of disk before spiracles obtuse, without acute angle at tip of snout. 6. Rows of teeth about $8. 25. R. erinacea Mitchill. Common Skate. Tospacco-Box. Spines largest on front of pectorals; smaller ones on head, back, and shoulder girdle. Light brown, with round dark spots. L. 14 feet. Smallest and commonest of our skates, from Va. northward. (Lat., hedge-hog.): bb. Rows of teeth about 28. 26. R. ocellata Mitchill. Bre Skate. Similar to preceding, but much larger, and with additional rows of spines along the back and on sides of tail. Light brown, with dark spots; usually a large white ocellus with a dark centre on P. behind. L. 3 feet. Mass. N aa. Middle line of back and tail with a row of spines at all ages; outline of disk before spiracles forming a more or less marked angle at tip of snout. c. Angle at tip of snout short, obtuse; teeth 485 body and tail with strong spines with broad stellate bases. 27. R. radiata Donovan. A median dorsal row of large spines or bucklers; others about head. L. 14 to 2 feet. N. Atl.; rather rare, S. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) ce. Angle at tip of snout acute, moderately long; teeth 59; no coarse spines or bucklers. 28. R.eglanteria Lacépéde. Prickles small and sharp; a large spine on each shoulder. Brown, with darker bars and blotches. L. 2 feet. Cape Cod southward ; not common. (£glantine, brier- rose.) ccc. Angle at tip of snout much produced, blunt; teeth $2. 29. R. levis Mitchill. Barn-poor Sxatr. Spines of body very few and small, on head and back; a row of larger ones on median line of tail; female rougher, as is usual among rays; snout very long, somewhat spatulate. Color brownish, with paler spots mostly ringed with darker. L. 4 feet. Wa. N.; not rare. (Lat. smooth.) Famity XV. TORPEDINIDA. (Tae Exrecrric Rays.) Trunk broad and smooth, the tail short and thick, with rayed caudal and usually two rayed dorsals, the first over or behind ven- trals; a large electric organ made up of hexagonal tubes, between head and pectorals. Genera 6, species 15, found in most warm seas; noted for their power of giving electric shocks. a. Dorsal fins two; ventrals separate; spiracle — nearly an eye’s diameter behindeye.. . . ae : . - Torpxpo, 21. 22 SELACHII: RALE. — V. 21. TORPEDO Duméril. 30. T. occidentalis Storer. Torpepo. Cramp-FisH. NumB- FisH. Black, with obscure darker blotches; spiracles with entire edges. L. 3 to 5 feet. Cape Cod S.; not common. Famitry XVI. DASYATIDA. (Tue Srinc-Rays.) Disk broad, the pectorals confluent anteriorly, forming tip of snout; tail, usually whip-like, sometimes short and stout, with or without fins, but never with two dorsals. ‘Tail usually armed with a sharp, retrorsely serrate spine above, near the base (this often duplicated and sometimes wanting): ventral fins entire. Skin smooth or variously rough, the adult roughest. Mouth small, with small teeth. Sexes similar. Genera 10, species 50, in most warm seas. The large spine or “sting ” on the tail in most species may inflict a dangerous wound. uw. Tail slender, whip-like, without caudal fin, nial than the disk; *‘sting”’ on tailstrong. . . By gr a oe DasyATis, 22. aa. Tail very slender and aout shorter ‘ligt the very broad disk: sting minute or wanting... . . . .. . - . PTEROPLATEA, 23. 22. DASYATIS Rafinesque. (Trygon Adanson.) (8acvs, shaggy or rough; Baris, skate.) a. Tail with a fold on its lower margin only, the upper edge rounded. 31. D. centrurus (Mitchill). Common Stinc-Ray. Ciam- CracKkER. STINGAREE. Snout not prominent; disk a little wider than long; tail usually not quite twice length of disk. Adult with some stellate tubercles on back and tail. Color olive-brown. L. 12 feet. Cape Cod §., common. (xévrpov, spine; odpd, tail.) aa. Tail with a fold of skin on its upper as well as lower margin. 82. D. say (Le Sueur). SouTHern Stinc-Ray. Wuip- PAREE. Snout not prominent; disk a little wider than long; tail nearly twice length of disk. Body and tail without large spines. N. Y.,S. (To Thomas Say, a distinguished zodlogist.) 23. PTEROPLATEA, Miiller & Henle. 33. P. maclura (Le Sueur). Burrerrty Ray. Disk nearly twice as broad as long, three times as long as tail; sting on tail usually obsolete. Olive-brown, finely marbled and speckled; tail with four dark blotches: front edge of disk with pale half-circular spots. Va.S. (To William Maclure.) Famity XVII. AETOBATIDA. (Tue Eacre Rays.) Pectoral fins interrupted, reappearing on tip of snout as one or two detached appendages or cephalic fins; skull somewhat elevated, so that eyes and spiracles are lateral; teeth large. flat, hexangular, MANTID&, —— XVIII. 23 the middle series largest. Otherwise essentially as in Dasyatide. Genera 3, species 20, in the warm seas. a. Snout entire. &. Teeth very broad, in one series. . . . . . . . STOAsoDON, 24. 6b. Teeth in several series. . . . . . . . . . . AETOBATIS, 25. aa. Snout emarginate; teeth in several series. . . . . RHINOPTERA, 26. 24. STOASODON Cantor. (Aetobatis Miiller & Henle.) (orod, arcade; ddovs, tooth.) 34. S. narinari (Euphrasen). BisHop Ray. Disk twice as broad as long. Tail very long, three or four times disk. Brown with many round yellowish spots. Warm seas, N. to Va. (Nari- nari, the Brazilian name.) : 25. AETOBATIS Blainville (1816). (Myliobatis Duméril, 1817.) (a:ros, eagle; Baris, ray.) 85. A. freminvillii (Le Sueur). Eaair Ray. Skin smooth; color reddish brown. Cape Cod 8S. Scarce. (For Christian Pau- lin de Freminville, author of some papers on Plectognaths.) 26. RHINOPTERA Kubl. 36. R. bonasus (Mitchill). Cow-nosEp Ray. Cephalic fin emarginate, and placed below level of pectorals, so that the snout appears four-lobed when viewed from the front. Skin nearly smooth. Cape Cod S. “He enters the bay and ranges very exten- sively the flats where the soft clam lives. These shell-fish he is supposed to devour, for a shoal of cow-noses root up the salt- water flats as completely as a drove of hogs would do.” (Mitchill.) (R. quadriloba Le Sueur.) (Lat., a buffalo.) Famiry XVII. MANTIDA. (Tue Sea Devits.) Rays of immense size, similar to the Aetobatide, but with the cephalic fins forming long ear-like appendages, and with the teeth very small. Skin rough. Genera 2, species 7; among the largest of all fishes, found in warm seas. a. Teeth in lower jaw only; mouth terminal . . . . . . . Mantra, 27. 27. MANTA Bancroft. (Manta, blanket, “a name used at the pearl fisheries of Panama, for an enormous fish much dreaded by the divers, whom it is said to devour, after enveloping them in its vast wings.”) 87. M. birostris (Walbaum). Sea Deviz. Manta. Disk not quite twice as broad as long; tail as long as disk. Brown; disk 12 feet long; its breadth about 20. Tropical seas, N. to Delaware Bay. (Lat. bis, two; rostrum, snout.) 24 HOLOCEPHALI. SUBCLASS HOLOCEPHALI. This group, defined on page 13, is equivalent to the Orpver VI. HOLOCEPHALI. Skeleton cartilaginous; gill cavity with four clefts within, but externally with a single opening, which is covered by a fold of skin within which is a rudimentary opercle. No spiracles. Jaws with- out separate teeth, but armed with bony plates, Notochord persist- ent, the vertebre consisting of rings around a notochordal sheath. No air-bladder ; intestine with a spiral valve; skin smooth, with a highly developed mucous system. Dorsal fin with a strong spine. One family. (6dos, solid; xepady, head.) Famity XIX. CHIMARIDA. Forehead of males with a movable cartilaginous hook, turned forward and armed with prickles at tip. Oviparous, the egg- cases elliptical, with silky filaments. Two genera, 5 or 6 species, in cold waters. Fishes of most singular appearance, unlike any- thing else. uw, Snout soft, not ending in a cutaneous flap; tail not bent upward. CHIMARA, 28. 28. CHIM RA Linnzus. (Xipatpa, Chimera, a fabulous monster, with the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a serpent.) 38. C. affinis Capello. Color plumbeous. Cold or deep water, S. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (Lat., related, —to C. monstrosa.) TELEOSTOMI. 25 Supctass TELEOSTOMI. (THE TRUE FIsHEs.) Skeleton usually bony, sometimes cartilaginous. Skull with sutures; membrane bones (opercle, preopercle, etc.) present; gill openings a single slit on each side; gills with their outer edges free, their bases attached to bony arches, normally four pairs of these, the fifth pair being modified into tooth-bearing pharyngeals ; median and paired fins developed, the latter with distinct rays. Ova small; no claspers. Heart developed, divided into an auricle, ventricle, and arterial bulb. Lungs imperfectly developed, or modi- fied to form a swim-bladder, or entirely absent. We here include under one head the Ganoids and the Teleosts. The former type is chiefly composed of extinct forms. While many of its representatives are extremely dissimilar to the bony fishes, there is a gradual series of transitions, and between the Halecomorphi of the Ganoids and the Jsospondyli of the true Teleosts, the resemblance is much greater than that between the Halecomorphi and many other Ganoids The Ganoids are, in fact, the most generalized of the true fishes, those nearest the stock from which the Teleosts on the one hand, and the Dipnoi and Batrachia on the other, have sprung. The real value or rank of some of the current orders or suborders is still doubtful. (réAcos, perfect ; orépa, mouth.) - Omitting orders not represented in our waters, we have the following analysis of Orders of True Fishes. uv. Arterial bulb muscular, with numerous valves; optic nerves forming a solid chiasma; ventrals abdominal; air-bladder with a duct; tail strongly heterocercal throughout life; some fins usually with fulcra. (Series GANOIDEI.) 6. Skeleton cartilaginous; ventrals with an entire series of basilar seg- ments. (Chondrostei.) cv. Maxillary and interopercle obsolete ; skin naked; air-bladder cellular. SELAcHostom, VII. cc. Maxillary and interopercle es skin with bony shields; air- bladder simple. . . . . . . . Guayiostomt, VIII. bb. Skeleton bony; ventrals with basilar: segments rudimentary; air-bladder cellular. (Holostei.) d. Vertebre opisthoceelian (concavo-convex); maxillary transversely divided in several pieces; scales rhombic, enamelled plates. GinctymopnI, IX. 26 TELEOSTOML dd. Vertebrx amphiccelian (double concave); maxillary not transversely divided; scales cycloid. . . . . - . . HAvecomorpui, X. aa, Arterial bulb thin, with a pair of opposite valves; optic nerves crossing, not forming a solid chiasma. (Series TELEOSTEI.) ce. Air-bladder (if present) connected by an air-duct with the intestinal canal, this persistent throughout life; ventral fins (if present) abdomi- nal, without spines, their basilar segments rudimental. (Svuft-rayed fishes.) (Physostom?.) J. Shoulder girdle attached to the skull by means of a post-temporal bone (suprascapula); form not eel-like. g. Precoracoid arch, present. h. Maxillary bone imperfect, forming the base of a long barbel; no subopercle nor symplectic bone ; four anterior vertebra much modified, co-ossitied, and with an ossicula auditus; supraoccipitals and parietals co-ossified; no scales. . . NEMATOGNATHI, XI. hh. Maxillary bone perfect, not entering into a barbel (rarely entirely wanting); subopercle and symplectic bone present. i. Anterior vertebrae modified, co-ossified, and with the ossicula auditus. . . . « . « . . EventoGnatul, XII. wz, Anterior vertebrae simfian ‘te the athens, separate, and without ossicula auditus. . . . - +. . . ITsosponpy1i, XIII. gg. Precoracoid arch obsolete; aitiezios vertebre not modified; parie- tal bones separated by supraoccipital head scaly. Haptomi, XIV. Jf. Shoulder girdle not attached to the skull; no precoracoid arch; parietal bones in contact; siempre wanting or united with the palatines; form eel-like.. . . . . + . . ApopEs, XV. ee. Air-bladder without duct (in the adult) ; wana fins without basal seg- ments, usually anterior in position; spines usually present in the fins; pectoral tins not on the plane of the abdomen; parietal bones usu- ally separated by the supraoccipital. (Spiny-rayed fishes chiefly.) (Physoclysti.) jy. Shoulder girdle connected to the skull by a post-temporal. k. Lower pharyngeals co-ossified; no spines; ventrals abdominal; lateral line on side of abdomen. . . . . . . SYNENTOGNATHI, XVI. kk. Lower pharyngeals separate (or united, and the dorsal fin with spines.) 1. Gills tufted; pharyngeal bones and most of the branchihyals want- ing; skin with bony plates. . . . . LopnHoprancuu, XVII. Wd. Gills pectinate (as usual in fishes). m. Superior branchihyals and pharyngeals reduced in number ; ventrals sub-abdominal. . . . . Hemrprancut, XVIII. mm. Superior branchihyals and pharyngeals in normal development. n. Ventral fins abdominal, . . . . . . PrRcEsoces, X[X. nn. Ventral fins thoracic or jugular. o. Pectoral fins not pediculate, the gill openings in front of them. p. Bones of the jaws distinct. q- Cranium normal. . . . . . ACANTHOPTERI, XX. qq. Cranium twisted, so that both eyes are on the same side of head; no fin spines. . . HeETERosomaTa, XXI. ARTIFICIAL KEY. 27 pp. Bones of jaws co-ossified, the maxillary with the pre- maxillary, the dentary with the articular. PLectTocnaTHI, XXII. oo. Pectoral fins pediculate, the basal bones reduced in number and elongate, the gills in their axils. PzpicuLati, XXIII. More than two hundred families are now recognized among the true fishes. The characters on which family divisions are based are usually internal, and often difficult for the beginner to ascer- tain. The boundaries and definitions of many families are also still uncertain. Instead, therefore, of giving a natural analysis under each order of the families included within it, I have thought it best to give instead an Artificial Key by which the student can recognize any of the families of True Fishes included in this work. For analytical keys showing, in some degree, the natural charac- ters, the student is referred to Jordan and Gilbert’s Synopsis of the Fishes of North America. A repetition of these analytical tables would consume considerable space, and would not be of much aid to any but advanced students. Artificial Key to the Families of True Fishes included in the Present Work. Series I, Ventrat FINS PRESENT, ABDOMINAL. A, Dorsal fins two, the anterior rayed, the posterior adipose. B. Body naked; head with 4 to 8 pasa dorsal and pectoral each with astroug spine. . . . . . SILURIDa, 24, BB. Body scaly ; no tbatbelas no wapines, C. Maxillary wanting, or grown fast to premaxillary ; head scaly. SyNnoDonTIDs&, 32, CC. Maxillaries distinct; head naked. D. Scales ctenoid; oe of satel al formed by premaxillaries alone... . . - PERcoPSIDa, 35. DD. Scales cycloid; ‘tharpit of uber ie freed, in part by maxil- laries. £. Stomach a blind sac, with few pyloric ceca. (Smelt, etc.) ARGENTINID#, 33. EE. Stomach siphonal, with many pyloric ceca. SALMONID#, 34, AA. Dorsal fin single, with free spines before it; body naked, or with bony plates; ventral rays,I,1, .. - . . GASTEROSTEIDA, 45. AAA. Dorsal fins two, the anterior of simple: rays or spines, the posterior chiefly of soft rays; ventrals, I, 5. F. Teeth very strong, unequal; a lateral line present. SpHyYRANIDH, 48, FF. Teeth small, subequal; no lateral line. G. Dorsal spines slender, 4 to 8; anal spine 1. . ATHERINIDA, 47. GG. Dorsal spines stout, 4; anal spines, 2or3. . . . MuarLipa, 46. AAAA. Dorsal fin single, of soft rays only (sometimes preceded by fulcra or followed by finlets). H. Tail evidently heterocercal. (Ganoid fishes.) J, Caudal forked, the lower lobe well developed. 28 TELEOSTOMI. J. Body naked; snout spatulate; mouth wide, without barbels; caudal with fulcra.. . . . « POLYODONTIDs, 20. JJ. Body with 5 series of ony shields; head with bony shields; mouth inferior, toothless, preceded by 4 barbels; fins with fulcra, ACIPENSERID&, 21. 71, Caudal rounded or lanceolate; head with a bony casque. X. Scales ganoid (rhombic, enamelled Binteshs no gular plate; fins with fulcra; dorsal fin short. . . . . LEpIsosTEIDs, 22, XX. Scales cycloid; a bony gular pikes no taller dorsal long. AMIID, 23, ATH. Tail not evidently heterocercal (except in the very young). ¥. Scales cycloid. K, Side of belly with a conspicuous ridge or lateral line; pectoral fins inserted high, on or above the axis of the body; lower lobe of caudal longest; lower pharyngeals united. . Exocarip%, 42, KK. Edge of belly without conspicuous ridge or lateral line; pectoral fins inserted usually below axis of body; lower pharyngeals separate. 4M. Vent before ventrals; eyes rudimentary. . AMBLYOPSIDs, 36. MM. Vent behind ventrals; eyes normal. NV. Head more or less scaly. O. Upper jaw not protractile, its margin formed by maxillaries posteriorly. P. Teeth cardiform, unequal. . . . . . . Esocmps, 89, PP. Teeth villiform, equal. . . ‘ Cheneas 38. OO. Upper jaw very ov its dex formed by premaxil- laries alone. . . - . CYPRINODONTIDs, 87. NN. Head without scales. Q. Gill membranes united with the isthmus; lower pharyngeals falciform; mouth toothless; anterior vertebra coalesced. R. Pharyapeat teeth larger, in one or more rows, the main row with less than 8 teeth; dorsal (in native species) with less than 10 rays. . . . . . CYPRINIDA, 26. RR. Pharyngeal teeth very numerous, in one row; dorsal rays tenormore. . . » . . . CatosTtomIps&, 25. QQ. Gill membranes free from the isthmus; lower pharyngeals flattish; anterior vertebra not modified. S. Lateral line present. T. Lower jaw with a gular plate; fins with scaly sheaths. ELopPip&, 29. TT. Lower jaw without gular plate. U. Tongue with canine teeth; mouth terminal, oblique. HropontTipa&, 27. UU. Tongue with blunt teeth; mouth inferior, horizontal. ALBULID&, 28. SS. Lateral line wanting. V. Mouth very wide, the maxillary reaching much beyond eye; snout short. . : . STOLEPHORIDA, 31. VV. Mouth moderate, the es scarcely extending beyondeye . . . + . CLUPEID, 30. YY. Scales none; caudal with a Alaments snout long, tubular, with the amall mouth at the end. . FIstuvarnpsa, 44. ARTIFICIAL KEY. 29 Serizs II. Ventrau FINS PRESENT, THORACIC OR JUGULAR. A, Eyes unsymmetrical, both on same side of head. . PLEURONECTID#, 89. 4A. Eyes symmetrical. &. Gill openings in front of pectorals. C. Body more or less scaly, or armed with bony plates. D. Ventral fins united into one; no lateral line; gill membranes joined toisthmus. . . soe ee ss + GOBIIDA, 82, DD. Ventral fins separate. £. Top of head with a large paiae ris, modified from the spinous dorsal. . . . . ECHENEIDID«, 50. EE, Top of head seithont aickinp dake, F. Ventral rays, I, 5. G. Suborbital with a bony stay which extends across the cheeks to or towards the preopercle; cheeks sometimes entirely bony. #. Pectoral fin with 2 or 8 lower rays detached and separate. TRIGLID#, 76. HH. Pectoral fin entire; slit behind fourth gill small, or wanting. Z. Dorsal spines, 9 to 17; anal spines three; eyes lateral. ScorPanip#, 72. IT. Dorsal spines, four; eyes superior. URrANoscopiDs, 81. GG. Suborbital stay wanting; cheeks not mailed. . Dorsal spines all or nearly all unconnected by membrane. L. Body elongate, subterete. . . . Evacatips, 51, LL. Body oblong or ovate, compressed. M. Caudal peduncle very slender, the fin widely forked. CARANGID&, 56. MM. Caudal peduncle stout, the fin little forked. STROMATEID#, 58. KK. Dorsal spines, if present, mostly connected by membrane. NV. Dorsal and anal each with 4 or more finlets; scales minute. ScoMBRIDA, 55. NN. Dorsal and anal without finlets, or with but one each. O. Throat with two long barbels . . . . MuLiips, 67 OO. Throat without barbels. P. Anal preceded by two free spines (these often obsolete with age). Q. Scales very small, cycloid. . . CARANGID, 56. QQ. Scales moderate, ctenoid. . .PomATomMIp#, 57 PP. Anal without free spines. A. Tail with a fleshy keel on each side. CARANGID4, 56. RR. Tail not keeled. S. Dorsal fin very long, without distinct spines; caudal deeply forked. . CoRYPHmNID«, 59. SS. Dorsal fin with distinct spines; gill membranes free from isthmus. T. Vomer with teeth. U. Anal spines none; eyes on top of head. URANoscopips#, 81. UV. Anal spines, one or two. 30 TELEOSTOMI. V. Anal rays more than 20. .. - . . . + PoMATomIps, 57. VV. Anal rays lessthan20. . . . . . . . . . - PERCIDA, 63. UUU. Anal spines three. W. Pseudobranchiz small, fleshy, covered by skin. CENTRARCHIDA, 62, WW. Pseudobranchie large, exposed. X. Maxillary slipping under preorbital for its whole length. SPARIDA, 66. XX. Maxillary not slipping under preorbital for its whole length. SERRANID&, 64, UUUU. Anal spines, 4to10. . . . . . . . CENTRARCHIDA, 62. TT. Vomer without teeth. Y. Teeth setiform (tooth-brush like); soft parts of vertical fins densely scaly; body elevated; dorsal deeply notched. EPuHIpPip, 71. YY. Teeth not setiform. Z. Lateral line obsolete; dorsal spines about 4. ELASsOMATID&, 61. ZZ. Lateral line present. u. Anal spines 1 or 2; a large slit behind fourth gill. b. Lateral line extending on caudal fin; snout scaly. . . Screnip#, 68. 66. Lateral line not extending on caudal fin; snout scaleless. PERCID, 63. aa. Anal spines 3. ce. Slit behind fourth gill none; lower aie sai completely united; jaws with canines in front.. . . . . LABRIDA, 70. cc. Slit behind fourth gill large. d. Anal with more than 15 soft rays; preopercle serrate. STROMATEID, 58. dd. Anal with less than 15 soft rays. c. Maxillary slipping beneath the broad preorbital for its whole length; dorsal spines more than 10. . . . . SPARIDS, 66. ée. Maxillary not slipping beneath the narrow preorbital. y Dorsal spines 12; ee moderately protractile; pseu- dobranchiz large. e 8 » . . . Loporips, 65. yy Dorsal spines 9 or 10;, ietactillenlen extremely protractile; pseudobranchie concealed. . . - ... GERRIDA, 69. #F. Ventral fins with or without spine; the number of rays not I, 5. a. Upper jaw prolonged inasword.. . . . . . IsTIOPHORIDA, 53. ax. Upper jaw not sword-like. J. Dorsal fin low, of spines only. . . . . . . . BLENNIIDA, 83. Jf. Dorsal fin of spines anteriorly, of soft rays posteriorly. g- Ventral rays 7; vent anterior; dorsal spines 3 or 4. APHREDODERID&, 60. gg- Ventral raysI, 1; dorsal spines free; vent normal; body mailed. GASTEROSTEIDA, 45. 999. Ventral rays I, 4; body scaly; pectoral fin divided to base in two unequal parts. . . . . CEPHALACANTHIDA, 75. Jff. Dorsal of soft rays anteriorly, with low spines posteriorly. Lycopin&, 86. Jfff. Dorsal fin of soft rays only. ARTIFICIAL KEY. 31 &. Dorsal fin very short; body mailed. . . . . . AGONIDA&, 74. hh. Dorsal fin very long; body with small scales. t. Dorsal and anal joined to the caudal. j- Gill membranes free from the isthmus; ventrals very slender, barbel-like.. © 2. 2. 2... . « OpHIDUIDA, 87, Jj. Gill oribrandy united to the isthmus. . . Lycopip#, 86. ui. Dorsal and anal free from caudal; tail isocercal. Gapipa, 88. CC. Body scaleless, smooth or more or less prickly or warty. k. Breast with a sucking-disk. 2. Gill membranes free from isthmus; no spinous dorsal. GosIEsocips, 80. i. Gill membranes attached to the isthmus. m, Skinsmooth, . . . . . . . . Lipariprpa, 77. mm. Skin warty. . . - + . . CYCLOPTERIDA, 78, kk. Breast without sucking-isk. n. Ventrals completely united. - . . . GosBiups, 82. nn. Ventrals separate. o. Ventral rays I, 5. p. Dorsal and anal with finlets. . . . Scomprips, 55. pp. Dorsal and anal without finlets; two free anal spines. CARANGIDA, 56. oo. Ventral rays less than I, 5. q. Upper jaw prolonged into a sword. IsTiopHoRIDs, 53. qq. Upper jaw not prolonged into a sword. r. Suborbital with abony stay. . . . Corrips, 73. rr. Suborbital without bony stay. s. Dorsal spines two or three; teeth strong. BATRACHID&, 79. ss. Dorsal spines 4 to 6; teeth small. GASTEROSTEID&, 46, sss. Dorsal spines numerous; teeth comb-like. BLENNID.s, 88. BB. Gill openings small, behind the pectoral fins, which are pediculate. t, Gill openings in or behind lower axil of pectorals; mouth large, terminal. u. Pseudobranchie present; head broad, depressed; mouth very large, with large unequal teeth. . . . . . Lopumups, 96. uu. Pseudobranchie none ; head compressed; teeth small. ANTENNARIIDA, 95. tt. Gill openings in or behind upper axil of ‘ahi mouth small, below a projecting snout. . . . . . Marana, 94, Serres III. Ventrat Fins ENTIRELY WANTING. A. Gill membranes joined to the isthmus, so that the gill openings of the two sides are not connected. B. Dorsal fin single, of spines only (these sometimes slender, like soft rays). C. Molar teeth present. . . + . . . . ANARRHICHADIDA, 85. CC. Molar teeth none. D. Mouth vertical; body naked. . . . CRYPTACANTHODIDS, 84. DD. Mouth not vertical; body scaly. . . . . . BLENNIID#, 88. 32 PISCES. — GANOIDEI. BB. Dorsal fins two, the anterior spinous; teeth incisor-like. BALISTID&, 90. BBB. Dorsal fin single, of soft rays only. E. Snout tubular, bearing the short toothless jaws at the end; body mailed. « % ee ® . . +» » SYNGNATHIDA, 43. EE. Snout not fibula: F. Body elongate, eel-shaped; maxillaries and premaxillaries coales- cent with vomer and palatines. G. Lower jaw projecting ; skin covered with linear imbedded scales arranged at right angles with each other. ANGUILILIDA, 40. GG. Lower jaw not projecting; skin scaleless.. . ECHELIDA, 41. FF. Body not eel-shaped. ff. Breast with a sucking-disk. J. Skin smooth. . . . ea . . Liparrip#, 77. JT, Skin warty. . orc . CYCLOPTERIDA, 78. HH. Breast without saat disks J. Teeth in each jaw confluent into one. K. Body compressed, the skin rough. . . . Mo ip, 93, KK, Body not compressed, armed with spines. DioponTID#, 92. JJ. Teeth in each jaw confluent into two. TETRAODONTIDs, 91, AA, Gill membranes free from the isthmus. ZL. Vent at the throat; vertical fins separate. . . AMBLYOPSIDA, 36. LL. Vent normal. M. Caudal fin wanting; body naked... . . . . Tricnrurip«, 54. MM. Caudal fin present. NV. Upper jaw produced inasword.. . . . . . XIPHIIDH, 52. NN. Upper jaw without sword. O. Body ovate, much compressed... . STROMATEID, 58. 00. Body oblong or elongate; gill membranes not united. P. Jaws toothless, the lower projecting . AMMODYTID#, 49, PP. Jaws with teeth, the lower not projecting. OpHipups, 87. Seriss GANOIDEL (Tue Ganorp Fisues.) The name Ganoidei was first used by Agassiz for those fishes which are armed with bony plates, instead of regular cycloid or ctenoid scales. Later, Johannes Miiller, one of the greatest of systematic zodlogists, restricted the group to those fishes which show more or less distinct reptilian or batrachian affinities, and especially affinities with the mailed fishes of the Devonian and Carboniferous ages. The group is a heterogeneous one, and one practically scarcely susceptible of definition. Some of the Ganoids are closely allied to the Teleosts; some approach the Dipnoi, and some again resemble the Holocephali. The existence of the solid optic chiasma, the presence of several valves in the arterial bulb, and of a more or less developed spiral valve in the rectum, distin- POLYODONTIDA. — XX. 338 guish the living Ganoids from all Teleosts, but none of these chay- acters can be verified in the extinct forms. It seems to us better not to regard the Ganoids as a separate class or subclass, but to unite them with the Teleosts. (ydvos, splendor, from the enam- elled scales.) Orver VII. SELACHOSTOMI. This order contains but one family. (oéAaxos, shark or other cartilaginous fish; grdéya, mouth.) Famiry XX. POLYODONTIDA. (Tue Pappue- FISHES.) Body fusiform, the skin mostly smooth; snout prolonged in a flat, spatulate blade, which overhangs the broad, terminal mouth ; the “spatula” with a reticulated framework; teeth very numerous, minute, disappearing with age; opercle rudimentary, its skin pro: duced in a long flap; gills 44; no pseudobranchie; gill rakers very long, in two rows, separated by membrane; gill membranes con- nected, free from isthmus; one branchiostegal; spiracles present. C. fin with fulcra; D. posterior; tail heterocercal, the lower lobe nearly as long as the upper; sides of tail with rhombic plates; air-bladder large, cellular; stomach cecal, the pyloric caca form- ing a branching, leaf-like organ. Singular fishes, feeding on mud and minute organisms which they stir up on the bottom with the long oar-like snout. Two species, Psephurus gladius of rivers of China, and the following. uw. Gill rakers very fine and numerous; caudal fulcra many, small. Potyopon, 29. 29. POLYODON (Lacépéde) Bloch & Schneider. (modvs, many; ddev, tooth.) 39. P. spathula (Walbaum). Pappie-Fisu. Spoon-BiL. Duck-Bittep Cat. Olivaceous; opercular flap in adult reaching V.; head with flap and spatula more than half length. D. 55, A. 57, V.45. L. 6 feet. Miss. valley; common in larger streams. (P. folium Lac.) (Lat. spatula.) Orver VIII. GLANIOSTOMI. This order contains only the family of Sturgeons. (yAaus, cat- fish ; oréua, mouth.) Famity XXI. ACIPENSERIDA#. (Tue Sturceons.) Body elongate, fusiform, with five rows of bony keeled shields, the skin between these rows with small or minute plates; snout produced; mouth inferior, protractile, toothless; four barbels in a cross-row before mouth; gills 4; an accessory opercular gill; no 3 34 PISCES : — GLANIOSTOMI. — VIII. branchiostegals; head covered by bony plates joined by sutures; gill membranes joined to isthmus ; vertical fins with fulera; dorsal and anal posterior; tail heterocercal; air-biadder large, simple; stomach not cecal, with pyloric appendages; rectum with spiral valve. Seas and rivers of northern regions; feeding on small animals and plants sucked in through the tube-like mouth. Genera 2, species about 20. The sturgeons change considerably with age. The snout be- comes shorter and blunter, the shields smoother, and some of the shields often fall off or are absorbed in old age. a. Spiracles obsolete; snout broad, shovel-shaped, depressed above; rows of bony shields coalescent behind the dorsal, so that the depressed tail is completely mailed; gill rakers small, fan-shaped, ending in 3 or 4 points. SCAPHIRHYNCHUS, 80. aa. Spiracles present; snout sub-conic; rows of bony shields nowhere con- fluent, the tail not depressed nor mailed; gill rakers lanceolate. ACIPENSER, 31. 30. SCAPHIRHYNCHUS Heckel. (Scaphirhynchops Gill.) (cxdgn, spade; puryxos, snout.) 40. S. platyrhynchus (Rafinesque). SHovEL-NoSED Stur- Geon. Waite SturGeon. Body elongate, tapering into the slender depressed tail, which extends in the young beyond C. as a slender filament; shields sharply keeled; dorsal shields 15 to 18; lateral, 41 to 46; ventral, 11 to 13. L. 5 feet. Miss. Valley, ete., common. (mAarvs, flat; puyxos, snout.) 31. ACIPENSER (Artedi) Linnzus. (Lat., sturgeon.) a, Plates between vent and A. large, in one or two rows. b. Space between dorsal and lateral shields with stellate plates of moder- ate size in 5 to 10 series: last dorsal shield of moderate size, more than half length of one before it. 41. A. sturio L. Common Sturceon. First dorsal fulcrum somewhat enlarged, its surface rough; dorsal shields 9 to 11; lateral shields 26 to 31; ventral, 9 or 10; 2 rows of 2 shields each, with one median shield between vent and anal. D. 40, A. 26. L. 8 to12 feet. N. Atlantic, ascending rivers; commonest N., S. to S. C. (A. oxyrhynchus Mitchill, the American form; said to have usually fewer lateral shields.) (Eu.) (Lat., sturgeon.) 6b. Space between dorsal and lateral shields with minute plates in very many series. c. Last dorsal shield of moderate size, more than half length of next the last ; dorsal shields 15 or 16. 42. A.rubicundus Le Sueur. Laker Sturgeon. Rock Srur- GEoN. First dorsal fulcrum slightly enlarged; dorsal shields 15; lateral 38, ventral 10; 3 shields in a single row between anal fin LEPISOSTEIDA. — XXII. 35 and vent. D, 42, A. 27. Changes greatly with age, the young with sharp snout and very rough shields, and the spines strongly hooked ; the adult with blunt snout and small smooth shields, most of them finally lost. L. 6 feet. Miss. Valley, Great Lakes, and N., abundant, ascending rivers in spring, but not entering the sea. (Lat., ruddy.) cc, Last dorsal shield very small, less than half length of next the last; dorsal shields 10 to 12. 43. A. brevirostrum Le Sueur. Snout short, bluntish, much shorter than rest of head. Dorsal shields 11; lateral, 30 ; ventral, 9; one shield between anal and vent. D. 43, A. 24. N.Y. to Fla, scarce. (Lat. brevis, short; rostrum, snout.) OrvEerR IX. GINGLYMODI. This order, defined on page 25, contains but one family among recent fishes, although it has many allies among extinct forms; . (ytyyhupos, hinge; e¢iSos, tooth.) Famity XXU. LEPISOSTEHIDA. (THe Gar-risHEs.) Body subcylindical, covered with rhombic enamelled “ganoid ” scales, imbricated in oblique series which run downward and back- ward. Jaws both elongate, the upper always projecting; pre- maxillary forming most of upper jaw, the maxillary transversely divided into several pieces; lower jaw formed much as in rep- tiles; both jaws with an outer series of small teeth followed by one or two series of larger teeth of peculiar structure; close-set, rasp- like teeth on jaws, vomer, and palatines; tongue toothless, broad, emarginate; external bones of head very hard, rugose. Eyes moderate; nostrils near end of snout; pseudobranchie present, besides an opercular gill; B. 3; no spiracles; air-bladder cellular, joined by a glottis to the cesophagus, resembling the lungs of rep- tiles, and used in respiration. Fins with fulcra; D. short, nearly opposite A.; tail heterocercal, produced as a filament in young; vertebra with ball and socket joint, as in reptiles; pyloric cceca many. One genus now living, with 3 or 4 species. Singular fishes, inhabiting the lakes and larger rivers of Eastern North America. The species are extremely variable in coloration, length of snout, proportions, etc., a fact which has given rise to a multitude of use- less specific names. 32. LEPISOSTEUS Lacépéde. (Aenis, scale; doréov, bone; more correctly written Lepidosteus, but the above is the original word.) u. Beak long and slender, the snout more than twice length of rest of head. 44, L. osseus (L.). Common Gar-Pixe. Lonc-nosep Gar. Biit-risn. Olivaceous; vertical fins and posterior parts with 36 TELEOSTEI : HALECOMORPHI. — X. round black spots, distinct in young; very young with black lateral band. Length of snout 15 to 20 times its least width; large teeth of upper jaw in one row in the adult. Head 3 in length. D. 8, A. 9, V.6,P.10. Lat. 162. L. 5 feet. Great Lakes to Carolina and Mexico; abundant. (Lat., bony.) aa. Beak shorter and broader, the snout not much longer than rest of head. 6. Large teeth of upper jaw in one row on each side in adult: (an additional row on the palatines sometimes present in young.) 45. L, platystomus Rafinesque. SHORT-NosED Gar-PIkg. Snout usually 1 to 1} times rest of head, its length 5 to 6 times its least width. Head 3} in length, otherwise almost exactly as in L. osseus, the color rather darker, the size smaller. L. 3 feet. Miss. valley, etc., less common N. (mdarvs, flat; ordéua, mouth.) 6b. Large teeth of upper jaw in two series, the inner along outer edge of palatines. 46. L. tristeechus (Bloch & Schneider). ALLIGATOR Gar. Mangvari. Snout usually shorter than rest of head, its least width 3} in its length, otherwise essentially like the others; but reaching an enormous size. L. 10 feet. Ills. to Mexico and Cuba. (rpis, three ; orotxyos, row.) Orper X. HALECOMORPHI. (Tut Bow-rins.) This group, characterized on page 26, contains a single family among recent fishes. (Lat. halec, herring ; popdy, form.) Famity XXUI AMIIDAl. (Ture Bow-riys.) Body oblong, robust, with thick cycloid scales. Head sub- conical, bluntish, covered above by a very hard bony helmet; lateral margins of upper jaws formed by the maxillaries, which are divided by a lengthwise suture. Mouth horizontal, its cleft extend- ing beyond the small eye; lower jaw broad, a broad bony striated gular plate placed between its rami; premaxillaries not protractile; jaws each with an outer series of conical teeth, behind them in the lower a band of rasp-like teeth ; small teeth on vomer, palatines, and pterygoids; anterior nostril with a short barbel; cheek with a bony shield. B.10 to 12. No pseudobranchiz, nor opercular gill ; two lanceolate striate appendages on each side of isthmus; gill rakers very short, stout. Lateral line present. Dorsal fin long and low, nearly uniform; no fulcra; anal fin short; tail hete- rocercal. Vertebrz double-convex, as usual among fishes. Air- bladder, somewhat as in the Dipnoi and Batrachia, cellular, bifid in front, connected by a glottis with the pharynx. No closed ovi- duct; no pyloric ceca. One species known, in the lakes and slug- gish waters of North America, —a voracious fish, remarkably tenacious of life, and with soft and pasty flesh. AMIIDA, — XXIII. 37 33. AMIA Linneus. (Amiatus Rafinesque.) (dyia, ancient name of some fish.) 47. A. calva L. Bow-rin. Munp-risu. Doc-risu. “JoHn A. Grinpuz.” Blackish olive, sides with greenish reticulations, lower side of head with dark spots; @ with a black ocellus edged with orange at base of C. above. Head 33; depth 4. D. 48. A.11. Lat.167. @ 18 inches; 9 24. Swamps and lakes, Vt. to Dakota, Fla., and Texas; abundant in lowlands. A fish of great interest to zodlogists, from its relation to earlier types. (Lat., bald.) Series TELEOSTEI. We now take up the series of Teleostei proper, or true Bony- fishes, a group comprising the great majority of existing fishes. It is apparently descended from the Ganoid type, the Nemato- gnathi being apparently allies or descendants of the Glaniostomi, and the Jsospondyli of the Halecomorphi. As a whole, the Tele- ostei differ from the Ganoids in the more perfectly ossified skeleton, the less heterocercal tail, the degradation of the air-bladder and the arterial bulb, and in the simplicity of the optic chiasma. The Teleostei are divisible into two great groups, with rather ill-defined boundaries, —the Physostomi, or soft-rayed fishes, and the Physoclysti, or spiny-rayed. ‘The members of the former group have throughout life a slender duct, by which the air-bladder is joined to the alimentary canal. In most cases the fin-rays are soft, the ventrals abdominal, the pectorals placed low, and the scales cycloid. Although the typical Physostomi differ in many ways from the more specialized Physoclysti, yet as we approach the junction of the two groups the subordinate differences disap- pear, leaving finally the presence of the air-duct in Physostomi as the only differential character. In view of this close relation of the two groups, several writers, following Professor Gill, have re- moved as separate orders various aberrant forms, leaving the bulk of both groups in one large order, Teleocephali, with numerous suborders. We prefer to regard most of these suborders as dis- tinct orders rather than to treat the heterogeneous group of Teleocephali as an “order.” (rédeos, perfect ; daréov, bone.) Orver XI. NEMATOGNATHI. This order contains several families, which agree in having the subopercle wanting, the anterior vertebra coalesced, and the max- illary reduced to the bony core of a long barbel. None of the order have scales. (via, thread; yva6os, jaw.) 38 TELEOSTEI: NEMATOGNATHI. — XI. Famity XXIV. SILURIDA. (THe Cat-FisuEs.) Body more or less elongate, naked or with bony plates; margin of upper jaw formed by premaxillaries only, the rudimentary maxillaries forming the base of a long barbel; teeth in villiform bands. Dorsal fin “usually present, short, above or before ventrals ; usually an adipose fin behind dorsal. First ray of dorsal and pec- torals usually developed as a stout spine. Lower pharyngeals separate. Air-bladder present, large. A vast family of more than 100 genera and 900 species, mostly of the rivers and swamps of warm regions, especially of South America and Africa. A few species are marine. Many of them are excellent as food, and all are very tenacious of life. «. Dorsal short, placed before ventrals; adipose fin present; gill membranes more or less free from isthmus; body naked. 6. Anterior and posterior nostrils close together, neither with a barbel, the posterior with a valve; palatines with teeth; caudal forked. Marine species. (Tachysurine.) c. Lower jaw with 2 barbels; maxillary barbel band-like; dorsal and pectoral spines ending in striated filaments. . AILURICHTHYS, 34. cc. Lower jaw with 4 barbels; spines not filamentous. TacHysurus, 35. 6b. Anterior and posterior nostrils well separated, the posterior with a barbel; barbels 8; teeth in jaws only. (Jctalurine.) d. Adipose fin with its posterior margin free. e. Premaxillary band of teeth, without backward processes. J. Supraoccipital bone prolonged backward so that its emarginate apex fits closely around the anterior point of the second inter- spinal, thus forming a continuous bony bridge extending from the head to the dorsal spine. (Silvery species ; C. deeply forked.) . . . a . . Ioraxurvs, 36. Jf. Supraoccipital bone sot reaching the senoudl interspinal, the bony bridge more or less interrupted. g- Eyesnormal. . . nde oe . . AMEIURUS, 37. gg. Eyes concealed by jue din, i be - « Grontias, 38. ee. Premaxillary band of teeth, with a lateral backward process on each side; lower jaw prominent. * + « » « » Jeprors, 09, dd. Adipose fin keel-like, adnate to the back, more or less joined to caudal fin; a (venom) pore in axil of pectoral... Norurus, 40. 34. AILURICHTHYS Baird & Girard. (atdoupos, cat; ixOds, fish.) 48. A.marinus (Mitchill). Garr-Topsar. Sra Cat. Dusky bluish. Head short and broad. Maxillary barbels reaching end of P. spine; P. filament reaching vent, D. filament to adipose fin ; upper lobe of C. longer; palatine teeth in a nearly continuous band. Head 44. D.I.7. A. 23. L. 30 in. N. Y. to Texas, common §., not entering streams. SILURID&. — XXIV. 39 35. TACHYSURUS Lacépéde. (Galeichthys and Arius Cuv. & Val.) (raxds, swift ; odpa, tail.) a. Teeth all pointed; top of head with a bony occipital shield which is not covered by skin; bands of palatine teeth without backward prolongation on the median line; vomerine bands of teeth not confluent; ante-dorsal shield small, crescent-shaped; eyes well above angle of mouth; species with blue lustre in life. (Ariopsis Gill.) 49. T. felis (L.). Sea Cart-risa. Interorbital area flattish and smooth, without ridges or granulations; fins not low, the spines more than half length of head; vomerine teeth in a small patch; palatine teeth in a larger one, on each side, the four patches separate ; fontanelle prolonged backward as a narrow groove; occipital process long, about } head, convex at tip, with a median keel; gill membranes not meeting at an angle; maxillary barbel nearly as long as head. L.24. N.Y. to Mexico; common S. (Lat., cat.) 36. ICTALURUS Rafinesque. (y6us, fish ; atAoupos, cat.) a, Anal fin very long; its rays 32 to 35; its base nearly } of body. 50. I. furcatus (Cuv. & Val.). CHUCKLE-HEADED Cat. Silvery, nearly plain; eye small, wholly before middle of head; head 44; depth 5. Miss. valley, not uncommon. (Lat., forked.) aa, Anal fin moderate; its rays 24 to 80; its base 3} to 4 in body. 51. I. punctatus (Rafinesque). CuanneL Cat. Wuiute Cart. Sitver Car. Olivaceous, rarely blackish, the sides silvery, al- most always with small round dark olive spots; eye large, not wholly in front of middle of head; mouth small; barbels long; spines strong, serrate; head 4; depth 5. L. 3 feet. Montana to Vt., Ga., and Mexico, very abundant in flowing streams. A hand- some fish, the best in the family as food. (Lat., spotted.) 37. AMEIURUS Rafinesque. (a privative; pefovpos, curtailed, the tail not notched.) a. Caudal fin forked (species approaching Ictalurus). 6, Anal rays 25 to 35; humeral process very short and blunt; usually covered by skin, about } length of pectoral spine. 52. A. nigricans (Le Sueur). Great CAT-FISH. MISSISSIPPI Cat. FLANNEL-MOUTHED Cat. Slaty bluish, growing darker with age; body stouter than in the Channel Cat, the head broader, lower, and more depressed, the mouth wider, the caudal less forked, the skin thicker, hiding the bones of the head; head depressed above; supraoccipital above almost reaching second interspinal, the bony bridge broken for a short distance only ; anal about as long as head ; head 4 in length; depth 5; D. I. 5 or 6; A. 25 to 40 TELEOSTEI : NEMATOGNATHI. — XI. 32. Ontario to Florida and Texas, abundant in lakes and large rivers, reaching 100 pounds or more. (A. ponderosus Bean, from St. Louis, described from a specimen 5 feet long, weighing 150 pounds, is probably a giant example of this species, differing only in having 85 anal rays. I find 25, 27, 28, and 32 in four specimens of A. nigricans.) (Lat., blackish.) bb. Anal rays 20 to 23; humeral process very rough, more than half Jength of pectoral spine. 53. A. albidus (Le Sueur). Waits Cat. CHANNEL Cat oF tHe Potomac. Olive-bluish, silvery below; body stout; head broad, becoming with age very broad, the mouth in old specimens wider than in any other species; C. shallow-forked. L. 24. Penn. to N. C., very abundant in Potomac R. Varies much with age. (Lat., whitish.) aa. Caudal fin entire or very slightly emarginate. (AMEIURUS.) d. Anal fin long, of 24 to 27 rays (counting rudiments), its base more than 3 length of body. 54. A. natalis (Le Sueur). Yrrtrow Cat. Yellowish, green- ish, or blackish; body stout, the head short and broad, with wide mouth. Great Lakes to Va. and Texas, common in sluggish streams. L.15. Excessively variable. (Lat., having large nates, i.e. adipose fin.) dd. Anal fin moderate, of 18 to 22 rays, its base 4 to 5 in body. e. Lower jaw projecting. 55. A. vulgaris (Thompson). Blackish; head 34 to 4; A. 20; P. spine 2} in head. Great Lakes to Manitoba, essentially as in A. nebulosus, except for the form of the mouth; very likely a variety. (Lat., common.) ee. Lower jaw not projecting. J. Pectoral spines long, 2 to 24 in head; anal rays more than 20. 56. A.nebulosus!(LeSueur). Common BuLLHEAD. HorNeD Pout. Dark yellowish brown, varying from yellowish to black sometimes (var. marmoratus Holbrook), sharply mottled with dark green and whitish; A. rays usually 21 or 22; its base 4 in body ; pectoral spines long. L.18. New England to Wis., Va., 1 The Horned Pout are “dull and blundering fellows,” fond of the mud, and grow- ing best in weedy ponds and rivers without current. They stay near the bottom, moving slowly about with their barbels widely spread, watching for anything eat- able. They will take any kind of bait, from an angle-worm to a piece of a tin tomato- can, without coquetry, and they seldom fail to swallow the hook. They are very tenacious of life, ‘‘ opening and shutting their mouths for half an hour after their heads have been cut off.” They spawn in spring, and the old fishes lead the young in great schools near the shore, seemingly caring for them as the hen for her chickens, “CA bloodthirsty and bullying set of rangers, with ever a lance in rest, and ready to do battle with their nearest neighbor.” ( Thoreau.) SILURIDA. — XXIV. 41 and Texas, common, the best known of the smaller Cat-fishes. In- troduced into the rivers of Cal. (Lat., clouded.) Jf. Pectoral spines short, 2} to 3 in head (longest in the young); A. 17 to 19. 57. A. melas (Rafinesque). Adult very plump; young more slender. Color usually blackish. A. short and deep, its rays usually 17 to 19, its base nearly 5 in length, its pale rays forming a sharp contrast with the dusky membranes. N. Y. to Kansas, gen- erally common ; very close to A. nebulosus. (jédas, black.) 38. GRONIAS Cope. (ype, cavern.) 58. G. nigrilabris Cope. Upper parts, jaws, and fins black; eyes nearly hidden by thick skin; barbels and spines rather short. A. 18. Cave stream, tributary to Conestoga R., E. Penn. A recent descendant of A. melas or nebulosus, rendered blind by subterranean life. (Lat. niger, black; labrum, lip.) 39. LEPTOPS Rafinesque. (Aemrés, thin; dw, face.) 59. L. olivaris (Rafinesque). Mup Cat. Frat-aeap Cat. Russian Cat. Basnaw. Gouson. Yellowish, much mottled with brown. Body slender, the head broad and much depressed, the lower jaw projecting ; barbels short ; dorsal spine very weak ; pectoral spines strong; anal short. A. 12 to 15. C. scarcely emarginate. A very large species, reaching 75 pounds, abundant in sluggish streams, Ohio to Ga. and 8S. W. A good food fish, of unprepossessing appearance. ' 40. NOTURUS Rafinesque. Stone Cars.! (véros, back ; ovpa, tail.) «. Premaxillary band of teeth with lateral backward processes, as in Leptops. (Noturus.) % 60. N. flavus (Rafinesque). Yellowish brown, nearly uniform ; body elongate; head broad and flat; barbels short; adipose fin deeply notched; a keel on back before it; D. spines short; P. Spine retrorse-serrate in front, roughish behind; A. 16. L. 12. Ontario to Va., Neb., and Tenn., not rare in large streams. (Lat., yellow.) ta. Premaxillary band of teeth without backward processes. (Schilbeodes Bleeker.) 6. Pectoral spine serrate on its posterior edge, roughish in front; adipose fin notched. 1 These little fishes abound in small brooks among logs and weeds. The wounds produced by the sting of their sharp pectoral spines are excessively painful. In the axil is usually a pore, probably the opening of a duct from a poison gland, This matter deserves inves" ‘gation. 42 TELEOSTEI : EVENTOGNATHI. — XII. c. Pectoral spines moderate, the inner serre weak, not half diameter of spine, the outer stronger, retrorse, body elongate; coloration nearly uniform, the fins darker edged. d. Pectoral spine short and weak, about 3 in head in adult. 61. N. exilis Nelson. Head small, rather narrow, depressed, 4 in length; depth 6; pectoral spine retrorse-serrate without, with 6 small teeth within; humeral process obscure ; jaws subequal. A. 14to17. L.4. Wis. to Kansas. (JN. elassochir Swain & Kalb.) (Lat., slim.) dd. Pectoral spine longer, about 2 (14 to 24) in head. 62. N. insignis (Richardson). Head rather broad, flat and thin, the upper jaw projecting; head 44; depth 6. A. 14 to 16. L.10. Pa. toS.C., common E, (Lat., remarkable). cc. Pectoral spine very strong, curved, more than half head, its posterior serre recurved, their length about equal to diameter of spine, the anterior serre small. e. Color much variegated; adipose fin deeply notched, but not separated from C. 63. N. miurus Jordan. Grayish; top of head, tip of dorsal, middle of adipose fin, and caudal black, the body with four black cross-blotches; head not specially depressed eye 44 in head; hu- meral process moderate; pectoral spine 1} to 1$ in head; head 33. A.13 to 15. L.5. E.N.C. to Minn. and La., abundant. (pei- ovpos, curtailed.) ee. Color nearly plain brownish, everywhere above covered with fine small dots; adipose tin almost or quite free from caudal. 64, N. eleutherus Jordan. Head broad, flat, depressed, the form very much as in Leptops olivaris ; humeral process obscure; eye 54 in head; pectoral spine 1% to 2 in head; head 34; A. 13. L. 4. White R., Ind., and French Broad R.; 3 specimens known. (€devbepos, free.) bb. Pectoral spine entire, grooved behind; adipose fin continuous with the caudal. 65. N. gyrinus (Mitchill). Head short, broad and deep; pecto- ral spine 2 in head; jaws subequal, yellowish brown, not blotched, but with a narrow black lateral streak, sometimes with two above it. A.150r16. L.5. Hudson R. to Minn. and La., common N. (yupivos, tadpole.) Orper XIU. EVENTOGNATHI. (Tuer Piecrosponpy- Lous FIsHEs.) This group, defined on page 26, contains the great majority of the fresh-water fishes of the world. Its essential character is in the modification of the anterior vertebra, as in the Nematognathi, CATOSTOMIDA. — XXV. 43 without the characters of the rudimentary subopercle and maxil- lary, and the absence of scales, which distinguish the Cat-fishes. The chief families. are the Cyprinide and the Characinide ; the latter, abundant in South America, have an adipose fin and usually teeth in the jaws. (ed, well; évrdés, within; yvd6os, jaw.) Famity XXV. CATOSTOMIDAS. (Tue Suckers.) Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales; head naked; jaws toothless and without barbels, the maxillary forming a large part of the edge of the upper jaw; mouth usually protractile, the lips generally thick and fleshy ; lower pharyngeal bones falciform, with many comb-like teeth in one row; branchiostegals 3; gill mem- branes united to isthmus ; dorsal fin rather long, of 11 to 50 rays,} without spine; anal short; caudal forked; ventrals abdominal, of about 10 rays; pectorals low; no adipose fin. Alimentary canal long, without ceca. Air-bladder large, divided into two or three parts by transverse constrictions. Genera 11, species about 60, inhabiting the rivers of North America; two species in Asia. The Suckers feed on plants and small amimals; the flesh is rather tasteless and full of small bones. They ascend the rivers to spawn in spring, at which time the males have usually the A. and C., and often other parts of the body, covered with tubercles. a. Dorsal fin elongate, its rays 25 to 50 in number; air-bladder in two parts. bd, Fontanelle present; body oblong-ovate. (Jctiobine.) c. Dorsal rays 25 to 35; scales large (84 to 41) . . . . Icriosus, 41. bb. Fontanelle obliterated by the union of the parietal bones; body elon- gate. ( Cycleptine.) d. Mouth small, inferior, with thick papillose lips; scales small (56). Cyciertvs, 42. aa. Dorsal fin short, its rays 10 to 18. (Catostomine.) e. Air-bladder in two parts; lower pharyngeals slender, with small teeth. J: Lips thick, papillose; lateral line complete and continuous; scales small (55 to 115); fontanelle present; mouth small, inferior. CarTostomus, 43. Jf. Lips thin, plicate; scales large (40 to 50). g. Lateral line wholly wanting, at allages. . . . Erimyzon, 44. gg. Lateral line imperfect in young, nearly complete in the adult. MinyTrREMA, 45, ee. Air-bladder in three parts; fontanelle present; scales large (about 45); lateral line complete. h. Mouth normal, the upper jaw protractile; the lips more or less licate. i Lat pharyngeal bones moderate, the teeth compressed, gradu- ally increasing in size downward. . . . . Moxostoma, 46. ti. Lower pharyngeal bones very strong, with the lower teeth much ; enlarged, subcylindrical and truncate; the upper teeth small and compressed. . . .- . ~ + - + PLACOPHARYNX, 47, 1 In this family, the rudimentary rays before dorsal and anal are not counted. 44 TELEOSTEI : EVENTOGNATHI. — XII. hh. Mouth singular, the upper lip not protractile, greatly enlarged; the lower split into two separate lobes; pharyngeal bones, etc. asin Moxostoma. . . s : . « LAGocul.a, 48. 41. ICTIOBUS Rafinesque. BurraLo-FISHES. (This genus contains an uncertain number of species, very few of which have been yet well defined. They are large, coarse suckers, especially characteristic of the streams of the Mississippi valley. The group much needs careful study, such as could only be given by a collector resident near some large market). (ius, fish ; Bods, buffalo.) «. Mouth large, terminal, protractile forwards; lips thin; lower pharyngeals and teeth weak. (Sclerognathus Cuv. & Val.) 66. I, cyprinella (Cuv. & Val.). Common BuFFALo-FIsH. Rep-mMoutHED BurraLo. Body robust, the outline somewhat elliptical; head very large and thick; opercle coarsely striate, nearly half length of head; lips scarcely plicate; color dull brown- ish olive, not silvery; fins dusky. Head 34; depth 3. D. 28, A. 9; scales 7-37 to 41-6. L.3 fect. Miss. valley, etc., common; reaches 20 to 40 pounds weight. (Lat., a small carp.) aa. Mouth smaller, more or less inferior, protractile downwards, and with thicker lips. &. Lower pharyngeal bones strong, the teeth comparatively coarse and large, increasing in size downwards; dusky species, not silvery. (Ictiobus.) 67. I. urus (Agassiz). Razor-BackED BurraLo. MonGrREL Burrato. Body not much elevated, the back not keeled, the axis of the body not much farther from back than from line of belly ; head thicker and blunter than in J. bubalus ; eye smaller than in J. bubalus ; mouth much larger and more oblique, approach- ing that of J. cyprinella, but with lips thicker and plicate, the folds broken up into papille ; longest dorsal rays scarcely half of base of fin, opercle coarsely striate. Color very dark; fins dark. Head 34 to 4; depth 3. D. 30; scales 841-7. L. 24 feet. Miss. valley, less common than the others; certainly different from I. bubalus, but not always distinguishable by me from J. cyprinella, and possi- bly not really different. (Lat., a wild bull.) 68. I. bubalus (Rafinesque). SucKER-MOUTHED BUFFALO. SMALL-MOUTHED BurraLo. Body considerably elevated. the back compressed; axis of body much nearer line of belly than back; head not very blunt, the mouth small and inferior ; eye 4 to 5 in head, rather large ; longest dorsal rays much more than half base of fin in adult; coloration dusky, the fins scarcely black. Head 4; depth 23; D. 29; scales 8-39-6. L. 2} feet. Miss. valley, ete., common. (Bubalichthys bubalus Agassiz.) (Lat., buffalo.) CATOSTOMIDA, — XXV. 45 bb. Lower pharyngeal bones narrow, with the teeth thin and weak; species of pale coloration, more or less silvery. (Carp Suckers.) (Carpiodes Rafinesque.) ¢. Body subfusiform, the depth about 3 in length, lips thin, silvery white in life, the halves of the lower lip meeting at a wide angle. 69. I. carpio (Rafinesque). Back compressed, little arched ; snout not blunt, projecting little beyond the mouth, its length a little more than that of eye; nostrils not close to tip of snout; opercle strongly striate ; longest dorsal rays 3 to 3 length of base of fin, the anterior rays sometimes thickened, never filamentous ; eye small, 44 to 5 in head. Head short, 4 in length; depth 3. D. 25 to 27; scales 7-37-5. Color dull silvery, sometimes brassy, some of the scales above often brownish at base. Ohio valley to Texas ; probably a valid species, but of doubtful name and synonymy. (Lat., carp.) cc. Body ovate-oblong, the back elevated, the depth about 24 in the length. d. Opercle strongly striate. e. Lips thin, silver-white in life, the halves of lower lip meeting at a wide angle, as in J. carpio. 70. I. difformis (Cope). Similar to J. velifer, but with very blunt snout, the maxillary reaching front of pupil ; nostril very near tip of snout and above or before upper lip; eyes large (34 to 4 in head); dorsal very high. Head 4; depth 23. Ohio valley. 71. I. thompsoni (Agassiz). Resembles J. velifer, but with the head small and pointed, the snout considerably projecting ; eye small, 5 to 54 in head. Back arched. Head 4}; depth 24. Great Lakes, abundant (specimens examined from Toledo). (For Rev. Zadock Thompson.) ee. Lips full, thick, flesh-colored in life, the halves of lower lip meeting at an acute angle. 72. I. velifer (Rafinesque). QuiLt-Back. Sxim-BAcK. Carp Sucker. River Carp. Snout sub-conic, projecting; anterior nostril distant from snout more than half an eye’s diameter and considerably behind front of upper lip; maxillary reaching about to front of orbit; eye moderate or small, 4 to 5 in head; ante- rior rays of dorsal always elevated and filamentous, infrequently as long as base of fin. Head 33 to 44; depth 2} to 3. D. 26; scales 7-37-5. Coloration usually pale. Miss. valley, etc., very abundant; variable. (Lat., bearing sails.) dd. Opercle nearly smooth. 73. I. cyprinus (Le Sueur). Carp Sucker. Body rather deep, the eye quite small, the dorsal fin high, otherwise essentially as in I. velifer. Pa. to Va., chiefly about Chesapeake Bay. (Lat. carp.) 46 TELEOSTEI : EVENTOGNATHI. — XII. 42. CYCLEPTUS Rafinesque. (xv«dos, round; Aerrds, slender ; according to Rafinesque, small round mouth.) 74. C. elongatus (Le Sueur). Brack Horsz. GourRD-stErp Sucker. Missouri Sucker. Head small, short and slender, rounded above; opercles small; eye small; fins large. Color blackish; ¢ in spring covered with small tubercles. Head 7; depth 44; D. 30; scales 9-56-7. L. 24 feet. Miss. valley, rather common in larger streams. 43. CATOSTOMUS Le Sueur. Fine-scaLep SUCKERS. (dro, inferior ; ordua, mouth.) uw. Scales very small, much reduced and crowded anteriorly, about 100 in the lateral line. (Catostomus.) 75. C.catostomus (Forster). NorTHERN SucKER. Upper lip thin, with 2 to 4 rows of papille; snout long, overhanging the large mouth. Males in spring profusely tuberculate and with a broad rosy lateral band. Great Lakes to Alaska, very abundant N. aa. Scales larger, but small and crowded forwards, about 65 in the lateral line. (Decactylus Rafinesque.) 76. C. teres (Mitchill). Common Sucker. WHitTe SUCKER. Upper lip thin, with 2 or 3 rows of papilla; snout shorter than in the preceding, the mouth smaller. Color olivaceous, dusky above ; sides rosy in spring. Head 4}; depth 44. D.12. Scales 10-64 to 70-9. L.18. Canada to Montana and Fla.; commonest of the Suckers, and extremely variable. (Lat., terete.) aaa. Scales large, scarcely crowded anteriorly, 48 to 55 in the lateral line. (Hypentelium Rafinesque.) 77, C. nigricans Le Sueur. Hoa Sucker. Stone ROLuieER. Stone Luacer. Stone Torer. HAMMER-HEAD. CRAWL-A- Borrom. Hoa Motty. Hoa Muuuer. Head flattened above, concave between eyes; the frontal bone thick, broad and short; eyes small, placed high; upper lip thick, with 8 to 10 rows of papilla ; lower fins large. Color brassy olive, the back with dark cross-blotches, disappearing with age; lower fins red. Head 4; depth 48. D. 11. Lat. 1.48 to 55. L. 2 feet. Lakes and clear streams, W. N. Y. to Ala. and Kans. (Lat, blackish.) 44. ERIMYZON Jordan. (éps, an intensive particle ; pu¢w, to suck.) 78. B. sucetta (Lacépede). Cuus Sucknr. Sweet SUCKER. CREEK-FISH. Scales crowded, deeper than long; mandible oblique. Color dusky, brassy below ; young with black bands or bars and pale streaks. Head 4; depth 2% in adult; spring males with 6 tubercles on snout. D. 11 to 13. Scales 43-15 in the northern form, var. oblongus Mitchill (the true sucetta, southern, with scales CATOSTOMIDA, — XXV. 47 36-15). Mass. to Dakota and S.,verycommon. (Var. sucetta, Va. to Fla. and Texas.) (Ir. sucet, sucker.) 45. MINYTREMA Jordan. (jus, lessened; rpjya, aperture ; from the imperfect lateral line.) 79. M. melanops Rafinesque. Srrirpep Sucker. Body subterete, little compressed; mouth small, inferior; eye small; scales little crowded forwards. Color dusky, coppery below, a dusky blotch behind dorsal; each scale with a dark spot at its base, most distinct in adult, these forming longitudinal stripes; @ tuberculate in spring ; lateral line wanting in young, imperfect at 8 inches, nearly complete in adults. Head 41; depth 3 to 4}. D.12to14. Scales 46-13. L.15. Great Lakes to 8. C.and Texas. (pédas, black ; dy, look.) 46. MOXOSTOMA Rafinesque. Rep Horse. (yv(o, to suck ; ordéua, mouth.) a. Lips distinctly plicate. b. Dorsal large, with 15 to 18 developed rays, its free edge not concave. 80. M. anisurum (Rafinesque). .WuitE Nosx Sucker. Body robust, compressed ; mouth large, inferior, the upper lip thin, the lower strongly A-shaped; D. high and large, the first ray about as long as fin; upper lobe of C. narrow, longer than lower. Color pale; C. smoky gray ; lower fins red. Head 4; depth 34. D.15 to 18. L,18. N.C. to Ohio R., Great Lakes, and N. (Catost. carpio C. & V., not of Raf.; Mox. valenciennesi Jordan; Ptychosto- mus velatus and collapsus Cope. (davoos, unequal; ovpa, tail.) 66. Dorsal fin moderate, of 12 to 14 rays; lower lip full, scarcely A-shaped, nearly truncate behind. c. Dorsal fin with its free margin nearly straight. d. Head large, 4 to 4? in length. 81. M. macrolepidotum (Le Sueur). Common Rep Horses. Waite Sucker. “Mutter.” Head broad, flattish above; mouth large, with thick lips; depth of cheek usually more than half dis- tance from snout to preopercle; eye large; edge of D. nearly straight, its first ray shorter than head; C. lobes subequal. Oliva- ceous, with bright reflections ; sides silvery; lower fins always orange-red, C. sometimes so. Head 4 to nearly 5; depth 3}. D. usually 13; A. 7. Scales as in other species 5-45-4. L. 2 feet. Chesapeake Bay to Dakota and Ala., very abundant; the western form (var. duquesnei Le Sueur) with head and mouth rather larger than in the eastern form, which approaches M. aureolum. (paxpés, large; AemBerds, scaled.) dd. Head short and small, 44 to 54 in length. 82. M. aureolum (Le Sueur). Lake Rep Horse. Head shorter and smaller; mouth rather small, with thick lips; snout 48 TELEOSTEI : EVENTOGNATHI. — XII. bluntish; eye moderate ; C. lobes subequal; D. rather low, its longest ray less than base of fin. Coloration of preceding, the tail as well as lower fins always red. D. 13; depth 34. Great Lakes, etc. Sometimes confounded with the next, from which it is well distinguished, but it may intergrade with the preceding. (Lat., gilded.) cc. Dorsal falcate, the free margin deeply incised. 83. M. crassilabre1 (Cope). Form of a Coregonus, with deep, compressed body, small head, and sharply conic snout, which over- hangs the very small mouth; eye small, 5 in head. D. high, the anterior rays 14 to 14 times base of fin; free margin of fin con- cave, so that the fin is decidedly falcate. C. lobes very unequal, the upper always longest; A. large, falcate, reaching beyond front of C. D.and C. bright red. Head 5 to 54; depth 3} to 34; lat. 1. 45. Ohio R.to N.C. (Ptychostomus crassilabris, conus, and breviceps Cope; M. anisura Jor. & Gilb., not of Raf.) (Lat. crassus, thick ; labrum, lip.) 6b. Dorsal fin quite small, of 10 to 12 rays; lower lip thick, truncate behind. 84. M.cervinum (Cope). Jump-rocks. Jumping MULLET. Head very short, rather pointed; mouth rather large, the lips strongly plicate; eye small; fins all small; free edge of dorsal straight, its longest ray less than head. Color greenish brown, a pale blotch on each scale, these forming continuous streaks; back with brownish blotches; fins brownish, scarcely red. Head 5; depth 4. D.11. Scales 6-44 to 49-5. L.10 inches. Va. to Ga., not rare. (Lat., tawny, like a deer.) 47. PLACOPHARYNX Cope. (mddé&, a broad surface ; ddpvy&, pharynx.) 85. P. carinatus Cope. A large, coarse sucker, externally similar to the species of Moxostoma, from which genus it differs only in the remarkable development of the lower pharyngeals and their teeth; the bones are very strong, and 6 to 10 of the lower teeth are enlarged, little compressed, with a broad rounded or flattened grinding surface; the mouth is larger and more oblique than in M. macrolepidotum and the lips are thicker. Head broad and flattish above, its upper surface somewhat uneven; longest rays of dorsal longer than base of fin, 14 in head; free edge of D. concave ; upper lobe of C. narrower than lower, and more or less longer. Color dark olive-green, the sides brassy ; no silvery lustre; C. and lower fins orange-red. Head 4; depth 34. D.12. Scales 6-45-5. L. 30. Ohio to Ga. and Ark., abundant in larger streams. (Lat., keeled.) 1 This description is from notes of Dr. C. H. Gilbert, taken from Ohio R. specimens, CYPRINIDA, — XXVi. 49 48. LAGOCHILA Jordan & Brayton. (Quassilabia Jord. & Brayt.; Lagochila being set aside, on account of its similarity to Lagocheilus.) (Aayds, hare; yeiAos, lip.) 86. L. lacera Jordan & Brayton. Harz-Lip SUCKER. RABBIT- mouTH SuckeR. Pra-tip Sucker. Cur-.ips. SPLIT-MOUTH. Upper lip plicate, much prolonged ; lower reduced to two separate elongate, papillose lobes, the split between them reaching the dentary bones, which have a horny sheath; lower lip separated from upper by a deep fissure at angle; skin of cheeks sheathing this fissure ; body rather slender, much as in M. cervinum j oper- cle small; head very small, conical; dorsal low. Color pale, lower fins slightly reddish. Head 5; depth 42. D.12. Scales 5-45-5. L. 18. Wabash R. (Evermann), Scioto R., Clinch R., Chicka- mauga R., and White R., Ark.; most common in the Ozark Mountains; a most singular fish. (Lat., torn.) Famity XXVI. CYPRINIDA. (Tue Minnows.) Head naked, body usually scaly; margin of upper jaw formed by premaxillaries only; mouth toothless; barbels 2 to 4 (absent in most of our genera and not large in any); lower pharyngeal bones well developed, falciform, nearly parallel with the gill arches, each provided with one to three series of teeth in small number, rarely more than seven on each side; belly usually rounded, rarely com- pressed, never serrated; gill openings moderate, the membranes joined to the isthmus; no adipose fin; dorsal fin (in American species) short, with less than ten rays; air-bladder usually large, commonly divided into an anterior and a posterior lobe, rarely wanting; stomach without appendages, appearing as a simple en- largement of the intestines. Fishes of moderate or small size, inhabiting the fresh waters of the Old World and of North America. Genera about 200, species nearly 1,000; excessively abundant where found, both in individ- uals and in species, and from their great uniformity in size, form, and coloration constituting one of the most difficult groups in zodlogy in which to distinguish species. Ours are mostly of smaller size than those of the Old World, several of the larger European types being represented in America by Catostomoid forms. Our largest eastern species, Semotilus bullaris, rarely attains a weight of three or four pounds, and a length of nearly eighteen inches. The smallest species of Notropis scarcely reach a length of two inches. The spring or breeding dress of the male fishes is often peculiar. The top of the head, and often the fins, snout, or other portions of the body, are covered with small tubercles, outgrowths from the 4 50 TELEOSTEI : EVENTOGNATHI, — XII. epidermis. The fins and other parts are often charged with pig- ment, the usual color being red, but sometimes satin-white, yellow- ish, or black. Nors.— Young Cyprinide are usually more slender than adults of the same species, and the eye is always much larger; they also frequently show a black lateral stripe and caudal spot, which the adults may not possess. In the following descriptions, the rudimentary rays of dorsal and anal are not counted. The fins and scales are often, especially in specimens living in small >rooks, covered with round black specks, parasitic plants. These should not Se mistaken for true color-markings. No progress can be made in the study of these fish without careful attention to the teeth, as the genera are largely based on dental characters. The pharyngeal bones in the smaller species can be removed by inserting a pin (or, hatter, a small hook) through the gill opening, under the shoulder girdle. The teeth should be carefully cleaned with a tooth-brush, or, better, a jet of water, and when dry may be examined by any small lens. In most cases a principal row of four or five larger teeth will be found, in front of which is a set of one or two smaller ones. The two sides are usually, but not always, symmetrical. Thus, ‘‘teeth 2, 4-5, 1,’ indicate two rows of teeth on each side, on the one side four in the principal row and two in the lesser, on the other side five in the main row and one in the other. ‘ Teeth 4-4” indi- cates a single row of four on each pharyngeal bone, and so on. In the Leuciscine genera, these teeth, or the principal ones, are ‘‘ rapta- ‘orial,’’ that is, hooked inward at the tips. A grinding or masticatory surface is an excavated space or groove, usually at the base of the hook. Sometimes the grinding surface is very narrow and confined to one or two teeth. Some- times a bevelled or flattened edge looks so much like a grinding surface as to mislead a superficial observer. In some cases, the edge of the tooth is crenate or serrate. Besides the native species here mentioned, representatives of two other genera have been introduced from Europe, and have become inhabitants of some eastern streams. These are Cyprinus Linneus, and Carassius Nilsson. The first is distinguished by the very long dorsal, which, like the anal, is pre- ceded by a strong spine, serrated behind. About the mouth are four long barbels, and the teeth are molar, 1, 83-3, 1. This genus is represented by the Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The carp is normally covered with large scales. In domestication, however, variations have arisen, prominent ones being the “ Leather Carp,’’ naked, and the ‘‘ Mirror Carp,” with a few series of very large scales. Carassius Nilsson differs from Cyprinus, chiefly in the absence of barbels, and in having the teeth compressed, 4-4. The Gold-fish (Carassius auratus L.) is originally olivaceous, but only the orange-red variety is valued for aquaria. Both Carassius and Cyprinus are native in China. a. Air-bladder surrounded by many convolutions of the very long alimentary canal, which is 6 to 9 times the length of the body. (Campostomine.) b, Teeth 4-4, or 1, 4-4, 0, with oblique grinding surface and slight hook; peritoneum black (as usual in herbivorous fishes). CAmPposToma, 49. aa. Air-bladder wholly above (dorsal) of the alimentary canal. c. Alimentary canal elongate, more than twice length of body; teeth one- rowed, the grinding surface well developed, the hook usually slight or wanting ; peritoneum usually black. Species chiefly herbivorous. ( Chondrostomine. ) CYPRINIDA, — XXVI. 51 d. Teeth 5-5 or 4-5; dorsal inserted behind ventrals; scales very small; anal short. ce. Pseudobranchie none; lower jaw thin, with sharp, hard edge; upper jaw protractile, with fleshy saiiicas lateral line complete; body elongate, subterete, . . . . . »« OxyGENEum, 50. ee. Pseudobranchie present; ioe. this, ‘formal: upper jaw protractile; lateral line incomplete. . . . . . . . CuHRosomus, 51. dd, Teeth 4-4; pseudobranchiz sresenity dorsal over ventrals; scales rather large. J. First (rudimentary) ray of D. slender, firmly attached to the first de- veloped ray; jaws sharp-edged, the lower with a slight projection in front; scales before D. large (less than 15). Hyzoegnatuus, 52. Jf. ' First (rudimentary) ray of D. well developed, bluntish, separated from the first developed ray, to which it is joined by membrane (this character never conspicuous except in adult males; often ob- scure in young); scales before D. small (more than 20.) PIMEPHALES, 53. cc. Alimentary canal short, less than twice length of body; teeth hooked, the grinding surface, if present, narrow and rudimentary; peritoneum usually pale ; species mostly carnivorous. g. Dentary bones parallel, united for their whole length (the lower jaw reduced to a tongue-like projection, which has a fleshy lobe on each side. (Ezxoglossine.) h. Premaxillaries not protractile; upper lip thickened; scales moder- ate; teeth 1, 4-4, 1, without grinding surface. ExocLossum, 54. gg. Dentary bones broadly arched, as usual among fishes, and united only at the symphysis. (Lewciscine.) 1. Abdomen behind V. not compressed to an edge, the scales passing over it; anal basis generally short (the rays 7 to 12). Jj. Teeth in the main row, 4-4. k. Maxillary without traces of barbel. z. [Premaxillaries protractile.] t. Lower lip thin or obsolete (except in one or two species), not developed as a fleshy lobe on each side. m. Mandible, interopercle, and suborbital not evidently cavernous. n. 1 First (rudimentary) ray of D. enlarged and bluntish, sepa- rated from the first developed ray by membrane (as in Pime- phales), this most evident in ¢; scales before D. small, about 28; teeth 4-4; [black blotch on front of dorsal and one at base of caudal always present.] . . CxrioLA, 55. nn, First (rudimentary) ray of D. small, closely joined to the first developed ray; teeth 2, 1 or 0, 4-4, 2, 1 or 0; scales rather large; scales before D. large or small (12 to 30). Norroris, 56. mm. Mandible, interopercle, and suborbital with conspicuous externally visible cavernous areas (like silvery cross- bars); teeth 1, 44, 0; scales large; D. above V. ERICYMBA, 57. Zl. Lower lip developed as a fleshy lobe on each side; teeth 4-4, without grinding surface; D. before V.; isthmus very broad. PHENACOBIUS, 58. 1 This character is more or less obscure in females and young examples. 52 TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI. — XI. azz. [Premaxillaries not protractile; scales very small; barbej present, but minute] . . - . . Rurnicutuys, 59, kk. Maxillary with a small barbel at its extremity (rarely obsolete), n. Premaxillaries not protractile; teeth 2, 4-4, 2; scales small; dorsal behind ventrals. . . . . . RHINICHTHYs, 59. nn. Premaxillaries protractile. v. Teeth 4-4, or 1, 4-4, 1, or 1, 4-4, 0; scales not very small. Hyszopsis, 60. oo. Teeth, 2, 44, 2 or 1. p. Head transversely convex above; teeth without grinding surface . . . . « Coversius, 61. pp. Head flattened dhoven. featls with grinding surface; scales large . . . . « » + . PLATYGOBIO, 62. jj. Teeth in the main row 5-5 or 4-5. q: Maxillary with a minute barbel placed before its tip; premax- illaries protractile; teeth, 2, 4-5, 2, without grinding surface; caudal fin symmetrical . . - . . SEMOTILUS, 68. qq. Maxillary without barbel; rireniestillaries protractile; anal basis short. r. Teeth two-rowed, 2, 4-5, 2, or 2, 5-5, 2, strongly hooked; scales moderate or small . . . . . . PHoxtnus, 64. [As above, the head broad and bluntish; the barbel so minute as to be indistinguishable, in the young of SEMorTILus, 63.] rr. Teeth one-rowed, 5-5, with serrate edges; mouth very small, terminal; D. inserted over V. . . . Opsopaopus, 65. i. Abdomen behind V., compressed to an edge, the scales not crossing it; anal basis elongate (the rays 12 to 18); teeth 5-5, with grind- ing surface and serrate edges; gill rakers rather long; no bar- bels; D. inserted behind V. . . . . . . Noremiconus, 66. 49. CAMPOSTOMA Agassiz. (kaya, curve; ordua, mouth.) 87, C. anomalum (Rafinesque). Stone Luecer. SToNnE Rotter. Brownish, with a brassy lustre above, the scales mot- tled; a black vertical bar behind opercle; iris orange; D. and A. each with a dusky cross-bar about half-way up, rest of the fin in spring ¢ orange; @ in spring with many rounded tuber- cles on head and body; young mottled brownish, the fins plain ; scales crowded forward; intestinal canal six to nine times the total length of the body, its numerous convolutions passing above and around the air-bladder, an arrangement found in Campostoma alone among all the vertebrates. D.8; A.7. Scales 7-53-8. Teeth 4-4. L. 4 to 8. W.N. Y. to Texas, and Tenn. in small streams, every- where abundant; one of the most curious of American fishes. Very variable. 50. OXYGENEUM Forbes. (éfvs, sharp ; yévos, chin.) 88. O. pulverulentum Forbes. Form of Mozostoma: head small, conical; mouth large, terminal; gill rakers slender; eye 4 in head; 31 scales before dorsal ; breast scaly. Color pale, the CYPRINIDA. — XXVI. 53 back and sides dusted with dark specks. Head 41; depth 5 D. high, 8. A.7 Lat. 1.63. L. 2%. Illinois KR. (Lat., dusted). 51. CHROSOMUS Rafinesque. (xpos, color; capa, body.) 89. C. erythrogaster Rafinesque. Rep-BrLLiep Minnow. Brownish olive, with black spots on the back, a blackish band from above eye, straight to the tail, sometimes breaking up in spots be- hind; another below, broader, running through eye, decurved along the lateral line, ending in a black spot at base of C.; belly and space between bands bright silvery, brilliant scarlet red in spring males, as are the bases of the vertical fins; females ob- scurely marked. D. 8; A. 9. Scales 16-85-10. L. 24. Penn. to Dakota and Tenn., abundant in small clear streams; one of the most beautiful of our fishes; in high coloration the fins are bright yellow. It is the most desirable of all our minnows for aquarium purposes, being hardy, graceful, and gaily colored. (épuépés, red; yaornp, belly.) 52. HYBOGNATHUS Agassiz. (tds, gibbous ; yvdOos, jaw.) a. Teeth comparatively long, and scarcely hooked; silvery species. (Hybo- gnathus.) 6. Suborbitals broad, the anterior, about twice as long as deep. c. Mouth narrow, its cleft not reaching nearly to eye; lower jaw shorter than upper, obtuse at tip. 90. H. nuchalis Agassiz. Body rather slender; head rather short, the profile evenly curved; eye moderate, 4 in head; lateral line decurved; 13 large scales in front of D.; intestine 7 to 10 times length of body. Silvery green, sides bright silvery, with an underlying plumbeous shade; fins all pale. Head 4} to 5; depth 44. D. 8,A.7. Scales 5-38-4. L.4 to 9. N. J. to S. C., Dakota, and ‘Texas, common near large rivers. Variable; notable varieties are placita Girard, Arkansas and Missouri rivers, the eye smaller, 5 in head, the snout depressed and blunt, with very small mouth; var. regia Girard, Potomac River, larger (7 inches long), with deeper body and larger eye, 3} in head. (Lat., pertaining to the nape.) cc. Mouth wide, its cleft reaching about to eye; jaws subequal, the lower acutish at tip. 91. H. argyritis Girard. Silvery. Upper Missouri and Red R. of North. (Lat., silvery.) aa. Teeth comparatively short, distinctly hooked; suborbitals very narrow; plumbeous species. (Dionda Girard.) 92. H. nubila (Forbes). Maxillary 34 in head; snout short, not very blunt; eye 3 in head; 12 scales before D. Head 44; depth 4}, Scales 5-37-3. Olivaceous with plumbeous or dusky lateral 54 TELEOSTEI : EVENTOGNATHI. — XII. band; no caudal spot; fins mostly red. L. 2}. WN. Ill. to Ozark region. (Lat., dusky.) 53. PIMEPHALES Rafinesque. (sipedns, fat; xepady, head.) u. Lateral line wanting or more or less imperfect. (Pimephales.) 93. P. promelas Rafinesque. Body more or less short and deep; head short, blunt, almost globular in adult ¢; V. reaching beyond front of A.; scales before D. about 27. Olivaceous, a black bar across middle of D. (faint in young); a dark shade along cau- dal peduncle; adult ¢ dusky, the head jet-black, with large tuber- cleson snout. Head 4; depth 4. D.I.7. A.7 Scales 747-6. L. 24. L. Champlain to Dakota and Texas, abundant in sluggish brooks. Very variable; S. W. specimens (var. confertus Girard) have the lateral line almost complete. (mpd, before; péAas, black.) aa. Lateral line complete. (Hyborhynchus Agassiz.) 94. P. notatus (Rafinesque). Body rather elongate; head rather long, the snout abruptly decurved; mouth horizontal, small; V. not to vent; scales before D. small, crowded, about 23. Color olivaceous, little silvery, sides bluish; a dusky shade toward base of D.; a black blotch on front of D., wanting in young; head wholly black in spring males, the snout with 14 large tubercles. Head 44; depth 5. D.I.8. A. 7. Scales 6-45-4. L.4. Quebec to Del., Miss., and Kansas, very abundant, variable. (Lat., marked.) 54, EXOGLOSSUM Rafinesque. (é&w, outside; yhaoca, tongue.) 95. EB. maxillingua (Le Sueur). Curt-tirs. STONE-TOTER. Body rather stout; eye small; head large, with tumid cheeks; lower jaw included. Color dusky, a blackish bar behind head; a dusky shade at base C.; fins plain. Head 4; depth4}. D.8, A.7. Scales 8-53-5. L.6. Hudson R. to Va., abundant. A curious fish, remarkably distinguished from all other Cyprinidae by its 3-lobed lower jaw. (Lat. mazilla, jaw; lingua, tongue.) 55. CLIOLA Girard. (A coined name.) 96. C. vigilax (Baird & Girard). BuLi-aeap Minnow. Body rather stout, compressed, with deep tail; head heavy, blunt; snout short, decurved; mouth terminal, slightly oblique; eye 34 in head; teeth strongly hooked; scales in front of D. small, crowded. Pale olivaceous, with a plumbeous lateral band, always ending in a black spot at base of C.; a conspicuous black spot on middle of front of D. Head 44; depth 4. D.I. 8 AUANIMUrinni, — aa, cc. Pectoral fins short, not falcate. #. Maxillary without supplemental bone; anal similar to soft dorsal; its base much longer than abdomen; tail unarmed. (T'rachinotine.) j. Forehead convex; teeth small, lost with age ; membrane of spinous dorsal disappearing with age.. . . . . TRACHINOTUS, 139, ui. Maxillary with supplemental bone; A. shorter than soft D., its base not longer than abdomen. (Serioline.) ) k. D. and A. without finlets. 1. Membrane of D. spines disappearing with age. Navucrates, 140. il. Membrane of D. spines persistent... . . . . SERIOLA, 141. kk. D. and A. each followed by a two-rayed finlet. IELacaris, 142. 131. OLIGOPLITES Gill. (ddcyos, small; éadirns, armed.) 273. ©. saurus (Bloch & Schneider). LEaTHER-JACKET. Runner. Bluish, silvery below; fins yellow. Body lanceolate ; fins low. Head 5; depth 4. D. V-1, 20. A.II-1, 20. L. 18. Warm seas; rarely N. (cadpos, old name of some fish that skips like a lizard.) 132. DECAPTERUS Bleeker. (déka, ten; mrepdy, fin.) u. Scutes about 40; teeth present. 274. D. punctatus (Agassiz). Scap. CiGar-risH. RounD Rosin. Bluish; a dark opercular spot; about twelve small black spots on lateral line anteriorly. Head 44; depth 5. D.VIII-1, 30-I. A. IT,-1, 24-I. L.12. W. L, ete.; occasional N.; com- mon 8. (Lat., dotted.) aa. Scutes about 25; teeth obsolete. 275. D. macarellus (Cuv. & Val.). Lateral line unspotted; D. soft rays 33. A. 27; depth 53. W.I., rarely N. 133. TRACHURUS Rafinesque. (rpdyovpos, ancient name, from tpaxus, rough ; ovpa, tail.) 276. T. trachurus (L.). Horse-MACKEREL. SAUREL. Scutes all large, about 72 (85-+-37) in number; depth about 4. D. VIII-1, 29. A. I[-1, 28. L. 12. S. Europe, etc., occasional on our coast. (Eu.) 134. TRACHUROPS Gill. (Trachurus; dy, appearance.) 277. T. crumenophthalmus (Bloch). Bia-eyep Scap. Cur- CHARRO. GOGGLER. Eye very large, 3 in head, with very large adipose eyelid; scutes 40. Head 34; depth 84. D. VIII-1, 26. A. II-1, 22. L. 12. Warm seas. N. to Cape Cod. (Lat., crumena, purse; d@padpos, eye.) 135. CARANX Lacépéde. (A corruption of the Portuguese Acarauna, French Carangue.) a. Teeth in jaws in few series, unequal, those above enlarged, those below uniserial; teeth on vomer, palatines and tongue; soft dorsal and anal falcate in front; maxillary broad. (Carana.) ‘ CARANGIDA, — LVI. 109 6. Body subfusiform, the depth less than 4 the length; breast scaly; no canines; scutes numerous, 40 to 40. 278. C. chrysos (Mitchill.) Harp-ram. YeLLow MAcKEREL. CosinERA. Greenish, yellow below; a black blotch on opercle; none on P; breast scaly; arch of lateral line about half straight part. Head 3$; depth 3}. D. VIII-1, 24. A.II,1,19. Scutes 50. L.18. Cape Cod, §., rather common. (ypueds, gold.) b. Body oblong-ovate, the depth more than } the length; outer teeth stronger; scutes larger, 25 to 30; silvery species. c. Breast entirely scaly; opercular spot inconspicuous; lower jaw with- out distinct canines. 279. C. latus Agassiz. JuREL. Pectoral spot usually wanting. Head 32; depth 23. D. VIII-1, 22. A.II[-1,16. Scutes, 30. L.18. Warm seas, rarely N. (Lat., broad.) cc. Breast naked, except a small rhombic scaly area before V.; lower jaw with two small canines; adult with a large black spot on opercle, and one towards base of P. 280. C. hippos (L.). Crevarti. CaAvaLia. Head large and deep, especially in adult, mouth large. Head 34; depth 2} to 8. D. VII-1, 20. A.II-1,17. Scutes 25. L. 36. Warm seas, N. to Cape Cod; common S. (mzos, horse.) aa. Teeth of jaws equally small; breast naked, spinous dorsal disappearing with age; soft dorsal and anal with 3 to 6 anterior rays produced in long filaments. (Alectis Rafinesque.) 281. C. gallus (L.). THrEAp-Fisa. Body very deep, broadly ovate, its edges trenchant; scales minute; scutes very feeble; sil- very, darker above; a dark blotch on opercle; changes greatly with age. Head 3; depth 2 (young as deep as long). D. VI~1, 19. A. 16. Scutes 9 to 12. L. 2 feet. Warm seas, N. to N. Y. (The American fish, called Caranz crinitus Mitchill, seems to be the same as the East Indian C. gallus.) (Lat., cock.) 136. VOMER Cuvier. (Lat., ploughshare.) 282. V. setipinnis (Mitchill). Moon-risu. Horss-risu. Body oblong, excessively compressed, but less elevated than in C. gallus or in Selene vomer; fins in adult all very low, none filamentous; head very gibbous above eye; scutes minute. Head 34; depth 2 (deeper in young). D. VIII-1, 21 to 25; A. II-1, 18 to 20. L. 18. Tropical America, N. to Maine. (Lat., seta, bristle; pinna, fin.) 137. SELENE Lacépéde. (oeAjvn, the moon.) a. D. with 22 soft rays; A. with about 18; anterior profile of head from base of snout to occiput almost straight, the bones of the head being much distorted. 110 THLLUSL HL? AGANLMUPLIL. — AA. 283. 8. vomer (L.). Moon-risH. Horsr-HEap. Looxk-pown. Adult with soft rays of D. and A. much produced; young with dorsal spines and V. variously elongate, these fins short with age. Silvery. Head 3; depth 13. L.12. Warm seas, frequently N. to Cape Cod. 138. CHLOROSCOMBRUS Girard. (xAwpés, green; oxouBpos, mackerel.) 284. C. chrysurus (L.). Bumper. CasaBe. Greenish; sides and below golden; a dark blotch on back of tail; head deep; mouth very oblique; P. very long; chord of arch of lateral line 1 to 1$ in straight part; no scutes. Head 33; depth 2}. D. VIII-1, 26. A. Ii-1, 26. L. 9. W. Indies, rare N. (ypvods, gold; ovpd, tail.) 139. TRACHINOTUS Lacépéde. PompPanos. (rpayis, rough; v@ros, back.) a. Dorsal with 19 to 20 soft rays; anal with 17 to 19. b. Body broadly ovate, its depth at all ages more than half the body; sides without black bars. 285. T. falcatus(L.). Rounp Pompano. PaLometa. Body deep; profile from nostril to dorsal everywhere about equally con- vex; lobes of D. and A. high, reaching in adult beyond middle of fin; bluish, sides silvery; lobes of D. black in young; no axillary spot. Head 33; depth 13. L. 20. Warm seas, occasional N. to N. ¥. (T. ovatus (L.); T. rhomboides Bloch.) (Lat., scythe- shaped.) aa. Dorsal with 25 soft rays; anal with 22; body oblong, rather robust. 286. T. carolinus (L.). Common Pompano. Bluish, golden below; changes greatly with age, the young deeper, with conspic- uous fin-spines, and with teeth in jaws; D. and A. lobes about reaching middle of fins. Head 4; depth 22. L.18. Gulf Coast, etc., N. to Cape Cod, common S.; a famous food fish. 140. NAUCRATES Rafinesque. (vavepdrns, pilot.) 287. N. ductor (L.). Pitot-rish. Romero. Bluish with about 6 broad dark vertical bars. Head 4; depth 4. D. IV-1, 26. A. If-1, 16. Pelagic; occasional on our coast. (Eu.) (Lat., guide.) 141. SBRIOLA Cuvier. AMBER-FISHES. (An Italian name.) 288. S. zonata (Mitchill). Rupper-risH. Bluish, with 6 broad black bars, which fade or disappear with age; an oblique dark band from eye to spinous dorsal; V. mostly black. Head longer than deep; occiput compressed; tail keeled. Head 3}; depth 3}. D. VII-1, 38, A. II-1, 21. L. 380. Cape Cod to W.T, not rare. (La:. banded.) POMATOMIDA. — LVII. 111 142. ELAGATIS Bennett. (#axdrn, spindle.) 289. HE. bipinnulatus (Quoy & Gaimard). Blue, yellow be- low; side with 3 longitudinal bluish stripes. Head 3%; depth 38. D. VI-1, 27-I. A. T-1, 17-I1I. L.18. Warm seas, rarely N.toL. I. (Meek.) (Lat., bis, two; pinnula, little fin.) Famity LVII. POMATOMIDA. (Tue Buve-Fisues.) Closely allied to the Carangide but with the scales larger and weakly ctenoid. Mouth large, oblique, with very strong, compressed, unequal teeth; premaxillaries protractile; caudal peduncle stout, the fin forked, with broad lobes; preopercle serrate; lateral line unarmed. First dorsal of about 8 fragile spines; second D. and A. long; anal spines minute. A single species, in most warm seas. 143. POMATOMUS Lacépeéde. (mapa, opercle; ropds, cutting.) 290. P. saltatrix (L.). Buiur-risu. Sxip-sacx. Bluish, sil- very below; a black blotch at base P.; body robust, somewhat com- pressed; P. inserted low, nearly 2in head. Head 34; depth 4. D. VITI-1, 25. A. IL-1, 26. Lat. 1. 95. L. 3 feet. Warm seas, common on our Atlantic coast; an excellent and gamy fish, but very destructive to other species. (Lat , leaper.) Famity LVI. STROMATHIDAN (Tue Burrer-risHes.) This family is also very close to the Carangide, differing chiefly in the presence of numerous horny, barbed or hooked teeth in the cesophagus, and in the greater number of vertebre (30 or more). There are no free anal spines, and the spinous D. is very much re- duced or even wanting. Some of the species differ from other mackerel-like fishes in having the gill membranes attached to the isthmus, while still others have no ventral fins. Genera 5; species about 30; of the warm seas. a. Ventral fins I, 5, well-developed; premaxillaries protractile; gill openings wide; caudal peduncle stout. (Centrolophine.) 6. Preopercle finely serrate; dorsal spines short and stout; anterior rays of D. low; scales moderate. . . ..- . =... ~~. Letrus, 144. aa. Ventrals minute or absent; premaxillaries not protractile; caudal pe- duncle slender; the fin widely forked; opercles entire; scales minute; spinous D. almost obsolete. (Stromateine.) c. Gill membranes free from isthmus. . . . . . . STROMATEUS, 145. 144. LEIRUS Lowe. (Aetpds, thin.) 291. L. perciformis (Mitchill). Buack Rupprr-Fisu. Black- ish-green everywhere ; eye large; snout blunt. Head 3}; depth 2}. D. VIT-1, 20. A.TII,16. Lat.1.75. L. 12. Maine to N. J., not rare N. (Lat., perca, perch; formis, shape.) 112 TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. — XX. 145. STROMATEUS (Artedi) Linnzus. (orpwparevs, ancient name. ) a. Pelvis ending in a small spine; V. wanting. 6. D. and A. little falcate, their lobes shorter than head; a row of con spicuous pores along side of back above lateral line. (Poronotus Gill.) 292. S. triacanthus Peck. Do.iLar-Fisu. BuTTER-FISH. Bluish; silvery below; body oval, compressed; snout very blunt. Head 4; depth 24. D. III, 45. A. III, 37. L. 10. Maine to Florida, common N. (pis, three; dxava, spine.) 6b. D. and A. falcate, their lobes longer than head; back without evident pores. (Rhombus Lacépéde.) 293. S. paruL. Harvest-risnH. Bluish, yellow below; body almost round, with vertical snout. Head 4; depth 1}. D. III, 45. A.II, 43. L.8, Cape Cod toS. A.,rare N. (Brazilian name.) Famity LIX. CORYPHAINIDAN. (Tue Dotruins.) Body elongate, compressed, with small, cycloid scales; mouth wide, with moderate teeth; opercles entire; occipital crest extend- ing well forward, becoming very high in the adult #. D. contin- uous from nape nearly to C., without distinct spines; A. similar, shorter; V.I,5; P. short; C. widely forked. Gill openings wide. No pseudobranchie nor air-bladder. Vertebra more than 24. One genus, with 2 or 3 species; large vigorous fishes of the open seas. The bright coloration grows pale at death, but the accounts of this change have been much exaggerated. 146. CORYPHZNA (Artedi) Linneus. (xépus, helmet ; duivw, to show.) 294. C. hippurus L. Common Dotryin. Dorapo. Very bright olive-green, with small round blue spots; V. inserted slightly behind upper ray of P. Head 42; depth 44; V. 14 in head; P. 1}. D. 59 to 63.