THIS BOOK IS FROM
THE LIBRARY OF

Richard Haven Backus

3^^^^^

gs? — fl^^^l

x^HOA°^^

1930

Gift of

Richard H. Backus

April, 1988

ZOOLOGY

OF

NEW-YORK,

OR THE

NEW-YORK FAUNA;

COMPRISING DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL THE ANIMALS HITHERTO OBSERVED WITHIN THE

STATE OF NEW-YORK, WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THOSE OCCASIONALLY FOUND NEAR

ITS BORDERS, AND ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE ILLUSTRATIONS.

BY JAMES E. BE MY.

PART IV. FISHES.

ALBANY :

PRINTED BY W. & A. WHITE & J. VISSCHER.

1842.

PREFACE.

In the General Introduction to this work, a few facts were noted, to illustrate
the peculiar position of this State in reference to the number and variety of its
animal species. In continuation of this subject we may remark, that by means
of the great lakes Ontario and Erie on our northern and western borders, we
have numerous northern lacustrine fishes. Through Lake Champlain we have
many northern fluviatile species ; by the Alleghany river ascend numerous wes-
tern species ; and while our numerous rivers teem with those of fresh water, our
extensive sea-board furnishes us with marine species ranging from the coast of
Labrador to the shores of Brazil. It cannot therefore fail to be perceived that
the Ichthyology of New-York will embrace a very large proportion of the Fishes
of the United States ; and that the following pages can only be considered in the
light of an outline, to be filled up, and enlarged and modified by the labors of
future naturalists.

The study of Fishes, or that branch of natural science which is termed Ich-
thyology, has, until recently, attracted in this country less attention than any
other. Almost the first positive knowledge of our fishes is derived from Linneus,
who received many through Dr. Garden of Charleston, South Carolina. From
the letters of Garden, we gather that he was an indefatigable collector in all
departments of Natural History, and a man of eminent attainments. Cotempo-
raneously with Garden, appeared the work of Catesby on the Natural History
of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. This work is imposing in its form,
Fauna, Part IV. b

IV PREFACE.

but is of little real practical value. The plates are grossly colored, and some of
them are apparently drawn from memory. The text is meagre and insignificant.*

In an unexpected quarter, appeared in 1787 an original work on the Fishes
of America. We allude to the Natural History of Cuba, by Antonio Parra, the
title of which will be found in our list of cited works. It is not exclusively con-
fined to fishes, but embraces Crustacea, marine plants, etc. There are forty
plates, illustrating seventy-one species of fishes, coarsely but vigorously executed
by his son ; and as far as we have had occasion to compare them with the origi-
nals, they are very correct. This work is exceedingly rare, and the copy in my
possession is believed to be the only one in the United States. The text is brief,
and of a popular character, without any attempt at classification or scientific
arrangement. Notwithstanding these defects, it will always remain, from its
original figures and its descriptions drawn from the recent specimens, a work of
great value to naturalists, and more especially to those of the Southern Atlantic
States.

Pennant, an English writer on natural history, published in 1787 a supplement
to his Arctic Zoology, which contains an enumeration of one hundred and thirty
species of fishes, compiled chiefly from Linneus and Catesby. They are prin-
cipally from the waters of South-Carolina and the Gulf of Mexico. A very few,
scarcely exceeding six new species, are noticed more in detail, and these are
chiefly from the collection of Mrs. Anne Blackburne, whose brother apjaears to
have been a zealous collector for several years at Hempstead, Long island.

In 1788, Schcepff, an army surgeon, who was in this country during the war
of the revolution, published in the Transactions of the Friends of Natural History
at Berlin, a memoir entitled " Descriptions of North American Fishes, chiefly
from the waters of New-York." His paper is for the most part a meagre cata-
logue of species from New- York and the gulf of Mexico, mostly identical with
those previously described by Linneus. In common with many of the observers
of that period, he had such a slavish deference to the great reformer of natural
science, that he scarcely dared to pronounce upon the validity of a species unless

♦ In taking a review of what has been done in American ichthyology up to the period at which he wrote, Pennant breaks
out into the following apostrophe: " How small a part is this of the zoology of our lost dominions ! May what I have
" done be an inducement for some learned native to resume the subject! and I shall without envy see my trivial labors lost
'• in the immensity of new discoveries. Vain thought ! for ages must pass, ere the necessary perfection can be given,
" ere the animated nature which fills the space between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans can be investigated. Ages must
" pass, before new colonization can push its progress westwardly ; and even then, civilization, ease and luxury must take
" place ere those studies in which use and amusement are so intimately blended can be carried into effect."

PREFACE.

it had received die Linnean stamp of authority. One hundred and twenty spe-
cies are enumerated, of which thirty only are accompanied with detailed descrip-
tions. The celebrated ichthyologist Bloch added a few notes to this memoir.*

Bosc, and a few other naturalists, had communicated to Lacepede some isolated
species after this period ; and Dr. Peck had described, in the Transactions of the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences at Boston, a few more ; but, with these
exceptions, our knowledge on this subject remained nearly stationar}' until 1814,
when Dr. Mitchill published a small tract, which may be said to have given a
new impulse to the study of American ichthyology. It contains original and
detailed descriptions of forty-nine species, with a simple catalogue of twenty-one
more. On the titlepage of this little tract, he states that " a very considerable
number of these beginnings of an attempt are not evep named in the present list,
because they have not come to hand during the few weeks that have elapsed
since its commencement." It does not, however, appear to have attracted much
attention abroad, and is only cited in the latter volumes of the great work on
Fishes of Cuvier and Valenciennes. About the same period he published in the
American Medical and Philosophical Register, conducted by Drs. Hosack and
Francis, a paper on the Cod-fishes of New- York, in which he enumerates eleven
species and six varieties of that family. In December of the same year, he read
before the Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York, a paper entitled
" The Fishes of New- York, described and arranged;" which was shortly after
published in the Transactions of that Society. In this paper, which at that
period was the most important and valuable essay on the fishes of the United
States, he -describes (deducting the foreign and doubtful fishes) one hundred and
thirty-four species, illustrated by six copperplates, containing seventy small but
quite recognizable figures.f In February, 1818, he published a supplement to

* Schoepff appears to have been a man of varied attainments, and has left several works relating to the natural history
of this country, the most important of which is his Historia Testudinum. He is the author of two volumes of travels in
the United States, and of a work on its geology, under the following titles :

1. Reise durch einige dermittlern und sudlichen vereinigten Nord Americanischer Staaten. 2 vols. 8vo. Erlangen, 1788.

2. Beytrage sur mineralogischen kentniss dor osllichcn theil von Nord America und seiner geburge. pp. 191. Erlangen, 1787.

Neither of these, we believe, have been translated into our language.

t This memoir is spoken of by Cuvier in the following terms : " Thus there had scarcely been in the eighteenth century
any thing on the fishes of North America, except the work of Catesby, and what had been inserted by Pennant in his
Arctic Zoology. But in 1815, Dr. Mitchill, a learned physician of New-York, gave a history of the fishes in the vicinity
of that city, in which he described one hundred ond forty-nine species, distributed after the system of Linneus, with well

VI PREFACE.

this paper in the American Monthly Magazine, in which he describes forty-two
species, some of which had been figured in the previous essay, but without any
description. If we subtract from these, four as doubtful or mere varieties, and
eight from the Bahama islands, we have thirty additional species, making with
those previously published a total of one hundred and sixty-four fishes from the
coast of New-York. The work in which this supplement appeared was a lite-
rary magazine of considerable reputation, but its circulation was limited, and it
appears to have been little known or consulted either by our own or by foreign
naturalists.

Subsequent to this period, the communications of Dr. Mitchill on ichthyology
were distributed through periodicals of every description, not even excepting
weekly magazines and daily newspapers. As a matter of interest to the Ame-
rican naturalist, we have, in Appendix A, given a list of Mitchill's species, col-
lated from all these sources, and accompanied them with the names which they
bear in the present work. It is no reflection upon the reputation of this natu-
ralist, that these changes have been rendered necessary ; for at that day, ichthy-
ology was little studied, and it was far from having attained its present accuracy.
He appears to have trusted too much to the vague descriptions of foreign writers,
and referred too hastily, descriptions of European to American species. In his
case, however, it did not amount to a servile deference to authority; for even in
his preliminary essay, he indicates new generic forms, some of which have been
adopted in the great standard work of the present day.

Nearly simultaneous with the first essays of Dr. Mitchill, appeared a new and
important laborer in the field of American ichthyology. We allude to Mr.
Charles A. Lesueur, an eminent French naturalist, who had accompanied Daudin
as a draftsman in his exploring expedition. He lived several years in Philadel-
phia, subsequently removed to the settlement of Mr. Owen at New-Harmony,
and finally returned to France. His contributions are chiefly to be found in the
Journal of the Academy of Natural Science, and the Transactions of the Ame-
rican Philosophical Society. He also contributed a few articles to the Annales

executed though small figures of the most interesting. As he adopted but two of the genera subsequent to Linneus his
species arc sometimes placed a little at random; in the genus Esox, for example, he includes many heterogeneous species.
Nor has he always unravelled the true nomenclature in the often confused works of European naturalists; but he has
himself furnished in his descriptions the means of rectifying the errors which had escaped him, and his memoir is certainly
the best which has appeared in this century on the fishes of the new world." His'.oirc d'Ickthyologie, p. 202.

PREFACE. VU

du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle of Paris. M. Lesueur at one time contemplated
publishing a history of North American fishes, but I believe never advanced far-
ther than to prepare a few plates and a few pages of letter press. Through the
kindness of Mrs. Say, the estimable widow of our great American naturalist, I am
indebted for a copy of this work as far as published. The part in my possession
contains descriptions of Petromyzon americanus and nigricans, Ammocetes bicolor,
and Acipenser rubicundus ; the plates illustrate these species, and also Petromyzon
lamotlenii, Acipenser maculosus, measius, and two other sturgeons not named on
the plate. Most of these are reproduced in the following pages ; and as the
work of Lesueur is probably in few hands, I should have copied them all, had
they been accompanied with the requisite descriptions.

Pursuing a chronological order, we have next to mention a work which may
be said to have created a new epoch in this department of science. We allude
to the Natural History of Fishes, by Cuvier and Valenciennes, of which the
first volume appeared in 1828, and which has now reached the sixteenth volume.
To judge by the field already explored, it will probably require ten more
volumes to complete the work. In this History, which may well serve as a model
to future observers for its philosophical spirit and unrivalled accuracy of detail,
are to be found many excellent descriptions of North American species. The
many obligations I owe to this standard work, will be apparent in the following
pages.

In 1836, Dr. Richardson published a work, which, although limited to the
fishes of the northern regions of America, is of great value to the ichthyologist
of the United States. It contains original and elaborate descriptions of about
sixty species, illustrated by twenty-four beautiful plates, and is one of the most
important contributions to this department. This work is published at the ex-
pense of the English government, and we may be allowed to hope that a similar
enlightened liberality will be displayed by the government of the United States,
in the publication of the results of the late Antarctic exploring expedition.

The attention of the various Commonwealths of the Union having been di-
rected to the examination and description of their various natural products,
almost one of its first fruits appeared in 1835, in the form of a copious catalogue
of the. animals and plants of Massachusetts. In 1838, appeared under the aus-'
pices of the State of Ohio, a report by Dr. J. P. Kirtland on the Zoology of that
State. It contains a catalogue of seventy-two species of fish ; all, of course,
fluviatile or lacustrine. It is accompanied by numerous and valuable notes, illus-

Vlll PREFACE.

trating the habits and characters of fishes. To the same author, we are indebted
for several important papers in the Boston Journal of Natural History. In 1839,
Dr. D. H. Storer, who had previously furnished several valuable papers on ichthy-
ology in the Journal just alluded to, published a masterly report on the Fishes of
Massachusetts. In this report, the author has enumerated one hundred and nine
species, of which one hundred and four are accompanied by original and care-
fully drawn up descriptions. This i-eport is an invaluable document to the Ame-
rican ichthyologist, and is every way worthy of its eminent author. Among the
casual contributors to this department of science, we have to enumerate the
name of a former Governor of this State, De Witt Clinton ; of Mr. Wood of Phi-
ladelphia ; of .Messrs. Redfield, father and sun; and quite recently, of Mr. Hal-
deman, of Pennsylvania-
Having thus briefly alluded to the various sources from whence is derived our
knowledge of the fishes of this country, the pleasing duty remains, of expressing
my obligations to those who have assisted me in my solitary and arduous under-
taking. Several years since, my friend Dr. Holbrook, so favorably known for
his work on the Reptiles of the United States, contemplated publishing a work
on the Fishes of Carolina. He collected many species, and caused them to be
carefully drawn under his own eye, by the same artist who had so successfully
figured the reptiles. These drawings, illustrative of fifty-two species, he placed
in the kindest manner at my disposal, and they have enabled me to extend our
acquaintance with the geographical distribution of many species. I feel much
indebted to Dr. Storer for the instruction I have derived from his correspondence,
and for the prompt and liberal aid he has afforded by furnishing me with several
specimens for illustration and comparison. To Mr. I. Cozzens, Librarian of the
Lyceum of Natural History, I am under many obligations for his assistance in
collecting, and his accurate and practical discrimination of species. My thanks
are also due, for several specimens from Lake Champlain, to Mr. Z. Thompson
of Burlington (Vermont), who is occupied in publishing a work on the Natural
History of Vermont, at the moment these sheets are passing through the press.

In no department of the natural sciences is the want of good illustrations more
strikingly felt than in the class now before us. Those which relate to American
fishes are distributed through so many rare and expensive volumes as to render
them difficult of access, and indeed entirely beyond the reach of a large majority
of students. We hope, therefore, that the figures of two hundred and fifty spe-
cies, which appear in this work, will not be unacceptable to the American ich-

PREFACE. IX

thyologist. They are taken for the most part from living specimens, and care-
fully colored on the spot. For those which are copied, due credit is given in the
text, and the twelve last plates are almost entirely of this character. Where
we have been unable to draw from a living specimen, and have been compelled
to make use of a cabinet specimen, we have given merely an outline.

Exclusive of the fossil fishes, we enumerate in the work four hundred and forty
species, comprised under one hundred and fifty-six genera and thirty-two fami-
lies. Of these, two hundred and ninety-four species belonging to this State, or
the adjacent waters, are accompanied by detailed descriptions. In preparing
the following pages, we have endeavored to compress our descriptions within
the shortest possible compass consistent with clearness. Had this been the only
department entrusted to us, we should have dwelt more on the anatomical details,
and perhaps have been more diffuse on the habits and peculiarities of species.
Too little, however, is positively known of their habits, and that little is mixed
up with too much of the marvellous, to render it desirable or profitable to intro-
duce them here. When it is, moreover, recollected that we are to traverse
through the whole animal kingdom, we would fain indulge the hope that this
imperfect attempt to enlarge our acquaintance with a single class may be received
with a favor proportionate to the difficulties and extent of the task.

J. E. DE KAY.

The Locusts. Queens County.
July 1, 1842.

LIST

OF

WORKS REFERRED TO IN THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FISHES.

Ac. Sc. Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1817 et seq.

Alb. Inst. Transactions of the Albany Institute. 8vo. Albany, 1828-9.

Ann. L/i/c. Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New- York. 8vo. New- York, 1824 et seq.

Am. Acad. Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 4to. Boston, 1785 et seq.

Am. Phil. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society for promoting useful knowledge. 4to. Philadelphia,

1785 et seq.
Am. Month. Mag. The American Monthly Magazine and Critical Review, edited by H. Bigelow and O. L. Holley.

4 vols. 8vo. New-York, 1817 et 1818.
Blochii, M. E. Systema Ichthyologia; Iconibus CX. illustrata, correxit J. G. Schneider. Berolini, 1801.
Akerly, S. Economical History of the Fishes sold in the Markets of New- York. (Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2.)
Catesby, M. Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. Folio. London, 1731-43.
Clinton, De Witt. Some Remarks on the Fishes of the Western Waters of the State of New- York. Lit. and Phil.
Soc. Vol.1, p. 493.
" " Description of a new species of fish (Clupea hudsonia). Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 49, (figure.)

" " Account of the Otsego Basse. Med. and Phil. Register, Vol. 3, p. 188, (figure.)

CtrviER et Valenciennes. Histoire Naturelle des Poissons. 8vo. Paris, 1828 et seq. 16 vols. 1842.
Hitchcock, E. Report on the Geology, Botany and Zoology of Massachusetts. 8vo. Amherst, 1835. Catalogue of

the Fishes.
Kirtland, J. P. Report on the Zoology of Ohio. 8vo. Columbus, 1838.
Latroee. Description of the Clupea tyrannus, etc. Am. Phil. Soc. Vol. 5, p. 77, (figure.)
Lesceur, C. A. Descriptions of three new species of the genus Raia. Jour. Ac. Vol. 1, p. 41.

" Short descriptions of five (supposed) new species of the genus Murena. lb. Vol. 1, p. 81.

" Descriptions of two new species of the genus Gadus. lb. Vol. 1, p. 83.

" Description of a new species of the genus Cyprinus. lb. Vol. 1, p. 85.

A new genus of fishes proposed under the name of Catostomus, and the characters of this genus, with

those of its species indicated. lb. Vol. 1, pp. 88 and 102.
Description of four new species and two varieties of the genus Hydrargira. lb. Vol. 1, p. 126.
Descriptions of several new species (Squalus, Salmo) of North American fishes. lb. Vol. 1, pp. 222

and 359.
Descriptions of several species of the genus Esox of North America. lb. Vol. 1, p. 413.
Fauna — Part 4. c

XU LIST OF BOOKS.

Lesueub, C. A. Description of a new genus, anJ of several new species of fresh water fish, indigenous to the United'
States. lb. Vol. 2, p. 2.
" Descriptions of two new species of Exocctus. lb. Vol. 2, p. 8.

" Observations on several genera and species of fishes belonging to the natural family of Esoces. lb.

Vol. 2, p. 124.
" Descriptions of five new species of the genus Cichla of Cuvicr. lb. Vol. 2, p. 214.

" Description of three new species of the genus Scicna. lb. Vol. 2, p. 251.

" Description of a Squalus of a very large size, which was taken on the coast of New-Jersey. lb. Vol.

2, p. 313.
" Description of two new species of the genus Batrachoid of Lacepede. lb. Vol. 3, p. 395.

Desciiplion of several species of the Linnean genus Raia of .North America. lb. Vol. 4, p. 100.
Description of two new species of the Linnean genus Blennius. lb. Vol. 4, p. 361.
" Description of several species of Chondropterygious Fishes of North America, with their varieties.

Am. Philos. Soc. new scries, Vol. 1, p. 380.
Lit. and Phil. Soc. Transactions of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York. 4to. 1815 et seq.
Mease, J. Facts respecting the Kockfish or Streaked Bass (Labrax lineatus). Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 502.
Med. and Phil. Reg. The American Medical and Philosophical Register, edited by Drs. Hosack and Francis. 4 vols.

8vo. New- York, 1814.
Mitchill, S. L. Report in part on the Fishes of New-York. 12mo. p. 28, New- York, January, 1814.

" Arrangement and Description of the Codfishes of New- York. Med. and Phil. Reg. Vol.4, p. 618.

" Memoir on Ichthyology. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1.

" The Fishes of New- York described and arranged. In a supplement to the memoir on the same subject

in the Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York. Am. Month. Magazine, Vol. 2, pp. 240
and 321.
" Descriptions of three species of fish. Journ. Ac. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p 407.

" Description of a new and gigantic species of the genus Cephalopterus. Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 23,

" Description of an extraordinary fish resembling the Stylephorus of Shaw. lb. Vol. 1, p. 82.

" Description of the Raia erinacca or Hedgehog Ray. Am. Jour. Sc. Vol. 9, p. 290.

Parra, Antonio. Descripcion dc diferentes piezas de historia natural, las mas del ramo maritimo representadas en setento

y cinco laminas. 4to. En la Havana, 1787.
Peck, W. D. Description of four remarkable fishes taken near the Piscataqua in New-Hampshire. Am. Acad. Vol. 2,

part 2, p. 46, (figures.)
Richardson, J. Fauna Boreali-americana, or the Zoology of the northern parts of British America. Part 3, the Fish.
4to. p. 327, London, 1836.
" Report on North American Zoology. (Report of the Sixth meeting of the British Association. 8vo.

London, 1837.)
Redfield, W. C. Short notices of American fossil fishes. Am. Jour. Vol.41.
Redfield, J. H. Fossil fishes of Connecticut and Massachusetts, with a notice of an undescribed genus. Ann. Lye.

New-York, Vol. 4.
Schcepff, J. D. Descriptions of North American fishes chiefly from the waters of New-York. (Beobachtungen, &c.
von der Gesellschaft naturforschender. Frcunde zu Berlin zweiten bande, drittes stuck.) 8vo. Berlin,
1788.
Smith, J. V. C. Natural History of the Fishes of Massachusetts, embracing a practical treatise on angling. 12mo.

Boston, 1833.
Storer, D. H. Report on the Ichthyology of Massachusetts. 8vo. p. 202, Boston, 1839.
Valenciennes. Sur lc sous-genre Martcau (Zygosna). Mem. du Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Vol. 9, p. 222.
Wood, W. W. Descriptions of four new species of the Linnean genus Blennius, and a new species of Exocetus.

Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 278.
Yarrel. History of British Fishes. 2 vols. 8vo. and Suppl. London, 1836.

SYNOPSIS

OF THE

NORTH AMERICAN FAMILIES AND GENERA OP FISHES DESCRIBED IN THIS WORK.

I. BONY FISHES.

A. PECTINIBRANCHII.
(a). Spine-rayed.

C Perca, Labrax, Huro, Pileoma, Lucioperca, Serranus, Centropristes,

L. Percid.e, < Grystes, Centrarchus, Pomotis, Bryltus, Aphredoderus, Uranoscopus,

( Sphyrana, Boleosoma.
„ < Trigla, Prionotus, Dactylopterus, Cottiis, Hemitriptems, Scorpena, Sebas-

2. iRioLiDiE, .^ tes, Uranidea, Aspidophorus, Cryptacanlhodes, Gasterosteus.

( Corvina, Leiostomus, Otolithus, Umbrina, Pogonias, Micropogon, Hemu-

3. Scienidjj, ^ 1qi1j pristipomaj Lcbotes.

4. Sparid^, Sargus, Chrysophrys, Pagrus.

5. Chetodontid^:, Ephippus, Pimelepterus.

("Scomber, Thynnus, Pclamys, Cybium, Trichiurus, Xiphias, Naucratcs,
j Elacate, Lichia, Trachinotus, Palinurus, Caran.x, Blepharis, Argyreyo-

6. Scombridje, < gus^ yomcrj Seriola, Temnodon, Coryphena, Lampugus, Rhombus,

[_ Pteraclis.

7. Teuthid.e, Acanthurus.

8. Atherinid^:, Atherina.

9. MugilidjE, Mugil.

10. Gobid.e, Blennius, Pholis, Chasmodes, Gunnellus, Zoarces, Anarrhicas, Gobius.

11. Lophid^e, Lophius, Chironectes, Malthea, Batrachus.

12. Labrid^e, Ctenolabrus, Tautoga, Xirichthys.

(J). Soft-rayed.

1. Abdominal.

13. Suurid^e, Galeichlhys, Arius, Pimelodus, Amblyopsis.

XIV SYNOPSIS OF FISHES.

., p, ( Cyprinus, Gobio, Abramis, Labeo, Catostomus, Stilbe, Leuciscus, Poecilia.

, ^ Lebias, Fundulus, Hydrargira, Molinesia.

15. EsocidjE, Esox, Belone, Scomberesox, Exocetus.

16. FistularidjE, Fistularia.

17. Salmonidje, Salmo, Osmerus, Baione, Scopelus, Corregonus.

18. Cldpid*, Clupca, Alosa, Chatcessus, Elops, Butirjnus, Amia.

19. Sauridje, Lepisosteus.

2. Spb-braciiial.

20. Gadid^:, Morrhua, Merlucius, Lota, Merlangus, Brosmius, Phycis.

21. Planid.e, Hippoglossus, Pleuronectes, Achirus, Plagusia.

22. Cyclopterid^:, Lumpus, Liparis.

23. Echeneidje, Echeneis.

3. Apodal.

24. Anguillid^;, Anguilla, Conger, Ophidium, Fierasfer, Ammodytes.

B. LOPHOBRANCHII.

25. Syngnathidje, Syngnathus, Hippocampus.

C. PLECTOGNATHI.

26. Gymnodontid^:, Diodon, Tetraodon, Acantbosoma, Orthagoriscus.

27. Balistid.e, Monocanthus, Aluteres, Balistes.

28. Ostracionidje, Lactophrys.

II. CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.

D. ELEUTHEROPOMI.

29. Sturionid.e, Acipenser, Platirostra.

E. PLAGIOSTOMI.

„0 g < Carcharias, Lamna, Mustelus, Selachus, Spinax, Scymnus, Zygaena.

' I Squatina, Pristis.

31. Raiid*, -. Raia, Pastinaca, Myliobatis, Cephaloptera.

F. CYCLOSTOMI.

32. Petromyzonidje, — Petromyzon, Ammocetes.

ERRATA

[Owing to the absence of the author while these pages were being printed, several inaccuracies have
occurred. The reader is requested to correct the following more important errors.]

Page 99, for "PI. XXIII. fig. 74," read "PL XXIII. fig. 71."

100, for "PI. XX fig. 66," read "PL XX. fig. 56."

101, insert under " Spring Mackerel," "Scomber vernaus."
124, for " PL LXV." read « PL LXXV."

194, insert "PL LXXVII. fig. 243."

202, insert " PL LXXVII. fig. 242."

220, for " atricadua," read " atricauda."

231, for " Cyprilurus," read " Cypsilurus."

247, for " PL LX fig. 198," read " PL LXXVI. fig. 240."

257, 28th line, for "spears," read "spars."

297, for "PL XLIII" read "PL XLVIII."

325, for "PL LV" read "PL LVI."

THE NEW-YORK FAUNA.

CLASS V. FISHES.

VERTEBRATED ANIMALS WITH COLD RED BLOOD ; BREATHING BY GILLS THROUGH THE MEDIUM
OF WATER ; WITHOUT LUNGS. BODY COVERED MOSTLY WITH IMBRICATED SCALES OR
PLATES, OR WITH A SMOOTH MUCOUS SKIN. MOVE IN WATER BY MEANS OF FINS INSTEAD
OF FEET, WHICH VARY IN NUMBER. REPRODUCTION BY EGGS, WHICH ARE USUALLY FECUN-
DATED AFTER EXCLUSION. HEART UNILOCULAR, OR COMPOSED OF ONE AURICLE AND ONE
VENTRICLE. HEAD VARIOUS ; NO NECK. AQUATIC. CHIEFLY CARNIVOROUS.

Obs. The animals of this class are very numerous, and are readily distinguished from all
others. About four thousand were assembled together by Cuvier when he first began to study
them, but the actual number now known is supposed to reach double that amount.

Fishes have been divided into two great groups, viz. the Bony, and the Cartilaginous.
The first comprises by far the greatest number of species.

SUB-CLASS I. BONY FISH.

Skeleton bony, the osseous matter being deposited in fibres. Sutures of the cranium distinct.
With maxillary or intermaxillary bones, always one and generally both, present. Gill
membrane icith rays.

Section 1. Pectinibranchii.

Gills arranged in continuous rows like the teeth of a comb. Furnished ivith an opercle or
gill cover, which is bordered with a loose membrane supported by rays. Jaws complete
and free.

Obs. This section embraces two orders, characterized chiefly by the presence or absence
of spinous rays.

Fauna — Part 4. 1

NEW-YORK FAUNA.

ORDER I. SPINE-RAYED.

The first rays of the dorsal fin, or the entire first dorsal when two are present, with simple
spinous rays. The first ray of the anal fin always spinous, and the ventral fins have also
one or more of the anterior rays almost universally spinous.

Obs. This order, which is designated in ichthyological works under the name of Acan-
thopterygii, comprises seventeen families. In the waters of this State, we have the repre-
sentatives of ten families. We commence with

FAMILY I. PERC1BM.

Edges of the opercle or gill-cover, or of the preopercle (anterior gill-cover), and sometimes
both, denticulated, or armed with spines. The cheeks not cuirassed. Both jaws, the
vomer and palatine bones, armed with teeth.

Obs. A family rich in species, amounting nearly to six hundred ; a number of species
greater than is to be found in the last edition of Linneus, including the whole class of fishes.
The genera of this family alone are fifty-five in number, nearly equalling the genera employed
by Linneus for his entire class.

The characters assigned above are sufficiently distinctive, but we may here add, in more
general terms, the following remarks on this family : Body oblong, more or less compressed ;
covered with scales, generally hard, with their exposed surfaces roughened, and their free
edges denticulated or serrated. Mouth moderately large. Gills well divided, and their mem-
branes sustained by several rays, never less than five, and rarely above seven. Teeth in the
jaws on a transverse line in front of the vomer, and almost invariably a longitudinal band on
each palatine, and rounded patches on the pharyngeals ; occasionally on the tongue. No
barbules, nor cirri or beards. Ventral fins for the most part under the pectorals ; occasion-
ally in advance of it ; and in a few genera only, are they abdominal, or behind the ventrals.

This family is remarkable for their beautiful forms, and the excellence of their flesh as an
article of food. About one-fifth of the whole number of species inhabit fresh-water streams,
or occasionally ascend them ; and it is observable that some genera, which contain chiefly
marine species, have a few fluviatile species, while the facts are reversed in other genera.

All the fishes of this family, found in the United States or along its shores, are included by
Cuvier in his great work under the following genera, containing in the aggregate about forty
species :

FAMILY PERCID.E — PERCA.

Perca,

Centropristes,

DULES,

Labrax,

Grystes,

Aspredodorvjs,

Htjro,

PoMOTIS,

Uranoscopus,

LuciOPERCA,

Centrarchus,

SpHYR.ENA.

Serrands,

Bryttds,

To these we have ventured to add indications of three others.

GENUS PERCA.

Body oblong, subcornpressed. Ventrals beneath the pectorals. Gill membrane with seven
rays ; opercle spiny ; precpercle with the posterior and basal margins toothed. Scales
rough, not easily detached. Five soft rays to the ventral fins. Two dorsals, or so deeply
notched as to appear double. Teeth all minute, equal. Suborbital faintly serrated.
Tongue smooth.

THE AMERICAN YELLOW PERCH.

Perca flavescens.
plate i. fig 1.

Morone jlavescens. Mitchill, Report on the Fishes of N. Y.

Bodianus Jlavescens. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 421.

La Perche jaunatre d'Amerique. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poissons, Vol. 2, p. 46.

The American Perch. Richardson, Fauna Boreal. Amer. Vol. 3, p. 1, pi. 74.

The Common Perch. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 5.

The Yellow Perch. Kiktland, Report on Zoology of Ohio, p. 168 and 190.

Characteristics. Sides yellow ; six to eight dark vertical bands over the back. Pectorals,
ventrals and anal, orange. Length 6-12 inches.

Description. Body compressed, elongated, with a somewhat gibbous dorsal outline. Scales
small, adherent, ciliated on their free edges. Head above, and between the eyes, smooth.
Lateral line, a series of tubes concurrent with the line of the back. Head sub-depressed ;
and in the larger and older fish, the rostrum becomes more elongated, producing a concavity
in the facial outline. The first dorsal commences above the base of the pectorals. The
first ray much shorter than the second ; the fourth, fifth and sixth rays longest, thence gra-
dually diminishing to the last, which is very short. The space between the first and second
dorsals is about 0 • 3 in extent. The second dorsal is composed of fifteen or sixteen rays ;
the first two short and spinous ; in many individuals, there is but one spinous ray. The
remaining rays are articulated, branched, very gradually subsiding from the anterior part.
Pectorals moderate ; posterior margin slightly rounded, and composed of fifteen articulated

4 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

rays. Ventrals slightly behind the pectorals. Anal beneath the second dorsal, of two spinous
and eight articulated rays ; the first spinous ray shorter than the second. Caudal forked, or
rather notched, with the tips somewhat rounded. Mouth moderate ; jaws even. Preopercle
strongly toothed. The opercle serrated beneath, and with a spine on its posterior angle.
Humeral bones grooved.

Color. Above greenish and gold, with dark olive green. Vertical bands across the back,
usually longest about the middle of the body, and gradually smaller towards the tail. Chin
flesh-colored. Sides and abdomen golden yellow. Ventrals and anals bright orange. Pec-
torals yellowish orange. Dorsals and caudal dusky brown ; the anterior dorsal tinged with
light yellow, and with dark brown dashes along its length above the base of the fin. Pupils
black ; irides golden.

Length, 6-0- 12-0.

Fin rays, D. 13.2.15; V. 1.5; A. 2.8; C. 17 f.

The common Yellow Perch is one of the best known and widely distributed of all our
fluviatile fishes. It may be considered as a northern fish, extending to the fiftieth parallel.
Its geographical distribution has been much extended within a few years, by the artificial
water channels created by the enterprise of several of our sister republics. Thus, in the
State of Ohio, it was common in the small lakes in the northern parts of the State only, and
in Lake Erie. Since the construction of the Ohio canal, we learn from Kirtland that it has
found its way into the Ohio river, and may soon be observed in the Mississippi. It is com-
mon in almost every pond and stream throughout the northern and middle States, and in all
the great lakes. It is very closely allied to the P. fluviatilis of Europe ; and like that fish,
is much esteemed by those who can not obtain salt-water species. It has occasionally been
transported from one pond to another, with complete success. In 1790, Dr. Mitchill trans-
ferred some of them from Ronkonkama to Success pond, a distance of forty miles, where
they soon multiplied. In 1825, a similar experiment was made by transporting perch from
Skaneateles to Otisco lake and Onondaga lake. In this latter case, the perch increased
remarkably ; while pickerel, which were introduced at the same time, did not appear to
thrive as well. The common dace and eel pout have also been transferred with complete
success. They vary considerably in size in different localities. I have caught them in
Otsego lake, weighing nearly three pounds, and have heard of them exceeding this weight.
Cuvier has described two or three other species, which seem scarcely distinguishable from
the perch just described.

FAMILY PERCUXE PERCA. 5

THE EOUGH YELLOW PERCH.

Perca serrato-granelata.
PLATE XXII. FIG. 64.
La perche a opercules grenus. Cn V. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 47.

Characteristics. With roughened radiated lines on the head. In other respects, resembling
the preceding species.

Description. I have applied this name to a yellow perch from Rockland county, which
appeared to present the characters assigned to it by Cuvier. I have nothing to add to the
description given by that author. It is thicker than P. Jiuviatilis ; its cranium larger, and
with roughened radiating striae. The opercle has likewise roughened radiating striae, and
is strongly toothed on its lower margin ; its upper lobe almost effaced, but its point is very
acute. In some individuals, the preopercle is smooth on two-thirds of its height, and has
only a few near the angle ; whilst in others, there are teeth throughout the whole extent.
Those on the lower margin are always more minute and numerous than in the European
species. The subopercle is toothed on two-thirds of its margin.

Length, 6'0- 12-0.

Fin rays, D. 14.2.13; P. 13 or 14; V. 1.5; A. 2.7; C. 17.

The colors offer nothing essentially different from those of the preceding species, except
that the dark blotches on the first dorsal are scarcely visible.

THE ROUGH-HEADED YELLOW PERCH.
Perca granclata.

PLATE LXVIII. FIG. 220.
La perche a tete grenue. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 48, pi. 9.

Characteristics. Head roughened by granulations, disposed in radiating striae on the parietals.
A black spot on the four last rays of the first dorsal.

Description. Teeth of the vomer more robust than in P. Jiuviatilis. Scales nearly smooth
on their margins : The opercle feebly striated, and with few dentations. Six distinct and well
defined bands. If the figure may be trusted for its coloring, the lower half of the ventrals,
and the whole caudal, are blood red. The vent is near the anal fin.

Fin rays, D. 15.2.13; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 2.8; C. 17.

I have never met with this species, and insert it on the authority of Cuvier, who received
it from New- York through MM. Milbert and Lesueur.

5 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE SHARP-NOSED YELLOW PERCH.

Perca acuta,
plate lxviii. fig. 282.

La Perche a museau poinlu. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 49, pi. 10.
The Sharp-nosed Perch. Richardson, Fauna Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 4.

Characteristics. With seven dark bands, between which are an equal number of spots or
irregular bands.

Description. Lower jaw elongated ; snout pointed. Minute dentations on the preopercle,
and even on its lower edge ; a few, moderately strong, on the preopercle, immediately be-
neath its point. The last ray of the first dorsal, and the first of the second dorsal, very short.
The vent nearly equidistant between the ventral and anal fins.

Color. Seven dark vertical bands descending on the sides ; and between them, seven half
bands more or less regular, or merely spots on the dorsal region.

Length, 8'0.

Fin rays, D. 13 or 14.2.14; P. 14; V. 1.5; A. 2.7; C. 17.

Sent to Cuvier from Lake Ontario.

THE SLENDER YELLOW PERCH.

Perca gracilis.
La Perche grele. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poissons, Vol. 2, p. 50.

Characteristics. Body elongated, with a small black spot on its first dorsal. Opercle not
dentated. Length four inches.

Description. Body less elevated than in the preceding species, and its facial outline less
concave. No dentations on the opercle, and those on the preopercle very minute. Spinous
ray of the second dorsal extremely feeble and short. Its bands and half bands as in the.
preceding, but less unequal among themselves.

Length, 4'0.

Fin rays, D. 12.1.13 ; P. 12; V. 1.5 ; A. 2.8; C. 19.

This species was obtained from Skaneateles lake, Onondaga county, by Cuvier. It is
doubtless mixed there with the true Yellow Perch, of which I have obtained specimens from
that lake.

FAMILY PERCIDjE LABRAX. 7

EXTRA-LIMITAL.

P. nebulosa. (Haldeman, Ac. Sc. Vol. 8, p. 330.) Body slender, slightly compressed; scales
small, strongly serrated; tail truncated; pectorals very long; branchial rays 6; lateral line
straight; yellowish brown, with dark transverse bands. D. 14.15; P. 14; V. 7; A. 11; C. 18.
Length 5 • 5. Susquehannah River.

P. minima. (Id. ib. p. 330.) Spots instead of bands. Dorsal with nine rays. Length 2-0. Sus-
quehannah.

Obs. Both these species are arranged by Mr. Haldeman under a subgenus of Percidaa, which
he terms Percina, characterized by six branchial rays ; preopercle smooth on its margin ; opercle
ends in a spine, and with the cheeks scaly ; teeth all fine, and placed on the maxillaries and vomer.

GENUS LABRAX. Cuvier.

A disk or bands of teeth on the tongue. Suborbital and humerus without denticulations .
Two points on the opercle. Two dorsal fins distant and separated. Teeth on both jaws,
on the vomer and palatines . Cheeks, preopercle and- opercle scaly. Preopercle notched
or denticulated below, serrated behind.

THE STRIPED SEA BASS.

Labrax lineatus.

PLATE I. FIG. 3. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Sciena Imcata. Bloch, pi. 304.

Perca, Rock-iish, Striked Bass at New-York. Schoepff, Beobachtungen, etc. p. 160.

Perca saxatilis. Bloch, Schneid. p. 89.

P. septentrionalis. Id. p. 90, pi. 20.

Centropome rayc. Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poissons, Vol. 4, p. 255.

Roccus striatus. Mitchill, Report in part on tile Fishes of New- York, p. 25.

Perca mitchilli. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Society of New-York, Vol. 1, p. 413, pi. 3, fig. 4.

Rock-fish. Mease, Ib. Vol. I, p. 502.

Le Bar raye, Labrax lineatus. Cdv. et VaL. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 79.

The Striped Bass, L. lineatus. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 7.

Characteristics. Brown above, silvery beneath. From seven to nine blackish longitudinal
stripes on each side of the body. Length from one to four feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering. Head and body covered with large adhesive
scales. Lateral line obvious, running through the fourth stripe and nearly straight. Head
somewhat obtusely pointed. Eyes large, and about two diameters apart. Nostrils double, the
posterior largest. Gill openings ample. Lower jaw longest. Teeth numerous in the jaws
and palatines. Teeth on the tongue most obvious on its sides. Opercle with two spines on
its posterior margin, of which the inferior is largest. Preopercle finely denticulated along its
lower margin. The first dorsal commences behind the pectoral, and above the latter rays of

8 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

the ventral fins : it is composed of nine spinous rays, of which the first is very short, the
second longer, the third and fourth longest, subequal ; thence rather suddenly decreasing to
the last. A simple ray is interposed in the very short interval between this and the second
dorsal, which is composed of twelve branched rays. The first branched ray is longest ; the
others gradually become smaller to its termination, which is anterior to the end of the anal fin.
The pectoral fins arise a short distance behind the branchial aperture ; are short, obliquely
subtruncate, and composed of sixteen rays. The ventral fins originate slightly behind the
pectorals, with the first ray short, robust and spinous. The anal fin arises under the fourth
ray of the second dorsal ; the three first rays are short, spinous and robust. The portion with
branched rays resembles in shape the second dorsal, but extends beyond it. Caudal fin
broadly lunate.

Color. Bluish-brown or bluish above, silvery on the sides and beneath. Along each side
are from seven to nine inequidistant black parallel stripes ; the upper series of stripes pro-
ceed directly to the base of the caudal fin, the lower ones terminate above the anal. These
stripes are occasionally indistinct, sometimes interrupted in their course, and more rarely each
alternately a continuous stripe, and a row of abbreviated lines or dots. Pupils black ; irides
silvery.

Length, 6-0-48-0.

Weight one to seventy pounds, and even more.

Fin rays, D. 9.1.12; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 ; C. 17 f.

This is a pretty generally distributed species among us, and affords a savory article of
food. They take the hook with great freedom, and afford much sport to the angler. They
are more frequently, however, taken with the seine. They may be seen in our markets
during the whole year ; and although the larger fish may be considered as coarse and dry,
yet the smaller ones are exceedingly delicate eating.

The geographical limits of the Striped Bass appear to extend from the capes of Delaware
bay to the coast of Massachusetts. I am strongly inclined to suspect the Bar-fish of Richard-
son to be merely the first Var. P. mitchilli, interrupta, of Mitchill, characterized by rows of
spots, five above and five below ; the lateral line so regularly interrupted and transposed as
to appear like " ancient church music." Mitchill's variety has " the parallelism of the lines
" broken ; and their integrant parts, the specks and spots, resemble confused rows of printing
" types." Should the supposition of their identity be correct, the geographical range of the
Striped Bass extends from Delaware bay to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Dr. Mitchill has truly and concisely remarked that this bass is a salt-water fish, ascending
fresh-water streams to breed during the spring, and for shelter during the winter. According
to the observations of Mease, they make their appearance along the coast in large scholes,*

* Schole, a word of Saxon origin, denoting a company of fish, and frequently corrupted into school and shoal. We take this
occasion to state that the word bass is probably of Dutch origin, and applied to sea perches ; and it appears to have been adopted
into our language anterior to the time of Willughuy. In itself, it may have been corrupted from paartck or perch.

FAMILY PERCIDjE — LABRAX. 9

about the beginning of September. They keep between the outer bar and the beach, where
they are caught by the seine in large quantities for the New-York and Philadelphia markets.
From the same writer, we learn that they ascend rivers as far as the depth of water will per-
mit, and lie among the bushes. Sometimes, from heavy rains, or the sudden melting of
snow, the fish are forced from their abode back again to the salt water, and remain there until
the freshet subsides, when they invariably reascend. They ascend high up the Hudson river,
and have been taken under the Cohoes falls of the Mohawk. The larger individuals, called
Green-heads, never ascend fresh-water streams. Along the coast, they enter creeks and inlets
at night with the flood tide, in order to feed, and return with the ebb. Advantage is taken of
this circumstance, by stretching a seine across the outlet, when great numbers are taken.
As the weather grows colder, they penetrate into bays and ponds connected with the sea,
where they imbed themselves in the mud. Near Sag-harbor, Suffolk county, I noticed one
of these ponds, which was a source of great annual profit to the owner.

This species, it will be noticed above, has had the fortune to receive many names. Dr.
Mitchill, who was unacquainted with the labors of his predecessors, imposed upon this spe-
cies, with characteristic simplicity, his own name. It is known under the various popular
names of Striped and Streaked Bass, Rock-fish, and oftener" Rock.

Schcepff observes of this species, that " it is very common, and caught during the whole
" year on the coast of New-York. They are brought into the market (dead) in great abun-
" dance during the winter." "There are other fish in the same waters, which in shape, size
" and color, completely resemble the striped bass, except that they have no lateral stripes
" whatever. It is supposed that they are the same, and that they do not, until they are two
" or three years old, take those stripes which sufficiently distinguish them from all others.
" The linnean characters of Perca aspera apply to the above named fish, but it is clearly a
" new species." It is probable, that in the latter paragraph, Schcepff alludes to some species
of Pogonias.

From the avidity with which the striped bass seizes a hook baited with soft crab, clams,
and the smaller Crustacea, it is probable that they form no inconsiderable portion of its food.

THE RUDDY BASS.

Labrax rufds.

PLATE UI. FIG. 7. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Perca, River Perch at New-York. Schcepff, Beobachtungen, &c. 1788, p. 159.

Morone rufa. Mitchill, Report in part, p. 18.'

Bodianus rufus. Id. Phil. Tr. Vol. 1, p. 420.

Le petit Bar d'Amerique, Labrax mucronalus. Cnv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 8G, pi. 12.

Labrax mucronatus. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 8.

Characteristics. Dark bluish above, with a reddish hue over the whole body, fading into a
reddish on the sides ; no lateral stripes. Length eight to ten inches.
Fauna — Part 4. 2

10 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Description. Body deep, compressed. Dorsal outline somewhat gibbous. Head small,
with a sloping facial outline. Nostrils double, the posterior much the largest. Scales den-
ticulate; all minutely punctured. Lateral line distinct, and nearly concurrent with the dorsal
outline. Scales on the suborbital and opercle. Preopercle serrate on its posterior and inferior
margins. Opercle with a flat acute point beneath, and a more obtuse one above, separated from
each other by a deep emargination ; its edge membranous. A deep straight suture behind
the orbit. Upper jaw protractile ; a band of minute teeth on the lower jaw and intermaxil-
laries. Tongue subacute, punctate with black, smooth in the centre and at the tip ; a band
of velvet-like teeth on the sides. The two dorsals connected by a slight membrane. The
first dorsal composed of stout spines, more or less curved ; the first very short, the second
twice its length, and the third still longer ; the fourth and fifth longest of all. The second
dorsal longer than high ; the first ray straight, spinous, about two-thirds of the length of
the next branched rays : the form of this fin is quadrangular, the rays diminishing very
gradually in length to the last. Pectorals broad ; the upper rays longest. Ventrals in advance
of the origin of the first dorsal ; its first ray stoutly spinous. Anal fin with three spines, the
first of which is very short, and capable of being directed forwards. Caudal fin deeply
emarginate.

Color. Dark bluish above, with a reddish hue over the whole, fading into yellowish or
orange on the sides. Head with brilliant metallic reflections. Lips and chin rosaceous. The
base of the pectorals dark brown, the fins themselves being yellowish. Ventrals reddish at
their bases ; the remaining fins brown.

Length, 8-0-10-0. Depth, 2-0-3-0.

Fins, D. 9.1.12; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 3.10; C. 17 §.

Tins is a very common fish in our markets during the winter months, and early in the
spring. They come into our markets from New-Jersey and Long Island, where they are
obtained in brackish streams. Dr. Akerly, in his economical history of the fishes sold in
the New-York markets, states that it is only fit for chowder. I have very little doubt but that
is the species described by Schoepff ; and as his memoir on the fishes of New-York is not
easily attainable in this country, and has never been translated, the following notice of this
species may be acceptable to our ichthyologists.

" Perca — Perch, River Perch at New-York.
"Head sloping; front scaly. Nostrils two, the largest near the inner angle of the eye. Eyes
yellow. Upper jaw movable ; the under somewhat projecting. In both jaws, and in the fore part of
the palate, are small bristly teeth. Tongue oblong, triangular, rounded at the point, and rough on both
edges. Gill covers scaly ; the upper dentate on its margin. Br. rays 7. Body compressed, oblong,
and broadest between the first rays of the dorsal and the ventrals. Back brown, changing to blue and
green. Belly white and shining. The under lip, throat, gill membranes (often the pectoral and anal)
red : this is occasioned by the blood shining through the tender membrane. Tail trifurcate. Ventrals
placed at the extremity of the breast bone. Lateral line straight. All the scales fringed on their mar-
gins (ciliatse). Dorsals two. D. 9.13; P. 15; V. 1.6; A. 3.12; C. 18.

FAMILY PERCID.E LABRAX. 11

" This perch, which nearly equals in size our river perch, inhabits the coast of New- York and Long
Island, in and at the mouths of fresh-water streams. It wants the six black lines and the black mark
at the end of the dorsal, which characterize the European fresh-water perch. The first dorsal, more-
over, has but thirteen (nine?) rays."

THE LITTLE WHITE BASS.

Labrax pallidcs.

PLATE I. FIG. 2. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Morone pallida. Mitchill, Report on the Fishes of N. Y. p. 18.
Bodianus pallidas. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 420.

Characteristics. Body compressed, small, light-colored. First ray of the posterior dorsal
nearly as long as the second. Opercle with a single spine. Length 3-4
inches.

Description. Body much compressed. The back, anterior to the dorsal fin, carinate ; head
declivous ; scales rounded, minutely pectinate, readily detached,' extending over the cheeks
and to the interobital space. Lateral line concurrent with the back. Nostrils double ; the
posterior obliquely ovate. Fine velvet teeth on the maxillaries, intermaxillaries and palatines ;
and with a strong lens, a band of teeth may be traced on each edge of the tongue. Opercle
with a single flat spine, and a pointed membrane extending beyond it. Preopercle angular,
serrated. Interopercle with a minute flattened spine ; humerus without a spine. Dorsal ap-
parently double, but connected by a low membrane : the anterior portion consists of nine
spinous rays, of which the fourth is longest; the first very short, the second and eighth
subequal. The first ray of the posterior portion spinous, long, nearly equalling in height the
first branched ray ; the upper margin of this fin descends more abruptly than in the preceding
species. Pectorals placed just anterior to the origin of the ventrals, feeble ; the first ray short
and rudimentary, the second long and simple, the remainder branched. Ventrals situated
beneath the first rays of the dorsal fin ; its first ray spinous, shorter than the second, third
longest. Anal fin with three spinous rays, of which the first equals in length the first ray
of the anterior dorsal ; the second and third more than double the length of the first. Caudal
fin deeply emarginate. Air-bladder simple.

Color. Light bluish above, and paler beneath ; sides and abdomen white. Base of the
ventrals and anal fins faint pinkish. Some of the scales dark-colored, so as to represent a
few irregular, interrupted horizontal bands along the sides ; this appearance, however, is
scarcely perceptible when the fish is just drawn from the water.

Length, 4 "5. Depth, 1*5.

Fins, D. 9.13; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 17 f.

12 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

This pigmy bass is commonly known with us under the name of White Perch. I have
the authority of Dr. Mitchill himself for the identity of the species. There are, however,
several grave errors in his description, some of which he assured me were typographical.
I am inclined to suspect that it has been confounded by preceding writers with the mucronatus
just described. Cuvier's figure of this last named species agrees better with the pallidus,
with the exception of the first ray of the second dorsal, which is represented as short ; while
the description, " L'epine de sa seconde dorsale est presque aussi longue que le premier rayon
" mou qui la suit," corresponds entirely with the characters of the White Perch. There
are other discrepancies, such as the want of cilias or dentations to the scales, which scarcely
apply to either species. Like the preceding species, it inhabits salt and brackish waters ; but
as far as my observations have extended, is invariably a smaller species, being in fact a
diminutive fish, and rarely brought to market for food. It occurs only in the spring, while
the Ruddy Bass, or Salt-water Perch as it is sometimes called, is very robust, and is common
throughout autumn and winter. The Little White Bass, or White Perch, may be readily
distinguished from the other by its light color, small size, and very compressed body.

THE SMALL BLACK BASS.

Labrax nigricans,
plate l. fig. 160. — (state collection.)

Characteristics. Dark colored, with a tinge of yellowish. First dorsal more elevated than
the second. Length, 6-10 inches.

Description. Body compressed ; back elevated. It has the general form of the Yellow
Perch, but the frontal outline is more abruptly descending. Scales subquadrate, rounded
behind, and minutely denticulated on their free margins (see figure). They extend over the
opercular bones and suborbital, rising upon the soft rays of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins ;
on the nape, they extend anterior to the eyes. Lateral line very distinct, and nearly concur-
rent with the dorsal outline, from which it is distant about one-third of the depth of the body.
Eyes very large, and near the facial outline. In a preserved specimen, a straight suture is
observed extending backwards from the eye towards the upper portion of the branchial aper-
ture. This is not visible, or but indistinctly, in the living individual. The upper portion "of
the orbit prominent. Nostrils double : the posterior obliquely oval, largest ; the anterior
round, and furnished with a valvular membrane. Preopercle with its angle rounded, and
strongly serrate on its horizontal and ascending margins. Opercle with a flat spine or point,
separated by an emargination from an indistinct point above it. On the posterior part of the
opercle, is a distinct vertical bony suture, near the ascending branch, and parallel with the
preopercle. A band of velvet-like teeth in the upper and lower jaws ; a semilunar patch of
teeth on the vomer ; a narrow band on the palatines, and a group of similar teeth on the
pharyngeals. Tongue broad, and punctate with black, with rounded patches of excessively
minute teeth on its sides and tip. The first branchial are pectinate.

FAMILY PERCIDjE — LABRAX. 13

The first portion of the dorsal fin stoutly spinous ; the first ray very short ; the second as
high again ; the third, fourth and fifth highest : in individuals of a small size, the fourth ray-
is highest. The spinous portion is connected with that behind by a low membrane ; its first
ray is long and spinous, the remaining rays branched, and ending a short distance before the
termination of the anal : the upper edge of this fin emarginate. Pectoral fins long and nar-
row, arising anterior to the origin of the first dorsal fin, and its tip extending as far back as
the eighth spinous ray of that fin. Ventral fins stout and broad ; the first ray spinous, the
second ray with a short filament. Anal fin emarginate, with three spinous rays, the first very
short ; the first four branched rays longer than the last spinous ray. Caudal fin furcate ; its
tips subacutely rounded.

Color. The general hue is deep brownish-black, more intense on the head and upper part
of the body. In the older specimens, there is a strong brassy hue throughout ; occasionally
dark longitudinal parallel streaks on the upper part of the body. Pupils black ; irides yellow.
Base of the fins light greenish-yellow ; edge of the membrane of the spinous dorsal black.
Upper portion of the membrane of the posterior dorsal fin transparent, and separated from the
yellow portion at the base by a tolerably well defined dark band. Membrane of the anal fin
dark towards the tips of the rays.

Length, 6-0-12-0. Depth, 1-5-3-5.

Fins, D. 9 or 10.1.12; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.8; C. 15 f.

This species, which is apparently undescribed, is commonly known under the name of
Black Perch, and is found in various deep fresh-water ponds in Queens and Suffolk counties.
When weighing one or two pounds, they are esteemed good eating. They, however, rarely
reach this size, being for the most part about six inches in length. Individuals have, how-
ever, been taken fifteen inches long. They rise to the fly, and afford much amusement to the
sportsman.

THE WHITE LAKE BASS.

Labrax albidus.
plate li. fig. 165.

Characteristics. Bluish white, with a few narrow dusky lines. Anal fin with twelve soft rays.
Second dorsal scarcely emarginate. Length 10-15 inches.

Description. Body compressed ; back arched ; the portion anterior to the dorsal fin convex
to the nape, where it becomes slightly concave, with the rostrum produced. Scales extending
over the opercular pieces to the interorbital space, and on the base of the second dorsal, pec-
toral, anal and caudal fins. The scales (see figure) are large, subquadrate, rounded and
ciliated on the free margins, reticulated on the exposed surface ; truncated in front with four-
teen radiating plaits on the concealed portion. Lateral line rather straight, not concurrent

14 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

with the dorsal outline. Head small and pointed. Eyes large, 0'5 in diameter, and slightly
more than their diameters apart. Nostrils double, contiguous, vertical, slightly in advance of
the orbits. Suborbital scaly. Preopercle with about fifty stout teeth on the posterior margin,
more robust on the rounded angle, smooth beneath. Opercle with two small spines separated
by a deep notch, which is filled up by membrane. Lower jaw slightly longest ; both with
bands of small subequal acute teeth : similar, but smaller teeth on the vomer and palatines ;
a small oblong patch of minute teeth on each side of the tongue, and a larger rounded patch
of similar teeth at its base.

The first dorsal fin composed of nine spinous rays, arising at a point vertical to the origin
of the ventral : the first spine short, not exceeding a quarter of an inch in length ; the second
twice the length of the first ; the third more than twice the length of the second ; the fourth
and fifth subequal, longest ; thence gradually diminishing in size to the last, which is more
slender and rather longer than the first. The second dorsal arises a short distance behind,
and perfectly distinct from the first ; composed of one spinous and thirteen branched rays.
The spinous ray is robust, and half the length of the first articulated ray, which, with the
two following, are longest ; the last ray longer than the two or three preceding : this is not
faithfully rendered in the figure. Pectoral fins small, pointed, of seventeen rays ; the upper
simple, short ; the third and fourth longest. Ventral fins slightly behind the base of the
pectorals, robust, with one stout sharp spine and five branched rays ; the tips with a tendency
to filamentous. Anal slightly emarginate, with three spinous and twelve branched rays ; these
rays, as well as those of the second dorsal fin, have elongated scales extending towards the
tips. The first spine is short, the second twice the length of the first, and the third rather
longer than the second, but not more than half the length of the first soft ray. Caudal fin
deeply lunate, with scales ascending high on the rays.

Color. Bluish white above the lateral line, with a few narrow parallel dusky streaks above
and beneath this line. Sides and belly white. Pupils black ; irides white, intermixed with a
little brown. Dorsal, caudal and anal fins brownish, tinged with blue. Pectoral fins whitish,
tinged with olive green. Ventral fins light transparent bluish, tipped with white.

Length, 10*5. Depth, 3-0.

Fins, D. 9.1.13; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.12; C. 17

This is a very common fish in Lake Erie, and is known at Buffalo under the name of
White Bass. It readily takes the hook, and is esteemed as an article of food.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

L. notatus. (Richardson, F. B. A. p. 8.) Ten parallel series of lines, forming regularly abbre-
viated spots. D. 9.1.12; V. 1.6; A. 1.12; C. 17. Length one to two feet. River St. Law-
rence.

L. multilineatus. (Cuvier & Valen. Vol. 3, p. 488.) Sixteen longitudinal lines along the sides.
D. 9.1.13; P. 14; V. 1.5; A. 3.12; C. 17. Length 15 inches. River Wabash.

FAMILY PERCIDvE, 15

GENUS HURO. Cuvier.

With most of the characters of the Genus Perca, but wanting denticulations on the bones
of the head, and more especially on the preopercle. Opercle with two small flat points.

THE BLACK HURON.

HURO NIGRICANS.

PLATE LXIX. FIG. 224.

Huro nigricans. Ccv. & Val. Hist, des Poissons, Vol. 2, p. 124, pi. 17.
Perca (Huro) nigricans. Richardson, Faun. Boreal. Am. Vol. 3, p. 4.

Characteristics. Back and sides dark, with a faint greyish longitudinal streak through each
row of scales. Length sixteen inches.

Description. General form that of the Perch. Greatest depth of the body under the first
dorsal, and equal to one-third of the length of the body. Scales large, smooth, covering the
head as far as the orbit, and extending also on the opercles. Lateral line tubular, concurrent
with the dorsal outline. Head flattened above, with striae diverging to the orbits. Lower
jaw directed obliquely upwards, and projecting 0 • 25 beyond the upper. Velvet-like teeth on

the jaws, vomer and palatines. Tongue . The bony opercle has an acute oblique notch

on its posterior margin, producing two thin points. The branchial membrane, according to
Cuvier, with seven rays. Richardson enumerates but six. The first dorsal small ; its third
ray longest, the fourth and fifth nearly as long. The second dorsal an inch behind the first,
and one-third higher; the two first rays spinous, short; the first ray articulated, simple; the
remainder branched. In the only specimen hitherto examined, the rays of this fin were in-
jured, but Cuvier supposes that there must have been twelve or thirteen : only eight were
visible. Pectorals with the first ray very short. Ventrals immediately beneath them. Anal,
with its branched rays, equal in height to those of the second dorsal. Caudal slightly emar-
ginate, with its tips rounded.

Color, taken from a dried specimen. Back and sides dark, with a faint longitudinal streak
through the centre of each row of scales. Belly yellowish white.

Length, 17' 5.

Fins, D. 6.2.8 or 12; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 ; C. 17 f

This is a remarkably firm and well-flavored fish, taken readily with the hook during the
summer months in Lake Huron, where it is called Black Bass. It will probably be found in
Lake Erie, and of course within the limits of the State. As I have not seen it, I have availed
myself of the description and figure given by Cuvier and Valenciennes. Its history is yet
imperfect ; nor, with our present knowledge, can we assign it positively its proper place in
the family.

16 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS PILEOMA.

With two distinct dorsals. Preopercle smooth. Opercle pointed, with a feeble flattened
spine. Ventrals with five soft rays. Teeth uniform in size.

Obs. In order to prevent confusion, I have deemed it proper to place this small species in
a separate group ; believing, with Cuvier, that such a course is to be preferred, rather than
to change the characters of another genus in order to force it into a group to which, in other
respects, it may be a total stranger. I am unable to satisfy myself as to its true position in
this family, but its smooth opercle would seem to indicate its vicinity to the genus Huro.

THE CHAMPLAIN PICKERING.

PlLEOMA SEMIFASCIATUM.
PLATE L. FIG. 162. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Small. Olive green, with numerous bands of a darker hue over the back.
Length two to four inches.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical. Scales moderate, denticulated, very small on the
preopercle, larger on the opercle, nearly uniform on the remaining parts of the body ; thir-
teen rows above and eight below the lateral line, enumerated in the centre of the body.
Lateral line distinct and nearly straight. Head small, sloping. Eyes rather large, with the
supra-orbital margins prominent. B ranchial membrane with seven flattened rays. Preopercle
nearly rectangular, smooth. Opercle terminating in a soft flat point ; just anterior to this
point, is a small flat spine. Lower jaw shortest; gape moderate. Jaws armed with feeble
subequal teeth ; indistinct vestiges of teeth on the vomer and palatines, more manifest on the
pharyngeals.

The first dorsal fin commences above the base of the ventrals, and is composed of eleven
subequal spinous rays, the posterior rays gradually diminishing in length. At an interval of
02, commences the second dorsal, higher than the first, and containing fifteen branched rays.
Pectoral fins broad and rounded. Slightly behind this fin, arises the ventral, which is long and
pointed. Anal fin longer than high, originating a little behind the commencement of the second
dorsal, and composed of twelve annulated rays. Caudal broad, and very slightly emarginated :
in some individuals, nearly even.

Color. The general hue is pale greenish-olive, becoming lighter towards the abdomen. A
series of about twenty dark olive or brownish stripes across the back, alternately but not
regularly longer, and becoming dilated on the vertebral line. Gill-covers metallic green and
gold. Pupils purplish ; irides silvery. A dark round spot at the base of the caudal. Dorsals
dark brownish, resulting from numerous minute dark spots on their membranes. Caudal fin
with four or five dark vertical bands.

FAMILY PERCID/E LUCIOPERCA. 17

Length, 2-0 -4'0. Depth, 0-3-0-5.

Fin rays, D. 13.15; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 12; C. 15 f.

I obtained this beautiful little fish at Westport on Lake Champlain, where it appeared to
be very abundant. It is numerous also in many streams in that vicinity. It readily takes the
hook, and is extremely active and voracious. Its popular name in that district is the Little
Pickerel, or Pickering, which is also applied to many other species.

GENUS LUCIOPERCA. Gesner, Cuvier.

Ventrals beneath the pectorals, ivith five soft rays. Two dorsal fins. Canine or long teeth
mixed with smaller ones.

This genus includes a few fresh-water fishes from the northeastern parts of Europe, from
Asia and North America. Its name indicates the united characters of a perch and pike. In
this State, we describe two species.

THE YELLOW PIKE-PERCH.

LUCIOPERCA AMERICANA.

PLATE L. FIG. 163.— (STATE COLLECTION.)

Perca vitrea, The Glass-eye. Mitchill, Suppl. Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 247.

Lucioperca americana, Le Sandre d'Amerique. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 122. pi. 16.

L. id., The American Sandre. Richardson, F. B. A. Fishes, p. 10.

The Okow or Horn-fish. Id. lb. p. 14.

L. lucioperca, Salmon of the Ohio, Pike of the Lake. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 190.

Characteristics. Greyish tinged with yellow. A black mark on the posterior part of the
spinous dorsal. Lower edge of the opercle smooth. Length, 12 to 18
inches.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, tapering ; profile of the head in a gently sloping
straight line to the extremity of the snout. Scales moderate, subquadrate, ciliate on the
rounded free margin, with six radiating plaits in front. Lateral line nearly straight from the
upper edge of the gill-cover to the tail, including in its course ninety-five scales. Orbits large,
oval, 0.7 in their antero-posterior diameters. Nostrils double ; the anterior with a valvular
orifice. Preopercle serrated by a series of distant spines, directed upwards on the posterior
margin, and forward, beneath. Opercle with a slender flat terminal spine, beyond which is a
pointed membrane. Branchial rays seven. Mouth wide, extensible ; the lower jaw received
into the upper. A series of acute recurved teeth in both jaws, and on the vomer and palatines.
Two very long and conspicuous teeth, resembling canines, in front of each jaw ; those of the
lower received into cavities above. Teeth on the vomer minute ; the anterior on each pala-
tine very large and conspicuous. Tongue smooth, pointed, free.

Fauna — Part 4. 3

18 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

The first dorsal fin arises at a point vertical to a line between the bases of the pectoral and
ventral fins, and is composed of thirteen long and slender spinous rays : some authors have
enumerated fourteen. The first rays are an inch long ; the second, nearly a third longer ;
thence subequal to the eighth, when they rapidly subside to the last, which is attached to the
body by a broad black membrane. The second dorsal fin with one short simple subspinous
ray, and twenty-one articulated rays : it arises half an inch behind the first dorsal ; its ante-
rior soft rays longest, thence gradually diminishing, and ending half an inch posterior to the
termination of the anal fin. Pectorals somewhat pointed, 1 " 8 long, and composed of fourteen
rays, the tip reaching beneath the eighth ray of the spinous dorsal fin. Ventral fins placed
slightly behind the pectorals, and composed of one stout spine of five branched rays ; its tips
reach a point equidistant between its base and the vent. Caudal fin furcate, with numerous
accessory rays.

Color. Yellowish olive above the lateral line ; lighter on the sides ; silvery beneath. Head
and gill-covers mottled with green, brownish and white. Chin pale flesh-color. Pupil dark
and vitreous ; irides mottled with black and yellowish. Membrane of the spinous dorsal
transparent, with a few dark dashes ; the upper part of the membrane tipped with black ;
posterior portion of the membrane, including the two last rays, black. The soft dorsal fin
light yellowish, spotted with brown in such a manner as to form irregular longitudinal dusky
bars. Pectoral fins yellowish olive, with maculated brownish bars. Ventral fins transparent
yellowish. Anal fin of the same color, with a broad whitish margin. Caudal fin with irre-
gular dusky bars.

Total length, 14' 5. Greatest depth, 2- 2.

Length from the snout to the point of the opercle, 3 '5.

Fins, D. 13.1.21; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 1.14; C. 17 }.

This is the Common Pike, Pickerel, Pickering, Glass-eye and Yellow Pike of the Great
Lakes, and of most of the streams and inland lakes in the western parts of the State. In
Ohio it has received the name of Salmon. The ordinary common names give no correct idea
of its character. It is a true Perch, although its form and habits suggest very naturally the
idea of a Pike. I have therefore applied to it a name which indicates its true position, and is
a translation of its classical appellation.

The Pike-perch is exceedingly voracious, and is highly prized as food. It is caught readily
with the hook, and appears to prefer as bait the common fresh-water cray-fish (Astacus
bartoni). The best time for fishing is in the dusk of the evening, with a great length of line
out, and keeping it gently in motion. The foot of rapids, or beneath mill-dams, appears to
• be its favorite haunts. In the heat of summer, it seeks the deepest parts of lakes, or in
streams in the coolest parts concealed under weeds or grass. According to Dr. Kirtland, it
is one of the most valuable fishes for the table, found in the western waters, and sells readily
at a high price. It is found in such quantities about the Maumee river, as to induce fisher-
men to take it as an article of commerce. At Lake Huron, it spawns in April or May. It
is occasionally much larger than the dimensions of the one described above. In Chautauque

FAMILY PERCID.E LUCIOPERCA. 19

lake, I was informed of one which was thirty inches long. Tt had swallowed a duck, which
had thrust its head through the gill openings of the fish, and having thus destroyed it, both
were found dead on the shore.

The Pike-perch is found from the Ohio, through all the great lakes, and through the rivers
of the fur countries up to the fifty-eighth parallel of latitude. Fishermen enumerate in our
State three species or kinds : The Blue Pike, which I have seen, and consider as an aged
individual of the present species ; the Yelloiv Pike, just described ; and the Grey Pike,
which I consider as specifically distinct. Under the name of Perca vitrea, Mitchill has
described a species which may apply to this or the following, but the description is too vague
to enable me to adopt his previous name.

THE GRAY PIKE-PERCH.

LUCIOPERCA GRISEA.
(STATE COLLECTION )

Characteristics. General hue greyish. Membrane of the spinous dorsal fin without the black
spot. Invariably smaller than the preceding. Length ten to twelve inches.

Description. Form of the head, body and opercles resembling entirely the preceding. The
first dorsal with fourteen, and the second with eighteen rays. Anal with thirteen rays.

Color. Color yellowish, strongly tinged with grey. Opercular bones, and summit of the
head greyish. The first dorsal fin light-colored, tinged with yellowish, and with a rounded or
irregular blue-black spot on the membrane between each ray. The second dorsal of the
same color, with a series of similar spots forming two or more irregular bars. Pectoral fins
yellowish, with a few dark spots. Ventrals yellowish, immaculate. Anal whitish, transpa-
rent. Caudal fin with alternate transverse bars of bluish brown and faint yellowish.

Length, 10-0- 12-0.

Fins, D. 14.1.17; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 13; C. 17 f.

This species is found with the preceding, but is never larger than as given above. It is
equally prized as an article of food.

(EXTRA LIMIT AL.)

L. canadensis. (Griffith's Cuv. Vol. 10, pi. 1, p. 275. PI. 68, fig. 221.) Dark olive green above,
beneath whitish ; a few pale yellow spots on the sides below the lateral line. Lower margin of
the opercle with five acute spines. Length 14 inches. River St. Lawrence.

20 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS BOLEOSOMA.*

Two dorsal fins. Opercle scaly, with a single spine. Preopercle smooth on the margin.
Six branchial rays. Nape depressed, contracted.

THE TESSELLATED DARTER.

BOLEOSOMA TESSELLATUM.
PLATE XX. FIG. 57. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Small, brownish, with oblong quadrate spots on its back and sides. Length
two to three inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering, covered with rough scales, which extend over the
opercular bones. Scales moderately large for the size of the fish, rounded ; truncated and
plaited in front, ciliate on the free margin. Lateral line tubular, broadly and regularly con-
cave, nearly medial. Head small. Nape smooth, and depressed at the basal line as if
strangulated ; thence ascending to the interorbital space, and descending rapidly to the tip of
the snout. Eyes large, contiguous, 0*12 in diameter, and less than their diameters apart;
the space between deeply furrowed. Nostrils double ; the posterior near the edge of the
orbit, the anterior with valvular margins. Opercle with a pointed membrane behind ; and in
advance of this, a small but robust spine. The preopercle with a smooth margin, and rounded
at its angle. Branchial membrane with six rays. Mouth small, terminal, slightly protractile.
Very minute card-like teeth in the jaws, forming two or more series. Equally minute teeth
on the vomer, and anterior portion of the palatines. Tongue smooth. No swim-bladder.

Dorsal fins two ; the first commencing on the anterior third of the head and body ; the first
dorsal with nine spinous rays ; the first ray slightly shorter than the second ; the third, fourth
and fifth, subequal, longest ; thence gradually diminishing to the last, which is supine, and
nearly hidden in the depression which contains the fin. The second dorsal fin arises 0- 2
behind this last, and contains fourteen branched rays longer than high ; highest in front, where
it exceeds in height the spinous dorsal, and gradually diminishing behind, ending beyond the
termination of the anal. Pectorals pointed, hastate, the tip reaching the end of the first
dorsal ; composed of thirteen rays, the fifth and sixth longest, the inferior ray shortest. Ven-
trals small, arising posterior to the base of the pectorals ; composed of one simple and five
branched rays, of which the third is longest. Anal nearly as long as high, composed of ten
rays, of which the first two are short. Vent under the origin of the second dorsal fin.
Caudal fin even, and is a powerful instrument, 0"45 in length.

* From /3oXi.c, a dart or javelin, and tfwjxa, body.

FAMILY PERCID.* SERRA.NUS. 21

Color. Olive brown, with from five to seven oblong quadrate black spots on the back along
each side of the dorsal fin. Another series of spots, similar in shape, size and color, along
the lateral line, and varying in number from seven to nine on each side. A short vertical
black line from the eye, directed obliquely forward, and a similar black dash extending from
the eye to the nose. Fins transparent ; the rays spotted with light brownish, forming narrow
bars. Pupil black ; irides brown.

Length, 2 -5. Depth, 0-4.

Fin rays, D. 9.14; P. 13; V. 1.5; A. 10; C. 17 f .

This singular and beautiful little fish does not appear to have been hitherto described. It
is usually seen at the bottom of clear springs or streams, lying for a while perfectly still near
the bottom, and then suddenly darts off with great velocity at its prey. This habit has ac-
quired for it the popular name of Darter. Another name, Grand-oranchee, is given to it in
this State by the descendants of the Dutch colonists, but of its meaning I have obtained no
satisfactory explanation. It occurs in most of the fresh-water streams of the State.

I find among the Percidce, no genus with which this can be satisfactorily arranged, nor
indeed is there any combining the characters of two dorsals with six branchial rays. Ethe-
ostoma, a loosely constructed genus, which is cited by Kirtland (Boston Journal, Vol. 3, p.
347), approaches it in the form of its head, but its opercles are said not to be scaly.

GENUS SERRANUS. Cuvier.

With a single dorsal. Canine teeth mingled with others. Preopercle minutely denticulate.
Opercle with one or two spines ; generally with scales on the jaws.

Obs. This genus, established by Cuvier, embraces at present about one hundred and ten
marine species. The preopercle, in many species, becomes so minutely denticulate as to
appear entirely smooth. The jaws also present remarkable varieties ; some species having
them covered with large scales, whilst in others they are scarcely visible. This and all the
succeeding genera of the family Percida? have a single dorsal fin.

THE GROPER.

Sehrancs ebythrogaster.
PLATE XIX. FIG. 52.

Characteristics. Olive brown above ; beneath red. Dorsal and caudal, ventral and anal fins
bordered with blue, and edged with dusky. Length two feet.

Description. Body oblong, subcompressed, deepest at the origin of the dorsal fin, thence
tapering gradually to the tail. Height, to its length, as one to three and a half. Body
covered with small quadrate oblong rough scales, ciliated on the margin with about eight

22 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

radiating plates on the anterior surface. The scales cover the opercular bones, and the lower
jaw, where they are small, long, narrow and elliptical, and are also on the bases of the fins.
Lateral line concurrent with the dorsal outline. Head large ; its outline sloping in a regular
but slight curve to the snout, and, measured to the point of the opercle, is one-third of the
total length. Eyes large, near the facial outline, and 1 -0 in diameter. Nostrils double, con-
tiguous, subequal ; the anterior with a valvular membrane on its posterior margin. Pre-
opercle denticulated minutely on the upper part of the ascending branch, more strongly
towards the angle, which is rounded, and, with the lower margin, smooth. Opercle terminat-
ing in a flat membranous point : on its surface, 0*5 in advance of its tip, is a flat lancet-shaped
spine ; beneath this, and slightly in advance, is a second spine of the same size and shape ;
and near the upper angle of the branchial aperture is a third, more obscure, and rounded.
Mouth large, protractile, extending back beneath the orbits. Lips fleshy. Teeth small,
acute, conic, recurved, distributed in two bands in the jaws, with an intervening free space
in the centre ; the teeth in the posterior series are larger as they approach the centre of the
jaw ; the exterior series is composed of longer, very acute, more robust, and distant teeth-
Vomer, palatines, pharyngeals, and branchial arcs covered with acute bristly teeth.

The dorsal fin commences eight inches from the end of the snout, or above the point of the
opercle, and contains eleven robust spinous rays received into a furrow, and sixteen flexible
rays : the first spinous ray short, less than half the length of the second ; the third longest ;
the tenth shorter than the eleventh. The soft portion of the dorsal rounded, equalling in
height the longest spinous rays; it terminates beyond the end of the anal. Pectorals placed low
down, rounded, with one simple and fifteen branched rays, with a scaly fold on the superior
part of its base behind. Ventrals placed slightly behind the base of the pectorals, pointed,
triangular, with one robust spine and five branched rays ; the posterior ray attached to the
abdomen by a membrane. Vent about an inch in front of the anal fin, which has two spines
and ten soft rays : the first short, robust, acute ; the third simple, scarcely spinous, and
enveloped in membrane ; the remainder branched. This fin commences under the second
ray of the soft portion of the dorsal, and is high and rounded, equalling in height the longest
spinous rays of the dorsal. Caudal broad, crescent-shaped, and composed of sixteen rays.

Color. Brownish olive, with a reddish tinge. Jaws, chin, branchial membrane, abdomen,
pectoral and ventral fins, and base of the anal fin, of a beautiful salmon-red, more or less
brilliant. Interior of the mouth of a bright blood-red. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins brownish-
black, with a bluish submargin bordered with black more or less deep : this black color is
more intense on the caudal fin. Pupils black; irides yellow. This is the general distribu-
tion of the colors in the particular individual described above ; but in thirty or forty others
which I have examined, the general color is brownish, slightly tinged with red, the abdomen
exhibiting most of the latter color.

Length, 24 -0. Greatest depth, 7*0.

Fins, D. 11.16; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 2.10; C. 16.

FAMILY PERCIDvE SERRANUS. 23

This beautiful fish, which is not unusual in our markets in June and July, where it sells
from six to twelve cents per pound, is called by the fishermen, Groper and Red Groper. It
is a southern species, and is brought hither from the reefs of Florida ; but I have been
assured by intelligent fishermen, that it is occasionally, but very rarely, taken off our coast.
Dr. Holbrook informs me that it is brought into the Charleston market from Florida, in the
months of January, February and March. It bears a general resemblance to Hemulon ; but
all its characters combine to place it in this family, and under Serranus, or rather to that
subdivision (Merou) which has not yet received a distinct appellation, but which is charac-
terized by the lower jaws being covered with fine scales. Its flesh is rather tough, and held
in little estimation.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S. mono. (Cuv. and Val. Vol. 2, p. 285.) Brownish above, reddish beneath; maxillaries and

branchial membrane red ; pectorals orange ; ventral spotted with red ; anal with three spines

Length two and a half feet. Antilles.

Obs. This appears closely allied to the preceding. Cuvier states that he has received it from

New- York, through Mr. Milbert.
S. acutirostris. (Id. Vol. 2, p. 286.) Entirely brown. Snout more elongated than in the other species.

Preopercle very minutely denticulated. Length two feet. Charleston.

Obs. In the collection of drawings of the fishes of Carolina, obligingly communicated by Dr.

Holbrook, are two species similar to the above, but apparently undescribed.
S. fascicularis. (Id. Vol. 2, p. 245.) With 5-6 longitudinal bands. Preopercle with two groups

of radiating spines on the lower part of its posterior margin. Three transverse lines on the summit

of the head. Length 6-10 inches. Charleston, S. C.

24 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS CENTROPRISTES. Cuvier.

A single dorsal fin. All the teeth on the jaws, vomer and palatines, velvet-like. Preoperclc
serrated. Opercle spinous. The snout, jaw and branchial membrane without scales.

THE BLACK SEA BASS.

Centropristes nigricans.

PLATE II. FIG. 5. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Perca, Black-fish in New-York. Schcepff, Beobacht. Naturf. Fr. Vol. 8, p. 164.

Caryphama mgrescens. Bloch, Syst. posth. p. 297.

Lutianus trilobus. Lacepede, Hist, Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 246, pi. 16, fig. 3.

Perca varia. Mitchill, Report in part, etc. p. 10.

P. id.. Sea Basse. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 415, pi. 3, fig. 6.

Le Centropristc noir, Centropristes nigricans. Ccv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 3, p. 37, pi. 44.

C. id., The Black Perch. Stop.er, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 9.

Characteristics. Uniform bluish-black. Dorsal fin mottled with white. Caudal fin, when
perfect, trilobate. Length, 6-12 inches.

Description. Body oblong, compressed, somewhat carinated on the back before the dorsal
fin. Scales subquadrate, ciliate, with radiating plaits on the radical surface, and festooned
on the anterior margin ; they extend over the opercle, suborbitals, and high up on the caudal
fin ; eighteen are counted vertically, and fifty-four along the lateral line : this line is concur-
rent with the dorsal outline. Preopercle distinctly denticulated on its whole margin. Opercle
with a sharp spine, and above it another, which in young individuals is almost effaced. Eyes
large, and near the frontal outline. The nostrils are double, in the same plane with the
upper border of the orbits, and nearer to the orbits than to the snout ; the posterior largest,
oval ; the anterior with a valve. Teeth velvet-like throughout ; several series on the jaw, of
which the outer row is largest. Tongue pointed, smooth, free.

The dorsal fin commences above the base of the pectorals, and ends beyond the termination
of the anal. The spinous rays have each of them a membranous slip attached to their tips ;
this portion of the fin is lower than the branched rays, which form an elevated and rounded
fin. The first two spinous rays are short ; the third longest. A series of scales rise up on
the membrane between the rays of this fin, for nearly one-fifth of its height ; and the same
occurs on the anal and caudal fins. The pectorals broad, and reaching to the vent. Ventrals
rounded. Anal fin with three spines and seven branched rays, which latter are high and
obtusely rounded. The caudal fin, although usually described as rounded, is in fact trilobed ;
but the rays of the tips are so exceedingly delicate, that they usually present a ragged appear-
ance difficult to describe. I searched among many individuals, before I could find one as
complete as the imperfect one figured above. In the youngest and smallest specimens, this
imperfection is quite as manifest as in others. When perfect, the tips end in a delicate
elongated point, and the middle of the fin is rounded.

FAMILY PERCHXE — CENTROPRISTES. 25

The stomach of the Black Sea Bass has four caecal appendages. The generative organs
are double, both in the male and female. The air-bladder is large and simple. There are
twenty-four vertebras.

Color. A uniform bluish-black, sometimes with a bronzed appearance. Dr. Mitchill
describes this species as " regularly speckled with black and white from the head to the tail."
The deeper color of the edges of the scales gives a regularly reticulated appearance to the
whole surface of the body. The fins, excepting the pectoral, are of a light blue color. The
dorsal fin distinctly, and the anal fin more faintly, mottled with pale blue.

Length, 6-0-12-0.

Fin rays, D. 10.11 ; P. 18; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 17 f.

This is one of the most savory and delicate of the fishes which appear in our markets from
May to July. Its most usual name with us is Sea Bass, although it is sometimes called
Blue-fish, Black Harry, Hannahills and Black Bass. Farther south, it is named Black-
fish. Its geographical range appears to be extensive along our coast. It is found on the coast
of Florida, and its northern limits appear to be bounded by Cape Cod on the coast of Massa-
chusetts. We learn from Dr. Storer, that it is caught in great numbers at Martha's Vineyard,
for the New-York market. It is a southern species, ranging northward in the early part of
the summer, and returning in the autumn. From causes which we are unable to explain, it
sometimes happens that its northern migration is obstructed to a considerable extent.

(EXTRA-LIM1TAL.)

C. trifurca. (Crv. et Val., Vol. 3, p. 43.) With seven blue bands. The third and fourth dorsal
spines with fleshy slips, as long as the spines themselves. S. Carolina.

Fauna — Part 4.

26 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS GRYSTES. Cuvier.
Opercle spinous. Preopercle entire. A single dorsal. All the teeth uniform, velvet-like.

THE GROWLER.

Grystes salmoides.

PLATE LXIX. FIG. 22S.

White Salmon- Smith, Hist. Virginia.

Labre salnunde. Lacep. Vol. 4, p. 716, pi. 5, fig. 2.

Cichla variabilis. Lesueur, Acad. Sc. as cited Ijy Cuvier.

Grystes salmoides, Le growler salmoide. Cov. et Val. Vol. 3, p. 54, pi. 45.

Characteristics. Deep greenish brown, with a bluish spot on the point of the opercle. Young,
with numerous longitudinal lines. Length 6-24 inches.

Description. Greatest depth, to its length, as one to four nearly ; its thickness not quite
half of its depth. Profile not very declivous. Lower jaw longest, with four or five pores
under each of its branches. Minute teeth in broad bands. Opercle terminates in two mode-
rate points, of which the uppermost is short. Branchial rays six, and occasionally seven ; a
notable variation, but which is positively established. Humeral bone smooth. Scales ciliate,
moderate ; ninety in a longitudinal series, and thirtv-six to forty in a vertical line. Scales
only on the opercular bones and cheeks ; small ones on the soft portions of the dorsal, anal
and caudal fins. Lateral line concurrent with the back. Dorsal fin commences about the
middle of the pectorals ; the fourth ray highest. Pectoral and ventral fins small. Caudal fin
slightly crescent-shaped.

Color, in the adult, deep greenish-brown, with a bluish-black spot on the point of the
opercle. Young, with from twenty-five to thirty brownish longitudinal bands, which appear
to become effaced with age.

Length, 6"0 — 24 '0.

Fin rays, D. 10.13 or 14; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 or 12; C. 17.

The above description, from Cuvier, would seem to imply the existence of two species.
He received them from New- York, from Carolina, and from the Wabash (Indiana). Those
from New- York varied from six to nine inches, and had six branchial and fourteen soft dorsal
rays. The Wabash specimens varied from five to sixteen inches in length. In Carolina, it
attains a length of two feet, is considered as excellent food, and passes under the name of
Trout. I have seen neither the species nor the description of C. variabilis, cited by Cuvier.

FAMILY PERCIDJS. 27

GENUS CENTRARCHUS. Cuvier.

Preopercle not denticulated. Velvet-like teeth in the jaws, front of the vomer, on the pala-
tines, and base of the tongue. Angle of the opercle divided into two flat points. Anal
spines usually numerous. Body oval, compressed. A single dorsal.

Obs. This is a numerous group in the United States.

FRESH-WATER BASS.

Centrarchos .enecs.

PLATE II. FIG. 4. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Ctchla anea. Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2, p. 214, pi. 12.
Cenlrarcus <mtcus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 3, p. 84.
Cichla mnea, Rock Bass. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 16S and 190.

Characteristics. Dark greenish bronze, with 5-6 series of irregular subquadrate spots on the
sides below the lateral line. Anal fin with six spinous rays. Length
6-10 inches.

Description. Body short, compressed ; its height rather exceeding the length of the head
measured to the posterior angle of the opercle. Head scaleless between and anterior to the eyes.
Scales small on the preopercle, larger on the opercle ; slight indications of serratures about
the angle of the preopercle. Scales adherent ; on the sides, large and rounded, and, under
the lens, denticulated on their free margins, truncated and plicated at their bases. Thirteen
rows of scales below the lateral line, and about six above ; they ascend upon the bases of the
dorsal, anal and caudal fins, forming a sort of sheath as in the family Scienid;e. Lateral line
concurrent with the back, and composed of a series of single tubes ; in some individuals, I
have noticed this line to be distorted in a very anomalous manneT. Eyes very large, and
rather prominent. Nostrils small and double. Opercle with the rudiments of a double angle
on the posterior margin. Lower jaw somewhat longest. Teeth small, subequal, conical,
recurved ; on the jaws, vomer, palatines and pharyngeals. Stomach with from five to seven
short cascal appendages, and filled with the young of a species of Astacus or crayfish.

Dorsal fin long, commencing above the ventrals, and composed of eleven spinous and twelve
articulated rays : the first, second and third rays of the spinous portion successively longer ;
the remainder subequal, and all acutely spinous : the articulated portion rounded, with longer
rays ; the sixth, seventh and eighth exceeding the others in height. The pectorals broad and
rounded, composed of fourteen rays. Ventral fins placed just behind the pectorals, and com-
posed of one weak spine and five multifid rays, the last connected to the body by a broad trans-
parent membrane. Anal fin compound ; arising under the eighth spinous ray of the dorsal fin,
and comprising six spinous and eleven articulated rays ; the first spinous ray very short, the

28 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

articulated portion oblong and rounded. Caudal fin emarginate, with the tips rounded. The
scales on the base of this fin ascend high up on the membrane.

Color. The general appearance of this fish is a dark greenish bronze. Head above dark
bottle-green. Back, above the lateral line, of the same color. Gill-covers metallic green. A
dark spot above the posterior angle of the opercle. The sides below the lateral line with six
or more longitudinal series of subquadrate dark spots. Pupils dark purple, with a narrow
golden ring ; the remainder of the eye blue and reddish. Dorsal fin light green, with lighter
spots on the rays. Membrane of the caudal fin darker than the rays. Ventral and anal fins
tipped with bright blue. Pectorals light olive-green.

Length, 6-0-8-0. Depth, 2'0 - 3"0.

Fin rays, D. 11.12; P. 14; V. 1.5; A. 6.11 ; C. 17

3

This description was drawn up from several specimens which I obtained in Lake Cham-
plain, where it is called Rock Bass. It is an edible species, and readily takes the hook.
This species occurs abundantly in the great lakes, and in the larger streams in the western
counties of the State. Since the completion of the Erie and Champlain canals, it has made
its appearance in the Hudson river. The C. ceneus of Richardson, which was recognized by
Cuvier, exhibits some difference, particularly in the serratures of the lower margin of the
preopercle, which almost incline us to the belief that our species is undescribed. It is possible,
however, that these may be variations depending on age or locality. If it be C. ceneus, the
characters of the genus will require to be changed.

THE BLACK FRESH-WATER BASS

Centrarchus fasciatcs.

PLATE III. FIG. 8.

CicUafasciata. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Sc. Vol. 2, p. 216.

C. ohioensis. Id. lb. p. 218.

C. minima. Id. (Young?)

The Black Bass of the Lake and of the Ohio. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 191.

Characteristics. Large. Anal fin with three spines. Color dusky bluish ; often with trans-
verse bands. Length, 12-15 inches.

Description. Body compressed. Back arched, gibbous. Profile descending obliquely
to the rostrum, which is moderately prolonged. Scales large, truncate, and with radiating
plaits at the radical portion ; the free portion small, rounded, concentrically striate, minutely
denticulate on the margin. Scales on the opercle large, with a single series on the sub-
opercle ; much smaller on the preopercle, and ascend high up on the membrane of the soft
dorsal and caudal fins. The intra-orbital region, and the jaws, scaleless. Lateral line con-
current with the back. Eyes moderate. Nostrils double, vertical, contiguous ; the anterior
on its posterior border, with a membranous valve ; near these, a few open pores. Opercles

FAMILY PERCIM: — CENTRARCHUS. 29

pointed with a loose membrane. Lower jaw somewhat advanced, with a single series of
from eight to ten distant pores beneath. Both jaws armed with a broad patch of minute,
conic, acute, recurved teeth. An oblong patch of rasp-like teeth on the vomer, and a long
band of similar teeth on the palatines. A transverse membrane in the anterior part of both
jaws. A small patch of minute teeth on the centre of the tongue, which is free, and thin on
the margins. Branchial arches minutely toothed on the upper surface near the tongue, with
long, serrate, spinous processes above. Pharyngeal teeth in rounded patches. Branchial
rays six.

Dorsal fin commences slightly behind the pectorals. The anterior portion consists of nine
stout spines, received into a sheath below ; the first is shorter than the second, which again
is not so long as the third, and this latter is subequal with the remainder. A small and not
very evident depression separates it from the other portion, which consists of one spinous and
fourteen branched rays : it terminates above the end of the anal. This portion of the dorsal
fin is high, and somewhat rounded ; the second simply articulated, not branched, and the
three posterior rays successively shorter. The pectorals under the posterior angle of the
opercle, broad, and obtusely pointed. It contains eighteen rays, of which the fifth, sixth
and seventh are longest. Ventral fins placed slightly behind the pectorals, and composed of
five robust branched rays. Anal fin higher than long, commencing under the third soft ray
of the dorsal, and composed of three spinous and twelve articulated rays, of which latter,
the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh are longest ; the first spinous ray very short, the second
slightly longer, and the third double the length of the preceding. Caudal fin emarginate ;
tips rounded, and composed of sixteen flat, robust, multifid, and six accessory rays on each
side.

Length, 13-5. Of head, 4*0. Greatest depth, 4-2.
Fin rays, D. 9 . 1 . 14 ; P. 18 ; V. 5 ; A. 3 . 12 ; C. 16 f .

This species is common in the great lakes, and in the numerous smaller ones in this State,
where it is generally known under the name of Black Bass. The species appears to differ
very much in different localities, not only in color but in form ; and according to Dr. Kirtland,
the same individual will change its color repeatedly in a short space of time, if confined in a
vessel of water. The specimen from which I had drawn up my description, was from Oneida
lake ; and until I had examined many others at Buffalo and Oswego, I supposed it to be
specifically distinct from Lesueur's species. It is very probable, nevertheless, that there are
several species yet to be detected, which pass under the general name of Black Bass.

30 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE OBSCURE FRESH-WATER BASS.

Centrarchus obscdrus.
plate xvii. fig. 48. — (cabinet of the lyceum.)

Characteristic. Body not gibbous.

Description. Body compressed, regularly arched above, not gibbous, highest along the
spinous portion of the dorsal fin. Scales small, orbicular, concentrically striate on their free
surfaces, covering the head and body, and rising very slightly on the base of the dorsal.
Lateral line tubular above the upper margin of the opercle ; makes a curve downwards over
the point of the opercle, then rises a little anterior to the first spinous ray of the dorsal, and
then becomes concurrent with the line of the back. Head moderately small, and somewhat
pointed ; sloping gradually to the nape, thence ascending more rapidly to the dorsal ray.
Eyes very large. Nostrils double, distant, the posterior largest ; a small mucous pore be-
neath the anterior nostril. Lower jaw longest. Numerous fine teeth in both jaws, very acute,
and recurved ; forming many rows in front, and fewer on the sides of the jaw. Still more
minute teeth on the vomer and palatines. Opercular bones scaly ; the opercle with a membra-
nous margin, and terminating in a fiat point, which is occasionally double.

The dorsal fin arises behind the base of the pectorals, composed of nine spinous and thirteen
simple rays. The first spinous is shortest ; the first of the soft portion simple ; the remainder
articulated, and much higher than the spinous portion : it is coterminal with the anal fin.
Pectorals oblong, and composed of sixteen rays ; the upper ray subspinous, simple. Ventral
fin pointed, contiguous, composed of one spinous and five branched rays. Anal rounded, of
three spinous and twelve branched rays ; the first spine short, the others gradually longer.
Caudal fin emarginate, of seventeen entire and three accessory rays on each side. All the
rays of this fin are broad and compressed, with scales ascending high up towards their extre-
mities.

Color. A general greenish-brown or dark-olive, with faint metallic bronze on the upper
parts ; beneath lighter.

Length, 6-0-8-0.

Fins, D. 9.1.12; P. 16; V, 1.5; A. 3.12; C. 17 f.

This species, which I do not find exactly described, was obtained from Onondaga creek,
where it is called, with many others, Black Bass. The Cichla minima of Lesueur may pos-
sibly prove to be the young of this species.

(EXTRA LIMITAL.)

C. pentacanthus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 3, p. 88.) Dorsal fin with ten, and anal with five spines. Five
inches. River Wabash.

FAMILY PERCIDjE — P0M0T1S. 31

C. hexacanthus. (Id. Vol. 3, p. 88, and Vol. 7, p. 458.) Dorsal lowest in front; anal high and long.
D. 8.16; P. 12; V. 1.5; A. 6.18. Length 12 inches. Wabash river.

C. sparvides. (Id. Vol. 7, p. 459.) Anal higher than in any other species of the genus. Fourteen
series of black points along the sides. D. 12.13: A. 9.15. Length seven inches. South-Caro-
lina.

C. irideus. (Id. Vol. 3. p. 89.) Fins spotted with brown; dorsal with a large round, black spot, bor-
dered with yellow or orange. D. 11.14; A. 7.16. Length six inches. South-Carolina.

C. gulosus. (Id. Vol. 3, p. 498, and Vol. 7, p. 459.) Mouth exceedingly large. Brilliantly colored.
D. 10.9; A. 3.8. Length eight inches. South-Carolina, Mississippi.

C. virides. (Id. Vol.7, p. 460.) Green, with scattering black spots. Resembling C. aneus in form.
D. 11.10; A. 3.8. Length eight inches. Carolina.

GENUS POMOTIS. Cuvier.

A few denticulations, more or less obvious, on the borders of the preopercle. Palatines and
tongue smooth, and without teeth. Minute teeth on the jaws, vomer and pharyngeals.
Branchial rays six. Opercle with an elongated membrane at its angle.

Obs. This is an exclusively American genus, and composed entirely of fresh-water fishes.
It is very closely allied to the succeeding genus. The type of this genus was originally made
a Labrus by Linneus, Lacepede and others ; but in calling it a Perch, the common people,
according to Cuvier, exercised more discernment than naturalists.

THE COMMON POND-FISH.

POMOTIS VULGARIS.

PLATE LI. FIG. 166.

Labras auntus. LlN.

Sparus, Goldfish. Schcepff, Loc. cit. Vol. 8, p. 150.

Morone maculata. Mitchill, Report in part.

Labrus auritus. Id. Tr. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 403.

he Pomotis commun, P. vulgaris. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 3, p. 90, pi. 49.

The Northern Pomotis, P. id. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Fishes, p. 24, pi. 76.

Fresh-water Swi-fish, P. id. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 11.

Characteristics. Green mixed with olive, and numerous dull reddish spots over the body.
Appendix of the opercle black, bordered behind with scarlet. Length six
to eight inches.

Description. Body much compressed, oval, deepest about the fourth dorsal spine. Fore-
head sloping to the mouth. Scales large, adherent, oval, even, and subdentate on the con-
cealed margin. Lateral line concurrent with the back. Head small, one-sixth of the total
length. Eyes large, circular, and near the facial outline. Nostrils double ; the anterior
tubular. Mouth small, protractile, with very minute crowded teeth on the jaws, vomer and

32 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

pharyngeals. Preopercle obsoletely crenated, visible under a lens. Opercle terminating in
a bony obtuse point, which is still farther prolonged by an attached membrane. Dorsal fin
compound ; the spinous portion with subequal rays, except the first, which is somewhat
shorter than the following; the soft portion high and rounded. Pectorals long, subtriangular.
pointed, reaching to the soft portion of the dorsal. Caudal fin emarginate.

Color. Greenish-olive above, with irregular points of red, and broader yellow or reddish
brown spots disposed in very irregular series. Ranges of brighter spots on the bluish oper-
cles, radiating from the region of the mouth. On the posterior prolongation of the opercle is
a black spot, terminating behind in bright scarlet.

In Indian lake, Lake Janet, and others in that vicinity, I noticed a remarkable variety of
the P. vulgaris, about four inches long. The appendix was black, margined with light blue ;
sides beautifully punctate with blood red ; abdomen bright yellow ; opercles longitudinally
striate with blue.

Length, 4-0-6-0. Depth, 2'0 - 3-0.

Fin rays, D. 10.12; P. 12; V. 1.5 ; A. 3.9; C. 17 f.

This beautiful little fish has derived one of its popular names, viz. Sun-fish, from the
glittering colors it displays while basking in the sun. The numerous spots on its body has
occasioned it to be called by the whimsical name of Pumpkin-seed, in some districts of the
State. In Massachusetts, it is often called Bream. It is of no value as an article of food,
but is often caught for amusement.

The Common Pond-fish has a wide geographic range, extending from Lake Huron through-
out the eastern States. According to Dr. Kirtland, it occurs in the western waters. Along
the Atlantic, it is found as far south as Carolina, and probably still farther south.

THE BLACK-EARED POND-FISH.

POMOT1S APPENDIX.
Labrus appendix. Mitchill, Suppl. Mem. Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 247.

Characteristics. Body sombre colored, beneath whitish. Appendix entirely black. Length
five or six inches.

Description. Body more robust, thick and chubby than the preceding ; and the prolonga-
tion of the opercle broader, and much longer. Mouth larger, with a wide gape. Pectoral
fins broader, and more rounded. Branchial or gill membrane with five rays.

Color. Scales less variegated than in the preceding. Throat and belly pale and whitish.
The prolongation of the opercle marked with black only.

Fins, D. 10.11 ; P. 13; V. 5 ; A. 3.10; C. 19.

FAMILY PERCIDiE — POMOTIS. 33

The above characters would seem to announce a new species. I have never met with it,
and have adopted the description of Mitchill. Its broad appendix distinguishes it from P.
solis, mentioned beneath.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

P. ravaneli. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 7, p. 465.) Back much arched; denticulations very fine at the angle
of the preopercle. D. 10.11; A. 3.9. Length eight inches. South-Carolina.

P.holbrooki. (Id. lb. p. 466.) Very large black spots on the soft rays of the dorsal ; preopercle very
finely denticulated. A. 3.11. Length nine inches. South-Carolina.

P. incisor. (Id. lb. p. 467.) A single black spot on the soft rays of the dorsal appendix ; long. D.
10.10; A. 3.9. Length six inches. New-Orleans.

P. gibbosus. (Id. lb. p. 467.) Longitudinal series of blackish spots along the back ; membrane of the
opercle wide and striate. D. 10.11; A. 3.11. Length eight inches. Charleston.

P. solis. (Id. lb. p. 468.) With no spots or stripes on the body or fins ; appendix very long and nar-
row. D. 10. 11 ; A. 3. 10. New-Orleans and New-York.

P. catesbei. (Id. lb. p. 469.) Brown and oblique lines on its cheeks ; blackish points on the dorsal
and anal fins. Body elongated. D. 10.11; A. 3.9. Length four and a half inches. Phila-
delphia.

Genus Bryttus, Cuvier. A narrow band of velvet teeth on the outer edge of each palatine. The
form and all the other characters of the preceding.

Obs. Cuvier, to whom we are indebted for this genus, observes that it is impossible to find a
greater resemblance than between this and Pomotis, the above character being the only one by
which they can be contradistinguished. The three species following may prove to be simple
varieties.
B. punctatus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 7, p. 462.) Black points on its cheeks and the sides of the abdo-
men; first soft ventral ray filiform; appendix narrow, and not much elongated. D. 10.11; A.
3 . 8. Length five and a half inches. South-Carolina.
B. reticulatus. (Id. lb. p. 463.) Bright yellowish-green; base of each scale darker, so that the body
appears as if covered with a net work. D. 10.11; A. 3.11. Length seven inches. South-
Carolina.
B. unicolor. (Id. lb. p. 464.) Only three or four teeth on the anterior part of the palatines. Fins
unspotted. Color uniform. D. 10.11; A. 3.9. Length six inches. Pennsylvania, South-
Carolina.

Fauna — Part 4.

34 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS DULES. Cuvier.

Six branchial rays. No canine teeth. Preopercle denticulated. Opercle with two or more
flat spines.

Obs. This genus is allied closely in its forms and other characters to Centropristes, but is
separated by the number of its branchial rays. Its species inhabit the seas of the torrid zone,
but occasionally wander along our coast.

THE COACHMAN.

DULES AURIGA.
I'LATE XIX. FIG. 54 — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)
Le Doules cocher, Dules auriga. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 3, p. 112, pi. 51.

Characteristics. Third ray of the dorsal fin elongated into a filament. Length four and a half
inches.

Description. Body compressed, arched ; height less than one-third of its length. Scales
large, rounded, concentrically striate. Lateral line distinct, concurrent with the back. Sum-
mit of the head scaleless. Eyes large, less than one-third of their diameter apart, with two
slight furrows between. Preopercle with the denticulations fine, and crowded on the ascend-
ing margin ; large and more distant beneath. Opercle with two flat pointed spines, not
extending beyond the margin ; a rounded denticulated process above them. Lower jaw long.
Fine velvet teeth on the jaws, vomer and palatines ; on the upper jaw, in front, they are
somewhat larger, but equal, and according to Cuvier, cannot be considered as canines.
Dorsal fin undivided ; commences over the branchial aperture ; the first two spinous rays
short ; the third a long slender filament, as long as the interval between the base of the pec-
toral and caudal fins ; the spinous portion of this fin equalling in length, but not as high as
the soft portion. Pectorals broad and long. Ventrals beneath them. Anal fin with its second
spinous ray longer than the first and third. Caudal fin nearly even, rounded.

Color. Yellowish-grey, with three or more dusky vertical bands. Ventral fins tinged with
blackish towards their tips.

Length, 4 '5.

Fin rays, D. 10M3; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 17 f.

This species can only be regarded in the light of an accidental visitor. I observed it several
years ago in the collection of Mr. Hamilton, who informed mc it had been taken in the harbor
of New-York. From notes made at the time, it appears that I regarded it as a new species,
under the name of Serranus signifer. Upon comparison, however, with a specimen in the
Cabinet of the Lyceum from the island of Jamaica, I am satisfied that it is identical with the
species described by Cuvier. It is a tropical species.

FAMILY PERCID.E. 35

GENUS APHREDODERUS. Lesueur.

Six branchial rays. Teeth velvet-like. Denticulations on the two edges of the suborbital.
Preopercle denticulated. Opercle with a spine at its angle. Ventral fins without a spi-
nous ray. Vent under the throat.

Obs. This genus is founded on a species first observed in the neighborhood of Philadelphia,
and referred, after a very slight examination, to Scolopsides of Cuvier, a genus of the family
Scienida?. The presence of teeth on the palatines excludes it, however, from this family.
Subsequently Lesueur again saw it at New-Orleans, and elaborated its characters under a
new genus Aphredoderus of the family Percidae. This genus is in fact one of the most sin-
gular of the whole family, by the position of its vent, and the absence of a spine to the ventral
fin. But one species has yet been detected.

THE SPINELESS PERCH.

Aphredoderds sayanus.
PLATE XXI. FIG. 62.

Scolopsis sayanus. Gilliams, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 81, pi. 3.
Aphredoderus gibbosus. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 448, pi. 278.

Characteristics. Dusky ; beneath light yellowish. Gibbous. Length three to five inches.

Description. Body oblong, thick, subcompressed. Back elevated, descending with an equal
curve from the soft rays of the dorsal to the nape. Depth to total length as one to four nearly.
Scales small, rough, rounded and ciliated ; forty-five to fifty are counted in a longitudinal series.
The lateral line very slightly curved, nearly straight, and passing near the middle of the body.
Head flattened above. The anterior portion of the suborbital has a bony crest, supporting
two or three spines, which are continuous with the denticulated crest of the upper margin, so
that the lower margin of the orbit is smooth, while the upper two-thirds of the margin is rough ;
two crests form a longitudinal furrow between them. Preopercle wide, finely denticulated'
with its angle rounded, and covered with six rows of scales. Opercles large, scaly, with a
smooth margin, but a short robust spine near its angle. Eyes moderately large. Nostrils
double ; that near the margin of the orbit large, with an anterior valvular membrane ; the
anterior somewhat smaller, tubular. Lower jaw longest. Numerous conic incurved teeth on
the jaws, anterior part of the vomer, palatines and pharyngeals. Tongue smooth ; its end
rounded and free. Branchial rays six. At the angle formed by the fold of the branchial
membrane, is placed the vent.

Dorsal fin high, commencing an inch and a half from the end of the snout, and placed in
the middle third of its body ; it has three, and according to Gilliams four, spinous rays ; the
branched rays higher than the others, nearly subequal, the last somewhat shorter. Ventrals

36 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

slightly behind the base of the pectorals, and containing no spinous ray. Anal fin commences
just before the termination of the dorsal, and has three short spinous rays. Caudal rounded,
nearly even. Stomach very small. Intestine traverses the long abdominal cavity with three
turns, and ends in the vent, under the throat. Six cascal appendages. Urinary bladder small,
oblong. Kidneys long and narrow, communicating directly with the bladder. Air-bladder
very large, rounded at the ends, simple.

Length, 3' 0-4* 5.

Radial formula, Br. 6; D. 3.11 ; P. 12 ; V. 0.7; A. 3.7; C. 17.

This curious little species is also exceedingly rare, but four specimens having been obtained.
Although I have not met with it in this State, yet its already ascertained wide geographic
range leaves no doubt but that it will be detected here. In the Histoire des Poissons, the
two individuals described are arranged without hesitation as belonging to the same species ;
and Lesueur, who drew them both, assigns a new name, forgetting in this instance the abso-
lute rule of priority. The very doubtful propriety of naming species after individuals, leads
me to regret that I must restore the original name. It is worthy of remark, that Lesueur,
who drew and engraved the first specimen described by Gilliams, neglected noticing the very
peculiar position of the vent ; a circumstance equally unobserved by its describer. By a
typographical error in this latter description, twenty-seven rays are attributed to the anal fin.

Little is known of its habits. It appears to prefer muddy pools, shaded by trees. At
New-Orleans, it is called by the Creoles Tetard de Saint Domingue.

FAMILY PERCIDjE. 37

GENUS URANOSCOPUS. Linneus, Cuvier.

Head large, cubical, flattened above. Branchial rays six. Velvet teeth on the jaws, vomer
and palatines. A spine on the humeral bone. Eyes vertical. Ventrals jugular, or placed
in advance of the pectorals, which are large. Lateral line ascends, and runs near the
base of the dorsal fin.

Obs. In addition to these characters, many species have a long fleshy filament within the
mouth in front of the tongue, which they are apparently enabled to thrust forth at their plea-
sure, and use as a bait for other fishes. The fishes of this genus, from their large and
roughened head, and the size of their suborbitals, were for a long time arranged with Cottus,
Scorpcena, and other genera of the family Triglida?. Cuvier, however, discovered that the
suborbitals are not, as in that family, articulated with the ascending branch of the preopercle,
but with a bony plate above, which forms a part of the tympanic bone. The genus is suscep-
tible of subdivision into two sections, according as they have one or two dorsal fins.

For a long time, it was supposed that the American shores of the Atlantic did not furnish
a single specimen of this genus. Major Le Conte has, however, detected a beautiful little
species on the coast of South-Carolina.

THE UNARMED URANOSCOPE.

TJranoscopbs anoplos.
plate xxii. fig. 65. — (state collection.)

L'Uranoscope anoplose, U. anoplos. Ccv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol.8, p. 493.

Characteristics. Cheeks smooth and unarmed, no projecting filament from within the mouth
Length two inches.

Description. Form typical. Head flattened. Body entirely without scales. Lateral line
distinct, ascending to the first dorsal, and running close along the base of the dorsals through-
out their whole length, when it rapidly descends to the middle of the tail. The suborbital
forms a long and slender process, which descends obliquely downwards and backwards ; its
posterior portion very narrow ; and as the limit of the preopercle is also very narrow, the
anterior portion of the cheeks are naked, a character unlike what is observed among its con-
geners. Lower edge of the preopercle smooth. Opercle wide, slightly convex, with radiating
striae. A broad loose transverse membrane beneath the lower jaw, covering the base of the
branchial rays. The rudiment of a transverse ligament within, but no fleshy filament. Eyes
large, vertical, one diameter and a half apart. Nostrils with subtubular margins, 0"2 apart.
Minute acute recurved teeth on the jaws in several series. Teeth also on the vomer and pala-
tines of the same character. Two small tuberosities on the nape, 0"2 behind the eyes.

The first dorsal fin arises 0'6 from the end of the snout, and is composed of four minute
spines ; the first three connected by a low membrane ; the posterior postrate, and nearly

38 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

concealed in the skin. Second dorsal fin higher ; gradually rising to the fifth ray, and
descending again from the ninth ray. Pectorals long, reaching opposite the sixth ray of the
second dorsal. Ventral fins contiguous, of six rays, of which the internal is longest, being
0'4 in extent. Anal fin not as high as the second dorsal, composed of twelve rays, and
ending slightly beyond the termination of the dorsal. Caudal fin nearly even, with simple
rays, projecting beyond the membrane, and composed of eleven entire and four accessory
rays on each side.

Color. Back above greenish, and, with the extremity of the lower jaw, minutely punctate
with black. First dorsal fin blackish. Pectorals greenish ; the remaining fins white, tinged
with yellow.

Length, 2-2. Depth, 0-6.

Fin rays, D. 4.1.12; P. 19; V. 1.5; A. 12; C. 11 |.

I have nothing to add to the history of this species, except that it has not yet been observed
north of Carolina. I am indebted to Major Le Conte for an opportunity to examine this
species. Through the carelessness of the engraver, the figure is represented of the natural
size. I have little doubt but that one or more species will be found on the coast of this State.
Mr. I. Cozzens, who is well acquainted with this genus, informs me, that some years since,
he saw a specimen six inches in length, caught in the harbor of New- York. It had the
exsertile filament mentioned above. He endeavored, but without success, to obtain the speci-
men, which he subsequently ascertained had been sent to England.

FAMILY PERCIDJE. 39

GENUS SPHYRjENA. Cuvier.

Body elongated, with two distant dorsals. Lower jaw longest ; both with long teeth. Ven-
trals post-pectoral, or placed towards the middle of the body.

Obs. The fishes included under this genus have long been arranged under the family
Esocidae, and indeed their general form and habits would lead one to associate them with the
Pikes. They are, however, true Acanthopterygians, or fishes with bony rays ; have two
dorsal fins, and the intermaxillaries extend over the entire edge of the upper jaw. They
have also numerous caeca] appendages, and their ventral fins are abdominal. Cuvier, in his
last great work, places them at the end of the Percidas, from which, however, they must be
separated, as he observes, together with Paralepis and Polynemus, by a considerable interval.
These three genera will, in all probability, form a distinct family. Most of the species of
the genus Sphyraena, at certain seasons, are very poisonous ; producing, when taken as food,
vomiting and convulsions, and sometimes terminating in death.

THE NORTHERN BARRACUTA.

SPHRiENA BOREALIS.

PLATE LX. FIG. 196. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Small. Greenish above ; lateral line yellow. Opercle with a single point.
Length eight inches.

Description. Body elongated, subcylindrical. Depth one-eighth of the total length. Scales
very small, adherent, orbicular, with minute concentric striae ; and under a strong lens, radiat-
ing striae may be observed : they extend over the opercular bones. The course of the lateral
line is very slightly sinuous, but nearly straight, and is manifested by a series of rather large
scales, under the posterior edges of which are short tubes. Head produced, flattened, smooth,
channelled above, rather more than one-fourth of the total length. Opercle large, emarginate,
opposite to the base of the pectorals, pointed above and rounded beneath. Eyes large, oval,
0-4 in diameter, and about a diameter apart. Lower jaw longest, and furnished at the tip
with a fleshy process. Teeth acute, pellucid, conspicuous on both jaws. In the lower jaw
they are large, distant behind, and becoming smaller and more crowded towards the front,
where two very large teeth are placed, and received into a cavity in the upper jaw. There
are also two large incurved teeth in the upper jaw on each side, and numerous minute teeth
along the edges of the intermaxillaries. Three long and slender teeth on the palatines of each
side, and beyond them numerous minute teeth. On the tongue, also, are numerous recurved
teeth.

The first dorsal fin commences at a point equidistant between the tip of the pectorals and
the base of the ventrals : it is obscurely triangular, its height equal to its base, and composed

40 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

of five very slender rays ; the first rather longer, and more slender than the others ; the last
connected to the back by a broad membrane. At the distance of one inch from the membrane
of this fin, arises the second dorsal, slightly anterior to the origin of the anal : this fin is
highest in front, emarginate, and comprises ten rays ; the first slender, subspinous, simple ;
the others branched. The pectoral fins short, and composed of fourteen rays ; the two supe-
rior short and simple. Ventral fins feeble, short and rounded, placed under the first dorsal;
composed of one very slender, simple, and five branched rays. Anal fin similar in shape,
though somewhat higher than the second dorsal, and placed beneath it. Caudal fin deeply
forked, and comprises nineteen complete rays.

Color. When recent, green above ; shining white beneath. The course of the lateral line
indicated by a yellow line, which, in modified lights, gives a polished silvery reflection.
Upper part of the head olive brown ; sides silvery. Caudal fin bordered with yellow. The
other fins white ; second dorsal fin faint greenish. Irides silvery, tinged with yellow.

Total length, 8#0. Length of head, 2 "4.

Fin rays, D. 5.1.9; P. 14; V. 1.5; A. 1.9; C. 19 f.

This is a very active and voracious little fish. A number of them were caught in the harbor
of New- York, and placed in a vessel with several other species. In a few hours, they had de-
stroyed them all, and then commenced devouring each other. It has not been very commonly
observed, owing to the difficulty of capturing them ; but I have reason to believe that they are
not very rare. In its size, color and opercle, it differs very much from its great congener, the
dreaded Barracuta of the South. The short notice of the S. quachancho {Hist. Poiss. Vol. 3,
p. 342), renders it almost impossible to determine how far it is allied to our species. It
certainly cannot be confounded with the S. becune of the same authors. It appears in August
and September.

Of the Genus Polynemus, which follows, I have observed no species on the coast of New-
York. Dr. Mitchill has indeed given a short notice of a species, which he names Polynemus
tridigitatus, but I am induced to believe that it belongs to another family.

No species of the Genera Mulltjs and Upeneus, constituting the Family Mullidce, have,
to my knowledge, ever been seen on the coast of North America.

FAMILY PERCID.E. 41

GENUS LEPISOMA.

Body and fins scaly. Fleshy filaments along the basal line of the head, and on the orbits.
A single dorsal fin. Branchial rays six. Teeth in the jaws, vomer and palatines. Ventrals
before the pectorals.

Obs. It is with much hesitation that I place this genus at the end of the jugular section of
this family. In its general aspect, it might readily be referred to the families Scienidae or
Labridas ; but the presence of vomerine and palatine teeth exclude it from them.

THE CIRROUS LEPISOMA.

Lepisoma cirrmosbm.
plate xxx. fig. 94. — (cabinet of the lyceum.)

Characteristics. Soft portion of the dorsal higher and shorter than the spinous part. Length,
six and a half inches. Florida.

Description. Body oblong, compressed, gradually tapering behind. Height at the pectoral,
to its total length, as one to four nearly ; at the tail, as one to twelve and a half. Scales
moderate, rounded, finely striate on their free surfaces, with a smooth membranous margin,
and with about twenty radiating plaits ; the scales cover all parts of the body, and ascend far
up the dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins. The lateral line commences at the upper angle of
the branchial aperture, curves above the pectoral fin, and rather abruptly descends opposite
the ninth dorsal ray, when it goes off straight : it is composed of a series of short tubes ; the
scales through which it passes are notched on their edges. Head somewhat arched on its
facial outline, corrugated, and destitute of scales. Along the basal line of the head, on each
side, are nine or ten fleshy processes, ending in bifid or trifid filaments, two-tenths of an inch
long. Another fleshy process arises from beneath the upper margin of the orbit, which sub-
divides into six or eight smaller processes, each of which terminates in several slender fila-
ments, not thicker than the finest thread, and some of them more than half an inch long.
Eyes moderately large, 0.35 in diameter, and rather less than their diameters apart. The
posterior nostril small, with a valvular margin ; the anterior with a fleshy valve, through
which is pierced the nasal aperture ; its posterior elongated, and terminating in six or eight
filaments. Opercle and preopercle rounded and smooth on their margins. Branchial mem-
brane large, extending loosely around the throat, with six rays ; the upper ray projecting
behind the opercle in the form of a spine ; a membrane subtended between this, and a weak
subspinous process near the upper angle of the aperture. Lips fleshy. The mouth ample,
opening as far back as the posterior margin of the orbits. Chin with numerous mucous
pores. The lower jaw with a series of about thirty teeth ; those in front, stout, blunt, sub-

Fauna — Part 4. 6

42 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

equal and conical ; on the sides, three or four, shorter, and conical, followed by more acute
and distant teeth resembling those in front. Three series, containing about twenty smaller
acute recurved teeth in front, behind the outer row. Tongue free, subacute, and corrugated.
In the upper jaw, in front, is a series of equal conical slightly recurved teeth, somewhat
longer than those below, smaller on the sides ; behind the outer row, in front, is a patch of
minute crowded teeth. Similar teeth in bands on the vomer and palatines. On the anterior
part of the vomer, is a very large solitary tooth. Pharyngeals also covered with teeth.

The dorsal fin commences slightly posterior to the margin of the preopercle, and reaches
nearly to the base of the caudal fin. It contains eighteen nearly equal robust spines, and
twelve articulated rays nearly twice the length of the spinous part. All parts of this fin are
so covered with small oblong scales, as to give it quite a peculiar appearance. The pectorals
arise beneath the fourth dorsal ray, and the tip reaches to the third anal ray ; it is broad,
obtusely rounded, its rays protruding beyond the membrane, and covered high with small
oblong scales. The ventrals arise near the inferior fold of the branchial membrane, and are
composed of two long articulated rays, and a short rudimentary one on each side ; their tips
reach to within a quarter of an inch of the vent. Anal fin arises under the tenth dorsal ray,
and terminates beneath the eighth ray of the soft portion of that fin. Its simple rays are
sub-equal to the thirteenth ray, where they become longer ; the sixteenth and seventeenth
longest. Caudal fin nearly even, rounded ; nearly equalling in length the yentral rays.

Color. Of this I can say nothing, as the fish had been preserved in spirits for many years.
It appears to have been of a uniform dark brown, without spots or stripes, the head appearing
somewhat darker.

Length, 6 '5. Depth, 1-5. Width anterior to the pectorals, 0'7.
Fm rays, D. 18.12; P. 14 ; V. 3; A. 19; C. 10 |.

This remarkable species was brought from Florida about fifteen years since, and deposited
in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, where it is labelled Sciena fasciata. I have learned nothing
of its habits.

Of the second family, Mullidm, I am not acquainted with any representative on the coast
of North America. The M. barbatus, introduced into Smith's History of the Fishes of Mas-
sachusetts, does not exist on the coast of America.

FAMILY TRIGLID^E TRIGLA. 43

FAMILY III. TRIGLIDM.

Suborbital bone extending over the cheek, and articulating behind with the preopercle. Head
mailed or otherwise armed.

Obs. This family has many of the characteristics of the preceding, but is at once distin-
guished (as may be distinctly perceived in the figure of the Dactylopterus volitans) by the
great development of the suborbital plates, which unite with the preopercle and cover the
cheeks. Hence the term " Joues cuirassees," which has been translated mailed cheeks, and
also loricati. We see no good reason for not adopting a name derived from some well known
member of the family, and thus preserve a uniformity in the nomenclature of the class.

The family Triglidae is allied on the one hand by Uranoscopus, which has its suborbitals
largely developed, to the Percidae, and on the other to the succeeding family of Scienidas, by
the absence of teeth on the vomer and palatines. It is divided by Cuvier and Valenciennes into
twenty-nine genera ; and they describe seventeen species, belonging to eight genera, on the
coast and in the rivers of the United States.

GENUS TRIGLA. Cuvier.

Two dorsal fins ; the first spinous, the second flexible. Body scaly. Three detached rays
under the base of each pectoral fin. Head nearly square. The suborbitals nearly covering
the whole cheek, projecting more or less beyond the snout, and united firmly to the pre-
opercle. Teeth small, pointed, numerous, in both jaws, and in front of the vomer. Bran-
chial 7-ays seven.

Obs. But one species has been detected on our coast, where it appears to be an occasional
visitor only.

THE RED GURNARD.

TlUGLA CUCDLOS.

PLATE LXX. FIG. 225.

Trigla cucvlus. LlN.

Polynemus tridigitatus. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 449.

La Rouget cojnmun, T. cuculus. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Pciss. Vol. 4, p. 26.

Characteristics. Rose-red. Lateral line unarmed, and crossed throughout its length by lines
not reaching below the middle of the sides. Length 8-12 inches.

Description. Body tapering, cylindrical, elongated. Back nearly straight. Head square,
descending obliquely from the orbits to the point of the snout, and granulated. Nose with
four projecting tooth-like processes on each side, belonging to the large suborbital plates ; two
or three small spines on the upper part of the orbits. The surscapular bone projects back-

44 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

wards, but not beyond the opercle. Opercle emarginate above, and ending in two points ;
the superior directed obliquely upwards ; the lower scarcely longer, and is directed back-
wards. Preopercle flat, narrow above, enlarged beneath, with a slight ridge directed back-
wards, and ending in a small spine underneath the opercle. Mouth moderate, with a band
of low even moderate teeth on the jaws, and a small transverse band on the anterior portion
of the vomer. Tongue smooth. Lateral line nearly straight, unarmed, bifurcating near the
tail. It is crossed by numerous short straight elevated lines. Scales over the body, small,
oval, ciliate. Dorsal ridge strongly toothed.

The first dorsal fin triangular, and composed of nine robust spinous rays ; the anterior
minutely denticulated ; the second longest, and it ends slightly in advance and above the vent.
The second dorsal commences near the first, and is coterminal with the anal, containing
eighteen subequal and (with the exception of the first) branched rays. Pectorals equal the
head in length, are rounded, and comprise ten rays. There are three free articulated rays
adjoining, and under the base of the pectoral fins. Ventral fins as long as the pectorals, and
placed beneath them ; the first is a short spine, and all are enveloped in a strong membrane :
it comprises seven rays. Anal opposite the second dorsal, and somewhat shorter than that
fin : it includes sixteen or seventeen subequal rays. Caudal fin crescent-shaped, with eleven
entire, and four or five accessory rays on each side.

Color. Above, on the head, back, dorsal and caudal fins, bright red. Belly, ventral and
anal fins, silvery, tinged with reddish. Pectorals bluish.

Length, 8-0—14-0.

Radial formula, D. 9.18; P. 10 + 3 ; V. 1.6; A. 16 ; C. 11 ±.

Not having seen this fish myself on the coast of New-York, I have adopted the description
from Cuvier and Valenciennes. They mention having received " a specimen from New-York,
" which so much resembles the T. cuculus, not only in all its generalities, but even in its
" most minute details, that it is very difficult for us not to consider it as the same species ;"
but they add, " as our specimen was not recent, it may possibly present some distinctive
" characters."

There is great reason to believe that Dr. Mitchill had this species in view, when he made
the short note of the Polynemus tridigitatus as cited above. I find no other mention of it
among his numerous writings. His Polynemus sexradialus belongs to the genus Dyctalop-
terus. It is possible that Smith had this species in view, when he describes the Mullus bar-
batus on the coast of Massachusetts.

The Red Gurnard is a well flavored fish, and highly esteemed in Europe. It feeds chiefly
on Crustacea.

FAMILY TRIGLIDjE. 45

GENUS PRIONOTUS. Cuvier.

Pectorals very large, and with numerous rays. A belt of velvet-like teeth on the palatines.

Obs. This is strictly an American genus, with many of its characters in common with
Trigla. Thus, the head is square, and covered with bony plates ; body elongated, rounded ;
two dorsal fins ; teeth in the jaws, and in front of the vomer ; gill openings ample ; three
free fleshy processes at the base of each pectoral fin.

THE BANDED GURNARD.

PRIONOTUS L1NEATUS.

PLATE IV. FIG. 12. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Trigla lineata, Gurnard or Sea Robin. Mit. Lit. and Phil. Vol. 1, p. 430, pi. 4, fig. 4.

Le Prionote strife, P. strigalus. Ccv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 86.

The Sea Robin, Gurnard, Grunter, Prionotus id. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 12.

Characteristics. A broad reddish brown line along the sides, below the lateral line. Length
12-18 inches.

Description. Head large, broader than the body, and composed of seven distinct bony
plates ; the first, which is roughened, covers the whole anterior and superior part of the head,
and terminates behind in two robust spines. The anterior lobes of the snout obtuse, scarcely
emarginate. Small spines over the eyes, at their anterior and posterior angles. A strong
spine at the base of the preopercle, continued from a serrated bony carina. Opercle trian-
gular, with two spines at its posterior extremity ; the superior directed upwards ; the inferior
largest, and directed backwards : the surface of the opercle with radiating granulations. Eyes
large, near the facial outline. Nostrils small, intermediate between the eyes and snout. Upper
jaw projecting ; both armed with numerous small teeth ; those on the palatine arranged in a
narrow belt or band. Humeral bone with a ridge, and terminating in a naked spine. Lateral
line curves downwards from the upper part of the gill openings. Scales small. Three long
fleshy processes arise under the base of the pectorals, the longest of which is nearly half the
length of those fins.

The first dorsal fin is placed in a groove, and arises rather behind the branchial aperture ;
it is composed of nine stout rays : the first serrated along its whole length ; the two follow-
ing partially serrated ; the third and fourth rays longest ; the last very small. The second
dorsal fin arises a short distance behind the first, and is composed of twelve subequal rays.
The pectoral fins, which are so large as to form one of the generic characters, extend to the
middle of the second dorsal : it is very broad, obtusely pointed, and, exclusive of the fleshy
processes which are by some authors considered as forming a portion of this fin, it comprises
thirteen rays. Ventral fins placed beneath the pectorals, with one short spinous and five soft

46 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

rays. Anal fin with eleven subequal rays, and coterminous with the dorsal. Caudal nearly
even, slightly lunated.

Color. Dark brown above, passing into slate, with numerous irregularly distributed darker
blotches. Sides and abdomen cream-colored, with ferruginous blotches more or less conspi-
cuous. Lateral line brownish. A broad reddish brown longitudinal band extends from under
the spine of the humeral bone, along the sides of the body, beneath the lateral line, to the
tail ; at its posterior extremity, it becomes a series of interrupted short lines and spots. First
dorsal light-colored, with a black irregular spot between the fourth and sixth rays. Pectorals
very dark, with numerous transverse reddish bars. Anal and caudal fins reddish.

Length, 9-0- 18-0.

Fin rays, D. 9.12; P. 13 + 3 ; V. 1 .5 ; A 11 ; C. 15.

This species is not uncommon, and is known under the various popular names of Grunter,
Gurnard, Sea Robin, and Flying Fish. As the description of Mitchill is perfectly recogni-
zable, I see no reason why his name, which, although inapplicable to a Trigla, has not been
anticipated under Prionotus, should not be retained. The banded gurnard is seldom eaten
as food.

THE WEB-FINGERED GURNARD.

Prionotus Carolines.

PLATE V. FIG. 15. FIG. — Upper side of the head. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Trigla Carolina. Linneus, Mantissa, p. 528. Fide Cuv. et Val.

Trigla palmipes, Wib-fingered Gurnard. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 431, pi. 4, fig. 5.
he Prionote de la Caroline, Prionotus carolinus. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 6, p. 90.
Web-Jingered Grunter, P. carolinus. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 14.

Characteristics. Pectoral processes dilated at their extremities ; the first ray of the second
dorsal crenated. Length twelve inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering towards the tail. Scales small, subquadrate, with
radiating strias on the concealed surface, and with denticulations on the external edges. Late-
ral line following the slightly concave curve of the back, from which it is 0'8 distant. Head
depressed, abruptly declivous, with a deep depression between the eyes, and ending in a
bilobate snout. Each projecting lobe is furnished on its anterior margin with short blunt
spines, in one or more series, projecting over the upper jaw. These lobes are separated by
a distinct interval, are prolongations of the suborbital bones, and are covered by strong asperi-
ties. A distinct furrow from the infero-anterior portion of the orbit, on each side, defines the
internal boundaries of these bones. In this furrow, at a distance of three quarters of an inch
from the end of the snout, may be observed on each side the small nostrils ; and at a short
interval behind, the second pair. Orbits stoutly spinous in front. The spines vary in number
from two to four, are directed backwards, and may be considered as partially protecting the

FAMILY TRIGLIDiE PRIONOTUS. 47

eyes. The upper edge of the orbit trenchant, with serratures ; and from this proceed back-
wards two nearly parallel spinous ridges, the inferior shortest, the superior ending in a spine
opposite the second ray of the first dorsal. The preopercle triangular, with a long slender
spine at its lower angle, directed backwards, and at right angles to its posterior margin.
Opercle with radiating furrows, and one slender triangular spine, which is serrated along its
upper edge; and another shorter one above, concealed in the membrane. The humeral bone
furnished with a stout spine, its broad base being marked with a series of depressions and
elevated serratures. The first branchial arch with long setae or rakers ; the others with a
series of alternate tubercles. Tongue broad at its base, and smooth, terminating in front in a
small abrupt tip. A band of fine incurved card-like teeth on the intermaxillaries, separated
in the centre by a distinct interval. A similar, but continuous band on the lower jaw. An
arcuated interrupted band of card-like teeth on the palatines. The teeth on the pharyngeals
disposed above in four irregular patches ; beneath, in a single triangular patch on each side.

The first ray of the first dorsal shorter than the second, and with it strongly crenate ; the
third and fourth subequal ; the last scarcely appearing above the surface, but connected with
the preceding by a low membrane, and very near the second dorsal : all these rays are stoutly
spinous, and may almost be entirely hidden in a deep furrow. The second dorsal fin is not
so much elevated ; its first ray crenated. Pectorals very large and broad, reaching to the
fifth ray of the second dorsal ; its first ray slightly spinous. The fingers or fleshy processes
varying in length from 1*5 to 2*3 inches, the inferior shortest, the upper longest : they serve
as important organs of touch, as the nerves leading to them are exceedingly large. Ventral
beneath the pectorals, with the tip of its longest rays extending as far back as the antepenul-
timate ray of the first dorsal ; its first ray short and subspinous ; fourth and fifth rays sub-
equal and longest. Anal higher than the dorsal, with rays simple, or feebly divided at the
tips ; coterminal with the dorsal, but commences under the second ray of that fin. Caudal
fin slightly crescent-shaped, with numerous accessory rays. Vent equidistant between the
anterior digitated process and the termination of the anal fin. The air-bladder double, ellipti-
cal, placed side by side, and communicating with each other at their middle portions by a large
opening ; on their inferior surfaces, they are covered by a long and broad gland.

Color, of the body, greyish, or rather chocolate-brown. Branchial membrane bluish. Dor-
sal and anal fins with pale oblique bars. The first dorsal fin with a dusky subocellate spot
between the fourth and fifth rays. Pectorals and caudal bluish. Pectoral digitations brown
near the base, then reddish brown, and yellow towards the tips, where they are margined
with brilliant gamboge yellow, which becomes effaced at the extremity. Pupils black ; irides
yellow. Four to six obscure brownish bands across the back, becoming obsolete on the sides.
Inside of the mouth white in front, deep black behind.

Length, 13' 0. Greatest depth, 3"0.

Fin rays, D. 10.14; P. 14 ; V. 5 ; A. 12; C. 11 f.

48 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

This is a very rare species. In the course of twenty years, I have not met with more than
six or eight individuals. The last one I examined, had its stomach completely distended with
remains of crabs, among which I detected the Crangon septem-spinosus and Platyonichus
ocellatus. It is evident from the phrase of Linneus, " digito longior," that he described from
a young individual. Among the drawings of Dr. Holbrook of the fishes of Carolina, I notice
this, which must be considered as a southern species, occasionally only reaching these lati-
tudes. It occurs, however, still farther north at the island of Nantucket.

THE SPINOUS GURNARD.

Prionotcs tribulus.
plate lxx. fig. 226.

he Prionote chaussetrape, Prionotus tribulus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 98, pi. 74.

Characteristics. Pectoral reaching the end of the anal fin. All the spines of the head acute,
and flattened like sword-blades. Length 8 inches.

Description. Body shaped as in the preceding. A small spine in the centre of the radia-
tions on the large suborbital. All the spines of the head, and especially those on the posterior
parts of the orbits, and on the point of the surscapulary bone, more distinct than in the pre-
ceding, and are sharpened and compressed like sword-blades ; the preopercular and clavicular
spines are, moreover, broader and more acute : this is most obvious in the males. The band
of palatine teeth exceedingly narrow. The pectoral fin equals almost the length of the body,
reaching to or even beyond the end of the anal fin.

Color, much as in the preceding. The first dorsal fin has a black spot between the fourth
and sixth ray. The second with two black spots along its base ; one from the fifth to the
seventh, the other between the fourth and sixth ray. Pectorals blackish, more especially on
the interior, where the upper border is whitish. Body brownish above, lighter beneath.

Length, 6-0-8-0.

Fin rays, D. 10.13; P. 13 + 3 ; V. 1 .5 ; A. 12 ; C. 11.

Cuvier states that he has received numerous specimens of this species from New- York. I
have never seen but very small individuals, which I had confounded with P. lineatus. It
ranges from New-York to Charleston, and is probably found in the intertropical seas.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

P. punctatus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 4, p. 93.) Two small spines on each side of the snout. Fins
spotted. Length 12 inches. Antilles.

FAMILY TRIGLIDjE. 49

GENUS DACTYLOPTERUS. Cuvier.

The pectoral fins excessively developed, and composed of two portions, forming a large fin
which serves as a wing. Head fiat, granulate. Body covered with hard carinated scales.
Preopercle armed with a long spine. Ventrals with but four soft rays. Teeth in the
jaws, but not on the vomer or palatines.

Obs. This genus, as now restricted by Cuvier, comprises but two species ; one from the
Indian ocean, and the other known from the earliest antiquity, and common in the Mediterra-
nean sea. This latter is also found along the shores of South America, and is not uncom-
monly brought by the gulf stream along our coast as far even as the Banks of Newfoundland.

THE SEA SWALLOW.

Dactylopterus volitans.

PLATE XVII. FIG. 46. Back of the head and scales enlaboed. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Tngla volitans. Lin. p. 498.

Morcielago. Parra, Descripcion, &c. p. 25, pi. 14.

Polynemus sexradialus. Mitchill, Mem. pi. 4, fig. 10. Supplement Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 323.

Le Dactylopthe commun, D. volitans. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 117.

Characteristics. First ray of the dorsal slightly longer than the succeeding ; a short triangular
crest between the first and second dorsals. Length six inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering towards the tail. Head cubical or four-sided, wider
than high. Length of the head, to the total length, as one to five. Body covered with rough
solid scales, dentate on their free margins, and with a prominent crest on each, which is finely
toothed (see figure). These crested scales become effaced on the abdomen. They are evi-
dent on the back, but become most conspicuous in five or six rows along the flank, which
gradually coalesce, the upper and under row becoming more and more elevated, until they
terminate in two highly crested plates on each side of the tail. Sixty-five scales are enume-
rated from the opercle to the tail, and thirty-four from the dorsal to the centre of the abdomen.
Head broader than high, flattened above with a broad furrow between the orbits, descending
nearly vertically in front ; the whole helmet being covered with deep granulations. The
suborbital bones advance, and nearly approach in front, their whole margins being strongly
crenated ; posteriorly they terminate in two points, with a broad emargination between them ;
the one above forming a portion of the orbit ; the other beneath longer and more acute, termi-
nating at the inner angle of the preopercle. The preopercle terminates in a long stout spine,
which extends beyond the base of the pectorals, with a prominent ridge on its surface, fur-
nished with teeth directed forwards ; its lower margin is likewise dentate. The sur-scapulars
terminate on each side above in a very robust broad spine, which reaches as far as the penul-
timate ray of the first dorsal (see figure). On the surface of each spine is a strong crenate

Fauna — Part 4. 7

50 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

ridge. The opercle itself is very small, and covered with scales. Gill openings small, with
six branchial rays, which are difficult to be counted. Mouth small, not terminal ; the lower
jaw shortest, and both with fleshy lips. Teeth minute, short, conical, forming a patch of
three or four rows on each side of the jaws. Card teeth on the pharyngeals ; palate smooth.
Eyes large, 0 • 4 in diameter, and 0 ' 7 distant from each other. Nostrils double ; the inferior
small and tubular.

The first dorsal fin composed of two nearly free and flexible filaments, which are nearly abreast
of each other, and united near the base by a low membrane ; closely contiguous to these, but
not united to them by a membrane, follow four feebly spinous rays, united together by a mem-
brane, and the rays diminishing in length backwards. Both this and the following fin are
lodged in a groove. Between this and the second dorsal is a short immovable triangular crest,
the " stiff spiny stump " of Mitchill. The second dorsal fin is composed of eight simple
articulated rays, the two last of which are bifid ; it terminates over the end of the anal. The
pectorals may be described as consisting of two portions ; the anterior 1 ' 3 long, of six rays,
with their tips free, and the fourth and fifth rays longest ; the posterior portion, or pectorals
proper, extends nearly to the base of the caudal fin, and rounded. This contains thirty rays ;
they increase in length to the ninth ; the nine following are subequal, when they rapidly de-
crease in length, the five or six ultimate ones being exceedingly short and rudimentary. The
ventral fins are placed under the base of the pectorals ; the first simple ; the remaining four
articulated ; the third 1 • 2 in length, and longest ; the last ray very short and feeble. The
anal fin commences under the third ray of the second dorsal, and contains six subequal rays.
Caudal fin crescent-shaped, of ten entire articulated rays, and five accessory rays on each
side ; the last of the accessories more than half the length of the external ray.

Color. Light brown above, (darker on the summit of the head,) with irregular darker spots.
Sides silvery, with flesh-color, which latter is predominate beneath. Dorsals grey, with
brown spots on the membrane of the first, and the rays of the second annulated alternately
with brown and lighter. The posterior pectorals blackish, with bluish iridescent spots ; the
anterior dark brown, varied with black. Ventrals and anal fins flesh-colored. Caudal fin
light brown, with irregular brownish bands.

Length, 6-0. Depth, TO.

Fin rays, D. 2.4.1.8; P. 6.30; V. 1.4; A. 6; C. 10 f.

This curious species, which presents so many striking anomalies in its structure, was first
noticed on our coast by Parra in his Description of the Aquatic Animals of Cuba in 1787.
Dr. Mitchill, in his Memoir on the Fishes of New-York in 1814, gave a good figure of this
species ; and in his supplement to this memoir, in the American Monthly Magazine in 1818,
furnished a detailed description which sufficiently establishes its identity with D. volitans. I
am inclined to think that five is the normal number of rays in the first dorsal ; as in three
others which I obtained in the harbor of New- York, I found constantly that number. In these
cases, however, there was but one free ray in front, terminating in a fleshy filament. The
subject of our examination was caught in a net in the harbor, in the month of August. If

FAMILY TRIGLID^E — COTTUS. 51

our species be identical with that of Europe, it has a wide geographical distribution. On the
American coast, it ranges from Brazil to Newfoundland.

By means of its immense pectorals, it is enabled to spring from the ocean, and support
itself for some time in the air. This is often done to escape its enemies. Tt feeds on various
small Crustacea.

GENUS COTTUS. Cuvier.

Body without scales. Ventrals under the pectorals, and with three or four rays. Teeth
velvet-like, on the jaws and anterior part of the vomer ; palatines smooth. Head large,
depressed. Body gradually tapering to the tail. Opercle or preopercle armed with
spines, occasionally both. Dorsals distinct, or slightly connected. Branchial rays six.
No air-bladder.

Obs. Cuvier has enumerated and described sixteen species. A few inhabit fresh-water
lakes and streams, but the greater part are oceanic, inhabiting the northern seas.

THE COMMON BULL-HEAD.

COTTUS VIRG1NIANE3.

PLATE V. FIG. 13. — (STATE COLLECTION)

Scorpius virgmianus. WiLLOGHBY, Hist. Pise. App. p. 25, pi. 10, fig. 15.

Cottus scorpius, Sea Toad. Schcepff, Beobachtungen, etc. Vol. 8, p. 145.

Eighleen-spnud Bull-head, C. 18-spinosus. MlTCH. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 380.

Le Grand Chaboisseau a 18 epines de VAmerique du nord. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 181.

The Common Sctdpin, C. virginianus. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 18.

Characteristics. Very large. Spine of the preopercle reaching the point of the opercle.
Pectorals very broad, and rounded. Length, 12-18 inches.

Description. Head broad, channelled above, and equal to one-third the length of the
body. The head is furnished with robust recurved spines in the following order : One near
each nostril ; one over each orbit, and one on the nape of the neck on each side. In addition
to these, there are three on the preopercle, the uppermost of which is an inch long, the lower
directed forwards ; and one on the subopercle, which in fact makes a total of twenty spines
instead of eighteen. Gape of the mouth very large, and capable of still farther dilatation at
the will of the animal. Fine card teeth on both jaws, in broad bands ; also on the vomer.
Tongue broad and smooth. Eyes large, and furnished with prominent orbits. Nostrils
small and tubular. The body diminishes gradually from the head, and becomes compressed
towards the tail.

The first dorsal fin spinous, longer than high ; the second ray longest. A very short inter-
val separates it from the second, which is long, not as elevated as the first, and feebly

52 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

spinous ; the fourth ray longest. Pectorals very broad, rounded, and composed of seventeen
rays. Ventrals long and feeble. Anal fin nearly even, and almost as long as the second
dorsal. Caudal fin long, even, undivided.

Color. This is subject to great variation in different individuals, but the following is the
most usual appearance : Body marbled with black and green above, sometimes with deep
olive ; beneath whitish, occasionally bronzed, or with a tinge of yellow. Eyes yellow and
brownish. Dorsal fins with brown spots disposed in oblique bars, which are most apparent
on the membrane of the second dorsal. The first dorsal dark brown, with black spots, and
varied with white ; the posterior part of the membrane of this fin constantly light-colored,
tinged with greenish. Pectoral fins yellow, or rather buff-colored, with brownish concentric
bands. Ventrals white, tipped with yellow. Anal fin frequently barred like the second dorsal.
Caudal fin dull yellowish, with broad parallel brownish bars ; yellow on its outer margin.

Length, 12*0- 18-0.

Radial formula, D. 8.16; P. 16 ; V. 3 ; C. 11.

This species, which, on account of its uncouth form, is regarded with aversion by fisher-
men, is nevertheless not a bad article of food. In fact, when freshly taken from the water,
and irritated, they do present rather a formidable appearance. The head is swollen to twice
its usual size by the distension of the branchial membrane ; the spines stand out prominently,
and the rays of all the fins become erect. It is known under the various popular names of
Sculpin, quere Scorpion ? Sea Robin, Bull-head, Sea Toad, and Pig Fish ; the latter from
its croaking noise when drawn from the water. It ranges from Virginia to Newfoundland,
and perhaps still farther north.

THE BRAZEN BULL-HEAD.

COTTUS /ENEUS.

PLATE VI. FIG. 19. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

The Brazen Butt-head, Cotlus ameus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 380
Le Chaboisseau bronze, C. id. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 189.
The Brazen Bull-head, C. id. Stoeer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 20.

Characteristics. Lateral line rough, with asperities beneath it. Dorsals nearly equal in height-
Length 5-6 inches.

Description. Head broad, flat, and deeply channelled between the orbits, which are large
and prominent. The spines about the head nearly similar in number and situation with those
of the preceding species, but not so obvious or distinctly pronounced. One or two small
spines at the commencement of the lateral line, which is very distinct, straight, and rough
to the touch. The dorsal fins united, but the connection not always very obvious ; the first
ray of the second dorsal much shorter than the succeeding : this fin reaches nearly to the
caudal. Lower jaw much shorter than the upper. On the gill-cover, a trifid spine : one

FAMILY TRIGLIDiE COTTUS. 53

directed upwards and backwards, and is the longest ; the second directed downward, and
the third smallest. The opercle itself terminates in a long slender spine. The tips of the
pectoral extend beyond the first dorsal. Tail even, slightly rounded.

Color. Above dark brown, obscurely mottled with black ; sides mottled with reddish brown
and black; beneath yellowish white, or with patches of white and orange. Sides of the
cheeks brazen. All the fins yellowish or light brownish, with interrupted brownish bars.

Length, 5 • 0 - 6 • 0.

Fin rays, D. 10.15; P. 15 ; V. 3 ; A. 10; C. 12 f.

This species is frequently taken with the hook in Long Island sound, and the harbor of
New- York. It rarely exceeds six inches in length, and is usually not more than four. Mit-
chell's enumeration of the fin rays nearly accords with our own, except in the caudal fin, where
the discrepancy arose no doubt from his having included the accessory rays. A specimen in
the Cabinet of the Lyceum, named by Dr. Mitchill himself, leaves no doubt as to the identity
of the species. It bears, however, a striking resemblance to the C. bubalis of Euphrasen
(Mem. Acad. Stockhol. 1786), and which is also figured by Cuvier, pi. 78.

The geographic range of this species is at present limited to the coasts of Massachusetts
and New-York. It probably ranges farther north.

THE SMOOTH-BROWED BULL-HEAD.

COTTUS MITCHILLII.

PLATE XVII. FIG. 47. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Cottus scorpio' Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 381.
C. mitchilli. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 188.

Characteristics. Orbits unarmed. Preopercle with four spines. Anal fin with eleven rays.
Length two to three inches.

Description. Body deepest at the origin of the first dorsal, and less than one-third of its
total length. Lateral line prominent, curved, concurrent with the back. Head sloping, ex-
cavated on the nape, broadly channelled between the eyes, and descending in an arched
manner to the snout. Two minute spines directed backwards on the basal line of the head ;
another pair anterior to the orbits, and so placed as to be nearly between, but rather within a
line drawn between the anterior and posterior nostrils. Preopercle with four spines ; the
upper 01 and longest, directed upwards, the next backwards, the third downwards, and the
fourth obliquely forwards : the first is furnished with a fleshy slip. Opercle with a spine above
forming a ridge on the surface, and a pointed membranous flap beyond ; and another smaller
directed downwards, and nearly opposite the centre of the base of the pectorals. Orbits
0-2 in diameter, and distant half their diameters, their planes forming less than a right
angle with the plane of the base of the lower jaw. A spine on the supra-scapulary, and

54 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

another stouter on the upper portion of the humeral bone. Nostrils tubular. Lower jaw
received within the upper, and both with numerous sharp incurved minute teeth, which
may be traced on the vomer. Tongue with faint asperities.

The first dorsal fin arises 0-9 from the end of the snout, and contains ten feebly spinous
rays : the first is shorter than the second, and the three last are successively shorter ; it is
connected by a low membrane with the second, which rises immediately behind it (in the
figure this is not shown) : it comprises fourteen rays, and ends beyond the termination of the
anal fin. Pectorals broad, with sixteen rays ; the inferior shortest, and gradually increasing in
length to the ninth ray. Ventral fin with three subequal rays, reaching nearly to the vent.
The anal fin commences under the second ray of the posterior dorsal, and contains eleven
rays, nearly as high as the dorsal. Caudal fin long, nearly even, with nine complete and
four accessory rays on each side.

Color. Yellowish, more or less bright, with confluent bars and blotches over the back and
sides. All the fins with interrupted black bars. The ventrals more distinctly marked with
three black bars. Head and cheeks brownish olive.

Length, 3 '3. Greatest depth, 0"9.

Fin rays, D. 10.14; P. 16 ; V. 3 ; A. 11 ; C. 9 f.

I suppose this to have been the species intended by Mitchill under the name of C. scorpio.
and to which Cuvier has given the name of C. mitchilli. It can scarcely be (as that distin-
guished ichthyologist has suggested) the young of the large Common Bull-head. The spines
of the preopercle and the radial formula render it highly probable that it is a small and dis-
tinct, but hitherto neglected species. It has the habits of the preceding, and is commonly
taken with the hook, in company with the Pluronectus planus, and other flat fishes.

THE GREENLAND BULL-HEAD.

COTTOS GR(ENLANDICUS.

PLATE IV. FIG. 10.

Cottus scorpius. Fabricius, Fauna Grcenlandica, p. 156.

Coitus quadricornis. App. to Parry's 1st and 3d Voyages.

Cottus gmnlandicus. Cnv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 156.

Greenland Bull-head, C. greenlandicus. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 46 ; and p. 297, pi. 95, fig. 2.

Greenland Sculpm, C. Id. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 16.

Characteristics. A quadrangular area on the head, bounded by four tubercles. Circular
white spots on the abdomen. Length twelve to fourteen inches.

Description. Head with several spines ; those on the summit blunted ; those on the gill-
covers longer, with projecting sharp points. Nasal spines recurved, three inches long. At
the posterior superior angles of the eyes, a strong slightly recurved spine, stouter than the
nasal ones. Two erect stronger spines on the occiput : between these and the preceding, is

FAMILY TRIGLID^E COTTUS. 55

a quadrangular depression. The preopercle has three spines, two of which are placed at its
upper angle ; the superior of these spines is much the largest, and points upward ; the third
and smallest is directed downward. Opercle with two spines ; the larger at its upper angle ;
the other at its lower angle, much smaller. A prominent scapular spine. Eyes circular, 0- 5
in diameter. Gape of the mouth very large. Upper jaw longest. Jaws armed with nume-
rous very small teeth. Nostrils tubular ; three lines in front of the eyes.

The first dorsal fin arises above the branchial aperture, and is composed of ten rays ; the
second dorsal fin is nearly continuous with it. Pectoral fin broad, extending beyond the end
of the first dorsal ; the underside of many of its rays granulate. Ventral fins small. Height
of the anal fin, half of its length. Sides of the body, above and beneath the lateral line,
roughened by granulated tubercles.

Color. Above dark brown, with large clay-colored blotches on the top of the head and on
the gill-covers, with a few smaller ones on the back and sides. Small circular yellowish spots
on the sides, towards the abdomen. Large circular perfectly white spots on the abdomen,
beneath the pectorals. First dorsal fin dark brown, variegated with yellow ; second dorsal
brown, with several oblique yellowish bars. Anal fin yellowish, with narrow oblique brown
bars. Caudal with blackish rays, the membrane yellowish.

Length, 13-0-14-0.

Fin rays, D. 10.18; P. 17; V. 3; A. 13; C. 16.

I have never met with but one specimen of this species, which was captured near Hellgate.
It was too much injured for description, and I have therefore availed myself of the excellent
account furnished by Dr. Storer. I am indebted for the figure to Dr. Richardson.

It is very abundant on the coast of Massachusetts, and as its name implies, extends to the
arctic circle. It is probable that this coast is its extreme southern limit. It is exceedingly
voracious, devouring small fish, crabs, sea eggs, etc., but is held in no estimation as an article
of food.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. cognatus. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 40.) Dark brown ; sides clouded. Allied to C.

gobio of Europe, but the dorsal and anal fins higher. D. 8. 18 ; P. 15 ; V. 1.4; A. 14 ; C 15.

Length, 4 inches. Great Bear Lake.
C. polaris. (Sabine, App. Parry's 1st Voy.) Light, with minute dusky spots. Two strong spines

before and between the eyes. D. 6 or 8.15; V. 5; A. 15; C. 12 or 14. Length, 2 inches.

Polar Seas.
C. hexacornis. (Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 44.) With six club-shaped erect processes on the head.

D. 7.13; P. 16; V 3; C. 12. Length, 6 or 7 inches. Coppermine River.
C. porosus. (Cuv. etVAL. Vol.8, p. 498.) Body covered with small pores. A series of small bony

plates between the lateral line and dorsal. D. 11.1.16. Length, 6 inches. Northern Seas.

56 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS HEMITRIPTERUS. Cuvier.

Head and body with numerous fleshy slips. Velvet-like teeth on the jaws, vomer and pala
tines. A single dorsal, deeply divided, or separated into two fins.

Obs. Of this genus, I am not aware that more than one species has been observed on oui
coast, although the varieties dependent on color are numerous. It appears to hold an inter-
mediate station between Cottus and Scorpio ; and the species to be now noticed, has been
placed in either genus by various writers.

THE AMERICAN SEA RAVEN.

Hemitripterds americanus.

PLATE VI. FIG. 16. J natural size. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Acadian Bull-head. Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 3, p. 118?

Cottus hispidus et triplerygius. Bi.. Schn. pi. 13 ; Diet. Sc. Nat. Vol. 11, p. 15.

Scorpena flava, Yellow Scorpena. MlTCHILL, Lit. and Phil. Vol. 1, p. 382, pi. 2, fig. 8.

Scorpcna purpurea? eirufa? Id. Am. Monih. Magazine, Vol.2, p. 245. (Varieties.)

H. americanus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 268, pi. 84.

H. id. Griffith, Cuv. An. Kingdom, Vol. 10, p. 141, pi. 53, fig. 3, a.

The Sea Raven, H. americanus. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 23.

Characteristics. Yellow or blood-red ; varied with brown. Length, one to two feet.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical, tapering rapidly to the tail. Head large, with
irregular cavities, knobs and elevations. Supra-orbital margin elevated, and furnished with
two strong spines ; four rows of irregular spines extending from the orbits to the nape.
Above the snout, an elevated crest on each side, with spinous projections, and a broader
intermediate eminence. From several of these prominences, arise various cutaneous digi-
tated cirri or slips ; ten or twelve of these are also pendant from the lower jaw. Summit of
the head very concave between the orbital crests. Surface of the body covered with a granu-
lated skin ; on which, more particularly above the lateral line, are disposed in rows small
conic tubercles. Preopercle with three spines, the lowest being very small. Opercle termi-
nating in a blunt point, and with elevated spinous ridges on its surface. Branchial membrane
six-rayed. Jaws equal and rounded. Card teeth in both jaws, on the vomer, palatine and
pharyngeal bones. Tongue smooth and large. Lateral line indicated by a series of tuber-
cles, and concurrent with the dorsal outline.

The first dorsal fin, or rather the spinous portion, commences well on the nape, somewhat
anterior to the ventrals, and extends to a point above the origin of the anal fin ; the first ray
longest ; the second and third suddenly decreasing to the fourth and fifth, which are low and
subequal ; from these, the rays lengthen through the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth, which
are subequal, when the rays again shorten to the last : the tips of most of these rays are
furnished with fleshy slips or appendages. The second dorsal arises so immediately behind

FAMILY TRIGUDiE HEMITRIPTERUS. 57

the first, as to have been considered but one by some writers : indeed, in the specimen before
me, it is actually connected by a membrane : this fin terminates above the end of the anal ;
its middle rays are longest, nearly equaling in height the first rays of the anterior dorsal.
The pectoral fins wide, oval, and attached obliquely behind the gills, the tips of the longest
rays extending to the space between the first and second dorsals. Ventral fins small, and
composed of a short, stout and blunt spine, and of three soft rays, of which the middle is
longest. Anal fin equaling in extent the second dorsal ; the rays are longest behind. Caudal
fin very slightly rounded, nearly even.

Color. The whole surface of the head, body and fins, of a bright lemon-yellow. In a
variety described by Mitchill as S. purpurea, the color is russet-brown, varied with whitish
and yellowish blotches ; abdomen pale orange yellow. Another variety, his S. rufa, has a
more uniform reddish hue, unclouded.

Length, 12" 0-24-0.

Radial formula, Br. 6 ; D. 16.14 ; P. 18; V. 1.3 ; A. 14; C. 12 f.

This beautifully colored but oddly shaped fish, of which I have seen but two specimens, is
comparatively rare on our coast. It is known by fishermen under the names of Sea Raven
and -Sea Sculpin, and is taken in company with the cod along the coast. Its skeleton has
thirty-nine vertebras, sixteen abdominal and twenty-three caudal. Pyloric orifice with six
cffical appendages. The urinary bladder very large. No air-bladder. Feeds on the smaller
fishes.

The Sea Raven is subject to great variations in its color, from bright lemon-yellow to
carmine. It is a northern species, not extending south of New- York, and becoming more
abundant as we proceed north.

Fauna — Part 4.

58 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS SCORP,ENA. Linneus.

Head spinous and tubercular as in the preceding genus, but laterally compressed. Dorsal
Jin undivided. Seven branchial rays. Body with scales. Cutaneous processes adhering
to the head and sides. Teeth similar in shape and position to the preceding.

THE SMALL SEA SCORPION.

SCORP.ENA PORCUS.

Scorpana porcus. LlNNEUS.

La petite Scorplne brtme. Cut. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 300.

Characteristics. Brown ; beneath rosaceous, variegated with lighter colors. Scales very
small. Length 8-10 inches.

Description. Body oblong ; dorsal line curved ; abdomen often prominent. Nostrils placed
behind each other, and nearer to the eye than to the end of the snout. Head shorter and body
deeper than in S. scrofa. Scales very small and rough. Sixty are enumerated in a longitu-
dinal series, and forty in a vertical line ; longer than broad, minutely striated, and ciliated orl
their outer margins, and with eight or nine plaits at their bases. Six small cutaneous slips at
the end of the snout, two on the orbit, and one on the crest of the cranium ; a few very
minute ones on the cheek, but none on the cheeks or sides of the body. The first spinous ray
of the dorsal fin one-third less than the second, and thence gently increasing to the eleventh ;
the soft portion half the extent of the spinous part. Anal fin with three stout short spines.
Caudal rounded.

Color. Brown, tinged with reddish beneath, which also appears on the ventrals and anal.

Length, 8-0-10-0.

Fin rays, D. 12.9; P. 18; V. 1.5 ; A. 3.5; C. 11 f.

I have never met with this species, and have availed myself of the description given by
MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes, who received it from New-York. It is common in the Medi-
terranean, and along the southern shores of Europe. It is one of the few fishes which cross
the Atlantic. Feeds on the smaller Crustacea.

FAMILY TRIGLID^E SCORP^ENA. 59

THE SPOTTED SEA SCORPION.

ScOBPjENA bufo.

PLATE LXX. FIG. 227.

Rascacio. Parra, Descripcion de diferentes, &c. p. 34, pi. 18, fig. 1.
Scorpama bufo. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 306.
The Sea Toad, S. bufo. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Fishes, p. 300.

Characteristics. Base of the pectorals beneath black, sprinkled with round milk-white spots.
Length seven inches.

Description. From thirty to thirty-three spines on the head and shoulders, viz. one on the
nasal bone ; five on the elevated margin of the orbit ; three in a row extending backwards
from the orbital ridge to the nape ; five in a row parallel to the above, commencing close to
the orbit, passing over the temples, and ending on the shoulders, (the posterior part of this
row is doubled, adding two spines more ;) four divergent ones on the anterior suborbital ;
three on the ridge of the second suborbital, traversing the cheek obliquely ; six on the preo-
percle ; and two on the opercle, the last tips the humeral bone immediately above the pectoral.
Bands of teeth narrow on the jaws, vomer and palatines. Velvet teeth on the pharyngeals.
Nasal spine more or less denticulated.

Color. Brown, marbled with rosaceous and violet. The dorsal, between its sixth and
seventh rays, has a large black spot.

Length, 7*0.

Fin rays, D. 12.9; P. 19 or 20; V. 1.5; A. 3.5; C. 13 f.

This species has been observed from the Caribbean sea to Newfoundland, and of course
will be detected on our coast. I have not met with it, and have extracted the above from the
descriptions of Cuvier and Richardson. The figure, although indifferent, is the only one I
had access to, and is copied from Parra.

60 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS SEBASTES. Cuvier.

Head covered with scales. No cirri. Eyes large. Opercular bones with several spines.
Branchial rays seven. A single dorsal Jin, composed of spinous and flexible rays. Teeth
small, numerous, on the jaws, vomer and palatines . Lower rays of the pectorals flexible.

Obs. This genus, now comprising about ten species, was first separated by Cuvier from
Scorpcena, with which it has many characters in common. On our coast, we have one spe-
cies common to both shores of the Atlantic.

THE NORTHERN SEBASTES.

Sebastes norvegicus.

PLATE IV. FIG. 11.

Perca norvegica. Mullee, Zool. Dan. p. 46, pi.

Le Sebasle septentrionale, S. norvegicus. Crjv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol.4, p. 327, pi. 87.

Norway Haddock, S. norvegicus. Yarrell, British Fishes, Vol. 1, p. 73, fig.

The Northern Sebastes. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Fishes, p. 52.

The Norway Haddock, S. norvegicus, Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 26.

Characteristics. Uniform red above ; silvery beneath, without darker blotches or bands.
Length, one to two feet.

Description. Body oblong, compressed, covered with small oval roughened scales, extend-
ing over all the head, and a part of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins : ninety are counted in the
length of the fish, and thirty to forty in a vertical line from the pectorals. Lateral line con-
current with the back, and composed of a series of about thirty-six tubes. Head flattened
above, and one-third of the total length. Preopercle rounded, with five spines ; opercle with
two ; sub and inter-opercle with one spine each. Scapular bones with two spines ; suborbital
with two. Four spines on the supra-orbital ridge, a minute one beneath, and two others
projecting backward. Mouth wide ; upper jaw very protractile, with a notch in the centre
for the reception of the lower jaw. Lower jaw with a prominent chin, and three large pores
under each branch of the jaw.

The dorsal fin compound, with fifteen spinous rays, which are so distant from each other
as to make the base of this portion double the length of the other, although containing only
the same number of rays ; soft portion twice the height of the spinous portion. Pectorals
rounded, as wide as long ; the ten upper rays branched ; the nine lower articulated, but sim-
ple : all the rays extend somewhat beyond the membrane. Ventrals slightly behind the pecto-
rals ; of one spine, and five branched rays. Anal with three spines, of which the first is short
and robust, with seven or eight branched rays twice the length of the posterior spinous ray.
Caudal fin slightly excavated behind.

FAMILY TRIGLID/E URANIDEA. 61

Color. All the head and body above, together with the fins, of a carmine red. A brown
blotch on the posterior part of the opercle. Beneath lighter, and in the recent fish of a bright
rose-red. Pupils black ; irides yellow.

Length, 12-0-24-0.

Fin rays, D. 15.15; P. 19; V. 1.6; A. 3.8; C. 15.

This is a very rare fish in our waters. It is called, by our fishermen, Red Sea Perch, and
they say it is only found in deep water. By the fishermen of Massachusetts, it is known
under the various names of Rose-fish, Hemdurgon, and Snapper. Fabricius states that it is
rather agreeable food, but meagre. In Greenland, the lips are eaten raw. It feeds on flounders
and other fish, and takes the hook readily. It is a native of the northern seas, found on the
coast of Newfoundland rather abundantly, and more rarely along the seaboard of Massachu-
setts. The coast of New-York is probably its extreme southern limit.

GENUS URANIDEA.

Head wide, depressed. Body without scales. Two dorsals. Ventrals with three rays.
Eyes nearly vertical. Opercle smooth ; preopercle with a single spine. Teeth on the
jaws, vomer and tongue.

THE LITTLE STAR-GAZER.

URANIDEA dCIESCENS.

PLATE V. FIG. 14. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Olive-brown, varied with dusky. Tail long, even. Length two to three
inches.

Description. Head large, depressed, with the angles of the jaws much dilated. No scales
were noticed, even with the aid of the lens. A series of mucous pores on the upper part of
the head. Lateral line near the back, and concurrent with it. Eyes large, and nearly verti-
cal. Mouth very large, with minute recurved teeth on the jaws, vomer and tongue. A stout
sword-shaped spine, O'l in length, on the preopercle. Branchial rays seven.

The first dorsal fin is low and rounded, and composed of seven simple feebly spinous rays,
and arises near the anterior third of the body ; it is separated by a very short interval from
the second dorsal fin, which is higher than the first, and composed of sixteen slender rays
gradually diminishing behind. Pectoral fins very large, broad and rounded. (In some of the
impressions, the right pectoral is drawn so incorrectly, that it appears like a third dorsal.)
The tips of the pectorals extend to the second or third ray of the posterior dorsal. Ventrals
very long, placed immediately under the pectorals, and composed of three very slender rays.
The anal fin corresponds in its origin nearly with the second dorsal, but terminates short of

62 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

it, with thirteen rays. The tail is very slender, and the caudal fin, which is even, contains
but thirteen rays. The membranes of all the rays are exceedingly thin and delicate.

Color. Above minutely punctate with olive-brown, and varied with obscure darker blotches ;
abdomen soiled white. Head blackish brown above. Pectoral and caudal fins tinged with
orange, and both obsoletely marked with three or four interrupted bands.

Length, 2-0- 3-0. Depth, 0" 25.

Fin rays, D. 7.16; P. 13; V. 3 ; A. 13; C. 13 f.

This curious little fish, which is strongly allied by its form to Uranoscopus, was first
pointed out to me by my friend Dr. Emmons, in a small stream emptying into Round lake,
Hamilton county. We subsequently detected it in Lake Pleasant, in the same county. It
lies quiescent for a long time near the bottom, and moves slowly in search of food. When
disturbed, it darts suddenly forward with great velocity. Occasionally it takes the hook.

GENUS ASPIDOPHORUS. Lacepede, Cuvier.

Body much elongated, and covered with scaly plates. Head depressed. Snout with recurved
spines. Minute velvet-like teeth in the jaws, vomer and palatines. Branchial rays six.

THE AMERICAN ASPIDOPHORE.

ASPIDOPHORUS MONOPTERYGIUS.

PLATE II. FIG. 6.

Agonus vwnopterygius. Bl. Schn. p. 104.

ISAspidophore a unc stule dorsale. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 224, pi. 169.
Cottus monopteryghis. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Fishes, p. 50.
Aspidophoroides id., The Btdl-head. Storer, Fishes of Mass. p. 22, pi. 1, fig. 1.

Characteristics. Small ; with a single dorsal. Body octagonal. Length four to six inches.

Description. Body elongated, quadrangular in front of the dorsal fin, tapering gradually to
the tail, and covered with eight series of plates on the body and six on the tail. Head broad ;
orbits large and prominent, with a deep furrow between. The snout in advance of the orbits
is concave, and surmounted by two small recurved spines at its extremity ; and a third,
smaller, behind. The opercle with a spinous process. Mouth small, with fleshy lips, with
short velvet teeth on each jaw. Scales hexagonal, with radiated striae. Dorsal fin placed in
a furrow between the angles of the large dorsal plates, which exists from the nape to the tail.
Dorsal and caudal fins rounded ; (in the figure, drawn from an imperfect specimen.)

Color. Light brown, with six transverse dark semi-bands.

Length, 4-0-6-0.

Fin rays, D. 5 ; P. 10; V. 1.2; A. 5 ; C. 16.

FAMILY TRIGL1D<£ CRYPTACANTHODES. 63

I have never had an opportunity of seeing this rare species, and have copied from Storer
his figure of one found on the coast of Massachusetts. It occurs in the Arctic seas, is unim-
portant as an article of food, and is very rare.

GENUS CRYPTACANTHODES. Storer.

Body anguilliform, compressed, gradually tapering to the tail, without scales. Head broad,
with no projecting spines but the angles of the gill-covers. The scapular and humeral
spines, and the lower edge of the preopercle, prominent to the touch. Branchial rays
seven. A single dorsal, with strong spinous rays, and united with the caudal and anal.
No ventral fins. Teeth in the jaws, vomer and palatines.

Obs. This genus was established by Dr. Storer, for the reception of a remarkable fish
which appears occasionally on the seacoast of Massachusetts.

THE SPOTTED WRY-MOUTH.

CRYPTACANTHODES MACULATUS.
PLATE XVIII. FIG. 50. AMD WITH THE HEAD ENLARGED. — (CAB. BOST. NAT. HIST. SOCIETY.)
Cryptacanthodes maculatus, Spotted Wry-mouth. Storer, Mass. Rep. p. 28.

Characteristics. Reddish brown, with darker reddish blotches, forming two longitudinal series,
on the sides. Length twelve to twenty inches.

Description. Body elongated, compressed, scaleless. Lateral line straight, with the ap-
pearance of interrupted dots. Head large, flattened above, with several bony processes and
ridges ; two prominent ones running from the orbits backwards to the occiput. The posterior
angles of the opercle and preopercle, the whole lower edge of the latter, and the scapular
bones, all seem like sharp points and edges concealed under the skin. Opercle small, 1 ■ 0
long, rounded on its lower margin, acute behind ; its upper margin forming a bony ridge, and
united to the preopercle by a membrane at its upper angle. Preopercle large ; its upper and
posterior angles obvious to the touch ; its lower edge sharp, and feeling as if divided into two
ridges. Branchial membrane capacious, dilatable, and forming a large fold above the base
of the pectorals, where it unites with the common skin. Eyes moderate, nearly vertical, 0'3
in diameter, and 0"63 apart ; the intervening space between the orbits depressed, with nume-
rous pits or cavities. Nostrils tubular, and placed on a line with the upper margin of the
orbits, at the edge of the intermaxillaries. Mouth wide, terminal, opening obliquely upwards.
Lips large and fleshy. Minute straight conic teeth disposed in bands on the jaws, with an
intermediate free space in the middle ; a patch of similar teeth on the vomer ; several series
of longer and more acute and recurved teeth on the palatines.

The dorsal fin arises 3-4 distant from the end of the snout, and nearly above the middle of
the pectorals ; it is united to, and continuous with the caudal : all its rays are stoutly spinous

64 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

and subequal, except a few of its anterior rays, which are shorter ; they are all enveloped in
a stout thick membrane. Pectoral fins small, obtusely pointed at the tip, and rounded
beneath ; the fifth, sixth and seventh rays longest. The vent is placed beneath the twenty-
eighth or twenty-ninth dorsal ray. Immediately behind the vent, commences the anal fin,
which is similar in its form, and the character of its rays, to the dorsal fin. Caudal elongated,
obtusely pointed.

Color. Reddish white, with an interrupted series of irregular dark brown blotches extending
from the pectorals to the tail ; more numerous towards the tail, and large at the anterior part
of the body.

Length, 12-0-21-0.

Fin rays, D. 77 ; P. 13 ; A. 50 ; C. 19.

This very curious and rare species, which in its form approaches the genus Trypauchen
of the family Gobidm, and in the absence of ventrals might be referred to some groups of the
Anguillida, was first described by Dr. Storer of Boston, and referred under a new and
appropriate genus to the present family. Among this family it will form a new group, charac-
terized by its anguilliform body, and the absence of ventral fins.

I take this occasion to express my obligations to Dr. Storer, for placing this and other
specimens in my hands for examination and comparison. I am thus enabled to give a figure
of this rare and singular species. Nothing is known of its habits. One of the only three
specimens known, was obtained from the stomach of a haddock. It is probably a northern
species.

GENUS GASTEROSTERUS. Artedi.

Body without scales, with more or less plates on the sides. One dorsal Jin, with free spines
before it. Branchial rays three. Bones of the pelvis united, and forming a shield,
pointed behind. Teeth in the jaws ; none on the vomer and palatines.

Obs. This group comprises numerous small species, found in the ocean and in fresh-water
streams. They are exceedingly active in their movements, and have been observed to throw
themselves to a great distance out of water. They are very pugnacious, and when confined,
will destroy each other. Their food consists of the fry of other species, of which they
destroy great numbers. A single individual has been known, in five hours, to devour seventy-
four young dace, and on the following day, sixty-two. Some of the species appear to possess
the property of changing their color. In some parts of England, they are so numerous as to
be employed as manure.

FAMILY TRIGLIDiE GASTEROSTEUS. 65

THE TWO-SPINED STICKLEBACK.

Gasterostecs biaculeatus.

plate iii. fig. 9. —(cabinet of the lyceum.)

Two-spined Stickleback. Penn. Arct. Zool. Suppl. (No description.)
Gastcrosteus biaculeatus. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 430, pi. 1, fig. 10.

Characteristics. With two distant spines on the back, and a third near the dorsal. A strong
serrated spine on each side, representing the ventrals. Length 2 i inches.

Description. Body compressed, tapering away to a very small caudal extremity. Body on
each side covered by a series of from twenty-eight to thirty narrow vertical plates, striated
perpendicularly on their surface, and faintly denticulated on their posterior margins. Vent
with an anterior pouch, analogous to that observed in Syngnathus. The course of the lateral
line near the back is indicated by a series of prominences, finally terminating on the carinated
side of the tail. This carina is high and membranous, and when viewed from above, resem-
bles lateral finlets. The humeral bone terminates above the base of the pectorals, in a flat
point. The ventral spine on each side is 03 long, acute, serrated on each side, with a
prominent flattened process on each side of the base. A flat lustrous silvery plate between
the pectorals and the branchial orifice. Head flattened above, with numerous impressed
punctures arranged in rows. Eyes large. Nostrils midway between the latter and the point
of the jaw. Teeth exceedingly minute, with a broad velum across the upper jaw. The place
of the first dorsal occupied by two distant, slightly curved, compressed spines, serrated on
their edges, and each furnished behind with a short membrane ; a third, similar in shape,
but smaller, near the dorsal fin; all are much enlarged at their bases ; the anterior two 0*3
long, the posterior 0' 1.

The dorsal fin longer than high ; its anterior rays longest, composed of one spine and
twelve simple rays. Pectoral fins elongated, and containing ten rays. The ventrals repre-
sented by a single spine on each side, as described above. Between these spines is a long
triangular plate, with a central elevated ridge ; its surface striated transversely in front, with
angular strias behind, and terminating in a sharp point, as represented in the plate ; its use
appears to be, to support the abdominal pouch. The anal fin commences posterior to the
origin of the dorsal, and is longer than high, slightly excavated on its margin, and contains
one bent short spine and eight rays. The caudal fin contains twelve rays, and is slightly
emarginate.

Color. Dark olive-green above, gradually intermixing with light greenish and yellowish on
the sides. Fins more or less tinged with yellowish.

Length, 2' 5. Greatest depth, 05.

Fin rays, D. 2. 1 . 12 ; P. 9 ; V. 1 ; A. 1 .8 ; C. 12.

Fauna — Part 4. 9

66 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Found about New-York in the salt-water streams, and I have noticed them in the Hudson
as far up as Albany, where the water is fresh. I cannot reconcile the Epinoche a deux
Spines of Cuvier and Valenciennes (Vol. 1, p. 503), with its naked tail, and its robust flat
and sharp tooth at the external base of the ventral spines on each side, with our New-York
species.

THE NEW- YORK STICKLEBACK.

Gasterosteus neoboracensis.

PLATE VI. FIG. 17.

■Gasterosteus aculeatus New-York. Schcepff, Beobacht. Vol.8, p. 1G7.

V Epinoche de New-York. Cut. et VaL. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 502, pi. 98, fig. 3.

Characteristics. A soft and flexible spine at the base of the ventral spines on each side. Tail
armed. Length two inches.

Description. Body fusiform, compressed ; sides with a series of from thirty to thirty-three
transverse plates. The lateral line concurrent with the back, from which it is generally 0- 1
distant : it is prominent throughout its whole course ; but about the nineteenth or twentieth
lateral plate, it becomes elevated into sharp compressed spines, which form a distinct ridge
along each side of the tail. Head small, covered with striate bony plates, flattened above,
and sloping in a straight line from the nape. Mouth slightly protractile, with a vertical aspect ;
the lower jaw longest. Eyes large. Opercular bones with obsolete stria?, and without spines
or denticulation. Minute subequal teeth in a single row on each jaw ; none elsewhere. Tail
very slender.

The first dorsal spine 0 ' 2 long, acute, placed above the base of the pectoral, and with a
broad base ; serrate on the sides, and furnished with a membrane. The second dorsal spine
above the fourth lateral plate ; and beyond this, and directly over the ventral spine, is another
similar in shape and size to the preceding ; a third, which is scarcely 0" 1 in length, and some-
what curved, is placed near the dorsal fin.

Dorsal fin long, composed of thirteen rays, of which the anterior are largest, and gradually
decrease in length to the last. Pectorals long and rounded, the tips of the rays (eleven in
number) extending beyond the second dorsal spine. The place of the ventrals supplied by a
single ray on each side ; the ossa innominata forming a long solid triangular plate, terminating
in a point behind, and covering the lower part of the abdomen nearly to the vent : the junction
of the plates forms a prominent roughened carina. The ventral spine itself has a dilated
base, and is distinctly toothed on its side ; it reaches nearly to the tip of the abdominal shield.
Under each ventral spine is a soft flexible spine, the use of which is not apparent, unless it
be to replace the loss of the larger one. Anal fin long, slightly emarginate, with one curved
spine and twelve branched rays. Caudal fin with thirteen rays, and emarginate.

Color. Plumbeous grey or bluish above ; silvery on the, sides and beneath.

Length, 2-0. Depth, 0'5.

FAMILY TRIGLID^E GASTEROSTEUS. 67

This species is very closely allied to the preceding, and resembles, as Cuvier has observed,
the G. trachurus, or common Three-spined Stickleback of Europe. I have noticed them
frequently thrown ashore on the beach of the ocean, completely exenterated, but their bony
cuirass preserving their form entire.

THE FOUR-SPINED STICKLEBACK'

GaSTEROSTECS aUADRACUS.

PLATE VI. FIG. 16. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Gasterostcus quadracus. Mitchill, Tr. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 430, pi. 1, fig, 11. (Bad.)
G. id. et apeltes. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 505.
G. apeltes, Bloody Stickleback? Stoker, Mass. Report, p. 31.

Characteristics. Olive-green, marbled with dusky. Sides not cuirassed. Three or four spines
before the dorsal. Length one or two inches.

Description. Body compressed, highest opposite the first dorsal spine ; back arched. Tail
exceedingly slender. Head small, descending. In front of the dorsal fin are three and occa-
sionally four moveable spines, with a small membrane attached to each, all lying in a groove ;
the first longest, the others successively shorter. The dorsal fin commences a short distance
behind the spines, with one contiguous spine and twelve articulated rays ; the anterior soft
rays are largest ; the whole fin is received into a groove. Pectorals feeble, and composed of
twelve slender rays. Ventrals reduced on each side to a single stout triangular spine, ser-
rated on its anterior edge. The os innominatum beneath is elongated on each side, above the
spiny ventral, until it reaches the vent : these are " the lateral spines " of Mitchill. Anal fin
with an acute recurved spine, and ten soft rays. Caudal fin emarginate, with thirteen rays.

Color. Silvery plumbeous above ; whitish beneath, often marbled with dusky on an olive-
green ground.

Length, l'0-2'0.

Fin rays, D. 3 or 4.1.12; P. 12 ; V. 1 ; A. 1.10; C. 13.

This species abounds in our waters. Cuvier and Valenciennes describe the apeltes as a
species " qui pourrait bien etre celle que M. Mitchill a eue sous les yeux, quoiqu'elle reponde
" assez mal a sa description." Dr. Storer describes a membrane attached to the ventral
spine, which escaped my notice. A typographical error in that gentleman's description
makes him attribute but five rays to the dorsal fin.

In a monography of Gasterosteus, or in a general Systema, it will be found necessary to
consider this species as the type of a new genus, including perhaps concinnus, for which the
name of Apeltes would be sufficiently characteristic.

68 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE MANY-SPINED STICKLEBACK.

Gasterosteus occidentalis.

PLATE XLII. FIG. 135. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

L'epinochette de Terra-name. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 509.
The Ten-spined Stickleback, G. pungitius. Storee, Fishes of Mass. p. 32.

Characteristics. With more than seven spines in front of the dorsal fin. Tail armed. Length
one to two inches.

Description. Body elongated, compressed, tapering from the origin of the dorsal fin. Head
small ; eyes prominent. Nostrils round, simple, and contiguous to the orbits. Mouth ver-
tical. Sides of the tail distinctly carinated, with from twelve to fourteen distinct plates.
Dorsal spines ten in number, incurved, placed in a groove, and alternately directed to the
right or left ; the first is slightly in advance of a line vertical to the base of the pectoral fins.
The dorsal fin high, subtriangular, and composed of one stout spine and seven soft rays.
Anal fin beneath the preceding, and similar to it in shape, with one spine and nine soft rays.
Ventral spines triangular, acute ; a buckler extended into a point behind, between the ventral
spines, with from four to six transverse furrows between those spines. Caudal fin elongated,
rounded.

Color. Olive-green, with a tinge of yellow.

Length, 1'5- 2'0.

Fin rays, D. 10.1.7; P. 11 ; V. 1 ; A. 1 .9 ; C. 13.

Although this species differs somewhat in its radial formula from the occidentalis of Cuvier,
yet its elongated slender form and carinated tail has led me to refer it to that species. Sub-
sequent observations must verify the truth of this conjecture. It will scarcely be referred, I
think, to the G. pungitius of Europe.

This little species is found both in fresh and salt water. I have specimens caught in the
harbor of New- York, in company with the Syngnathus fuscus ; and also from a fresh-water
pond on the island of New-York, near the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, where the communication
with the sea is interrupted during the greater part of the year.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

G. mainensis. (Storer, Bost. Jour. Vol. 1, p. 464.) Back with seven spines, the last longest; a

broad oblong serrated plate on the side; with numerous dusky transverse bands. Length two

inches. Fresh water. Maine.
G. niger. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 4, p. 503.) Entirely black; tail armed; ventral spines very long. 33

lateral plates. Two inches. Newfoundland.
G. concinnus. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 57.) Body scaleless; tail slightly keeled on the

sides ; nine dorsal spines. Length an inch and a quarter. Fresh water. Northern Regions.
G. inconstans. (Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 191, ined.)

FAMILY SCIENID.E LEIOSTOMUS. 69

FAMILY IV. SCIENID^E.

No teeth on the vomer or palatines. Denticulations or spines on the opercular bones. Mouth
not protractile. Cheeks not mailed. Scales on the bases of the vertical fins. With one
or two dorsal fins. Teeth various.

This family resembles the Pcrcidce in many particulars, such as the various denticulations
or spines on the opercular pieces, the variations in the dorsal fins and the branchial rays, etc.,
but are at once distinguished by their smooth palate. Some of the genera of the preceding
family, with smooth palates, appear to constitute a connecting link or passage from the Per-
cidce to the family now under consideration. The Scienidce have all a peculiar aspect, and
may in general be readily recognized by their arched snout, and by the scales which ascend
high upon the vertical fins ; they have the habits of the Perch family, and in general are
excellent food. The species are for the most part inhabitants of the intertropical seas ; none
are common to both continents, and a great majority of the species are American. Many of
them make a grunting noise, which Cuvier supposes may possibly be connected with their
complicated air-bladder.

The species already known exceed two hundred and fifty, which have been distributed by
Cuvier under thirty-one genera.

GENUS LEIOSTOMUS. Cuvier.

Anal spine feeble. Very minute denticulations on the preopercle. Teeth in the jaws even,
and excessively small. Pharyngeals paved on their posterior border. Snout convex,
arched. Two dorsals.

Obs. The name of this genus was formed by Lacepede, upon the erroneous idea of the
total absence of teeth. Cuvier first assigned its proper characters.

THE LAFAYETTE.

[LEIOSTOMUS OBLIQUUS.

PLATE LX. FIG. 195.

Mugil obliquus. Mitchill, Report in part, etc., p. 16.

Labnus id., Little Porgce. Id, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 405.

Sciena multifasciala. Lesueqr, Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 2, p. 255.

Le Leiostome a epaule noire, L. humcralis. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 141, pi. 110.

Characteristics. Fourteen to eighteen transverse oblique bands over the back. A dark
rounded spot behind the upper angle of the opercle. Length 6 to 8 inches.

Description. Body compressed. Back gibbous, rapidly descending to the nape. Snout
blunt. Eyes large. Nostrils double ; the posterior oblique, largest. Three or four pores at

70 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

the end of the jaw. Scales small, ciliate, covering the head and body. Lateral line distinct,
and concurrent with the back. Jaws equal. Teeth so minute as to be visible only with a
lens. Preopercle minutely denticulate.

The first dorsal triangular, with its first ray short, and equal to its last ; the third, fourth
and fifth rays longest ; separated by a very short interval from the second dorsal, which is
long and low, its rays (except the first) equal, and ending posterior to the termination of the
anal. Pectorals long, scaly at the base, and composed of twenty branched rays. Ventrals
slightly behind the pectorals, with one short and five branched rays. Anal excavated on its
margin ; its anterior spine almost concealed in the skin. Caudal fin lunate, covered high up
with small scales.

Color. Whitish, with from twelve to eighteen dark greyish bars directed obliquely forward,
more vertical behind. Irides yellow ; pupils black. Fins yellowish ; dorsal and anal fins
minutely punctate with black. A round blackish brown spot on each side, more or less dis-
tinct, on the lateral line, above the base of the pectorals.

Length, 6-0-8-0. Of head, T6 - T8. Depth, 2'0 - 2-5.
Fin rays, D. 9.1.30; P. 20; V. 15; A. 2.12; C. 19.

This beautiful little fish, which furnishes a delicate article of food, is usually rare in our
waters, but visits us in almost incredible numbers at irregular and generally distant intervals.
One of these visits happened to coincide with the arrival of the great and the good La Fayette
at New- York, in the summer of 1824. His name was unanimously given to a fish, which
was considered as entirely new, and this name it still retains. It must be very common on
the southern coast, but I cannot find that it has in those parts received any popular name. If
I am correct in supposing that the S. multifasciata of Lesueur, described from a dried spe-
cimen, is identical with the Lafayette, it is common on the coast of Florida. Thus far, there
is reason to believe that the coast of New-York forms its extreme northern geographic limits.
I see no good reason for changing the prior and characteristic name given to it by Dr.
Mitchill.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

L. xanthurus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol.5, p. 142.) Unspotted; without bands. Fins, and especially the
caudal, yellow. D. 11.1.32; A. 2.13. Length six or eight inches. South-Carolina.

FAMILY SCIENID^E. 71

GENUS OTOLITHUS. Cuvier.

Two stout canine teeth in the upper jaw, and occasionally in the lower. Two small pores
on the lower jaw, or entirely wanting. Two dorsal fins. Air-bladder bifid in front. Anal
spines feeble or obsolete. Body elongated.

THE WEAK-FISH.

Otolithus regalis.

PLATE VIII. FIG 24.

Johnnius regalis. Schn. Scuteeg und Scuppaug. Schcepff, 1. c. p. 169.

Roccus comes. Mitchill, Report in part on the Fishes of N. Y. 1814, p. 26.

Weak-fish, Labrus squeteague. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 396, pi. 2, fig. 6.

VOtolithe royal, 0. regalis. Cnv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 67.

Sciena (Otolithus) regalis. Richardson, Fauna Bor. Am. Fishes, p. 63.

0. regalis, Squeteagite, Weak-fish. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 33.

Characteristics. Bluish above, varied with dusky. Ventrals and anal orange. Ventrals with
five branched rays. Length one to two feet.

Description. Body elongate, compressed. Head slightly arched over the eyes. Scales
moderate, oval, transparent, minutely striate and denticulate, covering the gill-covers and
summit of the head to the end of the nose. The lateral line curved slightly, but not concur-
rent with the back ; it may be traced to the tips of the caudal rays. Nostrils double, placed
in a triangular cavity anterior to the eye ; the one nearest the orbit vertically oblong, the other
round and subtubular. Eyes large, the lower jaw longest, furnished with a row of distant
acute subequal teeth, and in front with two or three rows of smaller ones. Similar but
smaller ones above in the intermaxillaries, and from one to three long fang-like teeth in front
of the upper jaw. Ranges of minute teeth on the pharyngeals, to which is attached an orbi-
cular process, which is festooned on its margin. Branchial rays seven : the first branchial
arch with long flat processes, strongly dentate on their inner edges ; the others with short
alternate tubercles. Opercle with two obsolete flattened points, scarcely discernible through
the membrane. Preopercle with a minutely crenate membranous margin.

Dorsal fins two ; the first triangular longer than high, of eight simple feebly spinous rays,
of which the first is shorter than the second ; the third longest. Equidistant between this and
the succeeding fin, is a short feeble isolated spine. The second dorsal fin is long and sube-
qual ; the first ray is short, and so closely in contact with the next as to be separated with
difficulty. The third is longest ; and from this, the ravs insensibly diminish to its termination
somewhat beyond the anal. The pectoral fins extend as far as the middle of the first dorsal,
and, with the exception of the first, which is simple, contain seventeen branched rays. Ven-
tral fin stout, with one simple and five very ramose rays. The anal fin short ; the third ray

72 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

equal to the length of its base ; the first simple, very short ; the remaining branched rays
twelve. Caudal somewhat lunulated, of seventeen rays, the exterior simple.

The gall-bladder long and tubular. Four cajcal appendages. The intestine makes two
convolutions. Air-bladder very thick, and of the shape represented in the figure ; on its inner
surface is a long red glanular body, the uses of which have not been ascertained.

Color. Bluish above, with irregular transverse series of dark spots on the back and sides.
Summit of the head greenish blue ; interior of the mouth with a yellowish tinge. Irides
yellow. Gill-covers and inferior surface silvery lustrous. Chin with bright salmon-colored
tints. Upper vertical fin and the caudal fin brownish. Pectoral fins brownish yellow. Ven-
trals and anal orange.

Length, 13-0. Depth, 3"0.

Fin rays, D. 8.1.28; P. 18; V. 1.5; A. 13; C. 17.

The Weak-fish, so called from the feeble resistance it makes on the hook, and the facility
with which it breaks away from it, by reason of its delicate structure, was formerly one of
our most common salt-water fishes. The average size is not more than six or eight inches,
but I have been informed of one weighing thirty pounds. Of late years, it has greatly dimi-
nished in numbers on our coast ; and as the Temnodon saltator or Blue-fish of the south has
appeared here in great numbers, the disappearance of the former is supposed to be in some
way connected with the appearance of the latter. Dr. Storer has made a similar observation
on the coast of Massachusetts.

The aboriginal name given to this fish by the Narragansets was Squeteaugue, corrupted
into Squettee ; the Mohegans named it Checouts. Although extensively eaten, it may be
ranked among those of a secondary quality.

Its extreme northern range yet ascertained, extends to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is not
uncommon at New-Orleans, where it is called Trout, and has been captured at Martinique.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

O. carolinensis. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 9, p. 475.) Scales small ; more than eighty in a longitudinal
line. Blue on the back, with silvery reflexions. Anal blackish blue. D. 10.1.27; A. 1.11.
Length fourteen inches. South-Carolina.

O. drummondi. (Richardson, F. B. A.) Slender. Two distinct rows of teeth in the upper jaw.
Caudal rounded. Anal 1.8. Length eleven and a half inches. New-Orleans.

FAMILY SCIENID-E. 73

GENUS CORVINA. Cuvier.

Branchial rays seven. Teeth generally even, velvet-like on the jaivs ; but ivith a series of
teeth larger, pointed and equal on the upper jaw. Dorsals two, or deeply divided. Snout
arched. Spines of the anal moderate or robust. No barbules.

Obs. This genus is distinguishable from Sciena and Otolithus by the size and length of the
anal spines ; and from the latter more particularly by the absence of canines. The want of
cirri or barbules distinguishes it from Pogonias and Umbrina. About thirty-five species have
been described from various parts of the world. They occur in salt and fresh water, but
principally in the former.

THE LAKE SHEEPSHEAD.

CORVINA OSCULA.

PLATE XXI. FIG. 63. —(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sciena oscula. Lesueur, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 2, p. 252, pi. 13.
Le Corb de Lesueur, Corvina oscula. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 98.
C. id. Kirtland, Bost. Jour. Vol. 3, p. 350, pi. 6, fig. 3 ; Ohio Report, p. 193.

Characteristics. Anterior profile sloping, somewhat concave. Snout prominent, rounded.
Length 12-18 inches.

Description. Body compressed above, wider beneath. Back arched and gibbous. Scales
shorter than wide, slightly denticulated, small and crowded above and beneath the pectorals,
and covering the base of the dorsal and caudal fins. Lateral fin distinct, concurrent with the
back, and may be traced far up the caudal fin. Eyes large, prominent, rounded, near the
facial outline. Minute and scarcely perceptible serratures on the preopercle. Mouth small.
Teeth in the jaws small, conic, equal ; the outer series somewhat more robust. Pharyngeals
with large rounded and paved teeth. Five pores on the lower jaw.

First ray of the spinous portion of the dorsal fin very short ; the third slightly longer than
the second, and longer than the others ; the ninth slightly longer than the first. The first ray
of the soft portion spinous ; the remainder subequal, branched, and ending beyond the termi-
nation of the anal fin : its rays vary from twenty-eight to thirty-one. Anal fin with two spines
and eight soft rays ; the first very short, stout and acute ; the second six times longer, and
very robust. Caudal rounded at the tips.

Color. Bluish grey on the back ; darker on the nape and snout. Abdomen and chin greyish
white.

Length, 15-0. Depth, 4 -5.

Fin rays, D. 9.1.28; P. 19; Y. 1.5; A. 2.8; C. 17 f.

Fauna — Part 4. 10

74 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

This is a very common fish in Lake Eric, and is called at Buffalo, Sheepshead. Unlike
the Sheepshead of the ocean (Sargus ovis), it is a poor, dry and tasteless fish, and is scarcely
ever eaten. It also occurs in Lake Ontario. It does not appear to have been seen by Rich-
ardson in the upper lakes. It feeds on many of the fresh-water shells, such as Cyclas, Palu-
dina, &c. Its air-bladder is very large and simple.

THE SILVERY CORVINA.

Cc-RVINA ARGYROLEUCA.

PLATE XVIII. FIG. 51.

Silvery Perch, Bodiamis argyroleucos. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Vol. 1, p. 417, pi. G, fig. 9.
Le Corb blanc tfargent. Cuv. et Val. Hist, dcs Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 105.

Characteristics. The four first spinous rays of the dorsal fin successively longer. Scales
white and silvery. Ventral and anal orange-yellow. Length eight inches.

Description. Body compressed ; back arched ; facial outline sloping. Snout somewhat
produced. Scales moderately large, rough on their margins. Lateral line concurrent with
the back. Eyes large. Mouth deeply cleft. Teeth very minute, disposed in a narrow band.
Preopercle with two small spines, or, as they may be termed, strong distant teeth, the lower
directed downwards ; the remainder of the margin with small serratures. Opercle ending in
two flat obtuse points. Lower jaw with four minute pores.

Dorsal fin compound, deeply emarginate ; the first portion is spinous, with eleven spines,
of which the first is very short, the fourth longest ; the posterior portion with two short spines
and twenty-two soft rays, of which the anterior from the fourth are longest. Pectoral fins
moderate. Ventral fins beneath and slightly behind the pectorals, with a sharp spinous ray.
Anal fin short, higher than long, with two stout spinous rays. Caudal fin nearly even, slightly
rounded.

Color. Silvery white on the body and side ; dead white or opake beneath. Irides yellowish
white. Second dorsal, pectorals and caudal fin, yellowish. Ventrals and anal orange-yellow.

Length, 8*0. Depth, 3-0.

Fin rays, D. 11.2.22; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 2.9; C. 17.

This fish has so much the port and habit of a perch, that it is frequently called Silvery
Perch by the fishermen. It is not uncommon in our waters, in the summer season. It is a
native of the Caribbean sea, and extends its northern range to the coast of New-York.

FAMILY SCIENID.E CORVINA. 75

THE BRANDED CORVINA.

CORVINA OCELLATA.

PLATE XXI. FIG. 61. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Perca ocellala. Lin. Syst. Nat.

P. id., Bass in Carolina. ScH(EPFF, Vol. 8, p. 166.

Centropome ozillet. Lac. Vol. 4, p. 254.

Jjitfjanus triangulum. Id. Vol. 4, p. 181.

Beardless Drum, Sciena imberbis. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Tr. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 41 1.

Le Johnnius crille ou brule, C. ocellala. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 134. pi. 180.

Characteristics. Cylindrical. One, two or more rounded blackish spots on the base of the
tail. Length one to three feet.

Description. Body more cylindrical than in the other species ; back less elevated. Snout
obtuse and prominent. Scales oblique, and covering the head. Lateral line concurrent with
the back, and continued to the end of the tail. A band of even teeth in both jaws ; the
anterior row in the upper jaw conic, distant. Five pores beneath the lower jaw. Preopercle
distinctly denticulated ; the opercle ending in two points.

The spinous portion of the dorsal fin in a groove ; the first ray very small, and closely
applied to the second, which is shorter than the third : this latter is longest. Soft portion
three times the length of the first, with subequal rays. Anal fin with two spinous rays : the
first very short ; the second one-third less than the succeeding soft ray. Caudal fin nearly
even, slightly excavated.

Color. Bluish above ; lighter beneath. Head, cheeks and shoulders golden, with metallic
reflections. Dorsal fin dusky green. Pectorals, ventrals and anal fin tinged with red. On
each side of the tail, at the base of the caudal rays, is a blackish brown spot, often bordered
with white. Occasionally two on one side, becoming confluent on the other. According to
Dr. Mitchill, it resembles the mark left by a heated iron, which has given rise to the name
of Branded Drum.

Length, 12-0-42-0 Depth, 5-0-8-0.

Fin rays, D. 10.1.26; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 2.8; C. 17.

This beautiful fish, which appears but occasionally on our coast, is more common at the
south. Lesueur states that it is common at New-Orleans, where it is seen from eight inches
to three feet long ; it is called there Poisson rouge or Red-fish. At Charleston, it is called
Bass, Sea Bass and Red Bass. It is a highly esteemed fish.

76 NEW-YOKK FAUNA.

THE MALASHEGANAY.

CORV1NA RICHARDSONII.

PLATE XX. FIG. 55.

Le Corb de Richardso?i, C. richardsonii. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 100.
Tlir Malashegane, Sciena (Corvina) id. Richardson, Faun. Vol. 3, p. 64, pi. 77.

Characteristics. Greenish grey, with dusky bands over the back. Dorsal with a long mem-
brane behind. Anal with a single robust spine. Length one to two feet.

Description. Form of the C. oscula, but with a more vertical profile, and the body more
oval. Scales large and robust, and their relative size as in the species just alluded to. Under
jaw somewhat longest, with four pores beneath. Mouth cleft as far back as the middle of
the orbit. Eyes moderately large, more than two diameters from the end of the snout. Teeth
numerous, minute, equal, but the outer row somewhat larger. Opercle ending in two lobes ;
preopercle minutely crenulated.

The first dorsal spine short and obscure ; the fourth longest, from which they diminish to
the ninth. The first ray of the soft portion of the dorsal spinous ; the remainder subequal ;
the last ray connected by a broad scolloped membrane, two inches long, to the upper part of
the tail. Pectoral fins pointed, its longest rays exceeding in length those of any other fin.
Anal fin with a stout ray, deeply grooved behind.

Color. Grey, with dark transverse bands above. Sides silvery. Abdomen yellowish.

Length, 10-0 -24-0. Depth, 4"0 - 8"0.

Fin rays, D. 9.1.18; P. 15 ; V. 1 .5 ; A. 1 .7 ; C. 17 f.

This species, which is common in Lake Huron, where it is highly prized as food, and is
called Slieepshead, also occurs, as I am informed, in Lake Erie. A fish has been described
to me at Buffalo and Barcelona, where it is called Black Slieepshead, which agrees well in its
savory qualities, color and other characters, with the above species. Feeds on crayfish, etc.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

C. grisea, White Perch of Ohio. (Les. Ac. Sc.) Dorsal long; scales rough; a slight frontal depres-
sion. D. 9.33; V. 1.5; P. 16; A. 2.8; C. 19 f. Length one to two feet. Ohio River.

FAMILY SCIENID^E CORVINA. 77

THE SHARP-FINNED CORVINA.

CORVINA OXYPTERA.

PLATE XXX. FIG. 96. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Opercle obsoletely serrate, with two spines ; preopercle denticulated. Pecto-
ral fins long and pointed. Length eight inches.

Description. Body oblong, elliptical, compressed. Height to the total length as 1 to 3*5.
Back arched, rounded, not gibbous. Scales large, orbicular, wider than long, finely ciliated
on the free margins, with 7-10 radiating plaits in front, and festooned on the radical edge.
The scales cover every part of the head and jaws, where they are smaller, and ascend high
up on all the fins. Lateral line tubular, arising from the upper angle of the branchial aper-
ture, and forming a very convex sweep towards the back, with which it is concurrent. Head
convex, and forming with the outline beneath a regular oval. Snout obtusely pointed. Eyes
large, prominent, 0-5 in diameter, and slightly more than their diameters apart. Nostrils
anterior to the eyes, approximated ; the posterior transversely oblong, largest ; the anterior
with a valvular margin. Opercle with a long triangular flat spine, not extending beyond the
pointed_ membrane ; beneath this, at a distance of 0"2, is another short triangular and smaller
lancet-shaped spine. The edge of the opercle feels rough to the touch, but is without any
visible serratures. Preopercle angular, with from eighty to ninety short acute spines, one
rather longer at the angle ; these become effaced on the anterior portion of the lower margin.
Mouth moderate, protractile. In the upper jaw, the central part is a free interval. On each
side of this free space is a small rounded patch, composed of minute supine teeth directed
backward. Anterior to this patch is a tooth on each side, much larger than the others ; the
teeth on the sides of the jaw form a small and subequal series. Very minute teeth, reduced
to mere asperities, on the vomer and palatines. Similar asperities on the tongue, but the
tip is smooth. In the lower jaw are bands of minute recurved teeth, mixed with others of a
larger size ; these bands dilate as they approach each other in the middle of the jaw : in
front, on each side, is a stout conical tooth directed forward. Branchial membrane with
seven rays.

The dorsal fin compound, and composed of ten spines and nineteen articulated rays ; the
spinous portion highest ; the first spine shortest, 0"4 in height ; the second longer, and the
third longer and 0'7 in height ; the succeeding spines preserve this height. The spines are
very robust, acute, and enveloped in a strong membrane, which is covered with scales nearly
to the summit. The rays of the soft portion are slender, and gradually increase in size pos-
teriorly, the tips of the last rays reaching nearly to the accessories of the caudal fin. Pecto-
ral fin very long, lanceolate ; its tip reaching a point opposite the fifth ray of the soft dorsal,
or the third ray of the anal. It is composed of twenty rays, the eleventh and twelfth longest.
Counting from above, the rays rapidly diminish beneath these rays. The length of the longest
ray is 2'3 ; width of the base, 0-5 ; the scales on the base elongated. Ventral fins slightly
posterior to the base of the pectorals, and composed of one robust spine and five branched

78 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

rays ; the tips reach to within 0*5 of the vent. The anal fin contains three spinous and seven
branched rays ; the first spine is short, triangular and acute ; the second longest, very robust
and acute, and its length is 0 • 8 inches ; the third shorter than the second : this fin ends op-
posite the tenth soft ray of the dorsal. Caudal furcate, with nineteen full rays and seven
accessories on each side.

Color. Of this I can say nothing, as the specimen was in spirits. It appeared to have
been of a light yellowish hue, spotted with white and silvery. Irides yellow.

Length, 8"0. Depth, 2*2.

Fin rays, D. 10.19; P. 20; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 19 f.

The specimen which furnished the foregoing description, has existed for many years in the
Cabinet of the Lyceum, and was obtained from the adjacent coast. Dr. Mitchill regarded it
as allied, if not identical with his Coryphena perciformis, the Palinurus of this volume. It
is apparent from the above description, that it cannot be allied even to that species, nor can
it remain in the same family. We place it provisionally among the Corvinas, but are in-
clined to believe it to be the type of a new genus.

GENUS UMBRINA. Cuvier.
Two dorsal fins. A single cirrus or beard on the point of the lower jaw.

THE KING-FISH.

TJmbrina alburnus.

PLATE VII. FIG. 20.

Bermuda Whiting. Garden, Corr. of Linneus, Vol. 1, p. 305.

Perca alburmis. LlN. 12 Ed. p. 482.

Alburnus americanus. Catesb. Car. 2, pi. 12.

Whiting. Schcepff, Fishes of N. Y. Vol. 8, p. 162.

Johnius regalis. ScHN. Bl.* p. 75.

Centropomus alburnus. Lacepede.

Sciena nebulosa, King-fish. MlTCHILL, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 408, pi. 3, fig. 5.

L'Ombrine des Etats-Unis. Ccv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 180.

U. nebulosa, the King-fish. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 35.

Characteristics. Dark grey, with silvery reflections ; oblique dusky bars and bands over the
back. Tail with a sinuous margin. Length twelve to eighteen inches.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, tapering. Scales rounded, ciliated. Lateral line
concurrent with the back, and near it. Snout produced, prominent and blunt. Opercle with
two strong flat spines ; preopercle serrated behind. Branchial rays seven, the two upper and
two lower obscure. On the snout, in the fold which receives the upper jaw, are four cuti-

♦P.15; V.7; A. 12; C. 17 ; D. 9.9.30. Hab. in Am. Septentrionali in provinciam New-York. King vel WJiite-fish dictus.

FAMILY SCIENID.E UMBRINA. 79

cular appendages, broad and truncated at their extremities, with corresponding fossa; (see
figure). A single cirrus on the point of the lower jaw, with four pores or fossa;. Teeth in
the upper jaw, long, acute, distant ; in the lower, short, even and crowded.

First dorsal fin triangular, with its third ray longest and filamentous. The second dorsal
fin separated from the first by a brief interval ; its first ray short and spinous, the remainder
subequal. Pectoral fins broad and pointed, extending to the second dorsal fin, with a spurious
triangular plate covered by scales. A smaller one under the ventrals, which are broad and
rounded. Anal fin short, commencing under the eighth ray of the second dorsal, and com-
posed of one spinous and eight branched rays. The caudal fin excavated above, rounded
beneath, its upper tip pointed, and probably, in young individuals, its lower ; but in several
hundreds which I have examined, this portion is rounded.

Color. Back and sides dark steel-grey, and, in certain lights, lustrous, silvery and reddish.
Abdomen bluish-white. In its dying struggles, the whole fish displays frequent changes of
beautiful colors. Irides yellow. Margin of the first dorsal deep brown. Caudal and pecto-
rals olive brown. Ventrals and anal yellowish. On the upper parts of the body are oblique
broad dark stripes, which become interrupted towards the tail. An irregular horizontal dark
stripe is often seen, commencing at the tips of the pectorals, and running back through the
tail. In dying, these stripes change from pale ash to deep black.
Length, 12-0. Depth, 2*5.
Radial formula, Br. 7; D. 10.1.25; V. 1.5; A. 1.8; C. 17 f.

The stomach is a simple sac, filled with marine plants and the remains of crustaceous ani-
mals ; the pylorus with nine cascal appendages. Twenty-five vertebra;. No air-bladder.

This fish, which is not very abundant, or at least is not captured in any very considerable
quantities, appears in our waters in July and August. It readily commands a high price, on
account of the esteem in which it is held as an article of food. Hence it derived its name of
King-fish from the early English colonists, who were accustomed to designate every kind of
excellence by this epithet. Schcepff, in the work above cited, says, " the branchial rays three
" to five." Cuvier, in remarking upon this, says, " Schcepff, qui en trouvait cinq, mais qui
" n'osait contredire Linneus, pretend-il que le nombre est indetermine de trois a cinq." The
figure given by Catesby is execrable, and without the aid of Cuvier, would long have re-
mained an icthyological puzzle.

It is exceedingly abundant on the coast of Carolina and Florida, where it is known as the
Whiting. The coast of New- York may be considered as its ordinary northern range, but a
few wander north of Cape Cod, as far as the harbor of Boston.

EXTRA-LIMITAL.

U. coroides. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 5, p. 187; and pi. 72, fig. 231 of this volume.) Nine broad dusky
vertical bands; anal fin with two spines; lobes in front of the mouth rounded. Length 8 inches.
South Carolina.

I insert this on the authority of a figure given by Dr. Holbrook, among his drawings of the
fishes of Carolina.

80 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS POGONIAS. Lacepede, Cuvier.

Two dorsals as in the preceding, or one deeply divided. A series of cirri or beards beneath
the lower jaw.

Obs. The fishes of this genus are remarkable for their size, and the noise which they
produce under water. Scarcely any two observers agree respecting the nature of this noise.
The fishermen compare it, when produced by large scholes, and heard in a still night, to the
distant sound of drums, and hence the popular name. Schoepff describes it as a hollow rum-
bling sound, and Mitchill speaks of it as a grunting (p. 405), and at p. 411 as a drumming
noise. When freshly taken from the water, it sounds as if two stones were rubbed together.
The cause of this noise is yet unexplained. Cuvier seems inclined to believe it connected in
some way with the large and muscular air-bladder, although he admits that it has no external
outlet. I am induced to suspect it to be occasioned by the strong compression of the expanded
pharyngeal teeth upon each other.

THE BIG DRUM.

POGONIAS CHBOMIS.

Labrus chromis. LlNNEUS.

Sciena id. Lacepede et Schneider.

Labrus id. Drum-fish. SCHCEPFF, Vol. 8, p. 158.

Mugil gigas. Mitchill, Report in part on Fishes of N. Y. p. 16.

Sciena fusca, Black Drum. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 409.

jS. gigas, Red Drum. Id. lb. p. 412.

Le Grand Pogonias, P. chromis. Cnv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 206.

Characteristics. Large. Brownish bronze, varying from blackish to reddish. Length two
to four feet.

Description. Body compressed and deep. Scales large and stout, oblique, with slight
striae. Mouth protractile. Two flattened obtuse points on the opercle. Teeth on the jaws
in a band, numerous, crowded, blunt and subequal. Pharyngeals with large paved teeth.
Tongue smooth. Nostrils double; the anterior circular; the posterior subovate, and fur-
nished with a membrane. A row of slender vermicular cirri on each side, and ten or twelve
irregularly disposed about the chin. Near the chin, among the cirri, are three large pores.
Branchial rays seven.

The first dorsal fin with ten stout flattened rays ; the first very short, and scarcely apparent
above the skin ; second and third longest, thence gradually diminishing to the last : it is capa-
ble of being concealed in a furrow. The second dorsal fin rises near the first (according to
Cuvier, continuous with it) ; its first ray short and spinous, the other soft and subequal ; with
the rudiment of a furrow for its reception. Pectorals large, pointed ; the tips of the ventrals
not extending beyond the points of the pectorals. Anal fin, with its first spinous ray, exceed-

FAMILY SCIENID.E POGONIAS. 81

ingly short ; the second long, flat and stout ; the remainder seven branched, the last subdi-
vided. Caudal even, with scales extending over its base, and more particularly along its
central rays. Air-bladder very large and oval, and with exceedingly thick coats ; it has on
its sides two pointed lobes, directed backward, and which are festooned on their margins. A
large red gland within, and several distinct lacuna;. Spleen very long ; csecal appendages six
to eight. Vertebra; twenty-four.

Color. Brownish bronze ; rather lighter beneath, with a blackish spot behind the pectorals.
Scales silvery on their external edges. There are two strongly marked varieties : one dark
brown, the Black Drum of the fishermen ; and the other the Red Drum, as these colors pre-
dominate.

Length, 24-0-48-0.

Fin rays, D. 9.1.22; P. 18; V. 6 ; A. 2.7; C. 17 f.

This is a large and deep fish ; its length being usually about three feet, with a depth of
from fifteen to eighteen inches. One of this size weighs about twenty-five pounds. I have
heard of their weighing more than eighty pounds. They are gregarious, and are frequently
taken in great numbers by the seine, during the summer, along the bays and inlets of Long
Island. Their present geographical range appears to extend from Florida to New- York. I
do not find them mentioned by Dr. Storer as occurring on the coast of Massachusetts. They
are a coarse food, but the young are considered as a great delicacy.

THE BANDED DRUM.

POGONIAS FASCIATUS.

PLATE XIV. FIG. 40.

Pogonias fasciatus. Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poissons.

Mugil grunniens. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 16.

Labrus grunniens, Grunts. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 405, pi. 3, fig. 3.

Le Pogonias a bandes. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 210, pi. 118.

Characteristics. Dusky, with four or five blackish vertical bands extending down the sides.
Length seven to ten inches.

Description. Body compressed ; more along the back than beneath, and thus giving a
triquetral figure to a transverse section of the body. Head sloping from the first dorsal to a
short distance before the eyes, then more suddenly descending. Scales over the whole body
and the head, except the anterior part of the snout and the lower jaw. They rise up along
the base of the second dorsal, forming a sort of sheath : on the head they are small, wedge-
shaped, ciliate ; on the body, large and orbicular ; the exposed surface small and ciliate, the
concealed portion with radiating furrows and minute concentric striae. Lateral line concurrent
with the back. Eyes large, with a prominent superciliary ridge. Nostrils double ; the
posterior transversely oval. On the outer sides of the jaws, midway between the tip of the

Fauna — Part 4. 11

82 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

snout and the angle of the jaw, is a small cirrus on each side, and anterior to this the opening
of a mucous duct ; from this extend along the inner sides of the jaw, 10 - 12 distant cirri or
beards, of which the posterior are longest. Teeth in both jaws, fine and card-like. The
tongue smooth. The pharynx is paved with teeth, flattened on their crowns.

The first dorsal fin triangular, with ten spinous rays ; the first very short ; the second
shorter than the third, which is longest ; thence gradually diminishing backwards. The
second dorsal continuous with the first, nearly as high, with its first ray short and spinous.
Pectorals long and pointed, reaching as far back as the third ray of the posterior dorsal.
Ventrals distant, rounded, with one short spinous and five branched rays. Anal fin higher
than long ; the first ray short, spinous, and very acute ; the second longer, triangular, and
stoutly spinous ; all the remainder branched, the third and fourth longer than the second
spinous ray.

According to Cuvier, the liver is of an ordinary size, sending off two delicate flattened
lobes, of which the right one is narrowest. To this lobe is attached the long and cylindrical
gall-bladder. The choledochus ascends into the space between the lobes of the liver, and in
its course receives a few cystic vessels ; it afterwards becomes free, and empties into the
duodenum behind the cascal appendages, of which there are six, half as long as the stomach.
The air-bladder strongly attached to the vertebra? in the upper third of its length, with the
same processes noted in the other species. Kidneys large, thick, united. The ureters are
of a moderate length, and end behind the rectum, quite close to it, but with no vestige of a
urinary bladder.

Color. Body of a dusky hue, with silvery and bronze intermixed ; after death, the general
hue is chocolate-brown, the dusky bands becoming more intensely dark. Summit of the head
dark brown, resembling the vestige of a band. Four dusky bands over the body ; one ante-
rior to the dorsal, and descending to the pectorals ; the second crossing the posterior portion
of the first dorsal, and the last two crossing the second dorsal. Pectoral fin faint yellowish ;
the others dark brown, somewhat lighter at their bases.

Length, 9*5. Depth, 3 '5.

Fin rays, D. 10.1.22; P. 20; V. 1.5; A. 2.5; C. 15 f.

This fish appears in our waters from the south in October and November, and sometimes
as early as September. It has been supposed that this species is the young of the preceding ;
but I have seen them in September, six inches long, with all the characters of the adult. It
has various popular names, such as Grunter, Young Drum, Grunts, and Young Sheeps-
head. From Dr. Holbrook's figures, I infer that this species occurs on the coast of Carolina.
It does not appear to extend farther north than the sea-coast of New-York.

FAMILY SCIENID.E. 83

GENUS MICROPOGON.

The prominent snout and general form of Umbrina, with a few scarcely apparent cirri or
barbules under the lower jaw. Preopercle dentated, ivith two spines at the angle. Opercle
luith two flat points. Five pores under the chin. Dorsal fin deeply divided.

THE BANDED CORVINO.

MlCROPOGON COSTATUS.

PLATE LXX1I. FIG. 230.

Bodianus coslatus, Middle Grunts? MiTCHILL, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 417.
La Micropogon raye. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 215, pi. 119.
Umbnyiafournicri. Desmarest, Diet. Classique d'Hist. Naturelle.

Characteristics. Silvery, with about twenty narrow greyish bands over the back and along
the sides, directed obliquely forwards. Length ten to fifteen inches.

Description. Body elongated. First dorsal triangular, with feebly spinous rays ; the second
long, with subequal rays. Anal long as in Pogonias ; the second spinous ray half the length
of the succeeding. Caudal slightly rounded. Branchial rays seven.

Color. Silvery, with a lustrous black spot on the opercle. Occasionally two or three
longitudinal bands on the dorsals, formed by series of brownish spots. More than twenty
bands on the back, descending obliquely forwards on the sides.

Length, lO'O-15-O.

Fin rays, D. 10.1.28 or 29 ; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 2.S; C. 17.

I have very little doubt but that this species was intended to be described by Dr. Mitchill
in his valuable paper on the Fishes of New-York, under the name cited above. This is ap-
parent by the following extracts from his description : " Middle plate of the tripartite gill-
" cover both serrated and aculeated. Head scaly. Neither of the two dorsal fins properly
" spinous. Five holes under the chin, among half a dozen very delicate cirri. Has the
" ragged cirrhous appendage to the upper lip which the king-fish possesses, and also the two
" orifices near them. Has indeed very much the habit of the king-fish. Two first anal rays
" spinous, one short, the other long. Color pale brown on the back, with silvery sides and
" white belly variegated with hues of yellowish blue and green ; a dozen or more narrow
" faint clouds slant down the sides, looking almost like ribs ; a greenish spot in the middle of
" the posterior gill plate ; a dark spot at the origin of the pectoral fin. D. 10 - 29 ; P. 17;
" V. 6; A. 10; C. 17."

I have never seen this species, which is doubtless rare on the coast ; nor do I find it among
the figures of Carolina fishes communicated to me by my friend Dr. Holbrook. It occurs
from the River La Plata to New-York, from which latter place specimens were sent to Cuvier
by Milbert. Its flesh is coarse, and little esteemed.

84 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

M. undulatus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 5, p. 219. Catesby, Vol. 2, pi. 3, fig. 1.) Obscure brownish
spots on the back ; no lines nor bands. Length thirteen inches. New Orleans, Charleston.
According to Schcepff, ascends the Chesapeake, and occasionally Delaware bay.

GENUS HEMULON. Cuvier.

A single dorsal emarginatefin. Seven branchial rays. An oval cavity and two small pores
under the chin. Ventral fins scaly. Preopercle denticulated.

THE SPECKLED RED-MOUTH.

Hemdlon folvo-maculatum.
PLATE VII. FIG. 21. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)
Labrus fulvo-maculatus, Speckled Grunts. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 406.

Characteristics. Small ; with yellowish horizontal stripes below the lateral line, and oblique
stripes above it. Length five inches.

Description. Body compressed ; back rounded. Height one-third of its total length. Scales
moderate, subquadrate, truncated in front with radiating plaits ; free portion rounded, reti-
culate near the margin, which is minutely ciliate ; form a sheath on each side of the dorsal
and anal fins. A scaly fold under the base of the pectorals. Eyes 0-3 in diameter. Ante-
rior nostril largest, with a raised margin. Teeth minute, conic, acute, bent at the tips, and
disposed in cards in both jaws ; the anterior series slightly longest. Minute teeth on the
pharyngeals. Tongue thin and free.

Dorsal fin with twelve spinous and fifteen slightly branched rays ; the first slightly shortest,
the three following gradually longer ; the soft portion rather higher than the other. The
pectoral fins long and pointed, composed of eighteen rays ; the first rudimentary ; the sixth
longest, reaching to the tenth spinous dorsal ray. Ventral fins just behind the base of the
pectorals, and without a scaly fold. The first spine of the anal fin very short, the second
and third longer and subequal. Caudal fin of seventeen rays, and covered with minute scales ;
crescent-shaped ; the upper lobe longest.

Color. I am only acquainted with this through a cabinet specimen, the identical one from
which Mitchill drew up his description. As this was recent, I annex his account of the dis-
position of the colors : Bluish silvery. Above the lateral line, rows of yellow speckled stripes,
almost parallel with each other, which run obliquely towards the dorsal fin ; below it, similar
rows extended nearly in a horizontal direction from the branchial aperture to the tail. Belly
and chin more pale and whitish than the back. Cheeks with the ochreous streaks which dis-

FAMILY SCIENIDiE — HEMULON. 85

tinguish the back and sides. Eyes pale, with a dash of dark across them. Pectorals faintly
yellow, the rest pale.

Length, 6*0. Depth, 2'0.

Fin rays, 12.15; P. 18 ; V. 1.5 ; A. 3.12; C. 17.

This is a rare fish, but occasionally appearing, as I am informed, in our harbor in consi-
derable numbers. It is, like its congeners, a southern fish, our coast being probably the
extreme northern limits of its range. It is a very savory food. It is somewhat allied to the
H.formosum, but does not agree with any of the twelve species enumerated by Cuvier and
Valenciennes.

THE YELLOW-FINNED RED-MOUTH.

Hemulon chrysopteron.
plate vii. fig. 22.

Margate Fish. Catesby, Car. Vol. 2, pi. 2, fig. 1.

Perca chrysoptera. Lin. 12 Ed. p. 485.

La Gorette a mgeoires fauves. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 240.

Characteristics. Head and body uniform color, with darkish stripes on the head. Dorsal
with thirteen spinous, and anal with nine soft rays. Length one foot.

Description. In its general shape and size, it resembles the Big Porgee (Pagrus argyrops) ;
but the facial profile is longer and more sloping, producing an elongated snout. Scales as in
the preceding species. Lateral line distinct (but caricatured in the plate). Preopercle ser-
rate on its ascending and lower margin ; the angle rounded. The two flat points on the opercle,
which are sometimes included in the generic character, almost obsolete. Gape enormous.
Lips large and fleshy. A round cavity in the symphisis of the lower jaw ; and anterior to it,
two small pores. On the sides of the lower jaw, a single series of sharp distant equal teeth,
card-like in front ; in the upper jaw, in a single series, with a patch in front. Pharynx with
paved teeth. Tongue distinct, rounded.

The dorsal fin contained in a scaly sheath ; the fourth and fifth spines longest ; the last
spine is longer than the one preceding ; the soft part not as high as the spinous part. Pecto-
ral fins reach the antepenultimate spinous dorsal ray. A slight accessory plate beneath the
ventrals. Caudal forked.

Color, of the head and body silvery, bronzed darker on the back, with occasionally obscure
dark stripes across it. The pectorals, dorsal and caudal fins of a brown horn-color ; the anal
and ventral fins tinged with yellow and orange. Base of the lower jaw within and without of
a beautiful vermilion. Tongue and fauces bright red.

Length, ll'0-12-0. Depth, 3-5-4-0.

Fin rays, D. 12.15; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.9; C. 15 §.

86 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

This remarkable fish is but an occasional visitor to our shores. They are, however, often
exposed for sale in our markets during the months of August and September, and are highly
prized as food. Milbert sent them, many years since, from New-York to Cuvier, who sup-
poses them to be the chrysoptera of Linneus. The description of Linneus scarcely accords
with my specimens ; at least, I have never noticed the straight lateral line, nor the fuscous
spots on the fins.

THE SQUIRREL-FISH.

Hemulon formosum.

PLATE XX. FIG. 59.

P. marina capita striate-, Grunt. Catesby, Car. Vol. 2, pi. 6, fig. 1.

Percaformosa. LlN. 12 Ed. p. 488.

L. Ecureuil. Bon. Tab. Method, p. 135, pi. 57, fig. 221.

La Belle Gorette. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 230.

Characteristics. Bluish stripes on the cheeks. The second anal spine very robust. Length
twelve inches.

Description. Body compressed ; back arched ; snout produced. Its greatest depth to its
length as one to four nearly. Scales large, rounded and ciliate on the free edges, reticulated
on the exposed surface, with 12-16 radiating parts in front. The scales are largest on the
sides of the body ; smaller beneath and on the head ; smaller on the base of the pectoral,
dorsal and caudal, extending to the very tips of the three latter fins. In an oblique series
from the dorsal fin, there are ten scales above and twenty-six beneath the lateral line, which
is concurrent with the back. Eyes 1-6 in diameter, and 1 ■ 1 apart. Mouth large ; the max-
illary terminating under the centre of the eye, and covered along its whole extent by the lower
margin of the suborbital. Preopercle with a rounded angle ; its posterior margin vertical,
directed backwards, serrated. Under a lens this appears to consist of numerous equal and
equidistant conical spines, becoming distant and smaller at the angle, effaced beneath.
Opercle bluntly pointed behind. Teeth in the jaws numerous, minute, equal, forming a large
patch in front, and reduced to a single series of distant teeth on the sides. In the upper jaw,
the outer row is formed of larger, conic, pointed and recurved teeth. Tongue free, smooth,
truncate in front.

Dorsal fin, with its twelve spinous rays, exceedingly robust and acute, and received into a
sheath ; the first, second and third gradually longer ; the fourth and fifth longest, subequal :
every alternate ray less robust. The soft portion contains fifteen rays, as nearly as they can
be counted through the scaly membrane. Pectoral fins long and pointed, with one spinous
and sixteen branched rays ; its tips reach to the soft portion of the dorsal fin, and it has an
axillary plate composed of elongated scales. Ventrals with a robust spiny ray, and five
branched rays. Anal fin with three spinous and nine flat branched rays, covered to their tips
with scales ; the first is short and triangular ; the second enormously stout, longest, and Ion-

FAMILY SCIENIDiE — PRISTIPOMA. 87

gitudinally striate on the sides ; the third slender, acute, not as long as the second. Caudal
forked, with the tips rounded.

Color. The specimen we examined was in spirits ; we can, therefore, only state that its
head appeared to be darker than the body, with numerous broad oblique rays from the eyes
to the snout, and across the opercles. According to Cuvier, there are ten to twelve steel-
colored rays, bordered with brown, on a ground more or less gilded, and not passing the
branchial aperture. Remainder of the body entirely golden grey, without lines, and unva-
ried except by the dead coloring on the free margins of each scale.

Length, 1 1 • 0. Depth, 3 ' 8. Width behind the branchial aperture, 1 ' 5.
Fin rays, D. 12.15; P. 1 .16 ; V. 1 .5 ; A. 3.9 ; C. 17 §.

This appears to be but a casual visitor from the south, as far as Brazil. The specimen
from which I drew up the preceding description, was caught in the harbor of New-York in
July. It prefers rocky bottoms, and is said to afford good eating.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

H. arcuatum. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 9, p. 481.) Body elevated; teeth very large. Dark blackish
green, with a brilliant gilded crescent on each scale. D. 12. 17 ; A. 3.9. Length eleven inches.
South-Carolina.

GENUS PRISTIPOMA.

A single dorsal. Preopercle denticulated. A cavity and two pores under the chin. Dorsal
and anal fins not scaly. Opercle with its points and angles blunted or effaced. Outer
row of teeth generally more robust.

THE BANDED PRISTIPOMA.

PRISTIPOMA FASCIATUM.

Le Pristipome a bander. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 285.

Characteristics. Olive brown ; with thirteen soft anal rays, of which the third is longer than
the second. Length eight inches.

Description. Depth to its length as one to three and a quarter.

Color. Grey brown, inclining to olive, with eight to nine cloudy blackish bands alternately
narrow and wide. Dorsal with a white band along its entire base. Air-bladder ending in
three points forward.

Fin rays, D. 12.16; P. 16; V. 3.13; C. 17.

I know nothing of this fish, except that Cuvier received it from New- York.

88 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. rubmm. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 5, p. 283.) Red. The third spine of the anal not longer than the
second. Allied in form to the preceding. D. 12. 14 ; A. 3.9.

GENUS LOBOTES. Cuvier.

Branchial rays six. Snout short. Dorsal and anal fins elongated behind. Preopercle with
strong dentations. Dorsal spines in a sheath. Four or five small pores on the chin.

Obs. In addition to the character assigned above, Lobotes is farther distinguished by a
prominent lower jaw, and a slightly concave profile ; the dorsal and anal so much lengthened
out behind as to cause the body to appear as if ending in three lobes. It is a small group,
containing as yet but four species.

THE BLACK TRIPLE-TAIL.

Lobotes 6Urinamensis.
plate xviii. fig. 49.

HolocaUrus surinamensis. Block, pi. 243.

Bodianus triurus, Triple-tailed Perch. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 418, pi. 3, tig. 10.

Xe Lobotes de Surinam. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 5, p. 319.

Characteristics. Blackish mixed with ferruginous. A foot or more in length.

Description. Form elliptical, deepest opposite the first dorsal ray. Scales moderately
large, adherent, forty-five in a longitudinal row and thirty in a vertical line ; their edges ciliate,
and small ones are observed on the bases of the vertical fins. Lateral line tubular, concur-
rent with the back. Nape rather prominent, somewhat concave behind the eyes. Head
covered with scales, except on the snout and the end of the jaws. Lower jaw somewhat
projecting. Velvet-like teeth, with a row rather larger and conical in front of the jaws.
Opercle with ten to twelve sharp denticulations ; the two points on the angle of the opercle
only apparent to the touch. Surscapulary bone small, with minute denticulations. Ten to
twelve denticulations on the humeral bone, above the pectorals.

Dorsal fin long, with twelve subequal spines and fifteen soft rays ; the longest rays of the
soft portion reach nearly to the middle of the caudal fin. Pectoral fins small, oblong. Ven-
trals beneath them, longer, and with a very robust spine. Anal fin with three spinous and
eleven soft rays ; coterminal with the dorsal, and with equally long rays. Caudal rounded.

Color. Back and sides rusty black ; abdomen dingy rufous, variegated with black and yel-
low specks. A dull yellow distinguished behind the eyes, above the gill-covers, along the
base of the dorsal fin, commencement of the lateral line, and under the pectoral fins. Dorsal,
anal and ventral fins slightly tinctured with yellowish.

FAMILY SPARIDyE SARGUS. 89

Length, 13-0. Depth, 5'0.

Fin rays, D. 12.15 ; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 ; C. 17.

This is a rare species in our waters. According to Dr. Mitchill, they are sometimes found
weighing four or five pounds. It is sometimes called Black Grunts. Among the drawings
of Dr. Holbrook is the figure of a Lobotes, which appears to differ from the above in the fol-
lowing particulars : It is of a general inky blackness, with a yellow suffusion along the back,
and at the base of the caudal and anal fins ; the first dorsal ray is half the length of the
second, and the tenth nearly equal to the first. It may possibly prove to be a new species.

The Black Triple-tail occurs from the coast of Brazil, and through the tropical seas, to
New- York, which forms the limit of its most northerly range.

FAMILY V. SPARID&.

No spines nor denticulations on the opercular bones. No teeth in the palate. Mouth not
protractile. Scales large.

Obs. This family was founded on many of the characters assigned by Artedi to his genus
Spams. It is divided into thirteen genera, comprising about one hundred and seventy species.
On the coast of New-York, we have as yet but three representatives of this family.

GENUS SARGUS. Klein, Cuvier.

Cheeks scaly. With cutting i?icisors. Large rounded teeth ; molars in several rows. Bran-
chial rays Jive.

THE SHEEPSHEAD.

Sargcs OTIS.

PLATE VIII. FIG. 23.

Spams, Sheepshead at New-York. Schcepff, Description of N. A. Fishes, Vol. 8, p. 152.
Sparus ovis, Sheepshead. Mitch. Tr. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 392, pi. 2, fig. 14.
Le Sargue, The de Mouton. Cut. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 6, p. 53.
S. ovis, the Sheepshead. Storek, Massachusetts Report, p. 3G.

Characteristics. Large ; banded. Form elliptical. Tail abruptly diminished from the body.
Anal black, with ten soft rays. Length one to three feet.

Description. Body much compressed. Head sloping, and enlarged by the projection of
the orbits ; the curves formed by the facial line, and that of the chin and throat, equal ; breast
anterior to the ventrals, flattened. Scales adherent ; on the sides large, subquadrate, with
radiating strife, and with more than two-thirds of their surface concealed. On the opercles,
the scales are moderate ; on the abdomen, tail, and base of the fins, small. A band of small

Fauna — Part 4. 12

90 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

scales from the upper part of the branchial aperture, crosses over the nape, and meets one
from the opposite side, interrupting the general plan of the scales ; this band is bordered be-
hind with a row of orbicular abnormal scales. Lateral line concurrent with the back, and
runs through the tail somewhat above the medial line. Nostrils double ; the anterior circular ;
the posterior, oblique slits. Preopercle broadly rounded beneath. Opercle slightly emargi-
nate. Lower jaw shortest. Lips thick and fleshy. Within a fold of the lower lip, on each
side, there is a short tubercle, which is only apparent when the fold is separated. In front
of each jaw there are from six to eight incisors or cutting teeth, quadrilateral, somewhat
smaller towards their roots. Inside of these, above and beneath, are numerous rounded
flattened paved teeth, forming two or three series ; those in front, and which are on the outer
series on the sides, are smaller and more acutely conic than those behind (see figure). Tongue
large and smooth. Pharyngeals with numerous teeth.

Dorsal fin compound, arising five inches from the end of the nose ; the first twelve are
stoutly spinous, flattened, with acute tips, and resembling sword-blades ; they are situated in
a deep fissure, and their flattened structure enables them to lie along side of each other, and
to be entirely concealed ; the first two are very short ; the second longer than the first ; the
fifth and sixth subequal, longest. The posterior portion of this fin rounded, of eleven or
twelve branched rays, all longer than the last spinous ray. The base of this portion of the
dorsal fin is covered with scales, forming on its anterior portion a sheath or furrow, which
becomes effaced behind. Pectoral fins very long and pointed, reaching to the third anal ray ;
the first and second short and simple. Ventral fin stout, of one spinous and five branched
rays. An accessory plate or scale on the upper and inner side of the base. The greater part
of the anal fin capable of being received and concealed in a furrow, and is composed of three
broad and stout spines and ten branched rays, with scales high up on the base. Caudal fin
forked, with its base covered by small scales.

Vent, a simple fissure equidistant between the pectorals and caudal. Parietes of the abdo-
men lined with a black pigment. Gall-bladder cylindrical, tubular, very long. Intestines
with four large convolutions, and smaller ones near its termination. Stomach large, with six
csecal appendages. Several which I examined were found filled with the soft clam, Mya
arenaria. Spleen fusiform, and of dark chocolate-brown color. Liver moderate ; the right
lobe smallest. Air-bladder large, closely attached to the upper part of the abdominal cavity,
with very thick parietes, and a foramen in its posterior portion, communicating by a tubular
passage with the intestine at or near the vent. Branchial rays five.

Color. Dull silvery on the sides, with brassy tints on the back, and with five transverse
slight arcuated dark bands over the body and tail, uniting with similar bands on the other side ;
they become fainter towards and on the tail. Irides deep umber brown ; pupil black, sur-
rounded by a narrow brilliant golden ring. The dorsal and anal fins, upper part of the
pectorals, and base of the ventrals, deep brown or black ; an obscure black spot behind the
shoulders, which becomes obsolete in larger fish. Upper part of the head and forehead black,
with greenish and golden lustrous tints. Smutty patches, of irregular forms, under the chin.

FAMILY SPARID.'E S ARGUS. 91

Sides of the dorsal and anal spines with greenish metallic tints. Cheeks lustrous. Anal fin
dark brown or black. Pectorals light yellowish.

Length, 14 '0. Depth, 5-5. Weight, 24 lbs.

Fin rays, D. 12.11 ; P. 15 ; V. 1.5; A. 3.10; C. 17 f.

This large fish, which is also well known for its exquisite flesh, appears to have been
neglected by the earlier naturalists. Schoepff, who appears to have been its first describer,
says, " Common and well known as this fish is in America, it has hitherto been undescribed.
" In its distinct and regular transverse bands, it has very marked characteristics, which, by
" their numbers and situation, distinguish it from the Spams virginicus, L."

The Sheepshead, so called probably more from the appearance of its mouth and teeth, than
from " the profile of its head, and its curved nose and forehead," breeds along the southern
coast, and appears on our shores in June. They enter the shallow bays on Long Island,
where they are caught by the seine occasionally in great numbers. They are a wary, timid
fish ; and to take them by the hook, requires much dexterity. If the season is mild, they are
found here as late as the middle of October, but more usually they disappear in September.
The sheepshead holds the same rank with American gastronomes, that the turbot holds in
Europe. I have frequently eaten of both, under equally favorable conditions, that is to say,
within an hour after having been taken from the water, and can assert that the sheepshead is
the more delicate and savory fish. The turbot, I may here state, (although I have heard the
contrary frequently asserted,) does not occur on the shores of America. Dr. Mitchill sup-
poses that the sheepshead departs from our shores to the unknown depths of the ocean ; it is
more probable that they return to warmer latitudes along the coast. They occasionally weigh
from twelve to fifteen pounds, but are then not as valuable as those of a smaller size.

Its geographic range extends from the Mississippi to the coast of New- York. It occasion-
ally wanders as far as the coast of Massachusetts, but has not been seen north of Cape Cod.

THE SAND PORGEE.

Sargus arenosus.
PLATE XXII. FIG. 67. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Small. Banded as in the preceding. A short spine directed forwards in
front of the dorsal fin. Length 6 inches.

Description. Body compressed, with the general form of the P. argyrops. Scales subo-
vate, lobate behind, and minutely serrate ; the concealed margin festooned with radiating
strias, distributed over the opercles and high upon the fins, forming a sheath for the dorsal
and an imperfect one for the anal fin. Lateral line distinct, and concurrent with the back.
Eyes large, near the facial line. The posterior nostrils oval, oblique, near the orbits ; the
anterior round. Margin of the opercle slightly angular ; preopercular margin very smooth.

92 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

Mouth moderate, protractile, with a series of six flat chisel-shaped teeth in front of the upper
jaw, with their tips somewhat enlarged, and a row of eight similar shaped teeth in the lower.
Behind these, in both jaws, two or three series of small rounded molar-like teeth, which
increase in size on the sides of the jaws. Groups of acute curved teeth in the pharynx. A
short recumbent spine in front of the dorsal fin. Branchial rays five.

The dorsal fin commences anterior to the base of the pectorals, with its twelve first erect
rays spinous ; the first short, second and third longest, the remainder subequal ; the soft por-
tion about the height of the spinous part. Pectorals very long and slender, reaching to the
tenth spinous ray of the dorsal. Ventrals stout, long and narrow, extending beyond the vent,
with a long ensiform scale beneath ; its first ray spinous. Anal fin terminating opposite to
the end of the dorsal, on a sort of production of the body ; it is composed of equal rays, and
has three spinous rays in front. Caudal deeply forked.

Color. Sides silvery, becoming dusky above, with five or six dusky bars often obsolete,
and entirely disappearing in cabinet specimens. Upper part of the head deep purplish brown,
separated distinctly from the general color of the body. Dorsal fins horn-color ; its last rays
with a yellowish tinge. A purplish black spot just above the base of the pectorals. Pectorals
and caudals faint yellow, the latter margined with dusky. Anal margined with faint yellow
on the tips of the simple rays. Irides golden, mottled with brownish, turning to silvery.
White after death, when many yellow lines, not before visible, make their appearance over
the whole body.

Length, 6-0. Depth, 3-5.

Fin rays, D. 1.12.11; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.12; C. 20 f.

This species is allied to the &. rhomboides of Cuvier and Valenciennes, but is at once dis-
tinguished by the want of bilobate teeth, and the recumbent spine before the dorsal fin. It is
more closely allied to the Chrysophris aculeatus, to be hereafter described.

This small species is sometimes caught in seines on the south side of Long-Island, in the
months of August and July. It is considered a palatable food. Its name of Sand Porgee,
among fishermen, is derived from its being most frequently found on sandy bottoms.

FAMILY SPARID.E — SARGUS. 93

THE RHOMBOIDAL PORGEE.

Sargus rhomboides.

PLATE LXXI. FIG. 228.

Spans rhomboides. Lin. Syst. Nat. 12 Eil. p. 170.

S. id. Salt-water Bream. SoHtEPFF, Desc. of North Am. Fishes, I. c. Vol. 8, p. 151.

Le Sargiie rhombbide, S. rhoinboides. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 6. p. 68, pi. 143.

Characteristics. Banded. Cutting teeth, eight above and eight below, notched on their
summits. Length three to five inches.

Description. Snout somewhat elongated. Second anal spine very robust. Teeth small,
with eight incisors above, and the same number beneath ; but two rows of molars.

Color, from, a cabinet specimen. Silvery, with twenty-four or five gilded longitudinal
lines ; four or five brownish, more or less evident in certain lights, descend from the back
along the sides. A blackish spot on the lateral line, behind the humeral bone. Dorsal greyish ;
anal yellow, bordered with violet ; caudal yellowish olive. Pectorals and ventrals appear to
have been of a brighter yellow than the other fins.

Length, 3-0-5-0.

Fin rays, D. 12.11; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.10; C. 17.

Such is the succinct account given by Cuvier and Valenciennes of a species which they
presume must be common on the coast of New- York, by the great numbers sent to them from
that place by M. Milbert. We have seen, in the preceding article, that although it bears a
general resemblance to the Sand Porgee, yet it cannot be generically that species. It occurs
along the southern coast as far as the Mississippi. It may possibly be a migratory species,
whose range within some years past has been restricted. We cannot coincide with the above
cited authors in supposing this to be the Poki or Porgee at New-York of SchospfT (p. 153).
His account is very imperfect, but we gather from it that his Porgee has no spots nor stripes ;
moreover, in another place (p. 151), he cites the true Sparus rhomboides of Linneus. At
p. 154, he describes a Sparus from Rhode Island, which resembles the Sargus of Cuvier in
its banded body ; but it has seventeen spinous rays to its dorsal, and has an undivided tail.

94 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS CHRYSOPHRIS. Cuvier.

Four to six conical teeth in front of each jaw. The broad oval molar teeth in three rows.
Branchial rays six.

THE ACULEATED GILT-HEAD.

Chbtsophris acdleata.
plate lxxi. fig. 229.

La Dauratk aiguilfonic, C. aculeata. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 6, p. 137.

Characteristics. Large. Body elongated. Without bands. A recumbent spine before the
dorsal. Length 12-22 inches.

Description. Body more elongated than in the other species of this genus. A stout and
short recumbent spine before the dorsal. Teeth small, in three series in the upper jaw ; the
middle smaller than the internal row.

Dorsal fin low. Pectorals long. Scales moderate ; those of the preopercle extended over
the upper branch. The color appears to have been reddish, with resplendent silvery reflec-
tions. Dorsal and anal fins reddish, as well as the suborbital. In liquor, this fish is silvery
white, with a reddish tint on the sides, which have about twenty longitudinal golden lines.
Head brilliant, with golden reflections. Suborbital, dorsal and anal fins reddish ; the ventrals
red. Caudal fin grey.

Fin rays, D. 12.12; P. 16; V. 1.5 ; A. 3.12; C. 17.

The liver very voluminous, divided into two lobes, which are subdivided into smaller ones.
Air-bladder very large. The peritoneum reddish, with silvery reflections. Vertebrae twenty-
four, of which ten are abdominal. The three first interspinals larger and wider than the
others ; the first of these supports the recumbent spine, which has furnished us with a spe-
cific name. The medial crest of the cranium is the only prominent one, and is not prolonged
beyond the eyes ; the space between them slightly arched. Bones of the shoulder not very
stout. We do not find any notice of this fish in the memoir of Dr. Mitchill, although it
appears to be common on the coast ; for MM. Milbert and Lesueur have sent us a considera-
ble number of specimens, some of them twenty-two inches long. We are strongly inclined
to believe them to be the Aurata bahamensis of Catesby ; if the teeth were not so long, we
should have no doubt of it. In that case, it would be the Sparus chri/sops of Linneus.

Such is the translation of the description of a fish from our coast, which the authors believe
to be a new species. We are disposed to view it as one of a group of Spuridce, characterized
by a recumbent dorsal, and comprising the S. arenosus already noticed, and P. argyrops to
be hereafter described. It may either be one of these, or a new species. Upon comparison
with the first, it differs by its conical teeth, its six branchial rays and its want of bands, and

FAMILY SPARILVE PAGRUS. 95

its occasionally greater size. It agrees so well with the P. argyrops, that we were at first
almost inclined to believe it to be identical with that species. It appears to differ chiefly by
the teeth. In Chrysophris, the molar teeth are said to be in three rows ; while in the cha-
racters of Pagrus, there are two rows of molars, and, in addition, fine granular or card-like
teeth on the sides. To make the Gilt-head identical with the Big Porgee, it is necessary to
suppose, that with age, the lateral card-like teeth on the sides become broad and rounded
like molars, such as are figured and described (pi. 9).

Schcepff (p. 151) has left a slight notice of a species, which (taken in connection with the
observations of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes) may allude to the Gilt-head above described :

" Spams chrysops, L. Aurala bahamensis, Cat. (Carol. Vol. 2, p. 16. pi. 16.) Porgee in Caro-
lina, Dr. Garden. The description agrees. I saw it in Providence,* under the name of Maggot-
fish. Its forehead is smooth."

GENUS PAGRUS. Cuvier.

Four to six stout conical teeth in front of each jaw, a?id two series of round teeth on the
sides. Many species have, behind the front teeth, numerous small granular or card-like
teeth. Body generally deep.

THE BIG PORGEE.

Pagrus argyrops.
plate ix. fig. 25. —(state collection.)

Spams argyrops. Lin. p. 471.

Spams, Poki or Porgee. Schcepff, Fishes, &c. Vol. 8, p. 153.

Spare xanture. Lacep. Hist. Poiss. Vol.4, p. 120.

Big Porgee of New-York, Labrus versicolor. MiTCH. Tr. Lit. and Phil. Vol. 1, p. 404, pi. 3, fig. 7.

Le Pagre ceil d'argent, P. argyrops. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 6, p. 164.

Scappaug, Snip, P. id. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 38.

Characteristics. With brilliant metallic reflections on the sides. A short recumbent spine in
front of the dorsal fin. The second and third dorsal rays often filamentous.
Length 8-12 inches.

Description. Body much compressed, gibbous above. Height nearly one-half of the length.
Scales large, adherent, rounded behind, finely denticulated ; the radical portion straight,
with radiating plaits, and festooned on its margin. Lateral line elevated, and, except near
its origin, concurrent with the back. Facial line sloping, slightly arched over the orbits.

* We are left to conjecture whether Providence in the Bahamas, or in the State of Rhode-Island, is intended. Schcepff visited
both places. I think it more likely that he meant the former. I know of no name of Maggot-fish, applied to any species on the
coast of Rhode-Island.

96 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Nostrils double, approximated ; the posterior transversely oval, with a prolonged furrow
towards the upper part of the orbit ; the anterior nostrils round. Eyes large. Mouth with
thick lips, protractile.

Upper jaw with six large blunt teeth, some of which, particularly the exterior, are conic at
their summits, the others truncated ; behind these are numerous smaller conical teeth, and
on the sides of the jaw two series of flat-crowned molar teeth. Lower jaw with ten large front
teeth, similar in shape and situation with those described above. Rounded tubercles in the
pharynx, covered with numerous acute curved teeth.

The dorsal fin commences above the base of the pectorals ; its spinous rays are lodged in
a sheath, which is partially extended along the posterior branched rays : the first ray is very
short, with a concealed recumbent spine at its base, directed forward ; the second and third
rays longest, with long membranous threads attached to them ; these filaments are scarcely
ever seen in the specimens which are brought to market, being easily destroyed from their
excessive fragility ; even in those drawn out of water, they are often absent. The first rays
of the soft portion are simple, feebly spinous (in the figure this is not given) ; the remainder
branched : this portion is higher than the posterior spinous rays. Pectorals pointed, very
long, reaching to the eleventh spinous ray of the dorsal. Ventral fins robust, with a long
pointed triangular accessory scale beneath, not reaching to the vent. The vent is a long, nar-
row longitudinal slit. Anal fin in a furrow, with three spinous and eleven branched rays.
Caudal fin deeply lunated, rather than forked.

Color. Deep brownish black on the top of the head, passing into light brown towards the
snout. Nape with brilliant green and golden reflections, which are also distributed over the
sides. Irides silvery, with a bluish tint often mottled with brown. A black spot at the upper
angle of the opercle, crossing the lateral line ; another black spot just above the base of the
pectoral fin. Dorsal, anal and caudal deep brown. Ventrals bluish. Pectorals light yel-
lowish.

Length, 12-0. Depth, 4" 5.

Fin rays, D. 1.12.12; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 ; C. 17 f.

This well known and beautiful species is found in our waters in great abundance. They
are most numerous in the summer season, but a few appear to remain during the whole year.
It is a fish of excellent flavor, and were it not so abundant, would be more highly prized. It
affords much sport to fishing parties, who go outside of the harbor in steam vessels and take
them in great numbers. The name of Porgee has been stated to be of Indian origin, but I
do not know upon what authority. The name of Pogge or Porgy, is applied in some dis-
tricts of England to a species of Aspidophorus, which may have been borrowed by our
ancestors.

The range of this fish southward extends to Charleston, and probably still farther south.
Northwardly it is found as far as the coast of Massachusetts, south of Cape Cod. About the
year 1833, we learn from Dr. Storer, that an attempt was made to introduce them into the

FAMILY CHETODONTIDiE EPHIPPUS. 97

waters north of the Cape, but with no evident success, the water proving too cold to enable
them to breed there.

Of the sixth Family Menid.e, I find no representative on the coast of New-York. One
occurs on the southern coast, the Gerris aprion, or Shad of Catesby.

FAMILY VII. CHETODONTID^.

Body compressed, scaly. The dorsal and anal fins thickly covered with scales, especially
on their soft portions. Teeth bristly or trenchant. Palatines smooth, or furnished ivith
teeth. Preopercle occasionally spinous. Dorsals two, or one only.

Obs. This family was established by Cuvier upon the genus Chetodon of Linneus, to
which he added other genera with teeth of a different kind, but which had the other characters
of scaly fins and a compressed body in common with that genus. The members of this
family are almost exclusively confined to the seas of the torrid zone. Cuvier and Valen-
ciennes describe one hundred and fifty species, included under eighteen genera. On the coast
of New-York, I know of but one genus. I have annexed the description of another, which
may possibly be found on our shores.

GENUS EPHIPPUS. Cuvier.

Dorsal deeply emarginate between the spinous and soft rays ; the spinous part, luhich has no
scales, can be folded, into a groove formed by the scales of the bach.

THE BANDED EPHIPPUS.

EPHIPPDS FABER.

PLATE XXIII. FIG. 68. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Faber marinus. Sloane, Hist. Jam. Vol. 2, p. 251, fig. 4.

Cloudy Chetodon (C. oviformis). Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soe. pi. 5, fig. 4 ; Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 247.

V Ephippc forgcron, E. faber. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 7, p. 113.

Characteristics. With six dark vertical bands over the body. Dorsal and abdominal outlines
symmetrical. Length five to eighteen inches.

Description. Form regularly oval. Its height to its total length as four to seven. Scales
moderate, rounded, the exposed portion radiately striate, with the edges finely denticulate,
covering the whole head and body, except the region immediately round the nostrils ; they
ascend for more than two-thirds of the distance along the fins. Sixty-five were counted
between the gills and tail, and forty-eight between the back and abdomen. Lateral line nearly
concurrent with the back. Eyes large, 0 . 4 in diameter. Nostrils double ; the posterior
oblong, oblique, near the edge of the orbit ; the anterior smallest, round and tubular. Mouth

Fauna — Part 4. 13

98 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

small, with thick fleshy lips concealing the fine bristly teeth, which are arranged in six or
eight contiguous series. A row of eight minute apertures under the chin. The opercle has
a slight rounded prominence on its margin.

The dorsal fin is divided into two portions : the first consists of nine spines, commencing
at the highest point of the back ; the first two spines very short, and nearly concealed ; the
third 1'7 long, with a filament nearly as long as the spine ; the others are very small, and
the last is closely applied to the second dorsal fin. This latter fin is triangular, with its mar-
gin excavated and nearly vertical ; the three first rays are simple, the remaining twenty-two
branched ; the fifth and sixth longest ; the others rapidly diminishing in length. Pectorals
short, somewhat oval, and placed about one-fourth of the distance between the abdomen and
back. Ventrals of one spinous and five soft rays ; the first soft ray filamentous, reaching to
the anal fin, with a long accessory plate at its base. Anal opposite to, and similar in shape
and size with the soft dorsal ; it has three concealed spines, of which the first is shortest.
Caudal lunate.

Color. Brownish, with six broad vertical dusky bluish bands : one through the eye ; the
second over the base of the pectorals ; the third, from the spinous part of the dorsal, is nar-
row, and scarcely descends below the lateral line ; the fourth passes from the latter part of
the spinous portion of the dorsal, to similar parts in the anal fin, and is irregularly dilated
beneath ; the next passes from the posterior part of the soft dorsal to corresponding parts in
the anal ; the last band passes over the base of the tail.

Length, 7' 2. Depth, 4 "2.

Fin rays, D. 9.3.22; P. 18; V. 1.5; A. 3.18; C. 16.

Linneus undoubtedly included this species with his Chetodon triostegus, which, however,
belonged to another genus. In applying the name of faber, Cuvier and Valenciennes adopted
the prior name given by Sloane ; and hence the C. oviformis of Mitchill, which preceded
that given by the above mentioned writers, becomes a synonime. They were not aware, at
the time of publication, of the existence of Mitchill's name or description.

The geographical range of this species is very great, extending from Rio Janeiro to New-
York. In our waters, it only appears periodically, and occasionally in great numbers during
the summer months. About twenty years since they were caught here in seines in great
numbers, and exposed in the markets for sale. Some of them were eighteen inches long.
Those described by Mitchill were captured in 1815 and 1817. The popular names of Three-
tailed Sheepshead, and Three-tailed Porgee, were given them by the fishermen in allusion to
their prolonged dorsal and anal fin. They appear to be much larger than those described by
Cuvier. Schoepff states that it is called Angel-fish in Carolina.

FAMILY CHETODONTIDjE EPHIPPUS. 99

THE MOON-FISH.

EPHIPPUS G1G4S.
PLATE XXIII. FIG. 74. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)
L' Ephippe giant, E. gigas. Cov. et Val. Vol. 7, p. 121.

Characteristics. Body without bands or spots. Crest of the cranium enlarged. Opercle
more crenulate than in the preceding. Length 15 inches.

Description. Body oblong oval ; the outline above the branchial aperture enlarged. Scales
large, orbicular, and of a robust texture. Lateral line concurrent with the back. Eyes,
nostrils and opercle as in the preceding species. The preopercle, however, appears to be
more distinctly crenulated on its margin. Teeth conic, bristly, in numerous series. Branchial
rays, six.

The dorsal fin composed of eight spines and 1 ' 21 softer rays ; the longest rays appear to
be more prolonged than in the preceding species, and more arcuated on the outer margins,
but resemble them in shape. Ventrals with one spinous and five soft rays ; the second ray
filamentous, but does not extend to the anal fin. Anal with three spinous rays, and eighteen
soft rays. Caudal fin very wide, excavated on its margin. The first interspinous bone of the
anal is club or mallet-shaped.

Color. Dark bluish brown, with metallic lustrous reflections, and without spots or bands.
The sides of the head tinged with lustrous green.

Length, 15-0. Depth, 8-0.

Fin rays, D. 8.1.21 ; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.18; C. 17 f.

I have never seen but the specimen in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, from this harbor ; and
the description has, therefore, all the imperfections arising from observations made on a pre-
served specimen. It is rare on our coast, the mouth of the Hudson river being probably its
northern limit. It was sent to Cuvier from New- York. Along the coast, it ranges to Rio
Janeiro, and probably still farther south.

100 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS PIMELEPTERUS. Cavier.

With a single dorsal fin. With cutting teeth in both jaws ; the teeth implanted in the jaws
by means of a heel extended horizontally backwards.

Obs. This genus was remodelled by Cuvier, from the several genera Xyster e, Dorsuaire
and Kyphose, proposed by Lacepede. It comprises ten species, principally from the Indian
seas and the coast of Guinea. One is found along our shores.

THE RAZOR-FISH.

PIMELEPTERUS BOSCII.

PLATE XX. FIG. 66.

Pimdcptenis boscii. L.icep. Vol. 4, p. 429 and 430.

Pmteleplire de Bosc. Cov. et ViL. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 7, p. 258, pi. 187.

Characteristics. Body oval, brownish, with faint longitudinal lines. Length six inches.

Description. Form almost regularly oval. Scales on every part of the body, except the
lips ; those on the body semi-elliptic, longer than wide, finely ciliated on their free margins ;
sixty in a longitudinal, and thirty in a vertical direction. Lateral line concurrent with the
back. Snout rounded, and vertical at its extremity. Length of the head to the total length
as 1 to 4 '25. Eyes large, distant apart more than their diameters. The anterior nostril
small, round, with a raised margin ; the posterior larger, oval. Teeth 22 - 24 in a single
series : on the salient portion they are oval, flat, with a cutting edge ; the base is attached to
a horizontal process nearly as long as the teeth, pointing backwards, and attached to the jaw ;
behind these, a band of fine velvet teeth. A rough line on each palatine ; a crescent-shaped
rough plate on the anterior part of the vomer ; and a large oval disc on each pterygoid.
Tongue wide, rounded, free. Preopercle finely striated on its margin, the angle rounded.
Branchial rays seven.

The dorsal fin commences over the base of the ventrals, and is continued to within an inch
of the base of the caudal; its soft portion, as well as that of the caudal and anal, is thickly
covered with scales. Pectorals oval, the fourth and fifth rays longest, the first simple and
very short. Ventral arises under the middle of the pectorals, and hence would be considered
as an abdominal fin ; but the basin is suspended to the bones of the shoulder, and hence we
consider it sub-brachial. A small scaly fold above its base, forms a slight furrow for its recep-
tion. The anal commences under the penultimate spine of the dorsal, and is coterminal with
that fin. Caudal crescent-shaped.

Color, as it appeared in liquor, brown, deeper on the fins and snout. 20 - 22 longitudinal
lines beneath, and 10 - 12 above the lateral line.

Length, 5*0.

Fin rays, D. 11.12; P. 19; V. 1.5 ; A. 3.13 ; C. 17.

FAMILY SCOMBRID^E SCOMBER. 101

I have not seen this species, and am indebted to Cuvier for the description and figure. It
appears along our southern shores, and I have thought that it would not be unacceptable to
illustrate a genus of which specimens may yet be found on the coast of New-York.

The eighth family of Phanjngicns labyrinthiformes, or Anabassid.*:, has no representative
on our coast.

FAMILY IX. SCOMBRID^.

Vertical fins without scales. No spines nor denticulations on the opercle or preopercle.
Scales small, entire.

Obs. This family embraces fifty-one genera, which at present include over four hundred
species. Among all the families of fishes, this is one of the most useful to man.

GENUS SCOMBER. Cuvier.

Dorsal fins two, widely separated. Finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins. Sides of the tail
raised into two small cutaneous crests. Scales uniformly small.

THE SPRING MACKEREL.

PLATE XII. FIG. 34.

Scomber scomber ? Schcepff, Beobacht. Vol.8, p. 168.
Spring Mackerel, S. vernalis. Mitch. Tr. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 423.
La Maquereau printanier. Cuv. et Val. Hist des Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 48.
Spring Mackerel, S. id. Stoker, Report on Fishes of Mass. p. 41.

Characteristics. With a dark spot at the base of the pectoral and ventral fins. Length 16-18
inches.

Description. Body fusiform, cylindrical, its greatest depth near the ultimate rays of the
first dorsal. Scales very minute. Lateral line follows the dorsal outline, but is slightly irre-
gular in its course, and becomes nearly effaced towards the tail. Eyes large ; a nictitating
membrane, from the anterior and posterior part of the orbits, partially covers the eye.
Nostrils single, nearly equidistant between the eyes and the end of the nose. Lower margin
of the preopercle with a series of mucous pores. About fifty-five small recurved teeth on
each side of the lower jaw ; the anterior space edentate. On each intermaxillary there are
about forty very minute teeth, nearly concealed by a membrane. Tongue pointed, distinct
and black. There are slight asperities on the vomer, and very long, slender and flexible teeth
on the pharyngeals. Branchial rays delicate. Gill arches with two series of alternate tuber-
cles ; the first arch with long pectinated processes.

The first dorsal rises over the ventrals, longer than high, and contains thirteen simple and
slender rays ; the first somewhat shorter than the second, which is longest ; thence gradually

102 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

diminishing to the last, which scarcely appears above the surface, being concealed in a deep
and narrow fissure extending backward about a fourth of an inch. There is, however, no
distinct furrow for the reception of the whole fin. The second is one-third the height of the
first, and its distance from the anterior ray of that fin is equal to the space between the vent
and the bifurcation of the caudal fin ; it is composed of ten rays, some of which appear to be
double. Behind these are the spurious fins or finlets, six in number, equidistant, each com-
posed of one ray with a long posterior branch. In some individuals, (as in the plate,) the first
finlet is small and simple. I have seen them with only four finlets above and beneath, but
five appears to be the normal number. The last finlet may be said to be composed of two
rays, both ramose, the posterior almost reaching the accessory rays of the caudal fin. Pec-
torals moderate, acute ; the first and second rays articulate, simple, shorter than the third ;
the fourth longest. Two or three of the posterior rays scarcely distinguishable ; the tip
reaches to the fourth ray of the first dorsal. The ventrals are situate behind the last rays of
the pectoral ; its first ray simple, slender, shorter than the second ; the two following, with
all the others, branched ; a delicate membrane connects this ray with the skin : the whole fin
lies in an obsolete furrow. A low spine before the first ray of the anal fin, which is short and
simple ; the second articulated ; the third highest, and, with the remainder, branched ; the
whole fin is longer than high, slightly excavated on its outer margin. Five equidistant finlets
behind the anal, the last distinctly two-rayed. Caudal fin deeply forked, with eight articu-
lated accessory rays on each side.* The middle rays are so ramose as to render it difficult
to count them. Two small cutaneous elevations of the skin or ridges on each side of the tail ;
they diverge forward, and are about 0"5 long. The excretory duct opens behind the vent by
a separate aperture. No vestige of an air-bladder.

Color. Resembling that of its congeners : the colors of this fish are exceedingly vivid.
Dark steel-blue above, becoming lighter on the sides, and mixed with metallic green near the
lateral line. From 24 - 30 vertical deep blue half-bands, which are sometimes angular like
the military chevron, often waved, interrupted, and occasionally forming irregular circles.
Below the lateral line, and parallel with it, is a longitudinal dull brownish line, often inter-
rupted, and sometimes forming a series of inequidistant irregular spots : occasionally both
line and spots wanting. Beneath silvery, with greenish and yellowish metallic reflections.
A black blotch at the base of the pectorals and ventrals. Pectorals, second dorsal and caudal
dark-colored ; the remaining fins lighter, hides white, with a slight tinge of yellowish.

Length, 15-0 - 17"0. Depth, 2"5 - 3"0.

Fin rays, D. 13. 10 + vi ; P. 17 ; V. 6 ; A. 12 + v ; C. 15 f .

Schoepff unquestionably alludes to this species under the head of S. scomber : " About the
" end of May and the beginning of June, these fish arrive in great scholes at New-York and

* Some modem ichthyological writers consider as accessory rays, all exterior to the two longest rays on each side, and do not
enumerate them. In the case of lanceolate or rounded rays, this cannot be done; and we therefore think it advisable, in all cases,
to enumerate all the rays.

FAMILY SCOMBRID^E SCOMBER. 103

" the neighborhood. They are then caught in great numbers, and salted. They have the
" five pinnulae described by authors, and do not materially differ in the number of their fin
" rays. It is, however, maintained by some that the American Mackerel is a larger fish, and
" has a somewhat different appearance ; hence, for the sake of distinctness, they are called
" by some the Horse Mackerel. A more rigorous comparison is therefore required to deter-
" mine whether the European and American species are identical."

They appear on our coast in the months of May and June, but their numbers vary in dif-
ferent years. On the coast of Massachusetts, where the fishery is most productive, more
than two hundred vessels are sometimes engaged in this business ; and according to Dr. Storer,
in 1837, 234,059 barrels were taken, equal in value to $1,639,042.

The northern range of this species appears to extend a very short distance beyond Cape
Cod. Its southerly range has not been ascertained, but it probably extends to the Caribbean
sea.

THE FALL MACKEREL.

Scomber grex.
plate xi. fig. 32.

Thimble-eyed, Bull-eyed or Chub Mackerel, S. grex. Mitch. Lit and Phil. Vol. 1, p. 422.
Le Petit Maqucreau dc VAtlantique. Cuv. et Vai.. Hist, cles Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 45.

Characteristics. Small. A black spot at the base of the pectorals and tip of the lower jaw.
Dorsal bands very tortuous. Length 8-10 inches.

Description. Head one-fourth of the total length. Lateral line slightly irregular, but nearly
concurrent with the back. Eyes large and prominent. Nostrils double, distant. Teeth mi-
nute, acute, distant, varying in number from 40 - 70 according to the size of the fish ; in our
specimen, 52 - 58 in each jaw.

The first dorsal fin triangular ; the first ray slightly shorter than the second, which is longest ;
thence successively diminishing to the last, which scarcely appears above the dorsal furrow :
it arises 0-4 behind a point vertical to the pectorals, and contains twelve slender rays. The
second dorsal longer than high, of twelve rays, with a nearly straight margin ; the first shorter
than the second, which, together with the third and fourth, are longest ; thence gradually
decreasing to the antepenultimate ray, which is shorter than the two last : this fin arises very
shortly before the anal. Five dorsal pinnulas. Pectorals very broad, with nineteen rays.
The first ray of the anal fin a short, simple, and rather broad spine ; the third and fourth rays
longest : posterior to this are five finlets. Caudal fin furcate, with two short and obvious
carina? on each side of the tail.

Color, as in the preceding, with the exceptions noted in the specific phrase. Margin of
the tail dark-colored at the angle. A small well defined straight black line on the dorsal
ridge, between the two dorsal fins ; the second scarcely darker than the first dorsal.

104 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Length, 9'5. Of head, 2*4.

Fin rays, D. 12.12 + v; P. 19; V. 1.5; A. 1.12 + v; C. 20 f .

In the autumnal months, this species appears in great numbers on our coast. Dr. Mitchill
mentions the autumns of 1781 and 1813, as years in which they were particularly numerous.
In the early part of November, 1828, they were also very abundant, and many persons were
poisoned by eating them. They are scarcely distinguishable from the preceding, and hence
Richardson and Storer have regarded them merely as the young of that species. Fron^ the
considerations noted above, I prefer, with Cuvier, to regard it as a distinct species.

It ranges from the shores of New-York, and (if there is no mistake in the locality) even
from Canada to the coast of Brazil.

THE SPANISH MACKEREL.

Scomber colias.
plate xi. fig. 33.

Le Maquereau colias. Cvv. et Vih. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 39, pi. 209.
*S. colias, Spanish Mackerel. Stoker, Report Fishes of Mass. p. 45.

Characteristics. Large. Numerous greyish brown spots distributed along the sides. Length
one to two feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, robust. Head considerably flattened above. Eyes large.
Nostrils double ; the posterior vertical, and just in advance of the eye. Scales rather larger
about the pectoral region. Tongue pointed. Jaws equal, with from sixty to seventy small
teeth on each side of the jaws.

The first dorsal fin transparent ; its second ray longer than the first, the tips of all project-
ing beyond the membrane. Second dorsal considerably excavated on its margin. Five dorsal
finlets. Pectorals pointed, and just beneath the lateral line. Ventrals elongated, slightly in
advance of the first dorsal, but posterior to the base of the pectorals. Anal with a small spine
in front, opposite to the posterior half of the second dorsal ; behind this, five finlets. Caudal
fin deeply forked, with two lateral carinae at the side.

Color. Above light green, with numerous contiguous beautifully undulating darker green
lines passing down the sides, and just crossing the lateral line. Beneath dull bluish, with
large, distant, circular or oblong oval brown blotches distributed irregularly on the sides.
Abdomen light-colored, with cupreous reflections. Opercles cupreous and silvery.

Length, 11*0. Head, 2 '5.

Fin rays, D. 9.12 + v; P. 19 ; V. 5 ; A. 1.12 + v; C. 17 f.

I have seen this fine species in the New-York market, in the months of August and Sep-
tember, nearly two feet long. They were not, however, common. They had been taken in
a seine in the harbor. On the southern coast, they are taken with a hook attached to a short

FAMILY SCOMBRIDiE THYNNTJS. 105

chain. They are excellent eating. If this species is identical with the S. colias of Europe,
it has a wide geographical range ; crossing the ocean from the Mediterranean, and occurring
along our coast from Massachusetts to Carolina. In the plate, it is erroneously represented
as of the natural size.

GENUS THYNNUS. Cuvier.

Scales on the thorax larger, forming a sort of corselet. Two dorsals, the first reaching
nearly to the second. A single row of small, pointed, crowded teeth in each jaw. Nume-
rous finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins. A long elevated crest on each side of the tail.

Obs. The fish of this genus have the general form of the Mackerel, but are less compressed.
As now restricted by Cuvier, it contains eleven species, of which three occur along the coast
of South America. On our coast we have, as a straggling visitor, the celebrated Tunny of
Europe, which appears in such immense scholes along the shores of the Mediterranean and
Euxine seas.

THE COMMON TUNNY.

Thynncs vulgaris.

plate x. fig. 28.

Thynnus vulgaris, Le Thon commun. Cuv. et Val. Vol. 8, p. 58, pi. 210.
T. id., The Common Tunny. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 47.

Characteristics. Very large and long pectorals. Corselet pointed behind. No colored lines
nor spots. Length 9-12 feet.

Description. Form elongated, fusiform. Length of the head, 27*0. Jaws, when closed,
nearly equal. Tongue large and broad. Gape of the mouth very large. Eyes circular, and
twelve inches apart. Gill-covers smooth, and very large. Scales on the anterior part of the
back, in front of the first dorsal, and beneath the pectorals, very large.

First dorsal fin with very robust rays ; it begins twenty-seven inches from the end of the
snout, and its first ray is nine inches long, and from this the rays gradually diminish in size :
this fin, when recumbent, is concealed in a deep groove. The second dorsal rises shortly
behind the first, is twelve inches high, and five inches along the base, very robust and trian-
gular ; behind this are nine finlets. Pectorals falciform, sixteen inches high. Ventrals
beneath the pectorals, in a groove at their bases. Anal fin posterior to the second dorsal,
fifteen inches high ; and posterior to this, nine finlets. Caudal fin lunated, measuring twenty-
nine inches across the tips. The keel or ridge on each side seven inches long, and an inch
and a half high ; a smaller keel on each side of the larger one, three inches long.

Color. Upper surface blackish ; sides silvery ; beneath white. Tongue and inside of the
mouth black. Irides golden, with greenish reflections. Gill-covers silvery grey. First dor-
sal blackish ; the second reddish brown. Finlets bright yellow, dark at the base and upon
the anterior edge. Pectorals silvery grey. Ventrals blackish above, beneath white.

Fauna — Part 4. 14

106 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Length, nine feet three inches.

Fin rays, D. 14.13 + ix ; P. 34; V. 1.5; A. 2.12 + ix ; C. 19.

The only American writer who has described the Tunny, as it appears on our coast, is
Dr. Storer, whose description I have adopted above. It agrees essentially with the characters
assigned by Cuvier to the Tunny of the Mediterranean, which occasionally ascends as high
up on the shores of Europe as Norway. It was formerly very abundant at Eckford bay in the
Baltic sea. Dr. Storer mentions one taken near Cape Ann, weighing one thousand pounds.
I have met with this fish almost every season in the New-York market, but it was always
cut up into small pieces for sale. The fishermen state that it is taken frequently off Block
island, but I have never been so fortunate as to meet with a perfect specimen. In the Ca-
ribbean sea, there is a species of tunny which passes with several other fishes under the name
of Bonito, and which occasionally appears along our southern coast.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

T. coretta. (Cvv. et Val. Vol. 8, p. 102.) Corselet truncate ; scarcely emarginate behind. Second
dorsal and anal low. D. 1 3 . 1 . 1 4 + viii ; P. 3 1 ; V. 1 . 5 ; A. 2 . 1 2 + viii ; C. 35. Gulf of Mexico.

GENUS PELAMYS. Cuvier.
Two dorsals. The corselet small. Teeth stout, acute, distant.

THE STRIPED BONITO.

Pelamys sarda.

PLATE IX. FIG. 27.

Scomber sarda. Bloch, Systema, p. 22, pi. 334.

Bonetla, S. id. Mitchill, Tr. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 428.

Le Bonite a das raye, Pelamys id. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 149, pi. 217.

The Skip-jack, Pelamys id. Stober, Massachusetts Report, p. 4.

Characteristics. Blue above, with from 6-8 parallel dark stripes on the upper part of the
body and sides. Length 12 - 20 inches.

Description. The body has the general form and proportions of the common Mackerel, but is
a larger and more robust fish. Its height to its length is as one to four. Body fusiform. The
keel on the sides of the tail elevated, triangular, with two smaller ones on each side on the base
of the caudal fin. Under a lens, the body appears covered with a fine network of exceedingly
minute scales. The corselet, or that part which is covered with larger rounded and more
distinct scales, is of a triangular shape, extending from above the branchial aperture to a
short distance beyond the tip of the pectoral, and from thence descends with a slightly con-
cave line towards the lower part of the opercle. Lateral line irregularly flexuous in its course,

FAMILY SCOMBKID^E PELAMYS. 107

and does not assume a distinct and regular curvature. Eyes large, nearer the snout than to
the margin of the opercle. Nostrils double ; the posterior a vertical slit. Mouth opening
beyond the orbits. In each jaw, a series of twenty to twenty-five sharp distant teeth, curved
inwards. A row of minute teeth on the palatines, and two rounded patches of teeth at the
base of the tongue.

The first dorsal long and low, feebly spinous, lodged in a deep groove, and commencing
over the base of the pectoral ; the anterior are longest. The second dorsal commences a
short distance behind the first, and is deeply emarginate on its posterior margin ; the two first
rays spinous : posterior to this are 8-9 unlets. The pectorals are short, triangular, and
lodged in a shallow cavity. Ventrals beneath the pectorals, small, and also lodged in a similar
cavity. The anal fin commences under the end of the second dorsal, which it resembles in
shape and size ; beyond this, are seven finlets. Caudal fin widely lunate.

Stomach, a long narrow sac, with a strong convolution, from which arises the pyloric
orifice, with numerous cascal appendages. Liver of two lobes, and very large. Gall-bladder
very long, extending nearly the whole length of the abdominal cavity. No air-bladder.

Color, of the summit of the head and upper part of the sides, dark plumbeous. Abdomen
and sides ashen grey, mixed with blue. Irides white. Ventrals white ; the other fins dark
bluish black. A series of 6 - 8 parallel, somewhat oblique, longitudinal, narrow dark stripes
on the sides, slightly descending forwards, the greater part crossing the lateral line. In young
individuals, there are from 6-8 broad and vertical deep blue bands, crossing the narrow
longitudinal stripes at right angles. In older specimens, such as that figured in the plate,
these bands become almost effaced or entirely wanting ; even in young individuals they
become more obscure after death. Tongue and inside of the mouth deep black.

Length, 20. Depth, 4' 75.

Fin rays, D. 22.2.12 + ix ; P. 24 ; V. 1.5; A. 2.12 + vii; C. 27 f.

The Striped Bonito is but an occasional visitor to our coast. The specimen which furnished
me with the preceding description, was taken in September, in the harbor of New- York, in
company with many others.

Its geographical range appears to be extensive, although its chief habitat seems to be in
the Mediterranean. It has been taken off the Cape de Verd islands, on the coast of Brazil,
and along the shores of North America as far as Cape Cod.

108 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS CYBIUM. Cuvier.

Teeth large, pointed, usually compressed, trenchant and lancet-shaped. Body without a
scaly corselet. Palatines and front of the vomer with asperities. First dorsal very long.

THE SPOTTED CYBIUM.

Cybium maculatum.

PLATE LXXIII. FIG. 232.

The Spanish Mackerel, Scomber maculatus. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 426, pi. 6, fig. 8.
Le Tassard tachelc, Cybium id. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 181.

Characteristics. Greenish and lead-colored above ; sides silvery, with numerous yellowish
large spots. First dorsal fin black in front. Lateral line waved. Length
18-20 inches.

Description. The shape and general appearance of the Scomber colias. Head pointed,
and to the whole length as one to six nearly, with the lower jaw somewhat longest and rounded.
Lateral line following the general curve of the back nearly, but meandering in a very irregu-
lar and serpentine course. Eyes very large. Mouth large, armed with distinct, acute, and
slightly conic teeth, except in front, where they are wanting.

The first dorsal fin with seventeen rays, of which the fourth and fifth are longest ; nearly
all may be concealed in a furrow. The second dorsal triangular, excavated on its upper mar-
gin, and containing two simple and fifteen branched rays : behind this are eight (nine accord-
ing to Cuvier) finlets ; and posterior to the anal, nine or ten finlets. Pectoral fins pointed,
with twenty-two rays. Ventrals small. Anal fin with two simple and fifteen soft rays, similar
in shape to the second dorsal. Caudal broadly lunate. Branchial rays seven.

Color. Greenish above, blending into ashen grey. Sides and all beneath lustrous white.
About twenty yellowish rounded spots, a quarter of an inch in diameter, irregularly distributed
along the sides. First dorsal fin black as far as the eighth or ninth ray. Pectorals brownish
externally, black within. Ventrals and anal whitish.

Length, 18-0-24-0.

Radial formula, D. 17.2.15 + x; P. 22 ; V. 1.5; A. 2.15 + ix; C. 22.

It occurs sparingly in our waters from July to September, and is considered good eating.
New-York appears to be its northernmost limits. It extends through the Caribbean sea to
the coast of Brazil.

EXTRA-LIMITAL.

C. regale. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 8, p. 184.) Teeth compressed and trenchant. A broad brownish
longitudinal band, with roundish spots above and beneath. Length one to two feet. Gulf of
Mexico.

FAMILY SCOMBRID.E. 109

GENUS TRICHIURUS. Linneus, Cuvier.

A single continuous dorsal Jin. No corselet nor caudal ridge. No ventral nor caudal fins.
Body elongated, compressed, ribbon-shaped. Tail ending in a filament.

THE SILVERY HAIR-TAIL.

Trichideus lepterus.
plate xii. fig. 35. — (state collection.)

Trichiurus lepturus. LlN. Syst. Nat.

Silvery Hair-tail, T. argenteus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Tr. Vol. 1, p. 364.
Le Tnchiure de VAtlanliaue. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 237.
T. armatus et muticus. Gray, Griff. Cuv. Vol. 10, p. 349, pi. 6.

Characteristics. Uniform silvery. Head one-seventh of the total length. Lateral line yellow.
Length 28 inches.

Description. Body long, tapering, compressed. Back acute, and abdomen more full and
rounded. Tail compressed, tapering very gradually to a fine point, three inches and a half
long from the end of the dorsal. A smooth silvery easily detached skin, with no vestige of a
scale apparent under the magnifier. Lateral line distinct, arising from the upper part of the
branchial aperture ; curves down parallel with the superior margin of the opercle ; passes
down behind the pectoral ; descends to the lower third of the body, thence running parallel
and near the edge of the abdomen ; passes through the tail, and may be traced to the extreme
tip : it is of a greenish yellow color. Head flattened between the eyes, becoming ridged on
the nape towards the dorsal fin ; compressed laterally, becoming more acute beneath. Its
length from the tip of the lower jaw to the point of the opercle, five and a half inches ; depth
of the head across the base of the pectorals, three inches. Eyes large, circular, prominent,
three quarters of an inch in diameter, and less than their diameter apart. Nostrils single,
large, vertically oval, near the eye. Lower jaw longest, with distant acute teeth, of which
the two anterior are largest, and when the jaw is closed, extend outside of the tip of the
upper jaw. The four or six posterior teeth on the sides are longest ; the intermediate shorter.
A fold of the skin across the interior of the upper jaw. The two anterior teeth are minute,
but immediately behind them are two long curved teeth, barbed at their tips ; these are re-
ceived into a cavity in the lower jaw. Posterior to these, on the interior edge of the jaw,
are from six to ten long, compressed, pointed and lancet-shaped teeth on each side. Minute
teeth on the palatines. Tongue free, subacute, smooth, except the asperities on its tip.
Seven branchial rays. Opercle ending in a point ; its tip extending beyond the base of the
pectoral fin, and, with its upper margin, ending in fibrous threads.

The dorsal fin commences above the upper angle of the gill opening, slightly elevated in
the middle, where it is two inches high, and gradually disappears in the skin about three
and a half inches from the tip of the tail ; it is composed of flexible feebly spinous rays.

110 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Pectoral fins two inches and a half long, small, broad, obtusely pointed, with the third and
fourth rays longest. Vent thirteen inches distant from the tip of the lower jaw. About one
hundred and twenty spines were enumerated posterior to the vent, and on the under side of
the tail, sensible only to the touch behind : they occupy the place of the anal fin.

Color. The whole surface of the head and body of a lustrous silvery hue, with iride-
scent hues on the opercles. Eyes with yellow hides. Lateral line greenish yellow. Pec-
torals light yellowish at the base ; minute, punctate, and brownish at the tips. Teeth reddish
brown at the base, lighter at the tips. Dorsal light yellow, obscurely bordered above with
dusky.

Length, 38-0. Of head, 5"5.
Fin rays, D. 133; P. 12.

This is known here by the fishermen under the name of Ribbon-fish. At Jamaica, it is
called Sword-fish. It is not common, but of fifteen or twenty which I have examined, the
above, taken from the ocean near Sandyhook, in August, was the largest.

It has an extensive geographic range. It is most numerous in the Caribbean sea, and
more especially about Porto Rico. D'Orbigny found it near Montevideo, in 35° south latitude ;
and Dr. Pickering informs me that he has seen it in Narraganset bay, on the coast of Massa-
chusetts, in 42° north latitude. It has also been found on the coast of Africa ; but whether
it has ever appeared on the coast of Europe, is doubtful. The description of a Trichiure
by Mr. Hoy in the Linnean Transactions of London, applies to the Trichiurus argenteus of
Cuvier and Valenciennes, a species which has figured in the writings of naturalists under
five different generic and eight specific names. Among the drawings of Dr. Holbrook, there
is a figure of a Hair-tail which seems to announce a new species : there is a short triangular
dorsal in front of the long dorsal, or at least it is deeply divided.

FAMILY SCOMBRID.E. Ill

GENUS XIPHIAS. Linneus, Cuvier.

The upper jaw elongated into a sword. Body fusiform, covered with minute scales. No
ventral fins. Mouth without teeth. Sides of the tail ridged.

THE COMMON SWORD-FISH.

XlPHIAS GLAD1US.

PLATE XXVI. FIG. 79. One-sixteenth of the natural size.

Xiphias gladius. Linneus, Syst. Nat. 12 Ed. p. 432.

X. id., Swurd-fish. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 242.

L'Espadon ipie, X. gladius. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 255, pi. 225 ; and 226, adult and young.

The Sword-fish, X. id, Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 51.

Characteristics. Dorsal fin in the young, single ; becoming effaced in the middle, and forming
two distant fins in the adult. Length 10 - 15 feet.

Description. Surface of the body and head very slightly roughened in the young, of a foot
or eighteen inches long. There are numerous series of tubercles on the body, which disap-
pear with age. Lateral line scarcely perceptible, except near the opercles, where it is
irregularly sinuous. A lateral carina on each side of the tail, from 6-8 inches long; the
caudal portion with a transverse furrow. Eyes very large and rounded. Nasal orifices con-
tiguous ; the posterior largest ; the anterior rounded, with a raised margin. Upper jaw
produced into a flattened sword ; the edges bluntly trenchant, and approaching each other
and terminating in a blunt point. On the upper side, this is minutely striate, and elevated in
the centre ; this elevation becomes gradually effaced about the middle, where a groove extends
to the tip. Lower jaw short and pointed. The gape of the mouth extends behind the orbits.
No teeth, but slight asperities may be felt on the lower jaw, and velvet-like teeth in the throat.
A membrane within both jaws. Tongue rudimentary. Seven flat branchial rays. Gills,
instead of being pectinated, are retiform, and, as Mitchill has observed, are of a spongy
texture.

The dorsal fin, which in the young forms one long, high and nearly equal fin of forty-three
rays, extending nearly to the tail, becomes obliterated for the greater part of its length, and
in fact is divided into two distant fins. This curious fact, which is now well established, may
serve to explain why the descriptions of this fish agree so little with each other, and why
distinct species have been created out of but one. In the adult, the dorsal is falciform, with
from 18 - 20 rays ; the posterior part is represented by a few rays. Pectorals falciform,
elongated, placed very low down, and composed of sixteen rays, of which the three first are
very long. Ventrals none. The anal fin commences under the posterior third of the dorsal,
falciform in front, low behind ; but in the adult, this fin likewise becomes obliterated in the
middle, and divided into two. Caudal fin crescent-shaped, with 17 rays.

112 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

Color. Bluish black above ; silvery on the sides. Pectorals dark blue above ; beneath
whitish. Sword dark brown above ; whitish beneath. Anal whitish.

Length, 10-15 feet.

Fin rays: Young, D. 3.40; P. 16; A. 17; C. 17 f.
Adult, D. 18.3; P. 16; A. 11.3; C. 17 J.

In 1791, a Sword-fish was exhibited in New- York, sixteen feet long. In 1817, another
was taken by a harpoon off Sandyhook, twelve feet long, and described by Mitchill as cited
above. In some years they are quite abundant. In the summer of 1840, the New-York
markets were well supplied with the sword-fish. It is preferred to halibut or sturgeon, which
in flavor it somewhat resembles. According to Dr. Storer, about two hundred barrels are
annually taken at Martha's Vineyard, south of Cape Cod, and sold at three or four cents per
pound.

The Sword-fish has a great range on the eastern side of the Atlantic, and is one of the few
which cross this ocean. It feeds on mackerel and other gregarious fishes.

GENUS NAUCRATES. Cuvier.

Tail ridged on its sides. Ventral fins thoracic. Dorsal fin single, elongated, with free
spines before it and the anal fin. Body covered with small scales. Branchial rays seven.
Teeth small and numerous. Nofinlets.

THE NEW- YORK PILOT-FISH.

Naucrates noveboracensis.

Gasterosteus ductor, Pilot-fish. Schcepff, Beobacht. Vol. 8, p. 167.

Scomber ductoT, Pilot-fish. Mitchill, Lit. and Pbil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 424.

Le Pilote de New-York, N. noveboracensis. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 325.

Characteristics. Four transverse blue bands, and four spines before the dorsal. Opercle not
striated.

We have little information to give in relation to this fish. Schogpff first noticed it in his
catalogue, supposing it to be the common Pilot-fish of the Atlantic. Mitchill entertained the
same idea. Cuvier received specimens from New- York, which closely resembled the ductor ;
but he treats it as distinct, on account of its striated opercles. In liquor, his specimens
appeared to be yellow, with lilac bands. It is very probable that independent of this species,
the true N. ductor or Pilot-fish must occasionally appear in our waters, and hence I have added
a figure of that species. I have, however, never met with it.

FAMILY SCOMBRIDiE ELACATE. 113

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

N. duetor. (Cuv. et. Val. Vol. 8, p. 312; and pi. 74, fig. 235 of this work.) Bluish, with five
darker transverse bands; two of them passing through the dorsal and anal fins. Tail bordered with
dark blue, tipped with white. 4-12 inches. South-Carolina.

GENUS ELACATE. Cuvier.

Head depressed. No carina on the sides of the tail. Nojinlets. Body elongated. No free
spines before the anal. Ventral fins thoracic.

THE NORTHERN CRAB-EATER.

ELACATE ATLANT1CA.

PLATE XXV. FIG. 77. One-fourth natural size.

Gasterosteus canadus. Lin. Syst. Nat. 12 Ed. p. 491.

Scomber niger. Bloch, pi. 337.

Centre-note gardenien. Lacepede.

Tlie Crab-eater, Centronotus spuwsus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 490, pi. 3, fig. 9.

L'Elacate d'Amcrique, E. atlantica. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 334.

Characteristics. Deep black above ; lighter on the sides ; white beneath. A slate-colored
band along its side. Length 15 to 30 inches.

Description, from a recent specimen. General form and color of an Echeneis. Head
broad, and rounded at the snout ; it is depressed as far back as the first dorsal spine. Body-
cylindrical, tapering. Scales minute, oblong, impressed, and ascending far up the vertical
fins. Lateral line irregular in its course, and indistinct. Nostrils double, nearer the eyes
than to the snout; the anterior vertically oval. Eyes large; irides white. Teeth on the
lower jaw minute, bristly in several series, and separated in the centre by a naked interval ;
under the lens, they appear pyramidal, acute and recurved. Tongue broad, reddish, covered
to its margin with numerous patches of card teeth ; in the centre, a distinct oval cartilaginous
patch, with teeth somewhat more robust. Similar teeth on the upper jaw, palatines and
pharyngeals ; the latter somewhat longer. Lower jaw longest.

Anterior to the dorsal fin are eight distinct equidistant triangular spines, 0 • 2 in height, and
about 0-5 apart; the posterior spine nearly concealed in the flesh of the dorsal. The dorsal
fin is very long, elevated and triangular in front, and, after the thirteenth ray, nearly of equal
height to the end ; the third and fourth rays are longest : this fin commences midway between
the base of the pectoral and the origin of the anal fin, and terminates above the end of this
latter fin. Pectoral fins five inches long, falciform, composed of twenty rays ; the first spi-
nous : a strong fold of skin behind this fin. Ventrals short, broad and pointed, with one
subspinous and five branched rays. The anal fin resembles the dorsal in shape, but its rays

Fauna — Part 4. 15

114 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

are not so long ; it begins opposite the eighth or ninth ray of the dorsal. Caudal deeply
lunate, its upper lobe longest, and its rays projecting beyond the membrane.

The liver and stomach very large ; the latter dilated, with a short appendix. It was filled
with the half digested remains of several fish, among which a species of Pleuronectes was
observed. Two large sacs above the stomach, communicated with an aperture behind the
vent.

Color. All above black ; on the sides, near the lateral line, lighter. Beneath this, a dis-
tinctly separated longitudinal band of a slate color, extending from the pectoral fin to the tail,
and through its lower lobe. The parts beneath silvery white.

Length, 32-0. Of head, 5' 0.

Fin rays, D. 8.34; P. 20; V. 1.5; A. 23; C. 21.

The Crab-eater, from which the above description is taken, was exceedingly voracious. He
was captured in a seine in the harbor of Boston, and placed in a car with other fish. It was
soon discovered that he had destroyed and eaten every fish in the car. They were chiefly
the Big Porgee, P. argyrops. It is a rare and probably a solitary fish.

Its geographic range is very great, and it is found equally on the coasts of Africa and
America. On our coast it ranges from 42° north to the shores of Brazil. It occurs on the
coast of South-Carolina, as I find a drawing of it among the illustrations of the ichthyology of
that State by my friend Dr. Holbrook. It is too rare to have obtained any popular name, and
I adopt that proposed by my late valued friend Dr. Mitchill. If not appropriate, it may an-
swer for a distinctive popular name.

GENUS LICHIA. Cuvier.

Body compressed. The first dorsal composed of spines, each with a membrane ; in front of
these, a recumbent spine directed forwards. First anal fin of two spines. Sides of the
tail not keeled, nor with prominent crests.

THE CAROLINA LICHIA.

LlCHIA CAROLINA.

PLATE X. FIG. 30. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Body compressed ; its height to its length as one to two nearly. First rays
of the second dorsal and anal very long. Length one foot.

Description. Body high, compressed. Dorsal outline regularly arched. Rostrum blunt,
suddenly descending in front. Scales very minute, deeply imbedded, and ascending high
up on the base of the tail. Lateral line arising from the upper angle of the opercle, running
nearly straight above the pectoral, then descending obliquely beyond the tips of the pectorals
to the middle of the body and tail, forming a broadly flexuous curve. Length of the head to

FAMILY SCOMBRID.-E LICHIA. 115

that of the body, as one to four and a half. Orbits large. Nostrils above the plane of the
upper margin of the orbits. An obtuse elevated ridge on the anterior part of the preopercle,
which is corrugated in a radiating manner. Teeth so minute as scarcely to be distinguished.

The first dorsal is represented by six short distant spines, directed backwards ; anterior to
these, is a short acute recumbent spine, almost concealed and directed forwards. The second
dorsal composed of twenty-five rays, elevated, triangular in front, low and equal behind, co-
terminal with the anal : the first ray is short and simple ; the second and third longest, thence
decreasing to the ninth ; the remainder subequal. The pectoral fins consist of seventeen
rays, and are broad and obtusely pointed, the sixth ray being longest. Ventrals exceedingly
short, scarcely 0 • 8 in length, and composed of one simple and five branched rays ; they are
placed slightly behind the pectorals. Behind the vent are two short distant spines, represent-
ing the first anal. The anal fin similar in shape to the dorsal, and arises under its sixth ray ;
the first is short and simple, the third longest, thence gradually descreasing to the ninth, the
remaining rays subequal. The caudal fin deeply forked, with four to six accessory rays on
each side.

Color. Upper part of the head and body bluish. Gill-covers with a faint flesh-color min-
gling with the yellowish and silvery reflections on the sides and beneath. Pupils black ; irides
yellowish. Dorsals and pectoral fins dark blackish brown. Ventrals and anals yellow. Cau-
dal fin tinged with brown and yellowish.

Length, 12-5. Of the head, 2'5. Depth at vent, 4*8.
Fin rays, D. 1.6.25; P. 27; V. 1.5; A. 2.20; C. 18 f.

This species is exceedingly rare on this coast, and differs widely from all the four species
described by Cuvier. I find this species figured among the drawings of Dr. Holbrook, and
presume, from the known distribution of its congeners, that it is more common on the coast
of Carolina. I am not aware that any species of this genus has been hitherto noticed on the
coast of North America. My description is drawn up from a specimen taken off Sandyhook,
and prepared by Dr. Samuel G. Mott, more than twenty years since : the colors are supplied
by the drawing above alluded to.

116 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS TRACHINOTUS. Cuvier.

Body elevated, compressed. Profile descending abruptly before the eyes. First rays of the
dorsal and anal elongated. Free spines before the dorsal and anal fins.

Obs. This genus, as it now stands, comprises twenty-four species, made up from the
genera Casimore, Trachinote and Acanthinion of Lacepede. They are chiefly from the North
and South Atlantic and the Indian oceans.

THE SILVERY TRACHINOTE.

Trachinotus argenteos.
Le Trachinote argentc, T. argenteus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 413.

Characteristics. Silvery. Height to its length as one to two. 5-6 dorsal spines, and one
recumbent, directed forwards. Length six inches.

Description. Body elevated ; its height being one-half the head and body alone, without
including the lobes of the tail, which are more than one-fourth of the total length. Lateral
line irregular, with five or six slight undulations. Five and sometimes six free spines on the
back, without including the recumbent spine in front, nor that which adheres to the dorsal.
The rays of the dorsal and anal exceed in number most of their congeners. The points of
the dorsal and anal, when lying supine, reach only half the length of these fins. The limb
of the preopercle with slightly elevated radiating lines, and oblique strife on the base of the
opercle. Teeth minute, equal and velvet-like. Vertebra? compressed, twenty-three. The
recumbent spine is a part of the third interspinous.

Color. Silvery, with blackish at the elongated tips of the dorsal, and on the middle of the
pectoral.

Length, 6*0.

Fin rays, D. 5 or 6.1.24; P. 18; V. 1.5; A. 2.1.21; C. 17 f.

This species was received by Cuvier from New-York and Rio Janeiro, showing a wide
geographical range. Here it is so rare, that I have been compelled to adopt the description
given by Cuvier.

FAMILY SCOMBRID.E TRACHINOTUS. 117

THE SPINOUS TRACHINOTE.

Trachinotus spinosus.

PLATE XIX. FIG. 53.

The Spinous Dory. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, pi. 6, fig. 10. (No description.)
Zeus spinosus. Id. Am. Month. Magazine, Vol. 2, p. 246.
Trachinotus fuscus ? Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 8, p. 410.

Characteristics. Body much compressed, suborbicular ; olive green on the sides above ; with
metallic reflections beneath. Seven free spines before the dorsal, and
three before the anal. Length three inches.

Description. Body exceedingly compressed ; its height to its length as one to one and a
half. Thickness, 0- 5. Body scaleless. The lateral line moderately incurved upward, and
thence straight to the tail, not concurrent with the back. Facial line broadly concave ; the
head projecting forward, with a blunt snout. Eyes large and silvery. Lower jaw closes
within the upper ; both with scarcely perceptible teeth. Branchial rays seven. Pectorals
acuminate. Caudal deeply forked. Ventral rays are stated to be four, but they are probably
of the normal number.

Color. Dusky greenish above ; on the belly, silvery white, with clouds along the sides, and
somewhat of a ruddy tint. Undulating depressions up and down the sides as in Stromateus.

Length, 3"0. Depth, 2" 0 nearly.

Fin rays, Br. 7; D. 7.19; P. 19; V. 1.5; A. 3.19; C. 18.

This species was captured in the harbor of New-York, September, 1817, and is to be
considered as an occasional visitor only from the south. Cuvier and Valenciennes, with refe-
rence merely to the plate, and not being acquainted with the text, suppose that it may pos-
sibly be their Trachinote brun. Their language is, " The Spinous Dory represented by
" Mitchill (pi. 6, fig. 10) appears to resemble in its form very much our T. fuscus ; but as he
" does not speak of it in his text, we cannot confirm this resemblance by a comparison of
" the number of rays and other circumstances which could only be explained by a verbal
" description." The T. fuscus of Cuvier and Valenciennes is 8'0 long, brown, with conspi-
cuous teeth ; the anterior elongated rays of the dorsal and anal reach to the end of their
respective fins. It is evident, from these circumstances, that our species is distinct ; and
finding none other approaching it, I have retained the name proposed by its original describer.

118 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS PALINURUS.

Preopercle serrated, with spines on its margin. Opercle with one or more flat spines, more
or less distinctly serrated beneath. Anal with one or more spines in front. Teeth small,
pointed, subequal. Body compressed, oblong. The anterior portion of the single dorsal
spinous.

Obs. I propose this genus for the reception of two species from our coast, which, although
allied in many particulars to the genus Trachinotus, differ from it in others. The anterior
dorsal spines are certainly not free, and the pointed and serrated gill-covers indicate a still
farther removal from that genus. The name has been applied, as I am aware, to a genus of
Crustacea, but is otherwise unobjectionable. Should this genus be adopted, a question arises
whether it should remain in this family. As the characters of Scombridce now stand, it can-
not, but they will doubtless be revised by competent hands.

THE BLACK PILOT.

Palinurus pekciformis.

PLATE XXIV. FIG. 25. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Rudder-fish, or Perch Coryphene. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, pi. 16, fig. 7. (No description.)
Coryphtzna perciformis. Id. Am. Monthly Magazine, Vol. 2, p. 244.
Trachinotus argentcus. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 55. (Non Cuv.)

Characteristics. Bronze-black. The dorsal spines much lower than the soft rays. Length
nine inches.

Description. Body oblong, elliptical, compressed. Height nearly equal to one-third of its
length. Scales moderate, rather small, subquadrate, the free margins entire ; free surface
concentrically striate, plaited behind. They ascend high up on the membrane of the vertical
fins, where they become very minute. The lateral line, composed of a series of short tubes,
commences at the upper angle of the branchial aperture, is arched and nearly concurrent with
the back, from which it is little distant. The scales containing the lateral line are notched
behind, the tube being elevated in front. Head declivous, somewhat rounded. In cabinet
specimens this part is subcarinate, and the supraorbital prominent, with from four to six dis-
tinct elevations. Length of the head to the margin of the opercle, 2 • 2. Snout blunt. Eyes
large, prominent, 0- 6 in diameter. Nostrils double ; the posterior very large, rounded. Opercle
with a pointed membrane, and a flat acute membranous spine with delicate denticulations along
its rounded angle, becoming gradually effaced beneath ; above this pointed membrane is a deep
emargination, with a blunt spine above. Preopercle with from thirty to thirty-five subequal
short spines, forming distinct ridges within the margin, and giving this bone on its outer surface
a plaited and radiated appearance. Jaws subequal, the lower shutting within the upper ; with
a single series of small, equidistant, subequal, conic, acute, slightly recurved teeth in both.

FAMILY SCOMBRIDiE PALINURUS. 119

Tongue free, flattened, thin and rounded at the tip. No teeth in the pharynx. Air-bladder
large, double ; the anterior portion largest.

The dorsal fin compound ; the anterior portion consists of seven short, acute, triangular,
spinous rays, connected with each other by a low membrane, and the whole lodged in a deep
groove. The first spine is above the point of the opercle. The soft portion consists of one
spinous and nineteen simple filiform rays, highest in front, and very gradually diminishing to
the last ray. The pectoral fins are placed low down, 1 ■ 5 long, and composed of twenty rays ;
the anterior very short, with a broad accessory plate at its inner base. Ventral very slightly
behind the base of the pectorals, approximated, long and pointed ; the first ray short and
spinous, the other branched ; the second branched ray 1 • 4 in length, and longest. Anal fin
with a fleshy base, including three spines ; the first two short, nearly imbedded in the flesh ;
the third longest, and adpressed to the first branched ray (in the plate, these are incorrectly
given). The soft rays are twenty in number, and end just posterior to the termination of the
dorsal. Caudal fin deeply emarginate, with the three external rays shorter than the fourth.
The scales ascend high up on the base of this fin.

Color. When freshly taken from the water, the general color of the body and fins is a
bright bronze-black, with obscure reddish hues. Eyes varied with orange and yellow.
Abdomen light-colored.

Length, 9-0. Of Head, 2"2. Depth, 3" 0.

Fin rays, Br. 7; D. 7.1.19; P. 20; V. 1.5; A. 2.1.20; C. 21 f.

This fish is an occasional visitor to our shores. In 1815, several dozen of these followed
a ship into the harbor of New-York, and one of them was taken by a hook at the wharves,
in the month of August. It is this which is figured by Mitchill in his Memoir on the Fishes
of New- York, but not accompanied with any description. On the plate it is marked Rudder-
fish or Perch Coryphene, and not C. hippuris, as has been erroneously stated. The description
was afterwards supplied by Mitchill himself, in a Supplement to his Memoir, published in
the American Monthly Magazine cited above. MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes were unac-
quainted with this description, and from the figure alone, supposed it to be their Trachinotus
argenteus. In this they are followed by the eminent American ichthyologist, Dr. Storer of
Boston, who was equally unacquainted with MitchilPs description. Finally, Mr. I. Cozzens
of New-York, to whom I am indebted for an opportunity of describing this fish, not being
aware of Mitchill's description, described it in a paper read before the Lyceum some years
since, as a new species, under the name of Trachinotus cumberlandi. On a drawing of this
species found among the papers of Dr. Mitchill, which is now in the possession of Mr. Coz-
zens, it is labelled Coryphena atra, or Black Rudder-fish.

The specimen described above, was taken by hook near Shrewsbury inlet, in July. It
appears now to be common enough to have received a popular name. Among the fishermen,
it is called the Snip-nosed Mullet. In its stomach were found numerous shrimps, and it is
represented as being exceedingly active. It has been noticed by Dr. Storer on the coast of
Massachusetts.

120 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS CARANX. Cuvier.

Head convex, slightly sloping. Body compressed. Lateral line armed on its posterior
■part ivith bony plates.

THE SOUTHERN CARANX.

Caranx defensor.

plate xxiv. fig. 72. — (state collection.)

Characteristics. Depth of the body one-third of the total length, much compressed. With
a recumbent spine before the dorsal. No finlets. A large black spot on
the opercle. Length 9 inches.

Description. Form elliptical, much compressed. Length of the head to the total length
as two to nine. Scales small, ciliated on their free edges, orbicular ; extending over the gill-
covers, and high up on the base of the vertical fins. The lateral line curves upwards, then
rather suddenly downwards to the shorter rays of the second dorsal, from which it goes off
straight. On its straight portion it is furnished with twenty-five bony plates, commencing ob-
scurely at first, but becoming more elevated, and terminating in acute triangular spines,
directed backward. On the base of the tail, on each side, are two ridges or crests, obliquely
directed towards each other behind. Head convex above, and slightly ridged. Opercle
smooth, without scales on the greater part of its surface, with a very slight notch on its
posterior margin. Nostrils double, contiguous, oblong, placed just before the orbits ; the
anterior closed by a valvular membrane. Eyes moderate, 0-5 in diameter, and more than
their diameters apart. Teeth numerous, small, acute, hooked in both jaws ; in a single
series in the lower jaw ; in a band of several series, of which the exterior are largest, in the
upper jaw. Teeth mostly subequal, but in front of the lower jaw, often much longer than
the others.

The first dorsal fin triangular, received in a furrow, and, with a short recumbent spine
before it, directed forwards, and nearly concealed in the skin ; the first of the seven spines
which compose this fin is longest. The second dorsal arises immediately behind this, com-
posed of one spinous and twenty branched rays ; the first ray is nearly half the length of the
second, which is longest ; thence rapidly diminishing to the sixth, where the remainder are
subequal, somewhat resembling the finlets in other genera of this family. Pectorals very
long, falciform, the tips reaching the straight part of the lateral line ; composed of twenty
rays, of which the fourth and fifth are longest. Ventrals beneath the pectorals, small, com-
posed of one spinous and five branched rays ; the tips reach to the vent, which is an oval
slit. Behind the vent are two short, stout, acute spines, connected by a membrane ; these
are concealed in a bony cavity, which extends to the second anal. The anal rays are seven-
teen ; the first simple ; the others branched, higher in front ; the last elongated. Caudal
deeply forked, (when extended, lunate,) with nineteen entire and six accessory rays.

FAMILY SCOMBRIDiE CARANX. 121

Color. Back bluish, with a resplendent golden yellow on the sides. Ventrals, anal and
caudal wax-yellow ; the tips of the latter dusky. A dark round spot on the posterior margin
of the opercle ; another on the inner base of the pectoral, and occasionally a short black ver-
tical bar across the middle of the pectoral fin. Dorsals brownish above. Chin satin-white.
Irides golden, varied with black.

Length, 9"0. Transverse diameter, 1"2.

Fin rays, D. 7.1.20; P. 20; V. 1.5; A. 2.17; C. 19 £.

This is perhaps one of the most gorgeously beautiful fishes to be found in our waters. I
had long considered it to be the C. hippos of Mitchill ; but its form, absence of finlets, re-
cumbent spine, and other particulars noticed above, render this highly improbable. They
usually appear in September, if the season has been warm, and in some years are very
abundant. I have rarely seen them to exceed the dimensions given above. In one of the
drawings of my friend Dr. Holbrook, I notice the figure of a species which agrees entirely
with mine, but which has three anal spines, and the first ray of the first dorsal is shorter than
the second.

THE YELLOW CARANX.

Caranx crysos.

PLATE XXVII. FIG. 85.— (STATE COLLECTION.)

77ie Yellow Mackerel, Scomber crysos. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 424.
La Carangue- jaune. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 97.

Characteristics. Body elongated. Depth one-fourth of its total length. With a recumbent
spine before the dorsal. No finlets. A very small black spot on the
opercle. Length 6 to 8 inches.

Description. Body elongated, compressed. Scales small, caducous, concentrically striate,
and extending over the suborbitals. Lateral line widely curved in front, and when opposite
the fourth ray of the second dorsal, goes off straight with about forty-six spinous plates,
becoming gradually wider behind, with stronger and more elevated spines, until they nearly
surround the tail. Forehead arched. Eyes large. Nostrils double, approximated, obliquely
oval. Lower jaw longest, with a series of minute card teeth. Asperities on the vomer and
palatines. Tongue distinct, rounded ; its surface covered with minute teeth. Margin of the
opercle rounded.

The first dorsal fin is triangular, and in advance of it a short recumbent spine, as in the
preceding species. This fin is composed of eight spinous rays ; the first short, slender, and
closely attached to the second, which is shorter than the third ; the fourth longest, and all
received into a deep furrow. The second dorsal is composed of twenty-five rays ; has a
fleshy prolongation, covering a part of the bases of more than half of the anterior rays. Its
first ray is very short and spinous ; the third, fourth and fifth longest, and subequal ; from

Fatjna — Part 4. 16

122 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

these the rays rapidly diminish, and become subequal for the remainder of the fin-. The
pectorals are placed slightly before the ventrals, are long, falcate, and of twenty rays ; the
first has a short, closely applied subspinous ray ; its longest ray extends to the fourth of the
second dorsal fin. Ventrals in a deep cavity anterior to the commencement of the first dorsal
fin, with a posterior attaching membrane. Vent a narrow slit. Anterior to the anal fia, are
two long spines concealed in a furrow, the posterior with a membrane. The first three or
four anal rays are long ; the remainder short, subequal, with the bases of the anterior rays
enveloped in a membranous sheath : the four first simple ; the first short, adpressed ; the
second, third and fourth longest, subequal. Caudal fin deeply furcate, with two carina? or
ridges on each side, embracing the spinous lateral plates of the tail ; its lobes scaly.

Colo?'. Deep golden green and blue above, which becomes more lustrous on the gill-covers -
Irides golden, mottled with brown. Sides lustrous yellow, with green reflections. A small
black spot on the edge of the opercles, which are tinged with orange ; this spot is occasionally
wanting. Dorsals brown, tinged with yellow, and translucent at their bases. Caudal fin
olive-brown at the base, yellow in the middle, and tipped with blackish brown. Pectorals
faint yellow. Ventrals and anal fin golden yellow.

Length, 8*5. Depth, 2.

Fin rays, D. 8.1.24; P. 20; V. 1.5; A. 2.1.20; C. 19 f.

This species may readily be distinguished from the preceding, by its more elongated form.
It is a very voracious animal ; for in the stomach of one, I found a fish more than half of its
own size. It occurs here in great abundance in September and October, and is much
esteemed. It is called Yellow Mackerel.

THE SPOTTED CARANX

Caranx punctatus.

PLATE LXXIII. FIG. 233.

The Hippos Mackerel. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. pi. 5, fig. 5.

Scomber hippos. Id. Am. Monthly Magazine, Vol. 2, p. 246.

Le Caranx ponctue, Caranx punctatus. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 38.

Characteristics. Cylindrical, with a single finlet behind the dorsal and anal fins. Anterior
portion of the lateral line punctate. Length 6-8 inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering. Scales large and deciduous on the back, small
and adherent on the head and neck. Teeth so minute as only to be distinguished by the
touch. Lateral line curved as in the preceding, with its posterior portion armed with about
forty wide and contiguous plates, with their points directed backwards ; the points becoming
more distinct towards the tail. Eyes large and silvery.

The first dorsal fin triangular, and of eight rays ; at a short interval beyond is the second
dorsal, of one spinous and thirty-one flexible rays. A finlet or spurious fin between this fin

FAMILY SCOMBRID.E BLEPHARIS. 123

and the base of the caudal. Pectorals one-sixth of the whole length, and with nineteen rays.
Anal fin long and low, with two spines before it. Caudal deeply forked.

Color. Greenish blue on the back ; yellowish along the lateral line, and on the caudal fin ;
silvery white on the throat, and belly whitish. A smutty oblong spot under each eye, and a
dark spot on the margin of the opercle. Dorsals brownish. About twelve black points along
the unarmed portion of the lateral line.

Length, 8'0-8. Depth, 2-0.
Fin rays, D. 10.7.21 + i; P. 19 ; V. 5 ; A. 2.9.25 + i ; C. 19, according to Mitchill.
D. 8.1.31 + i; P.—; V.1.5; A. 2.1 .27 + i ; C. — , according to Cuvier.

M. Cuvier supposes his C. punctatus to be identical with the fish figured by Mitchill under
the erroneous name of S. hippos. He declares the figure of Mitchill to be a perfect resem-
blance of his species. I have given a copy of this figure. If they are identical, we must
suppose great carelessness in the description given by Mitchill in his enumeration of the fin
rays. It has a range from the Caribbean sea to New-York.

GENUS BLEPHARIS. Cuvier.

Small and nearly concealed spines in advance of the dorsal fin. Anterior rays of the dorsal
and anal fin prolonged into very long filaments. Ventrals elongated. Body much com-
pressed, trenchant, iciih a rapidly declivous front.

THE HAIR-FINNED BLEPHARIS.

Blepharis crinitus.
PLATE XXV. FIG. 76.
Zais criyiitits, Hair-tinned Dory. Akerly, Am. Jour. Sc. &c. Vol. 11, p. 144, plate.

Characteristics. Body almost orbicular, not trapezoidal. Bluish above ; white beneath.
Length 5 to 6 inches.

Description. Body much compressed, acute on its edges, with a brilliant skin not covered
with scales. Lateral line unarmed, with a broad curve about the pectoral fins, and thence
straight to the tail. Eyes very large. Suborbital finely serrate. Teeth in both jaws,
minute and acute ; the lower jaw projecting. Dorsal fin with seven filamentous and eleven
bifid rays ; the first ray twelve inches long, the other six successively shorter, the bifid portion
low and subequal. Pectorals falciform, and composed of seventeen rays. Ventrals long
narrow and pointed. Anal fin with five filamentous rays, varying from 4 to 6 inches in length ;
the remaining eleven rays low, subequal. Caudal deeply furcate.

Color. Bluish above, shining white beneath.

Length, 5 "5. Depth, 3 "8.

Fin rays, D. 18 ; P. 17 ; V. — ; A. 16 ; C. — .

124 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

I have no doubt but that this species must be referred to the genus Blcpharis of Cuvier,,
the low spines before the dorsal and anal having escaped the attention of Dr. Akerly. It
appears closely allied to the B. sutor of Cuvier (Vol. 9, p. 161, pi. 253), but differs from it
in its outline and proportions. Its congeners are called Shoemakers (Cordonniers) among
the French colonists in the Antilles, in allusion to the filamentous rays, which are thought to
resemble wax-ends. This species must be rare on our coast, as the individual described
above, which was obtained from Long-Island sound, is the only one that has been observed.

GENUS ARGYREIOSUS. Lacepede, Cuvier.

Spines between the dorsals. Dorsal, ventral and anal rays filamentous. Body deep and
much compressed, as in the preceding genus.

THE ROSTRATED ARGYREIOSE.

Argyreiosus vomer.

PLATE LXV. FIG. 238.
Zrus vomer. Linneus.
Argyreiosus vomer. Lacepede.

Z. roslratus, Roslrated Dory. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 384, pi. 2, fig. 1.
L'Abacahiia, A. vomer. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 177, pi. 255.

Characteristics. One ray of the first dorsal elongated into a filament. The anterior rays of
the second dorsal elongated, but not filamentous. Length three to six
inches.

Description. Facial line oblique in front ; horizontal from the nape to the second dorsal fin.
Snout prominent, projecting. Mouth small ; lower jaw longest. Nostrils approximated, one
slightly above the other. Tail exceedingly slender. Skin satin-like, without scales. Lateral
line forming a semicircle in front.

First dorsal fin with three protuberances in front of it ; its first ray a short spine ; the next
elongated into a thread half the length of the body, and sometimes twice its length ; the
ensuing spines very short : the first four are connected by membrane ; then follow four free
spines. The second dorsal, with its first ray, very short and spinous ; the next long, reaching
to the middle of the caudal ; the remaining twenty-two decrease rapidly to the fifth, when
they become short and subequal. Pectorals long, falciform. Spine of the ventrals short ;
the other rays filamentous, and reaching to the middle of the anal fin. Between these and the
anal are two small separated spines. Anal resembles the second dorsal in shape, with one
simple and nineteen branched rays ; the first of the branched rays elongated. Caudal deeply
forked.

Color. Lustrous silvery. Dorsal and ventral filaments blackish.

FAMILY SCOMBRID.E ARGYREIOSUS. 125

Length, 3-0-6-0.

Fin rays, 1st D. 1.4.4; 2d D. 1.22; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 2.1.18; C. 17.

Cuvier has received the above species from New-York, and is positive that it is identical
with the Z. vomer of Linneus.

THE HAIR-FINNED ARGYEEIOSE.

Argyreioscs capillaris.
plate xxvii. fig. 82. —(state collection.)
Hair-finned Dory, Zeus capillaris. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 383, pi. 2, fig. 2.

Characteristics. The second and third rays of the first dorsal, and the anterior rays of the
second dorsal, filamentous. Length 4| inches.

Description. The vertical and longitudinal diameters nearly equal, and the oblique facial
line nearly parallel with the base of the anal, which gives a somewhat rhomboidal figure to
the outline of the fish. The surface is covered with a smooth lustrous skin, in which occur
granulations, more particularly towards the tail. Lateral line scaly, rising with an abrupt
irregular curve over the pectorals, and then proceeding straight to the tail. Nostrils double,
oblique, one above the other, and in a line with the pupil of the eye. Facial profile acute,
descending at an angle of 60°, until it arrives at a point vertical to the eye, when it proceeds
at an angle of about 15° to the first dorsal ; on this part are three rounded protuberances.
Lower jaw longest, ascending with a distinct chin, and with minute asperities on the lower
jaw. Upper jaw with similar asperities on its inner edge. Opercle smooth, and furnished
with a lustrous silvery membrane. Several branchial rays.

The first dorsal fin commences above the base of the pectorals, with a short spine closely
applied to the succeeding ray, which is produced into a black filament three inches long, the
third ray also ending in a filament an inch and a half long ; the last is simply spinous, and
about 0 ■ 2 long. Between this and the second dorsal are four low sharp recumbent spines,
concealed in a furrow, and not connected with the first dorsal fin. These spines are appa-
rently isolated, but are in fact connected with each other by a low membrane. At a short
interval, but unconnected with it, commences the second, or what might be termed a third
dorsal fin : first ray short, and spinous ; the second filamentous, two inches long, and bifid at
the tip ; the next filamentous, and one and a half inches long ; the succeeding one also fila-
mentous, and one inch in length ; the remainder branched, and counting from the seventh ray,
are subequal. Pectorals falciform ; the fifth ray longest, and reaching to the straight portion
of the lateral line. Ventrals extend to the fourteenth ray of the anal fin, with the vent imme-
diately behind them. Between the vent and the anal fin are two broad triangular spines.
The first ray of the anal short, spinous, with a tooth on its base directed forward. The first
two or three rays of the anal fin prolonged into filaments one and a half inches long ; the
remaining rays branched, subequal. Caudal deeply forked.

126 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Nearly uniform, lustrous, silvery. Back bright plumbeous, or slate color. Dorsal
and ventral filaments black ; those of the anal yellowish. Caudal light yellow, darker at
the base.

Length, 4-5. Depth, 2" 5.

Fin rays, D. 1.3.4.1.22; P. 18; V. 1.5; A. 2.1.19; C. 17 f.

In the Memoir on the fishes of New- York, by Dr. Mitchill, lie describes or figures four
species under the name of Zeus. One of them is only figured under the name of Spinous
Dory. As no description accompanied it, Cuvier, from an inspection of the figure alone,
supposes it to be closely allied to, if not identical with, his Trachinotus fuscus. I have
described it as the T. spinosus. The next Zeus, we arrange under Vomer ; the third is the
Argyreiosus vomer ; and the last is the A. capillaris, the one now described. Dr. Mitchill
evidently supposed this to be the fish described under that name by Bloch, which, however,
belongs to another genus. In speaking of the species now under consideration, Cuvier and
Valenciennes observe, " Nous n'oserions affirmer si ce deuxieme filament (de la premiere
" dorsale) lui donne un caractere specifique suffisant." We are disposed, however, from the
other characters detailed above, to consider it specifically distinct, although closely allied to
the preceding. As the same specific name is applied by Bloch and Mitchill, it might be
questioned whether the name given by the latter should not be changed ; and in a catalogue
which I drew up some years since, I had named it A. mitchilli. As theybelong, however,
to different genera, there appears to be no necessity for making the change. The practice of
naming species after individuals has led to so many abuses, that it is gradually becoming
relinquished among the best continental writers.

This beautiful and strangely shaped fish appears in our waters, but in very inconsiderable
numbers, about the latter end of August, when it is captured in gill-nets. I cannot, from
experience, say whether it is a very palatable article of food, but its congener is said to be
excellent.

FAMILY SCOMBMD.E. 12?

GENUS VOMER. Cuvier.

Body compressed as in the preceding. No filaments or prolongations of the fins. Profile
nearly vertical.

THE BLUNT-NOSED SHINER.

Vomer brownmi.

PLATE XXV. FIG. 78. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Zeus selapinnis, Bristly Dory. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 384, pi. 1, fig. 9.
Vomer de Brown, V. browmi. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 237.

Characteristics. Lustrous silvery. Ventrals very small. All the vertical rays short. Length
8 inches.

Description. Body strongly compressed. Tail small, cylindrical. Back carinate, hori-
zontal, abruptly descending above the eye, and forming a concave profile. Upper part of the
body above the lateral line, and a short distance beneath is destitute of scales. The sides
beneath with small orbicular scales, becoming larger on the tail. Lateral line abruptly curved
to a point opposite the ninth ray of the second dorsal, where it goes off straight. On the sides
of the tail, it is covered with slightly elevated plates. Eyes large, and nearly on a line with
the base of the pectoral fins. Nostrils double, oval, approximate, and near the edge of the
iorehead. Mouth slightly protractile ; lower jaw longest. Teeth to be felt only on the jaws,
and a narrow transverse rough band on the fore part of the vomer. Tongue pointed, black
at the tip, with a rough band on its centre. Branchial rays seven.

The first dorsal composed of short and apparently isolated rays, so deeply hidden in a
groove as to be scarcely visible. When elevated, there are found to be seven unequal spines,
connected together by a very thin membrane. The second dorsal commences above the third
ray of the anal ; the second and third longest ; the first short, spinous : it is coterminal with
the anal, and consists of one short spine and twenty-two branched rays. The pectoral fins
long, falciform, and composed of one short and spinous, and eighteen articulated rays ; the
fifth ray longest, and reaches to the thirteenth ray of the second dorsal. Ventrals beneath
the pectorals, not quite two-tenths of an inch long, and composed of one spinous and three
other rays. There are two concealed spines before the anal fin, but these I have occasionally
tound wanting. Anal fin with one spinous, and eighteen short subequal branched rays.
Caudal deeply forked. Air-bladder very large, with two horns behind. Stomach cylindrical,
with numerous caeca.

Color. The whole body of a lustrous silvery tint, passing into leaden on the back. Irides
yellow. Membrane of the second dorsal minutely punctate with black, tinged at its base
with light yellow. Pectorals olive-green, verging to dusky.

128 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Length, 8-0. Height, 3-5. Thickness, 0"75.

Fin rays, D. 7.1.23; P. 1.18; V. 1.3; A. 1.18; C. 16 f

This fish, so remarkable for its bizarre figure and lustrous tints, is more common on our
coast than any of the four preceding species. A native of the tropical seas, its geographical
range is so great as almost to entitle it to be considered a cosmopolite. It is found on both
sides of the Atlantic, and even in the Pacific on the coast of Peru. New- York is probably
the limit of its northern range on this side of the Atlantic. It is esteemed for food, and
appears in our waters in July and August. It is found occasionally one foot long.

GENUS SERIOLA. Cuvier and Valenciennes.

Lateral lines with scales, not larger than on the rest of the body. First dorsal Jin with a
continuous membrane. No finlets.

THE BANDED SERIOLE.
Seriola zonata.
plate ix. fig. 26.

Scomber zimatus, Banded Mackerel. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. p. 427, pi. 4, fig. 3.
La Seriole a ceintures, S. zonata. Cuv. et Val. Hist, ties Poiss. Voi. 9, p. 213.

Characteristics. Bluish green. Six broad vertical brownish bands over the body and tail.
Length seven to ten inches.

Description. Body fusiform, subcompressed. Back slightly carinate. Scales small, gra-
nular, with concentric stria;. Lateral line curved, not concurrent with the back, and forming
a distinct ridge on each side of the tail. Nostrils double, vertically oval, adjacent, and nearly
equidistant between the snout and the eyes. Numerous incurved card-like teeth in both
jaws ; in the upper jaw, a small edentate space in front. A longitudinal band of fine asperities
on the tongue ; an arrow-shaped patch of fine bristly teeth on the vomer, and similar teeth
on the palatines and pharyngeals.

The first dorsal fin spinous, subtriangular, lower than the second, and situated above the
ventrals ; the fourth ray longest, the last two scarcely appearing above the skin. The second
dorsal slightly excavated on its upper margin, with its third and fourth rays highest. Pecto-
rals short and broad, of nineteen rays. Ventrals long, large and stout, the tip extending
to the vent ; its posterior margin connected to the body by a delicate membrane. Anal
fin commences under the eighteenth ray of the second dorsal, and is coterminal with that
fin ; just anterior to the anal are two small distant spines, scarcely appearing above the skin.
Caudal deeply forked. Stomach a simple sac, with numerous ca3ca. Air-bladder large and
simple.

FAMILY SCOMBRID^E SERIOLA. 129

Color. Silvery blue on the back and sides, becoming of a faint greenish yellow (which
deepens after death) on the abdomen. Five and more, usually six, broad dusky bands nearly
surrounding the body and tail ; another oblique band on each side, ascending from the nose
through the eye to the first dorsal, and forming a sort of crescent in front. Summit of the
head dark blue, leaving a lighter colored space between the eyes. Irides yellowish. A round
black spot in the larger individuals, on the side of the body above the lateral line, and oppo-
site the foremost rays of the second dorsal. Both dorsal fins deep olive ; the tips of the first
four rays of the second dorsal edged with white, and the bases of the last rays of this fin
also white. Ventrals bright olive-green above ; beneath, the rays are white. Anal olive-
green, margined throughout with white ; the last rays white. The colors of this fish are
extremely fugacious, the belly and sides turning white a few minutes after death ; the bands
then extend over the dorsal and anal fins.

Length, 7' 5. Depth, 2"0.

Fin rays, D. 7.1.34; P. 19; V. 6; A. 1.20; C. 15 f.

I have not seen many of these fish, which are usually caught in August, September and
October. I have taken them by hook in Long Island sound, in company with the Big Porgee.
They are exceedingly active and lively in their motions, as might indeed be inferred from their
form. They are called Rudder-fish by the fishermen, who apply the same name to other
fishes. In the specimens four inches long, the anal spines require to be dissected to make
them appear. This fish, when fresh from the water, has a peculiar coppery smell.

(EXTRA LIMITAL.)

S. boscii. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 9, p. 209.) Silvery with brownish on the temples; faint strise on the
opercles. Thirty-one soft rays to the second dorsal. Length five and a half inches. South-
Carolina.

S.fasciata. (Id. Vol. 9, p. 211.) Sixteen narrow ribbons in pairs over the body; a black transversal
band from one eye to the other. Length 6i inches. South-Carolina.

S. leiarchus. (Id. Vol. 9, p. 213.) Silvery; plumbeous on the back. Three black spots on the
dorsal, and two on the anal. Length nine inches. Delaware. An juv. S. sonata ?

S. cosmopolita. (Id. Vol. 9. p. 219, and pi. 74, fig. 237 of this work.) Silvery; back greenish; a
black spot on the tail. Ventrals very small. D. 7.1.28; A. 2.1.27. From the East Indies
and New- York.

Fauna — Part 4. 17

130 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS TEMNODON.

Teeth on the outer row separate, flat, and lancet-shaped ; inner series crowded. Velvet-like
teeth on the vomer, palatines and tongue. The first dorsal fin in a furrow. Two short
concealed spines before the anal. Tail unarmed.

THE BLUE-FISH.

Temnodon saltator.
plate xxvi. fig. 81.

Gastcrostats sallatrix. Lin. 12 Ed. p. 421.

Pomatome skip. Lacepede, Vol. 4, p. 430.

Horse Mackerel, Scomber plumbeus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 424, pi. 4. fig. 1.

Le Temnodon sauteur, Temnodon saltator. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 225, pi. 260.

Blue-Jish, T. saltator. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 57.

Characteristics. Bluish above ; lighter on the sides and beneath. Length six to twelve inches.

Description. Body oblong, subcylindrical, compressed ; facial outline gently sloping.
Scales adherent, subquadrate, entire in some parts, faintly ciliate elsewhere ; extending over
the head, opercles, and high up on the fins. Lateral line nearly concurrent with the back.
Eyes large, one and a half diameters from the nose. Nostrils double, approximate ; the
anterior round, the posterior a vertical slit. Lower jaw longest, with from ten to twelve
lancet-shaped distant teeth on each side ; these teeth are minutely crenate on their edges.
The upper jaw slightly protractile, with from twenty-five to thirty similar shaped teeth ; and
behind these another series, in front of very small teeth. Card-like teeth on the palatines,
disposed in three groups ; one anterior and triangular, the two others oblong. Tongue
distinct, smooth, with a frenum ; on its base are two long parallel patches of recurved card-
like teeth. Opercle rounded, with two indistinct flat points ; interopercle ciliate. Behind
the symphisis of the chin, are two large cavities.

The first dorsal fin commences five and a half inches from the end of the nose, and is
composed of seven delicate flexible spinous rays, all capable of being received into a deep
fissure ; the eighth ray, noticed by Cuvier, has escaped my observation. At an interval of an
inch commences the second dorsal, which is high, and covered with a very thick membrane
on its anterior portion ; it is composed of one short and twenty-five longer rays. Pectorals
large, slightly anterior to the ventrals, with a scaly plate covering the outside of its base.
Ventrals with one short spinous, and five branched rays ; the membrane from the last ray
extends far back, and unites with that of the opposite side. The anal fin, in size, shape and
structure, resembles the second dorsal : it commences a little behind the origin of that fin,
and extends the same distance behind its termination. There are two very short spines,
concealed under the skin, before the first short spinous ray. Caudal deeply forked, with its
base and some of its rays covered with minute scales.

FAMILY SCOMBRIDiE TEMNODON. 131

Color. Of the head and upper part of the body, bluish, or rather plumbeous ; sides and
beneath with a mixture of light green. Irides brilliant yellow. Pectorals, second dorsal and
caudal fin, greenish brown. Ventrals and anal fin white, tinged with blue.

Length, 17-0. Depth, 4.

Fin rays, D. 7.1.25; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 1.27; C. 19 |.

The Blue-fish, or, as it is sometimes called, the Horse Mackerel, Green-fish in Virginia, and
Skip-jack in Carolina, is a common inhabitant of our waters from May until late in the
autumn. They are readily caught with a hook, baited with any bright-colored substance.
They are highly esteemed as food, but lose much of their flavor shortly after they are drawn
from the water. They are usually of the size indicated on the plate, though the specimen
which furnished the above description was much larger. I have seen them weighing twenty
pounds, and have been assured by credible persons that they have been taken of the weight of
thirty-five pounds.

The young, from four to six inches long, abound at the mouths of rivers and smaller streams ;
at that time, their whole aspect is uniform silvery, except on the summit of the back and
head, which in particular lights are bluish green ; they have, also, a light greenish spot inside
of the base of the pectoral. From the avidity with which they seize even an unbaited hook,
they have received at that age the name of Snapping Mackerel. Like many others of this
family, they are exceedingly erratic, and occasionally appear upon the coast of New- York in
great numbers. Such was the case in the summer of 1841, when they abounded in all the
harbors, creeks and inlets, and ascended up the Hudson river as far as the Highlands, where
many of the young were captured.

The appearance and disappearance of the Blue-fish at irregular intervals on our coast, ap-
pears to be a well established fact. Previous to the year 1764, "a large fat fish, called the
" Blue-fish, twenty of which would fill a barrel," had been " taken in great quantities on the
" coast of Massachusetts. In the year above mentioned, they all disappeared ; and up to
" the year 1792, they had not again made their appearance." This is the substance of a
statement in the Massachusetts Historical Collections, cited by Dr. Storer. A few stragglers
were noticed on the same coast about the year 1820 ; but ten years later, had greatly increased,
and are now very numerous. On the coast of New-York, similar facts have been observed,
but our records are not so definite nor minute. They were unknown upon our coast until
about the year 1810, when a few appeared. In 1817, Dr. Mitchill speaks of them as being
numerous about the wharves of the city ; but it was not until 1825, that they became so nu-
merous and sizable as to be an object of attention to anglers and fishermen. With the gradual
appearance of this fish, was the equally gradual disappearance of the Weak-fish, which we
have before noticed. It has been questioned whether " the blue-fish," on the coast of Massa-
chusetts, cited above, was identical with our Temnodon. Either the barrels previous to
1764 were much smaller than at the present day, or the fish then were of a larger average
size than we find them now ; or some other species, which is no longer found on our coast,

132 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

must have been intended. Old fishermen assure me that previous to the arrival of the Blue-
fish on our coast, there were great numbers of a fish very different in appearance, much larger,
exceedingly voracious, and from his general color also called the Blue-fish. None of these,
they say, are now seen on the coast. Schoepff, who wrote a memoir on the fishes of North
America, and more especially of the New-York waters, in 1788, states (p. 166), "The Blue-
" fish of Rhode Island belongs to the genus of Perches, if indeed it is not in reality the above
" described Black-fish." This above described fish is our Sea Bass, or Centropristes nigri-
cans, which, it will be, recollected, is also called Blue-fish.

Cuvier, with his usual sagacity, has disentangled the synonimes of this fish ; but as it
would have little interest to the American ichthyologist, it would be needless to repeat it here.
It may, however, be observed, that the first figure and description was given by Catesby, and
are equally insignificant.

The Blue-fish has a very extensive geographic range, having been found on the coasts of
Brazil, of New-Holland, Madagascar, Amboyna, and in the Mediterranean along the coast
of Egypt. On this side of the Atlantic, they range from Brazil to Cape Cod on the coast of
Massachusetts.

GENUS CORYPH^NA. Cuvier.

Head compressed, trenchant ; its profile elliptical or rounded. Eyes near the angle of the
mouth. Ventrcds thoracic. Scales small. Dorsal fin single, commencing at the nape,
where it is usually most elevated, and extending along the back nearly to the tail.

Obs. This genus, first established by Linneus, but subsequently remodelled and restricted
by Cuvier, comprises about thirteen species, all closely resembling each other. They are all
distinguished by the brilliancy of their color, and the varying hues which they assume while
dying. They are called the Sailor's Dolphin, to distinguish them from a species of Dclphi-
nus or Porpoise which is also called Dolphin, and which is, for the sake of distinction, called
the Dolphin of the ancients, being the dolphin alluded to by the ancient poets.

THE BOTTLE-HEADED DOLPHIN.

CORYPH.ENA GLOBICEPS.
PLATE X. FIG. 29.
Common Coryphcne, C. hippuris. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Trans. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 378.

Characteristics. Head prominent, rounded, and much compressed above. Length of the
lobes of the caudal to the whole length, as 1 to 4 "8. Length forty-two
inches.

Description. Body compressed, lamelliform, elongated. Height of the body at the pec-
torals to its total length, as 1 to 4 • 8 ; at the tail, as 1 to 20. Length of the head one sixth

FAMILY SCOMBRID^E CORYPH^NA. 133

of the total length. Height of the head at the nape to its length, as 9 to 7. The upper part
of the head strongly compressed, trenchant, and becoming wider at the extremity of the
upper jaw. The facial line ascends in front almost vertically, being slightly concave above
the jaw for the distance of about two inches. Scales deeply imbedded on the body and pre-
opercle, and extend high up on the caudal fin : they have the same form and variety of con-
figuration as in the Lampugus hereafter described, and differ from them only in being much
larger ; those on the base of the tail are, however, much larger in this species. The lateral
line commences as usual, first slightly descending, almost immediately ascending, and forming
a small curve above the pectorals, and then proceeds in a slightly wavering line through the
centre of the body to the tail. Nostrils double, contiguous ; the posterior largest, and both
above the superior margin of the orbit ; they are rather nearer to the jaw, than to a point ver
tical to the centre of the eye. Eyes large; diameter of the orbit, 1-2; its lower margin
distant 3" 5 from the gill rays beneath, and 4' 5 from the crest of the nape. Lower jaw
slightly advanced, and both furnished with small conic recurved teeth arranged in cards ; on
the anterior part of the jaw, the external series largest ; similar teeth on the vomer, palatines
and tongue.

The dorsal fin commences directly over the eye ; the first four rays are short ; the seventh
and eighth longest, and rather more than half the depth of the body at the pectorals, or to be
more exact, the highest ray is 5 • 5 long ; from this ray, it diminishes almost imperceptibly to
the tail. The whole length of this fin is 28 -0, and it comprises sixty-three rays. The anal
fin commences under the fortieth dorsal ray ; the two first rays are short, the third and fourth
longest : this fin terminates a short distance beyond the end of the dorsal, and contains
twenty-nine rays, the highest of which are two and a half inches long. Pectoral fins small,
acute, falciform, with twenty-one rays, the longest of which is five and a half inches long.
Ventral fins similar to the last in shape and size, with a connecting membrane at the base,
attached to the whole length of the last ray : this fin is situated behind the pectorals, with
very much flattened and robust rays. Caudal fin deeply forked, and composed of nineteen
complete rays, and six or seven accessories on each side ; its longest rays exceed nine inches,
and the margin terminates in filaments like baleen or whalebone.

Color. I have little to say in regard to the color of this species. It has been described to
me as similar to the appearance exhibited in the figure.

Length, 45 '0. Depth at the pectorals, 9"0.
Fin rays, D. 63 ; P. 21 ; V. 7 ; A. 29 ; C. 19 f

This beautiful species was captured off the harbor of New-York, and presented to the
Lyceum of Natural History in 182-. It was treated by Dr. Mitchill as the C. hippuris, noticed
in his memoir on the fishes of New- York. It is obviously distinct from the hippuris, but
bears a general resemblance to the S. sueri of Cuvier and Valenciennes. The slight indica-
tions given by the authors of that species are, however, insufficient to establish their identity.
The proportional height and length of the dorsal leads me to suppose that they are specifically

134 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

distinct. In many respects, our specimen agrees with C. equisetis, but the figure (pi.
267), exhibits a different species. Under these circumstances, I shall, until another oppor-
tunity presents itself of examining a more recent specimen, consider it as hitherto undescribed.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. sueri. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 9, p. 302.) Height of the anterior rays of the dorsal to its length,
as one to seven and a half. Dorsal fin with sixty-four, and anal with twenty-six rays. Length
three feet. Coast of the United States.

GENUS LAMPUGUS. Cuvier.

Head not terminating in a rounded crest above. Dorsal subequal throughout its length, not
elevated, in front.

Obs. This genus was first clearly indicated by Cuvier, from Coryphcena, with which it is
otherwise closely allied.

THE SPOTTED LAMPUGUS.

Lampugus punctdlatcs.
plate xi. fig. 31. — (cabinet of the lyceum.)

Le Lampuge ponctue, L. punctulatus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 327.

Characteristics. The last ten or twelve rays of the dorsal somewhat elevated. A series of
rounded distant blackish dots along the base of the dorsal ; others irregu-
larly distributed on the sides. Length two feet.

Description. Body elongate, compressed. Length of the head rather less than one-eighth
of the total length. Height of the body at the pectorals one-eighth, and at the base of the
caudal one-twentieth of the total length. Its facial outline slightly and equally curved from
the origin of the dorsal to the point of the upper jaw. Scales small, oblong, deeply imbedded ;
largest at the posterior end, and gradually attenuated at their radical margin (see figure). The
free extremity rounded, with deeply impressed concentric stria?. Lateral line waving irregu-
larly above the pectorals, thence straight. Several series of long acute spicular scales along
the anterior part of the dorsal fin (see fig.) ; these scales have concentric impressions on their
posterior extremities, and are 0-25 long, with their greatest diameter 0-04. Eyes large ; the
orbits 0 " 7 in diameter, and rather more than their diameters distant from the point of the
jaw. Nostrils double, adjacent ; the posterior largest, with a valvular membrane on its ante-
rior margin ; a similar membrane on the hinder part of the anterior nostril. Jaws nearly
equal, with numerous acute minute recurved teeth in broad patches ; the external row largest.

FAMILY SCOMBRID^E LAMPUGUS. 135

Similar but smaller ones on the vomer and palatines, and exceedingly minute ones on the
tongue. Seven branchial rays.

The dorsal fin long and subequal, composed of fifty-three rays, the posterior third in a slight
furrow. It commences on the nape, just posterior to the orbits, and reaches to within half an
inch of the base of the caudal fin ; the ten or twelve last rays rise somewhat higher than the
five or six preceding ones, and pass slightly beyond the membrane. The membranous slips
on the tips of the rays, when the fin is supine, resemble the finlets or spurious fins on the
mackerel. The pectoral fins small, triangular, falcate, and placed beneath the ninth dorsal
ray ; its longest ray is two inches in length. The ventral fins are long and pointed, with the
third and longest ray two and a half inches. The anal fin long and low, subequal, its middle
rays shorter ; it commences below a point nearly equidistant between the posterior margin of
the orbits, and the base of the caudal : it contains twenty-five rays. Caudal fin deeply fur-
cate ; the lobes three and a half inches long, with four accessory rays on each side.

Color. Sea-green above the lateral line ; silvery on the sides, with metallic reflections on
the opercles. Pupil black ; irides yellowish. Dark reddish brown stripes across the head ; a
series of distant rounded spots along the base of the dorsal fin ; a few scattering ones on the
back part of the head, and confused series of similar spots on the sides below the lateral line.
Dorsal, pectorals and ventral brown ; anal and caudal fins light-colored.

Length, 24 '0. Of the head, 3*2. Height, 3"0.
Fin rays, D. 53 ; P. 20 ; V. 5 ; A. 25 ; C. 18 £.

This rare and exceedingly beautiful fish was taken several years since by Capt. Barnard,
who caught it with a hook, at the light-ship off the harbor of New-York. It was presented
to the Lyceum in a fresh state. From notes taken at the time, I am enabled to give the colors.
I suppose it to be identical with the punctulatus of Cuvier and Valenciennes, notwithstanding
slight discrepancies in the descriptions. Those writers had only a small cabinet specimen,
thirteen or fourteen inches long, and their description is very succinct.

The Spotted Lampugus is a tropical species, and its farthest northern range hitherto dis-
covered is the latitude of New-York.

136 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS RHOMBUS. Lacepede.

Head and body compressed. Body covered ivith minute scales. A small trenchant and
pointed blade before the vent; a horizontal partially concealed spine before the dorsal and
anal fins.

Obs. This genus had been named Peprilus by Cuvier in the second edition of his Regne
Animal ; the prior name of Rhombus, given to it by Lacepede, having escaped his notice.
This compels us to change the name of Rhombus among the Pleuronectidae. It contains five
species, all from the shores of America.

THE LONG-FINNED HARVEST-FISH.

Rhombus longipinnis.

PLATE LXXV. FIG. 239.
Chctodon alepidotus. Lin. Syst. Nat.

Harvest-foh, Stromateus longipinnis. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol.1, p. 366.
Peprilus alepidotus. Cuvier, Regne Animal, 2d Edition.
Rhombus longipinnis, Le Rhombe a longue nageoires. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 401, pi. 274.

Characteristics. Anterior rays of the dorsal and anal fins more than half the length of their
respective bases. Length seven inches.

Description. Form oval. Head and body much compressed ; the facial line descends with
a curve, which becomes slightly concave above the eyes ; just anterior to the eyes, it sud-
denly descends, producing a blunt snout. Eyes large, nearer to the snout than to the margin
of the opercle. Nostrils double, adjacent ; the anterior small and round, the posterior verti-
cally oval. Mouth small ; the lower jaw, when extended, longest, but shuts within the
upper. Scales small, round, and little apparent, particularly on the fins, where they are
scarcely discernible ; they are wanting on the opercles and the head. Lateral line with large
scales ; it rises with a broad curve, but is not concurrent with the back. Linneus, who had
received this fish from Garden of South Carolina, not perceiving the scales, gave it the false
name of alepidotus. On each jaw, a row of very small slender pointed teeth. Lower edge
of the opercle concave. Branchial rays seven.

The dorsal fin commences posterior to the branchial aperture ; the first three rays are
spinous, the anterior very short, 1 hence successively increasing to the ninth, when they again
rapidly diminish to the eighteenth, after which they are short and subequal : a short spine or
blade recumbent in front of this fin. Pectorals long and pointed, with twenty-three rays.
The vent is placed between two spines, one directed backward, and the other a broad blade
with its point directed forward in front of the anal fin ; this latter fin resembles the dorsal in
size and shape. Caudal deeply forked.

Color. " Silvery, with tints of blue, green, and iridescent ; dusky on the head ; and with
" inky patches on the belly towards the tail, which in certain lights appear beautifully red
" and purple : back bluish, with occasional clouds." Mitchill.

FAMILY SCOMBRLOE — RHOMBUS. 137

Length, 7"0.

Fin rays, D. 3.44 ; P. 23 ; A. 4.43 ; C. 19 f.

I have had several of these fish in my possession, but their color had vanished, and I
accordingly employ the description of Mitchill. It is not as common as the succeeding, but
is equally esteemed for eating. On a drawing of this species, belonging to my friend Dr.
Holbrook, I find that it is named Rudder-fish at Charleston. As the name given by Linneus
conveyed an erroneous idea, Cuvier has deemed it proper to adopt the more appropriate name
given to it by Dr. Mitchill.

Its present ascertained geographical range is from South- Carolina to the coast of New-
York.

THE SHORT-FINNED HARVEST-FISH.

Rhombus triacanthtjs.

PLATE XXVI. FIG. 80.

Stromaleus Iriacanthus. Peck, Mem. Am. Acad. Vol. 2, part 2, p. 48, pi. 2, fig. 2.

5. cryptosus. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 3.

Cryptous Broad-shiner, S. id. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. I, p. 365, pi. 1, fig. 3.

Peprilus id. Coviek, Regne animal, 2d edition.

Le Rhombe a fosseltes, R. cryptosus. Cnv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 9, p. 408.

Three-spined Peprilus, P. triacanthus. Stoker, Mass. Report, p. 60.

Characteristics. More elongated than the preceding ; its anterior dorsal and anal rays slightly
elevated. Length seven to nine inches.

Description. Body elliptical, much compressed ; its height one-half of its length nearly.
Dorsal outline forming the curve of a larger circle than in the preceding, and, like that, suddenly
descending before the eyes, producing a somewhat truncated snout. Scales small, orbicular,
caducous. The lateral line scaly, nearly concurrent with the back. Beside this, there is a
slight depressed line not furnished with scales, proceeding from the origin of the lateral line
straight through the centre of the tail ; and a third similar line originating under the base of
the pectorals, running nearly concurrent with the abdominal outline, and also terminating on
the side of the tail : this last may be considered as the counterpart of the lateral line, but
curved in an opposite direction. They are less obvious after death. Along the back, on each
side of the base of the dorsal fin, is a series of round holes, the orifices of mucous ducts.
From fifteen to twenty may be counted in front, but they become gradually effaced behind.
They have each a slight furrow or depressed line running up to the base of the dorsal fin, and
parallel with each other. Eyes large. Nostrils double ; the posterior a vertical slit. A
single series of minute crowded teeth in both jaws. Fine crowded teeth on the pharyngeals.
Tongue large, spotted, smooth, free. In the oesophagus, which is dilated, and surrounded
by two muscles of considerable size which are separated from each other, the interior is
covered by long irregular bony processes, disposed in rounded patches, and opposed to each

Fauna — Part 4. 18

138 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

other. This peculiarity of structure occurs in both genera of Stromateus and Rhombus, and
has been described as the stomach. Vertebra thirty-one.

The dorsal fin has three spinous and forty-five rays, of which the six first are longest, the
posterior branched ; before the dorsal is a recumbent spine, directed forward. Pectorals long
and pointed. Anterior to this fin, is a broad acutely tipped movable spine ; and before this,
a broad axe-shaped moveable plate or spine (see figure), occupying the place of the ventrals.
Caudal fin deeply forked.

Color. Brilliant metallic green, blue and golden. Deep blue on the back, which in the
living specimen is obscurely mottled. Head and opercle golden green ; belly and anal, in
certain lights, giving a glistening pinkish hue. Irides bluish and white.

Length, 3-0-9-0.

Fin rays, D. 3.45; P. 19; A. 3.42; C. 19 f.

This fish is equally remarkable for the splendor of its coloring, and its excellence as an
article of food ; although many fishermen consider them unfit for eating, on account of the
unpleasant odor which they emit when opened. They are believed to feed chiefly on marine
plants. I found the oesophagus, in many which I opened, filled with pebbles about the size
of a pin's head. When taken out of the water at night, I am told that they emit vivid phos-
phoric flashes. It has been conjectured, though upon very insufficient grounds, that this is
the male of the preceding species.

Their known geographic range is at present limited. Peck described them on the coast of
New-Hampshire, and Dr. Storer speaks of them as being so abundant at Cape Cod as to be
used as manure. How far south of New-York they have been seen, I have no means of
ascertaining ; but it probably extends far to the southward, as its congener the longipinnis,
with which it appears to be constantly associated, is extremely common on the coast of the
Carolinas. This species appears with us about the first of July, and I have obtained them
from fike-nets in the harbor of New-York as late as the twelfth of October.

{EXTRA-L1MITAL. )

Genus Pteraclis, Cuv. et Val. Dorsal and anal fins each more than twice the height of the body,
and extending from before the eyes to the caudal fin. Body elongated, compressed, and with
large scales.

P. carolinus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 9, p. 368.) Silvery, with bluish reflections. Fourth dorsal ray
longest. D. 52 ; A. 44. Length four inches. Seacoasl of Carolina.

In concluding the history of this family, we have to notice a statement made by the author
of a popular essay on the fishes of Massachusetts, in which he notices the common Dory of
Europe, the Zeus fab er, Lin., to have been detected in Boston bay. We are not aware that
this fact is confirmed by the observations of any American naturalist.

The tenth family of T.enioid.e, or CEfoLiD.E, has no representative on the coast of New-
York.

FAMILY TEUTHIDjE ACANTHURUS. 139

FAMILY XL TEUTEIDM.

Body compressed, ovate, oblong. Mouth small, not protractile. Teeth often dentatrd, and
disposed in a single row in both jaws. Palate and tongue smooth. A single dorsal,
usually long.

Obs. This family, which is peculiar to the warmer regions of the ocean, has been esta-
blished upon a few genera, which, at the end of the last century, did not comprise more than
eight or ten species. In the great work of Cuvier and Valenciennes, now in course of publi-
cation, one hundred species are enumerated. It is allied to the family Scombridae, and might
be considered as a group subordinate to that family. The species appear to be chiefly her-
bivorous. I am not aware that we have more than one representative of this family on the
coast of New-York, although farther south we shall undoubtedly find many others.

GENUS ACANTHURUS. Cuvier and Valenciennes.

Teeth cutting and serrated. A movable spine on the side of the tail. Head deep, com-
pressed. Eyes placed high up on the head. The skin thick, and usually covered with
small scales.

THE SURGEON.

ACANTHDRUa PHLEB0T0MU8.

PLATE LXXIII. FIG. 234.

Barbero. Parea, Desc. de diff. &c. p. 45, pi. 21, fig. 2.
L'Acanthure saignaiT. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 10, p. 176.

Characteristics. Opercles deeply striated ; the scapular also striated. Bluish brown. Tail
nearly even. Length 6- 12 inches.

Description. Body elliptical and compressed. Front nearly regularly curved to the snout.
Mouth very small. The opercles with radiating stria?, and the scapular equally so with the
humeral bone. Nostrils double, approximated, and the small posterior one very near the
orbit. Scales small, rounded, extending over all the body and head, except on the opercular
bones. Lateral line concurrent with, and near the dorsal outline. On each side of the tail
is a strong, acute, compressed, lancet-shaped spine, narrowed at the base. This lies in a
furrow, but can be elevated forwards at an angle of 45°, and become a powerful weapon.
Teeth not covered by the lips, wide, compressed, serrated on their edges ; from twelve to
fourteen above, and about twenty below. Branchial rays five.

The dorsal fin compound, extending from above the branchial aperture nearly to the tail,
and nearly subequal throughout ; the first spinous ray very short. Caudal fin very slightly
excavated, nearly even.

140 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Bluish brown. Pectorals partly yellow. In some specimens, there appear to be
bands on the flanks.

Length, 3-0-12-0.

Fin rays, D. 9.24; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 3.23; C. 16.

The above is a brief account of a species which is very common in the Caribbean sea, and
a specimen of which Cuvier received from New- York. According to Parra, it is eaten.
Through inadvertence, Richardson cites the A. hepatus among the fishes of New-York {Faun.
Vol. 3, p. 86). Schoepff merely states that he saw this species at the Bahamas ; but as he
refers to Catesby, we are enabled to know that he intended the Acanihurus coeruleus, which
occurs on the coast of Carolina ; the hepatus, on the other hand, is only found in the waters
of the East Indies. Our species is very rare, and can only be considered as a casual visitor.
I am indebted to Cuvier for the description and figure.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. cmruleus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 10, p. 179.) Bright blue throughout. Dorsal and anal streaked
alternately with fight and dark blue. Length four to eight inches. Seacoast of South-Carolina,
Florida.

FAMILY ATHERINID.E — ATHERINA. 141

FAMILY XII. ATHERINIDJ2.

Mouth protractile ; no notch on the tipper jaw, nor tubercle on the lower. Suborbital not
dentated. A broad silvery band on the side. Very small crowded teeth on the ■pharyn-
geals. The first branchial arch with long pectinations. Two dorsal fins, most commonly
distant. Ventrals behind the pectorals.

Obs. This family was founded by Cuvier on the genus Atherina of Linneus, and is so
closely associated with the Mugilidce, that many ichthyologists still arrange them under that
family. By others they are also placed under that family, but form a distinct section or tribe.
In common with the Mugilidce, they have two dorsals, but these are not always distant ; their
ventrals are usually much farther behind ; nor have they the pharyngeal apparatus, nor the
gizzard of that family. They have six branchial rays. The Atherinidae as yet are all in-
cluded under one genus, but it is susceptible of several subdivisions. Some years since, I
arranged, from the suggestions of Cuvier, under the genus Argyrea, several of our American
species with the following characters : Vomer and palatines smooth and perfectly edentate ;
maxillaries at their lower ends terminating in a point, etc. It requires, however, a careful
examination and rigorous comparison of all the species, such as was not within my reach, to
establish a genus which should be beyond the reach of cavil. The species of this family on
the North American coast, are uniformly small. On the shores of South America, some
species exist nearly two feet long.

GENUS ATHERINA. Linneus.

Body elongated, cylindrical, with large scales. The other characters included in those of
the family.

THE DOTTED SILVERSIDE.

Atherina notata.

PLATE XXVIII. FIG. 88.

Atherina menidia. Lacepede, Vol.5, p. 376, (excl. synon.)

The Small Silverside, A. notata. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 446, pi. 4, fig. 6.

VAtherine de Bosc, A. boscii. Cuv. ct VaL. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 10, p. 465.

The Small SilveTside, A. id. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 62.

Characteristics. Depth one-sixth of its length. Black points at the base of the anal rays.
Dorsals contiguous ; the second coterminal with the anal. Length three
to four inches.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, subcompressed. Scales large, rounded ; mar-
gins smooth, with concentric impressions. Lateral line straight. Head moderate, somewhat
flattened above, and one-fifth of the total length. Eyes rather large, 0*2 in diameter. Jaws

142 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

very protractile ; the lower somewhat longer ; both armed with a single series of hooked
teeth, those in front largest.

Dorsal fins two ; the first triangular, with five simple rigid rays, gradually decreasing in
size from the anterior ray : its position is above the vent. The second dorsal arises 0'2 be-
hind the first, is composed of one spinous and nine articulated rays, with its upper margin
slightly excavated. The pectorals long and pointed ; placed high up, and extending nearly
to the base of the ventral rays. Ventrals short and feeble, composed of one simple and five
articulated rays. Anal fin long, with its anterior rays longest, and a broadly concave margin.
Caudal fin deeply emarginate, with nineteen rays.

Color. A broad silvery band arises from the branchial aperture, and extends straight to the
tail. Gill-covers and eyes silvery. Jaws margined with dusky. Body, above the broad
longitudinal stripe, of a translucent sea-green color. Under the lens, each scale is marked
by a convex series of dark points. A dark rounded spot at the base of each anal ray.

Length, 3 '5. Of the head, 0-7. Depth, 0"6.
Fin rays, D. 5.1.9; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 1.25; C. 19.

This is a common species in the harbor of New-York, but they do not appear to be as
numerous now as they were twenty years ago, when they were caught from the wharves and
sold for bait. They are known under the names of Anchovies and Sand Smelts. They are
esteemed a savory food. Their present ascertained geographical range extends from South-
Carolina to Cape Cod in Massachusetts. We are at a loss to know why Cuvier and Valen-
ciennes changed the prior and appropriate name given to this species by Dr. Mitchill.

THE SLENDER SILVERSIDE.

Atherina menidia.

PLATE LXXIV. FIG. 236.

Atherina menidia. Linn. Syst. Nat. Ed. 12mo. p. 519, (excl. syn.)

A. menidia. Peck, Massachusetts Hist. Collections, Vol. 5? p. 202.

Green-striped Silverside, A. viridescens. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 447. (Young and imperfect?)

Characteristics. Body long and slender. Dorsals distant ; the second dorsal nearly over the
middle of the anal. Length five inches.

Description. Height to its length, as one to seven. Length of the head to the total length,
as one to five and a half. Summit of the head smooth and convex. The gape of the mouth
extends but half of the interval between the eye and the end of the snout. Its small teeth
are very evident. The pectorals to the total length are as one to seven. Anal fin two and a
half times longer than the second dorsal, which is placed nearly opposite its middle portion.
The longitudinal band has a bluish border above. The black points on the edge of the scales
are very small, so that the fish is light-colored. This species has two ovaries. Air-bladder
simple. Vertebrae forty-four. Branchial rays six.

FAMILY ATHERINIOE ATHERINA. 143

Length five inches.

Fin rays, D. 5.1.9; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 1.25; C. 19.

I am unacquainted with this species, and insert it on the authority of Cuvier and Valen-
ciennes, who received it from New- York. For the figure, I have been indebted to Dr. Hol-
brook. It appears to be widely different from the preceding, by the distance of the dorsals
apart ; by the position of the second dorsal, which is far from being coterminal with the anal ;
by the more deeply excavated or crescent-shaped caudal, and by other particulars cited
above.

I make a reference to Peck with much doubt. " This little fish," he says, " is called by
" Linneus, Atherina menidia, pinna ani radiis 24. It is four inches long, is semitransparent,
" and has a broad silvery line extending from the opening of the gills to the insertion of the
" tail. The tail is forked ; the iris silvery ; the back is marked in diamonds by dotted lines.
" It is found in great numbers in the river Piscataqua, in the months of August and Septem-
" ber. It feeds on minute aquatic insects of the monoculus kind, and is preyed upon by
" various fishes as well as by shelldrakes."

The Green Silverside, Atherina viridescens of Mitchill, is evidently to me a young and
mutilated specimen of this species. With regard to the Atherina mordax, or large Silverside
of the same author, there is more difficulty. From its dental armature and adipose dorsal,
it cannot be arranged in this family. In his Report in part, he states that " it may be A.
" brownii; if it be so considered, we shall know it better for the future." I am not acquainted
with the species here referred to, but have no doubt that the mordax is the true Osmerus of
the family Salmonidaj. I am disposed to believe that my late venerable friend has, by mis-
take, applied the description of Osmerus eperlanus to this species.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. Carolina. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 10, p. 445.) Snout pointed. Height to its total length, as one to
six and three-quarters. D. 8.1. 12; A. 1 . 16. Length four inches. South-Carolina.

144 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

FAMILY XIII. MUGILIDM.

Opercle entire. Body covered with large scales, extending over the head, where they some-
times become polygonal plates. Two dorsals widely separate. Ventrals placed behind
the pectorals. No cirrus to the lower jaw. Teeth, when present, very minute.

Obs. This family was established by Cuvier, on the genus Mugil of Linneus, which in his
time contained two species, and those badly determined, and now comprises about sixty
species arranged under five genera. They chiefly inhabit the seas of the temperate and torrid
zones. The representatives of but one genus only occurs on the coast of New- York.

GENUS MUGIL. Cuvier.

Ventrals placed a short distance behind the pectoral fins. The first dorsal fin with four spi-
nous rays. The middle of the under jaw tuberculated within, and a corresponding cavity
in the upper jaw . Teeth very small.

Obs. The American species so closely resemble each other, that according to M. Valen-
ciennes, it is almost impossible by words alone to express their characteristic difference. It
is only by having all the species side by side, that the various proportions of the head to the
body, the position of the eye in relation to the snout, and slight shades of difference in the
curves of the opercular pieces, render them distinguishable from each other.

THE STRIPED MULLET.

MuGIL LINE4TUS.

PLATE XV. FIG. 42. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Mugil Uneatus. Mitchill, MSS. communication to Cuvier.

Le Muge raye, M. Uneatus. Ccv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 96.

Characteristics. Lower jaw equaling or exceeding the upper in length. Ten or twelve dark
longitudinal stripes. Dorsal outline convex. Length six to eight inches.

Description. Body cylindrical ; dorsal outline nearly as convex as that of the abdomen.
Scales large, easily detached, rounded, truncate in front, with a triangular area at that part,
marked by numerous parallel raised lines, the exposed portion rounded with concentric lines ;
the scales extend over the opercles, the head (where they are completely rounded) to the extre-
mity of the snout, and some distance up the caudal rays. I could not trace the lateral line.
Head smaller than in most of the species, being 1 .5 in length measured to the upper part of
the opercle ; it is flat above, and declivous. Eyes large, with a thick membranous skin.
Nostrils double, distant and small ; the anterior smallest and rounded. Suborbital obtusely
truncated, finely denticulated on its anterior margin and at the end. Mouth protractile, with

FAMILY MUGILIDJ2 MUGIL. 145

numerous minute acute bristly recurved teeth, loosely inserted in the gums. Lower jaw
slightly pointed, with an elevated ridge over the symphisis, which is received into a cor-
responding cavity in the upper jaw. A transverse membranous fold on the upper jaw.
Palatines with asperities in front. Tongue free, triangular, ridged in the middle.

The anterior dorsal fin commences at the distance of 3- 1 from the end of the snout, and
is placed in a slight depression, with an elongated scale on each side of the base ; it contains
four spinous rays, of which the first is longest, the last slender and delicate. The second
dorsal fin larger, subquadrate, and excavated on the posterior part of its margin ; composed
of eight branched rays, the last longer than the three preceding. Ventral fins with axillary
plates, and with a robust spinous ray equaling in length the last branched ray ; these fins are
placed under a point equidistant between the base of the pectorals and the first dorsal. Pec-
toral fins with sixteen articulated rays ; the first simple, the remainder branched. Anal fin
beneath the second dorsal, with three spinous and eight branched rays ; the first spinous ray
very short ; the first and second branched rays longest, the sixth shortest, the fifth and eighth
subequal. Caudal fin deeply emarginate.

Colo?: Purplish brown above ; lighter on the sides, with ten to twelve dark brown longi-
tudinal stripes on the sides of the body ; these disappear soon after death. Head with
greenish metallic reflections ; sides of the head yellowish. Pupils black ; irides yellowish
or soiled white. A dark bluish or purplish spot at the base of the pectoral fins. Abdomen
pearl-grey.

Length, 7' 5.

Fin rays, D. 4.8; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.8; C. 12 f.

This Mullet was first detected on our coast by Dr. Mitchill, who sent a specimen, with the
name and a description, many years ago. They appear in our markets in the beginning of
September, and are highly esteemed. The fishermen believe them to be identical with the
preceding. I have seen specimens three inches long, which I suppose to be the young of this
species. In these the dorsal outline is nearly straight, and the abdomen cultrate. This pro-
duces such a strongly marked variation from the original form, that if considered by itself, it
might readily be taken for an undescribed species.

Its geographic limits are unknown. It is probably common along our whole southern coast,
and New-York is probably its farthest northern range.

Fauna — Part 4. 19

146 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE WHITE MULLET.

MUGIL ALBULA.

Sfugil albula. Lin. Syst. Nat. EJ. 12raa, p. 520.

M. id., New-York Mullet. Mitch. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 447.

Lc Muge blanquette, M. id. Co v. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 94.

Characteristics. General hue whitish. Caudal with a blackish border. Lips finely pecti-
nated. Length nine inches.

Description. Body almost cylindrical, tapering. Head moderate. Eyes covered with a
thick membranous skin. Scales on the head and body large and rounded. Forty-two were
counted in a line from the branchial aperture to the base of the caudal fin. A series of small
scales on the snout, between the anterior nostrils. Lateral line indistinct or wanting. Scaly
plates at the base of the pectorals and ventrals ; small scales on the pectoral, ventral and caudal
fins, those on the latter fin ascending high up. Mouth protractile. Lips thin, finely pectinated,
with membranous slips. Jaws nearly even ; the lower with a distinct prominence in the
centre, within, and received into a corresponding depression in the upper jaw. Tongue
ridged along the medial line, smooth, covered with large papilla, as are the pharyngeals,
but with no vestige of teeth.

The first dorsal fin placed just over the point reached by the tips of the ventrals ; the second
ray slightly longest. Second dorsal fin composed of one short feebly spinous, and eight arti-
ticulated rays ; the first two longest ; the fifth, sixth and seventh short ; the last equaling the
fourth in length. Pectorals small and pointed, composed of one simple and fourteen branched
rays. Ventrals short and broad ; the first ray acutely spinous, the others very ramose. Anal
fin opposite the second dorsal, which it resembles in shape and size, is composed of one
short sharp spine and seven branched rays. Caudal fin deeply emarginate ; its extremities
ragged, and covered high up with small oblong scales.

Color. A uniform white, rather darker along the sides of the back, with a few dark-colored
longitudinal stripes, which occur in many species.

Length, 9-0. Of the head, 1"8. Depth at the dorsal fin, 2"0.
Fin rays, D. 4.1.8; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 1.7; C. 15.

Whether this be the M. albula of Linneus, may well be doubted. There are also discre-
pancies in the radial formula as given by Mitchill, Cuvier and myself, which I cannot pretend
to reconcile. In all the characters given by Mitchill and myself, except in the radial formula,
our specimens agree. In one particular, the pectinated lips, which are distinctly mentioned
by Mitchill, do not appear to have been noticed by Cuvier and Valenciennes. This character
approximates it to the M. labes of the Mediterranean ; but in our species, the lips are not
thick. It is also distantly allied to the M. cirrostomus of Forster, from the Pacific.

The figure of this species, as given by Catesby, (if indeed it be this species,) may well be

FAMILY MUGILIDJE MUGIL. 147

supposed to have been drawn from memory. The ventrals are placed under the first dorsal,
and he has forgotten the pectorals altogether.

The White Mullet is in high repute among epicures. It is a plump firm fish, and appears
in our markets in July and August. Dr. Mitchill speaks of one unusually large, which
weighed two and a half pounds. Schoepff describes them as being very abundant on the
shoal and sandy coasts of Virginia and Carolina. They appear, he says, at certain intervals
in large scholes, and then are caught in great numbers and salted. Our coast is probably the
extreme northerly limit of its geographic range.

THE ROCK MULLET.

MCGIL PETROSUS.

M. petrosus, Le Muge des Roches. Cov. et V.\l. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 8S.

Characteristics. The second dorsal and anal covered with scales. No spot at the base of the
pectoral. Length 6-7 inches.

Description. Eyelids covered with a thick mucosity. Maxillaries slender, and covered by
the suborbital bones. The second dorsal and anal covered with scales. Lips thin. The
edge of the caudal fin scarcely blackish.

Length, 6-0-7-0.

The above brief notice of this fish we extract from the Histoire des Poissons, where it is
spoken of as a southern species. It ranges from Brazil to the coast of New-York, from
which latter place the authors received specimens.

THE SPOTTED MULLET.

MoGIL PLUMIERI.

Le Muge de Plumicr. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 90.

Characteristics. The second dorsal and anal without scales. Height of the body to its length,
as one to four and a half nearly. Scales small.

Description. Resembles the preceding, but the body is deeper, and the head still more so.
At the nape, the depth of the head is equal nearly to three-quarters of the total length.
Second dorsal and anal without scales. From forty-two to forty-five scales are counted in a
line from the gills to the base of the caudal fin. The skin over the eye is very thick. Sub-
orbital truncated, and minutely dentated near its end. Lips thin. Tongue thick and rounded,
with two small patches of asperities on its sides near the root. Two large plates, covered
with strong asperities, on the palatines. Vomer crescent-shaped.

148 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Edges of the scales golden yellow ; a blackish blue spot on the base of the pectoral.
and a small spot of the same color on every scale.

MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes give no farther descriptive details of a species, which ranges
from Brazil to New- York. They have received it from both places. At Martinique, according
to M. Plee, it is considered scarcely fit to eat, from its insipidity.

FAMILY XIV. GOBIBM.

Body more or less elongated. Scales small, or entirely wanting. Tlie spines of the dorsal
fin slender and flexible. Branchial aperture small. Ventrals, when present, placed in
advance of the pectorals. Many viviparous.

Obs. This family was established by Cuvier, and comprises about two hundred species,
distributed among twenty-nine genera. Almost all the members of this family have such
slender and flexible rays, that in one genus, Zoarces, many ichthyologists have hesitated
whether they should not be considered as soft rays. On the other hand, in the genus Gun-
nellus, the dorsal rays become short, robust and acute spines. They all resemble each other
in the conformation of their viscera; the intestinal canal is simple, nearly equal throughout,
and without caecal appendages. No air-bladder.

GENUS BLENNIUS. Cuvier.

Body elongated. Dorsal fin single, extending along the back, and composed of simple
flexible rays. Skin smooth, and without scales . Branchial rays six. Ventral fins placed
under the throat, and composed apparently of two rays ; the internal one being often
subdivided under the skin. The eyes, and occasionally the nape and nostrils, with fila-
ments. Teeth stout, simple, and crowded in a single row ; often ending with a long canine.

Obs. The males of this genus are recognized by rows of papillae near the aperture of the
vas deferens and the urinary bladder. The aperture of the ovaries in the females is small,
and placed behind the vent and before the exit of the urinary bladder. They are not vivi-
parous, and are of small dimensions.

FAMILY GOBID^E BLENNIUS. 149

THE SEA-WEED BLENNY.

Blennius fucorum.
plate xxii. fig. 66.

Le Blcnnie des focus, B. fucorum. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 263, pi. 324.

Characteristics. Greenish brown, with brown spots above the lateral line. Bifid cirri over
the eyes, as long as the head. Length one to two inches.

Description. Body small and scaleless ; the lateral line curves broadly above the pectoral
fin. Head large, and deeper than long. Eyes large and prominent, and the orbits projecting
beyond the facial outline. Length of the head to the total length as one to five. A thread-
shape cirrus on the upper part of each orbit, nearly as long as the head, bifid at the tip, with
some fine threads at its internal base. Teeth fine, fixed and crowded ; twenty-four in each
jaw, and behind, on each side, above and below, a strong canine tooth.

The dorsal fin commences just behind the nape, and declines gradually to the eleventh ray;
it then gently rises, and extends with nearly subequal rays almost to the caudal fin. The anal
is coterminal with the dorsal, and contains eighteen or nineteen rays. Caudal rounded, with
thirteen or fourteen rays.

Color. Soiled greenish, changing to brownish above, with numerous brown spots on the
cheeks and sides of the body. Throat and belly faintly rosaceous. Iris bluish, with reddish
points radiating about the pupils.

Length, 2 "5.

Fin rays, D. 11 . 17 ; P. 14 ; V. 3 ; A. 18; C. 14.

In a voyage from Constantinople in 1831, I met with this species swimming about sea-
weed, not far from the coast of New-York, and made notes of it at the time, considering it as
either a young individual of some larger species, or as undescribed. My specimen was not
more than an inch and a half long. It agrees so entirely with the figure and description of
Cuvier, that I have no hesitation in referring it to that species. The specimen described by
Cuvier and Valenciennes was taken south of the Azores.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL. )

B. geminatus. (Wood. Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 278.) Spotted ; a black spot on the anterior part of the
dorsal fin; a trifid cirrus over each eye. D. 27; P. 13; V. 2; A. 17; C. 14 §. Length 2-3
inches. South-Carolina.

B. punctaius. (Id. lb. p. 279.) An irregular blackish spot between the first and third rays of the
dorsal ; a bifid cirrus over each eye. Body thickly covered with small blackish spots, confluent on
the sides. Caudal with five obscure bands. V. 3; C. 11. Length 3 inches. South-Carolina.

150 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS PHOLIS. Fleming.

No cirri, on the orbits, nor even fleshy crests.

Obs. This subdivision, first proposed by Fleming, has been adopted by Cuvier, although it
is considered of little importance. In all other respects it resembles the preceding genus,
from which it has been separated. It contains but few species, among which we notice on
our coast

THE RADIATED SHANNY.

Pholis sub-eifurcatus.
The Sub-bifurcated Pholis, P. sub-bifurcatus. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 63.

Characteristics. Dorsal extending to the tail. Filaments on the nostrils. Three dark bands
passing from the eyes. Lateral line sub-bifurcated. Length 5-| inches.

Description. Length of the head to the total length as one to three. Jaws protractile, and
armed with prominent sharp teeth. A minute filament over the nostril, one-third of a line in
length. Lips large and fleshy. The lateral line commences just above the angle of the
opercle, and having advanced two lines, sub-bifurcates ; the lower branch passes down in a
gradual curve a little more than a line, and goes off straight to the tail ; the upper abruptly
terminates opposite the fourteenth ray of the dorsal fin. Surface of the body with very
minute scales.

Dorsal fin beginning on a line with the posterior angle of the opercle, is continued to the
caudal fin ; the first five rays shorter than the sixth ; the rays become again shorter as they
approach the tail. Pectorals three lines long, and are rounded. Ventrals three-rayed, with
free extremities, but united during the greater part of their extent : they arc placed two lines
in front of the pectorals. The anal fin commences at a point midway between the tip of the
snout and the extremity of the tail. Caudal fin rounded.

Color. Above reddish brown. Opercle and preopercle yellowish. Light-colored circular
patches along the base of the dorsal fin ; beneath the lateral line, lighter. Abdomen yellowish
white. From beneath the eye, a broad black band, which is widest at its origin, crosses the
opercle obliquely ; two other bands of the same color extend from behind the eye backward,
in nearly a straight line, to a distance of from one to two lines. Numerous black spots on the
dorsal fin, which are larger on the first five rays. Pectorals light, with darker shades. Anal
fin with a dark-colored margin. Caudal with small dusky spots.

Length, 5 "5. Depth, l'O.

Fin rays, D. 43 ; P. 13 ; V. 3 ; A. 30 ; C. 14.

This is a rare species. I have not had an opportunity of examining it, and am indebted to
its original discoverer, Dr. Storer, for the above description. I may here observe, that I have

FAMILY GOBID^E CHASMODES. 151

noticed abnormal deviations in tiie lateral line so frequently, that I am inclined to suspect it in
the foregoing description.

This species was found among sea-weed at Nahant in Massachusetts bay, and will very
probably be discovered on our coast.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

P. carolinus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 11, p. 277.) Greenish, with four or five irregular spots along the
back. Teeth }f, with stout canines. D. 12.18; A. 18. Length four inches. Coast of South-
Carolina.

GENUS CHASMODES. Cuvier.

The branchial aperture open only above the pectoral Jin. Mouth deeply cleft, with teeth only
on the anterior part of the jaws ; these are firm, regular, and in a single row.

Obs. This small group comprises at present but three species, all from the coast of the
United States.

THE SIX-BANDED CHASMODES.

CHASMODES BOSO.CIANDS.

PLATE XXIV. FIG. 73. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Blermius pkolis. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 374.

Blemuus htnlz ? Lesuehr, Joum. Acad. Sc;. Vol. 4, p. 363.

Le Chasmodcs bosquieii, C. bosqiuanus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 295, pi. 327.

Characteristics. Dorsal united with the caudal. A minute filament over the eye. Six vertical
bands. Length three inches.

Description. Head thick ; its length to the total length as one to three and a half. Mouth
excessively cleft, and extending to the posterior margin of the orbits. Teeth excessively fine,
and crowded together like the teeth on a fine comb, on the anterior part of the jaws ; those
above are blunt-pointed, and about fifty in number ; those below are acute, recurved, and
about the same number : no canines. The branchial rays are six, and the aperture is reduced
to a small opening above the base of the pectorals. Lateral line indistinct, and obsolete
behind.

The dorsal fin is equal throughout its whole length, and equals in height one-third of the
depth of the body ; it unites with the caudal upon one-quarter of the length of the latter fin.
The dorsal fin contains twenty-nine equally flexible rays ; about the seventeenth, traces of
articulation are perceptible. The anal distinct from the caudal fin, with nineteen rays ; it
commences about the middle of the body. Ventrals two-rayed, with a filamentous termina-
tion, and are about one-sixth of the total length. Caudal fin rounded.

152 NEW-10RK FAUNA.

Color, Brown, with lighter colored clouds, forming six broad clouded vertical bands.
Dorsal fin brown, with a light longitudinal band included between two darker ones. The
caudal and pectoral fins brown ; anal and ventral darker.

Length, 3*5.

Fin rays, D. 29 ; P. 14 ; V. 2 ; A. 19 ; C. 15.

This is a rare species. According to Mitchill, his specimen was found in an oyster.
Another specimen was sent to Cuvier from New- York. The specimen in the Cabinet of the
Lyceum at New-York, was obtained from the harbor.

(EXTRA-L1MITAL.)

C. novemlineatus. (Wood. Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 280.) With nine vertical bands. Dorsal fin with an

irregular blackish spot between the first and second rays ; remainder of the fin clouded. D 30 ;

A. 20. Length three inches. South-Carolina.
C. quadrifasciatus. (Id. lb. p. 282.) With four vertical bands. Dorsal not connected with the anal ;

circular yellow spots near the base of the anal fin. D 27; P. 11 ; A. 15 ; C. 9. Length two and

a half inches. Maryland.

FAMILY G0BID.3E. 153

GENUS GUNNELLUS. Cuvier.

Body elongated, much compressed. Head oblong. Mouth small. Teeth velvet-like, or in
cards. Dorsal rays spinous throughout. Ventrals excessively small, and reduced often
to a single spine.

Obs. This genus was first named Centronotus by Bloch, but this name has been applied
by Lacepede to another group among the Scombridae. Some English ichthyologists have con-
tinued to use the badly characterized genus Murenoides of Lacepede, without being aware,
that while he retained the gunnellus of Linneus, he formed his new genus out of the B.
murenoides of Sujef, not knowing that the two species were identical.

THE AMERICAN BUTTER-FISH.

Gunnellus mucronatus.

PLATE XII. FIG. 36. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Ophidium mucronatum. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 249, pi. 2, fig. 1.
Gunnellus mucronatus, Le Gonelle cpineux. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 247.
Blennius (Centronotus) gunnellus. RICHARDSON, F, B. A. Fishes, Vol. 3, p. 91.
Murenoides guttata, The Spotted Gunnel. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 65.

Characteristics. Greyish, with a series of dusky oval rings along the sides. Dorsal not united
to the caudal. Two short spines in place of the ventrals. Length four
to seven inches.

Description. Body elongate, linear, much compressed. No scales could be detected with
a strong lens ; nor could I discover, in several specimens, any traces of a lateral line. Head
small, subcannate above ; its length as one to nine compared with the total length. Mouth
nearly vertical. Teeth acute, distant in both jaws, and a small group on the vomer ; lower
jaw, when extended, longest. Branchial rays six, with a large branchial aperture. Body
covered with a thick coating of mucus of the consistence of butter, from which is derived
its popular name.

The dorsal fin single, long, subequal, commencing above the branchial aperture, and ex-
tending nearly to the base of the caudal ; is composed of a very thick membrane, supported
by from seventy-five to seventy-eight sharp spinous rays. The pectorals rounded and feeble.
Beneath these, and slightly in advance, are two short and sharp spines, occupying the place
of ventrals. The anal fin is nearly equal throughout its whole extent, not as high as the
dorsal : it approaches still nearer to the caudal than the upper vertical fin, but is not con-
nected with it. The two anterior rays are short acute spines, the remainder soft and flexible.
Caudal fin rounded.

Fauna — Part 4. 20

154 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. This is extremely fugacious. I was fortunate in being able to have a drawing made
from a living specimen, caught near my house, on the northern coast of Long Island. The
general color, as will be seen by reference to the plate, is greyish, with a series of oval ver-
tical dusky rings along the sides. Abdomen greyish white, tinged with yellow. Irides
white. Dorsal fin grey, with fourteen black vertical distant stripes. Pectorals and caudal
yellow. Anal fin greenish grey, with alternate darker stripes.

Length, 4 '5. Depth, 0-5.

Fin rays, D. 78 ; P. 12 ; V. 1 ; A. 2.36; C. 16 f.

In another specimen, D. 75 ; P. 11 ; V. 1 . A. 2.40 ; C. 18.

This pretty little species is frequently found among rocks along the sea-shore, and in the
mud. It swims with great rapidity, although its usual habit is that of creeping slowly among
rocks, in which it is probably assisted by its spiny ventrals. It abounds in Robyn's reef in
the harbor of New-York. The description given by Mitchill, incomplete as it is, I have
reason to know, applies to our species. It resembles the G. vulgaris of Yarrel (Vol. 1, p.
239) ; but from the above description, is evidently distinct from that species. Its present
known limits are from Massachusetts to New-York, but it probably ranges still farther north.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

G. vulgaris. (Richardson, F. B. A. Fishes, Vol. 1, p. 91.) Dorsal united to the caudal fin; ten
or twelve dark spots along the base of the dorsal. Length seven to twelve inches. Northern Coast.

FAMILY GOBID.E. 155

GENUS ZOARCES. Cuvier.

Body elongated, and covered with a mucous secretion, in which are imbedded very small
scales. Dorsal, anal and caudal united ; no spinous rays in the dorsal, except on its poste-
rior part. Ventrals jugular, small. Vent with a tubercle. Teeth conical; in two or
three rows in front ; in a single row on the sides ; none on the palate or tongue. Branchial
rays six.

THE THICK-LIPPED EEL-POUT.

ZoARCES ANGUILLARIS.

PLATE XVI. FIG. 45. And view of the mouth and under side. — (STATE COLLECTION. CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Blennius anguillaris. Peck, Mem. Am. Acad. Vol. 2, part 2, p. 46, figure.
Large-lipped Blenny, B. labrosus. Mit. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 375, pi. 1, fig. 7.
Le Zoarces a grosses levres. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 466, pi. 341.
Z. anguillans, The Eel-shaped Blenny. Stoeer, Massachusetts Report, p. 66.

Characteristics. Dark olive-brown, varied with dusky blotches. Dorsal and anal fin margined
with rufous. Length two to three feet.

Description. Body elongate, cylindrical, compressed, and tapering to the tail. Upper lip
very large and fleshy, overhanging. Surface smooth and slimy ; with obscure traces of a
lateral line, which has a slight curve above the pectorals, and then passes off straight. Nos-
trils tubular, about midway between the eyes and the end of the snout. Teeth stout, conical ;
those behind more acute, and all with smooth points and a slight circular furrow around the
base, and also furrowed longitudinally at the base. On the upper jaw, three series of teeth
in front, of which those in the foremost row are largest ; in the lower jaw, the internal row
has four, and the intermediate row three teeth. Stout conical teeth on the pharyngeals, but
none on the palate or tongue. Eyes rather moderate in proportion to the size of the fish, and
about midway between the end of the snout and the origin of the dorsal fin. Branchial aper-
ture moderate, with six rays.

The dorsal fin commences anterior to the base of the pectoral, is long and low, and unites
indirectly with the caudal ; it is highest in front, and very gradually diminishes posteriorly
until it approaches near the tail, when it suddenly subsides, and exhibits eighteen short spinous
rays, which become continuous with the caudal. Pectorals broad and rounded, of twenty rays.
Ventrals very small, four-rayed. Anal fin long and low, not as high as the dorsal, composed
of about one hundred and five rays, which are almost impossible to separate from the caudal.
Caudal fin pointed.

Color. Olive-brown above, clouded with deeper brown. Head darker, with black blotches
irregularly distributed on the side. Sides of the body with obscure dusky marks. Dorsal
fin with dull distant spots; its upper margin, as well as that of the anal, dusky rufous.
Pectorals tinged with orange. Irides ashen, tinged with red.

156 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

Length, 30-0.

Fin rays, D. 114.18; P. 20; V. 4 ; A. 105; C. 20.

From the extreme difficulty in counting the rays in this species, a great variety has arisen
among different describers. According to

Peck, D. 146 ; P. — ; V. 3 ; A. 123 ; C.

Mitchill, D. 125 -8 or 9; P. 19; V. 4; A. 103; C.

Stoker, D. 120.17 or 18 ; P. 19 ; V. 2 ; A. 100.

Cuv. et Val. D. 92.21.22=135; P. 20 ; V. 4 ; A. 110; C. 19.

I have noticed this fish most abundantly in the market in February and March. It is
caught on the coast, in company with the common cod. It feeds on various marine shells,
and affords a very savory food. I have employed the English name of Eel-pout, which is
applied to its congener the Z. viviparus, to designate this fish. It is called, absurdly enough,
by the fishermen, Ling and Conger-eel. According to Cuvier, this species has one hundred
and thirty-seven vertebrae.

THE BORDERED EEL-POUT.

Z0ARCE3 FIMBRIATUS.

PLATE XVI. FIG. 44.

The Fringed Blenny, B. ciliatus. MiTCHILL, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 374, pi. 1, fig. 6.
La Zoarcesfrange, Z.fanbriatus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 468.

Characteristics. Head greenish brown. Body and tail salmon-colored. Dorsal fin dark green,
margined with yellowish. Length 18-20 inches.

Description. Form of the head and body similar to the preceding, smooth and scaleless.
Teeth on the sides of the jaw, large, distant, obtusely conical, and sufficiently translucent to
permit the central vascularity to be seen. In front there are two rows ; the outer row con-
sisting of five on each side, projecting outwardly ; and both rows composed of smaller teeth
than those on the sides. In the upper jaw, the teeth are more acute, subequal, except the
two anterior, which are slightly longer ; behind these is a short series of minute teeth. The
pharyngeal teeth small and acute, and ranged in transverse series. Tongue broad and smooth.
Branchial rays six.

The dorsal fin commences above, and slightly in advance of the ventrals ; it contains ninety-
five distinct rays, enveloped in a thick membrane ; then follow sixteen low spines ; and from
thence to the tip of the pointed caudal, are twenty-six rays. As the connection between the
anal and caudal is continuous (as in the preceding species), it is impossible to say where the
anal terminates, or the caudal fin proper begins. The anal, counted to the extreme tip of the
tail, contains one hundred and twenty-five rays. On the supposition that those rays which
in other species constitute the caudal fin amount to twenty on each side, we would have for

FAMILY GOBID.E ZOARCES. 157

the dorsal fin 95.16.16, and the anal 115. The pectorals broad and rounded, digitated on
the margin, and composed of twenty rays ; it reaches to the seventeenth ray of the dorsal.
Ventrals feeble, with four delicate spines in each, enveloped in a thick membrane ; these
spines are 0'6 long. The vent is opposite the twenty-sixth dorsal ray, and the meatus for
the urine, communicating with a bladder which is 1 • 3 long, is placed 0 ■ 4 behind the vent.

Color, of the head, dark brown, mixed with green, with lighter hues on the cheeks. Irides
yellow. Chin and inside of the mouth flesh-colored. Sides of the body and tail pale olive or
salmon-color. Abdomen faintly rosaceous. The dorsal fin dark green throughout its whole
length, lighter along its base, and with a faint yellow border on its margin. Nearly one-half
of the anal fin, from its commencement, is of a dark green color ; the margin tipped with
greenish yellow, which, about the middle, becomes the universal color of the fin. Pectorals
Light olive-green, becoming darker at the base.

Length, 20 '0. Greatest depth, 2'0.

Fin rays, D. 95.16.16= 127; P. 20; V. 4 ; A. 115; C. 20.

Except in color, I can find scarcely any differences between this and the preceding. It was
first described by Dr. Mitchill, who inadvertently named it ciliatus. If I have enumerated
aright the soft dorsal rays, a good specific character might be drawn from their number. It
is invariably smaller than the other species, and is supposed by some ichthyologists to be the
young. A specimen which is supposed to be the young of the Thick-lipped Eel-pout, and
which resembles the one now described in its general colors, is noticed by Dr. Storer as
having all its fins transparent.

Its habits, and the time of its appearance, are the same as in the preceding species.

158 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS ANARRHICAS. Artedi.

Head smooth, globular, with an obtuse snout. Body elongate, with minute scales. No
ventral fins. Dorsal and anal distinct from the caudal fin. Teeth of two kinds : one
elongated, curved and pointed ; the other truncated, or abruptly rounded. Branchial
rays seven.

Obs. This genus, in the proportions and form of its head, the disposition of the fins, and the
thin scales imbedded in mucus, exhibits its affinity with the genus Blennius. In the preceding
genus, we have seen the ventrals reduced to mere rudiments ; thus marking a natural passage
to the present, where they totally disappear. One species only is well determined; this
inhabits the Atlantic in high northern latitudes, descending along the shores of Europe to the
channel between England and France, and on the American coast, as low down as the sea-
shore of the State of New- York.

THE SEA WOLF.

Anarrhicas lupus.

PLATE XVI. FIG. 43.

Anarrhicas lupus. Lin. Syst. Nat.

Sea Wolf, A. id. Mitch. Am. Month. Magazine, Vol. 2, p. 242.
L'Anarrhique loup. Cnv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 473, pi. 342.
Wolf-fish, A. lupus. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 69.

Characteristics. Leaden grey, with dusky vertical bands on the dorsal fin, extending irregu-
larly over the sides. Length three to five feet.

Description. Form subcylindrical, slightly compressed, elongate, and tapering gradually
to the tail. Body covered with a thick coating of mucus ; when this is scraped away, the
small orbicular scales are seen deeply imbedded in the skin, and giving it the appearance of
shagreen. Profile of the head, arched from the nape. Head compressed, rounded, slightly
flattened above. Nostrils small ; the posterior midway between the eye and the end of the
nose, with a raised margin. A circular row of pores, the termination of mucous ducts, around
the orbits, about half an inch apart, and nearly at the same distance from the orbit. In the
recent specimen, these pores may be seen crossing the snout, and meeting others from the
opposite side. Another series commences an inch and a half behind the eyes, and at the
same distance below the nape of the neck ; it first curves down, but almost immediately
rising to the same plane, pursues a straight course along the back an inch below the base
of the dorsal fin, and becomes effaced about the middle of the body. Another series of from
four to six pores obliquely on the cheeks, and a few scattering ones on the lower jaw. Eyes
moderate. Branchial rays seven.

FAMILY GOBID.E ANARRHICAS. 159

Four large projecting teeth on the intermaxillary above, diverging outward, and seven
smaller acute teeth behind, conic, pointed, with large tubercles on the inner side. Nine on
the vomer, with flat crowns, becoming larger behind ; the last, however, small. In a large
individual, the vomerine teeth were apparently consolidated into one mass. On the upper
pharyngeals are sharp and recurved teeth, disposed in two series ; in a large individual, they
were very robust, and nine in number on each side. In the lower jaw, two large projecting
teeth in front, and two others of the same size, but recurved. Three to four smaller acute
irregularly disposed teeth on each side, followed by thirteen flat crowned molars disposed in
a double series. Two other rows of small acute teeth, arranged in a lunate order, on the
lower pharyngeals.

The dorsal fin is nearly of a uniform height throughout, extending from the nape to the
caudal ; the last ray lying almost in contact with the external accessory ray of the caudal fin.
The dorsal fin is composed of simple rays, included in a very tough membrane ; and they
would scarcely be recognized as spinous, except posteriorly, where the rays pierce the skin.
Pectorals broad, rounded, four inches long, and scolloped on the margin. Anal long and low,
commencing about the middle of the body, and terminating near the caudal, from which,
however, it is separated by a distinct interval. Caudal rounded. The duodenum is so large
as to present the appearance of a double stomach.' Urinary bladder very large.

Color. From a recent specimen four feet long, taken off Block island, we are enabled to
state the following particulars : General color leaden grey. Eleven or twelve broad black
bands on the sides, becoming indistinct towards the tail ; these bands bifurcate on the middle
of the body, each posterior branch anastomosing with the branch of the succeeding band or
stripe, and by their union giving rise to another vertical band, which ascends on the dorsal
fin : this fin, as well as the anal, bordered above with blackish. The rays of all the vertical
fins black. Irides yellow. Abdomen brownish ash, tinged with pink.

Length, 30-0. Depth, 5-0.

Fin rays, D. 74 ; P. 20 ; V. 0 ; A. 45 ; C. 14 |.

The voracious and savage character of this fish is manifest in the formidable array of teeth
with which he is provided, and by his vicious and pugnacious propensities when first drawn
from the water. Marvellous tales are related of the strength and power of his jaws, but
these more properly belong to the romance of Natural History. He is known under the
various popular names of Cat, Wolf-fish, and Sea Cat. His ill-favored aspect causes him
to be regarded with aversion by fishermen, but his flesh is by no means unsavory ; when
smoked, it is said to have somewhat the flavor of salmon. He prefers rocky coasts, and is
said to spawn in May. They are not unfrequently taken off Rockaway beach, as I am in-
formed, in company with the common cod. This I suppose to be the most extreme southerly
limits yet observed. In high northern latitudes, it is said to attain to the length of six and
eight feet.

160 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS GOBIUS. Linneus.

Ventrals joined together, forming a hollow disk, placed under the thorax. Two dorsals.
Teeth velvet-like, or in cards.

Obs. This genus, restricted as it now is, contains, in the great work of Cuvier and Va-
lenciennes, ninety species. On this coast we have only to notice

THE VARIEGATED GOBY.

GOBIUS ALEPIDOTUS.

PLATE XXIII. FIG. 70. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Gobius alepidolus. Bosc, Bloch, Schniedee, p. 547.

G. boscii. Lacepede, Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 555, pi. 16, fig. 1.

Variegated Goby, G. viridipallidus. MlTCHILL, Lit. and Pliil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 379, pi. 1, fig. 8.

Le Gobie de Bosc. Cov. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 12, p. 96.

Characteristics. Greenish brown, with seven vertical dusky bands. Length two to three
inches.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical, slightly compressed on the sides. Surface of the
body, examined under a lens, totally destitute of scales. The lateral line not apparent. Head
one-fifth of the total length, broad, and flattened behind the eyes, with a longitudinal medial
groove. Eyes more oblong than round, vertical ; the upper portion of their orbits nearly
contiguous, and only separated by a narrow furrow. Nostrils double, and near the eye's. A
bony triangular process on the summit and extremity of the upper jaw. Opercles susceptible
of great dilatation. Mouth terminal, with a wide gape ; the lower jaw, when opened, longest.
Both jaws furnished with small pointed conical recurved teeth, thickly crowded, in many
series in front, and in a single series behind ; the outer row in front longest. Tongue smooth
and free.

The rays of all the fins very slender and delicate. The first dorsal fin is composed of six
rays, extending beyond the membrane ; they are subequal, but the first and last are shortest.
This fin arises 0-55 from the end of the upper jaw, and is connected by a low rayless mem-
brane with the second. This second fin commences at a point rather nearer to the head than
to the extremity of the tail ; it is composed of fourteen rays, and terminates within 0"2 of
the base of the caudal, with its first rays slightly shortest. Pectoral pointed, its tip reaching
a point under the commencement of the second dorsal ; the middle rays longest, those above
and beneath successively shorter. Seventeen rays were counted, but at the base were seen
the rudiments of three or four more. Ventrals funnel-shaped, with twelve or thirteen rays,
the anterior being short and indistinct; the length of its longest rays, 0'2. The anal fin
commences under the fourth ray of the second dorsal, and terminates within 0'3 of the base
of the caudal, with eleven subequal rays. Caudal long, lanceolate, with nineteen rays. Vent
with an elevated rounded tubercle behind.

FAMILY GOBIDiE GOBIUS. . 161

Color. " Surface greenish brown, with seven or eight paler transverse bars over the body
" and tail ; fins dark brown, with a bluish shade" (Mitchill). Caudal fin with two or three
curved bars.

Length, 2-0. Depth, 0"3. Breadth of the head, 0'3.
Fin rays, D. 6.14; P. 17; V. 12 or 13 ; A. 11 ; C. 19.

This species must, from the absence of scales, and its indistinctly connected dorsals, form
the type of a new genus. It is with some hesitation that I have annexed the synonimes of
Bosc and Lacepede, but they evidently point to this or a very closely allied species. It is
found rarely in the harbor of New-York. I have seen some specimens an inch long, with the
vertical bars quite indistinct. Its known geographical range is at present included between
New-York and Charleston.

Fauna — Part 4. 21

162 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

FAMILY XV. LOPHIDM.

Scales usually absent, or replaced by bony plates, or by small grains armed with spines.
The tico carpal bones elongated, and forming a kind of arm to support the pectoral fin.
Branchial aperture round, or a vertical slit behind the pectorals. Suborbital bone want-
ing, except in the genus Malthjea.

Obs. The genera which now compose this family, were for a long time arranged among
the cartilaginous fishes, from the apparently soft and yielding nature of their skeletons. Cuvier
has, however, clearly demonstrated its fibrous structure, and established its place in the natural
series of bony fishes after the family Gobida:. In his great work, it is designated as " Pec-
torales pediculees ;" which we designate, however, under the name of Lophidce, in accord-
ance with our general system of nomenclature. It is divided into five genera, including at
present about fifty species.

GENUS LOPHIUS. Artedi, Cuvier.

Head enormously large, broad and depressed. Mouth large, armed with slender conical
teeth on the jaws, palatines, vomer and pharyngeals. Tongue smooth. Branchial rays
six ; branchial arches three. Dorsal fins two ; the anterior rays distant, detached, forming
long filaments supporting fleshy slips.

THE AMERICAN ANGLER.

LoPIirCS AMERICANl'S.

PLATE XXVIH. FIG. 87.

Lnphuts piscalor, Sea Devil. Mitchill, Report, p. 28.

L. piscatorius. It,. Lit. and Phi!. Soc. N. York, Vol. 1, p. 4G5.

The Angler, L. id. Stoker, Mass. Report, p. 71 and 404.

Characteristics. Intermaxillary teeth smaller, and those of the vomer larger, than in the
European species. Length two to three feet.

Description. Body flat, orbicular in front, elongate and attenuated behind. Head broad,
depressed. Surface covered with a smooth skin. Lower jaw longest, with a series of fleshy
cirri an inch long arranged along its margin, and extending as far back as the pectorals.
Along the flanks there are also series of fleshy processes, extending to the base of the caudal
fin. On the central portion of the upper jaw are also two rounded pendulous processes.
Eyes large, vertical, longitudinally oval, with a depression between them. Supra-orbital crest
prominent and tubercular.

Teeth. A single row of long slightly recurved conical unequal teeth on each side, and a
double row of large teeth in the upper jaw ; the lower with a single row of long acute teeth.

FAMILY LOPHID.E — LOPHIUS. 163

Very large teeth on the vomer and palatines. Two rows of teeth on each of the lower pha-
ryngeals, which are advanced so far forward as to lead some naturalists to suppose that the
teeth are placed on the tongue.

The first dorsal fin is composed of six rays, of which the three first are distant and detached,
while the remainder are united by a membrane. The first isolated ray is six inches long ; it
rises near the margin of the upper lip, at the distance of an inch from it, and between the
nostrils. On its lip, it supports a fleshy bifid slip, two inches long. (In the European species,
according to Bailly, this ray is moved by twenty-two distinct muscles.) This ray is often
divided down to its base : behind this, at the distance of about an inch, is a second ray
(omitted by the carelessness of the engraver), and without any fleshy slip ; a third arises in
a line with the posterior margin of the orbits, with the rudiment of a membrane at its base.
The remaining three connected rays originate behind the base of the pectorals ; the first ray
three inches high ; the others successively shorter : the connecting membrane covers about
two-thirds of the body of the rays. The second dorsal arises about two inches behind the
first, and comprises twelve subequal rays. The pectorals supported on a stout pedicel ; its
external margin truncated, and composed of twenty-five slender rays projecting beyond the
membrane. Ventrals with five soft rays, and a small spine on their external edges. The
anal fin commences slightly behind the origin of the second dorsal, and contains five rays.
Caudal even, slender, and composed of nine rays.

Color. Olive brown above ; beneath white. Ventrals, and the posterior part of the body
beneath, dusky.

Length, 30-0.

Fin rays, D. 3.3.12: P. 25; V. 1.5; A. 10; C. 9.

This is not an uncommon fish in our waters. Its monstrous form has given rise to many
popular names, such as Sea Devil, Fishing Frog, Bellows-fish, Angler, Goose-fish, Monk-
fish, and various others. The largest one I have seen was four feet long. They are not
eaten, but are often opened by fishermen for the sake of the numerous fishes which are found
in their stomachs.

This species occurs from the capes of the Delaware northwardly.

164 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS CHIRONECTES. Cuvier.

Head vertically compressed. Three free rays on the summit of the head. Mouth cleft more
or less vertically ; opening to the gill by a round aperture behind the pectorals. Tongue
edentate. Intermaxillaries, lower jaw, vomer, palatines and pharyngeals with minute card
teeth. Dorsal long.

Obs. This genus was first indicated by Commerson under the name of Antennarius, but
separated from Lophius, and finally established in 1816 under its present name by Cuvier.
This group is composed of small species, many of which are found swimming among sea-
weed. MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes have described twenty-four species, beside indications
of others which are not yet sufficiently determined. The species are all closely allied, and
possibly varieties have been mistaken for species.

THE GIBBOUS MOUSE-FISH

Chironectes gibbus.

PLATE XXIV. FIG. 74.— (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

The Mouse-fish, L. gibbus. Mitchill, Lit. and Philos. Soc. Vol. 1, pi. 4, fig. 9, (no description.)
L. id., The Mouse-fish. Id. Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 325.

Characteristics. Surface of the body granulate. Tail rounded, with concentric bars. Poste-
rior portion of the dorsal fin rounded. Length 2 inches.

Description. Body compressed, thickest about the pectorals ; greatest depth half of the
total length. Body minutely granulate, and with short distant flattened filaments distributed
irregularly over it. In some instances, they are replaced by small rounded elevated tubercles.
The course of the lateral line is represented by a series of pores ; this series is highly curved
above the pectorals, descending rapidly to the middle of the body, and then going off straight
to the tail. On the anterior part of the head, and between the eyes, is a cylindrical soft ray
0- 25 long, covered with numerous cuticular processes; and at the base, a slender filament
enlarged at its tip. Behind and above this are two other soft rays, enveloped in a common
granular membrane ; the summit of the first is bifid, terminating in two flattened processes.
Eyes apparently very small, and near the mouth. Mouth nearly vertical, with minute teeth
in the jaws. Tongue smooth. Chin and throat with numerous distant cuticular processes.
Branchial aperture small and rounded underneath, and attached to the base of the pectorals.

The dorsal fin of twelve soft and feebly branched rays : longer than high, commencing over
the pectorals, and coterminal with the anal. Pectorals with ten subequal rays. Venlrals
before the pectorals, elongated, horizontal, contiguous, and with five rays. The anal fin
commences under the eighth dorsal ray, rounded on its margin, higher than long, and com-
posed of one simple and six bifid rays. Caudal fin expanded, much rounded, and containing
but nine rays.

FAMILY LOPHID.E CHIRONECTES. 165

Color. I have never seen this species in its recent state, and therefore cite Mitchill's
description : " Color pale brown, variegated along the sides with dark yellowish and ruddy,
" so as to resemble some sorts of iron-stones or fractures of ferruginous earths ; the deeper
" dark [markings ?] cross the dorsal rays obliquely and transversely, and the caudal in con-
" centric curves."

Length, 2-0. Height, 1-0.

Fin rays, D. 12 ; P. 10 ; V. 5 ; A. 7 ; C. 9.

We think this species wrongly cited both by Cuvier and Storer ; its radial formula differs
considerably, as well as its surface and rounded tail. Neither of these authors appear to
have been acquainted with Mitchill's description.

This small species has been brought to me from oyster boats, and had been caught in the
harbor of New- York.

THE SMOOTH MOUSE-FISH.

CHIRONECTES LAEVIGATA'S.

TLATE XXVII. FIG. S3.

C. Ixvigaius. Cuvier, Mcmoires du Museum, Vol. 3, p. 423, pi. 16, fig. 1.

Le Chironccte uni. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 12, p. 393.

The Smooth Chironccles, C. lavigatus. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 73.

Characteristics. Surface of the body smooth. Posterior portion of the dorsal longest. Color
as in preceding. Size of the preceding.

Description. Surface of the body with no vestige of granules. Minute cutaneous slips
beneath the jaws. The appendages on the anterior portion of the head as in the preceding.
The dorsal fin with eleven rays, gradually increasing in length from the first to the last.
Pectorals with eight, rays extending beyond the membrane. Ventrals with five rays, of which
the second and third rays are elongated. Anal elongated, and with seven rays. Caudal
rounded, but not as much so as in the preceding species.

Color. Irregular blackish blotches upon a brownish ground, tinged with reddish. Small
white spots irregularly distributed on the sides. Brown transverse bars across the dorsal, pec-
toral and caudal fins.

Length, 2" 2. Depth, li.

Fin rays, D. 11 ; P. 8 ; V. 5 ; A. 7 ; C. 9.

I remarked on this species but three or four of the cuticular slips, so numerous on the pre-
ceding species. The abdomen also appeared to be more tumid. The processes on the head
are almost precisely like those in the preceding species ; but the anterior ray is more robust,
and the second appears multifid at the tip.

The geographical range of this species extends from Charleston, South-Carolina, to Boston,
Massachusetts, where it has been observed bv Dr. Storer.

166 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS MALTH/EA. Cuvier.

Dorsal single. Body with a hard and tubercidar skin, and furnished with fleshy filaments.
Mouth small, prominent, protractile, and placed under the snout. From beneath the snout
arises a process, supported by a bony ray, and terminating in several fleshy threads.

THE SHORT-NOSED MALTHEA.

Maltilea nasuta.

PLATE XXVIII. FIG. 89. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Lophius radiatus ? Mitchill, Am. Month. Magazine, Vcl. 2, p. 226.
M. nasuta. Cuv. Regne Animal.

Lophius (Malthe) cubifrons. Richardson, F. B. A. Fishes, p. 103. pi. 96.
La Mallhie a nez court. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Vol. 12, p. 452.

Characteristics. Snout short. Scaly disks flat, with a conical point in the centre. Length*
or 7 inches.

Description. Body depressed in front, tapering and compressed from behind the pectorals.
Head prominent, and apparently elevated above the jaws. Body largest across the pectoral
tins. Surface covered with scaly disks, largest above, and elevated on the back into bony
tubercles. Summit of the head between the eyes excavated, and descends suddenly in front
of the eyes, forming a deep cavity ; at the bottom of this cavity is a large duct, and near this
a long process enlarged at the tip. Eyes lateral, large and circular. Nostrils anterior, and
rather beneath the eyes. Mouth protractile, with minute card-like teeth on the jaws, vomer,
tongue, palatines and upper pharyngeals.

The dorsal fin small, triangular, posterior to the vent, and anterior to the commencement
of the anal fin ; it is composed of simple rays. Pectorals composed of eleven subequal rays ;
the branchial aperture at the base and upper part of the elongated carpus. Ventrals anterior
to the pectorals, and composed of five rays. Anal long and pointed, placed far back, and com-
posed of four articulated rays. Caudal slightly rounded, nearly even, with nine branched
rays.

Color. I could not determine the color, as it was in spirits. It appeared of a dull brown,
with deeper clouds of the same color. Pectorals and caudal fins with obscure rounded spots.

Length, 7-5.

Fin rays, D. 5 ; P. 1 1 ; V. 5 ; A. 4 ; C. 9.

This is a rare species. It has a wide geographical range, from the Caribbean sea to the
coast of Labrador. Little is known of its habits. It feeds on the smaller Crustacea and
univalve shells.

FAMILY LOPHID,E MALTH/EA. 167

THE DOTTED MALTHEA.

Malthjea notata.
La Mallhee a stigmalcs. Cuv. and Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 12, p. 453.

Characteristics. Three or four round black spots on each side of the spine, midway between
the eye and branchial orifice. Length 3* inches.

Description. Snout in its proportions resembling the preceding. Margin of the preopercle
enlarged as much as in M. vespertilio. Scaly disks neither so numerous nor so prominent.
Length, 3 "5.
This small species was sent from New-York to Cuvier. I have not met with it.

THE BAT MALTHEA.

Malth.ea vespertilio.

Diablo. Paf.ra, Descripcion de dif. piezas, &c. p. 5, pi. 4.

La Mallhee vespertilion. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 12, p. 440

Characteristics. Snout elongated into a point. Skin like shagreen, with scattering long
tubercles. Length 10- 18 inches.

Description. Body flattened. Snout pointed, and about the tenth of the total length. Width
at the prcopercles equal to its length, which is about half of that of the body. The whole
upper surface covered with a hard rough skin ; beneath softer, but rough. The facial out-
line descends vertically to the mouth, which is small, opening vertically. Upper jaw rather
longest, protractile. Teeth like shorn velvet, in a band in the jaws, vomer and palatines ;
asperities also on the base of the tongue. A triangular cavity in front, from which arises a
filamentous process, terminating in several fleshy filaments. Subopercle very large, ending
in a point, which reaches nearly to the elbow of the pectoral.

The dorsal fin is midway between the vent and anal fin, lower than the anal, and composed
of four simple rays. Pectorals broad, with eleven rays. Ventrals short, with five rays difficult
to be distinguished. The vent in the middle of the total length. Anal fin three times higher
than long, and with four rays. Caudal fin nearly even, quite rough, and with nine rays.
Numerous short filaments on the enlarged part of the body. The opaque portion of the cor-
nea is rough, and furnished with very small tubercles on its borders.

Color. Pale greyish brown above ; pale reddish beneath.

Length, 8-0-18-0.

Fin rays, D. 4 ; P. 1 1 ; V. 5 ; A. 4 ; C. 9.

I have not met with this fish on the coast of New-York ; but as it is common in the Carib-
bean sea, and as M. Lapilaye has obtained it from the Banks of Newfoundland, we may well

168 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

presume that it exists on our shores. Dr. Mitchill lias described four species of this genus
in the American Monthly Magazine, under the names of Lophius radiatus, aculeatus, ■pro-
stratus and calico. With the exception of the first, which is, however, doubtful, the descrip-
tions are too vague to enable me cither to point out their specific differences, or to refer them
to the previously described species. They are all from the Straits of Bahama.

GENUS BATRACHUS. Schneider, Cuvier.

Head depressed, broader than the body. Ventrais jugular, with three rays ; the first elon-
gated. First dorsal small ; second low and long. Base of the pectorals elongated. Bran-
chial aperture small, with six rays. Subopercle as large as the opercle, and both spinous.
No suborbital. Teeth on the jaws, front of the vomer and palatines.

Obs. The place of this genus is not yet completely settled. Some authors have arranged
it with Uranoscopus, but, as Cuvier has demonstrated, upon insufficient grounds.

THE COMMON TOAD-FISH.

Batraciibs tau.

PLATE XXVIII. FIG. 86.

Gadus lau. Linn. Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, p. 439.

Id. ScHtErFF, Beobacht. Vol. 8, p. 141.

Toad-fish, Zophius bufo. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 463.

Batrachoicles vernullas. Lesueijr, Mem. du Museum, Vol. 5, p. 157, pi. 17.

B. vnriegatiis, var. a, 6. Id. Ac. Sc. Vol. 3, p. 39'J and 401.

B.variegalus, Toad-fish. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 74.

Lc Batrachoide tau. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 12, p. 478.

Characteristics. Dorsals connected ; the posterior with from twenty-live to twenty-eight
spines. Length 6-12 inches.

Description. Body thick and rounded before, attenuated and compressed behind. Head
broad, depressed ; its width equalling its length. Skin without scales, and, in the recent
state, covered with a thick coating of mucus. The openings of mucous pores visible beneath
the eyes, and over the head and body. Lateral line obsolete. Facial outline sloping. The
eyes large, lateral, but with an almost vertical aspect, and nearly covered with a fleshy mem-
brane. Opercle with three concealed spines. Numerous cirri about the head and mouth, and
a series of from five to seven cirri on each side of the lower jaw. Branchial rays six, and
the aperture scarcely wider than the base of the pectorals. Gape of the mouth very large,
with fleshy lips. Tongue pointed, not distinct. A series of blunt pointed teeth in the lower
jaw, more numerous and crowded in front. Similar but more acute teeth in the upper jaw,
and still larger ones on the anterior part of the vomer, and on the palatines.

FAMILY LOPHID.E BATRACHUS. 169

The dorsal fin long and subequal, commencing above the spines of the opercle, and extend-
ing nearly to the tail. Although described as a double dorsal, it is in fact single, with spinous
and soft portions connected by a comparatively low membrane. The first portion consists of
three stoutly spinous rays, of which the middle is longest ; the soft portion long and low, and
subequal throughout. Pectorals wide and rounded, of eighteen rays. Ventrals arise anterior
to the branchial aperture, and consist of one spinous and two simple rays, enveloped in a
thick, long and pointed membrane. The anal fin commences under the seventh ray of the
soft portion of the dorsal, and is coterminal with that fin ; its first two rays are short ; the
remainder longer, and subequal throughout. Caudal much rounded.

Color, of the head and body, olive-green mottled with darker green ; this color, soon after
death, becomes of a bright brassy hue. Irides black, surrounded by a narrow golden ring.
Pectorals, ventrals and caudal fins orange ; the latter with interrupted bars of brown ; ventrals
uniform ; pectorals with two or more concentric bars of deep blackish brown, becoming obso-
lete towards the base. Dorsal and anal fins olive-green, tinged with reddish along the upper
margin ; each with from five to seven dark spots, occasionally tending towards stripes or bars.
Beneath dull yellow or pale ; flesh-colored under the chin.

Length, 6-0. Depth, 1'5.

Fin rays, D. 3.26; P. 18; V. 3 ; A. 21; C. 15.

The size here given is the usual average size. I have seen them a foot long. It is a matter
of doubt with me whether this species is not identical with the following. They closely re-
semble each other in color, cirri, etc., and appear to differ only in the following particulars :
1. Dorsals separated, which, however, may have been produced by an accidental rupture of
the membrane. 2. The number of rays. In the variegatus, according to Lesueur, the rays
vary from twenty-one to twenty-eight ; an extent of variation scarcely compatible with the
idea of a single species. According to Storer, it is twenty-five. Cuvier, although he admits
the species variegatus, leaves us to infer that Lesueur's specimen with twenty-one rays may
be allied to B. gronovii ; and that with twenty-eight rays, to the present species. He does not
hesitate, however, to arrange Var. a and b of variegatus under B. tau. The Toad-fish of
Storer, I also refer to the same species ; the only difference I can percieve, being in the less
elevated posterior portion of the dorsal rays. The apparently odd specific name of tau, given
by Linneus, is derived from the Greek name of the letter T, such a figure being produced
on the head by two elevated lines in the dried specimens.

This fish is frequently taken in our waters, but finds no favor with the fishermen, on account
of its unsightly appearance ; its flesh, however, when properly cooked, is well flavored. It
usually lies half buried in the mud, or among seaweed ; and with its capacious mouth widely
extended, and aided by his sac-like opercles, either silently sucks in small marine animals, or
suddenly seizes such small fish as may incautiously pass over his extended jaws.

The common toad-fish has an extensive geographical range, having been observed from
Maine to the Gulf of Mexico.

Fauna — Part 4. 22

170 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE TWO-SPINED TOAD-FISH.

Batrachus celatos.
PLATE L. FIG. 161, and viewed fbom above.— (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Opercle with two spines. Dorsal fins separate. Body mottled with dusky
transverse bars. Length one inch.

Description. Head large, broad, depressed. Body compressed immediately behind the oper-
cles. Surface smooth, scaleless ; covered with a thick mucus. Head covered with numerous
minute pores, forming irregular series. Lateral line distinct, and near the dorsal outline.
Opercle with two acute obvious spines, placed above each other just before the posterior
margin ; the superior somewhat longer. Gill apertures small, not descending below the base
of the pectorals. Eyes moderately large, vertical. Nostrils small, circular, patent. Mouth
large, wide, with numerous minute teeth in the jaws, vomer and palatines. Two or three
irregular minute cuticular processes on the anterior part of the upper jaw.

The first dorsal fin not as high as the second, with three short acute spines connected by a
slender membrane, but separated by a short interval from the second, which is long, subequal,
and composed of twenty-eight rays, of which the posterior are rather longer ; this fin is co-
terminal with the anal. Pectoral fins elongate, lancet-shaped, with the middle longest, and
containing eighteen rays. Ventral fins jugular, with three rays ; the middle longest, and all
ending in flexible filiform tips. Anal fin subequal, and of eighteen rays. Caudal fin oblong,
lanceolate, with fifteen rays. The rays of all the fins are exceedingly delicate, and difficult
to be distinguished.

Color. Head dark olive-brown. Body on the side greenish, pale-colored, with irregular
dusky brown transverse bars, which are frequently extended through the vertical fins.

Length, 1 " 0.

Fin rays, D. 3.28; P. 18; V. 3 ; A. 23; C. 15.

This little fish, which I have never known to exceed the above dimensions, is usually found
on muddy bottoms. It has frequently been brought to me, included between the two valves
of an oyster. I should think it abundant in our waters, from the following circumstance : In
the summer of 1824, a number of these fish were found in the streets of New-York, after a
heavy shower ; and many idle speculations were hazarded in the papers of the day, as to their
origin. An eminent ichthyologist of that period spoke of them " as unknown to our waters,
" and not described in the books of Ichthyology." " The speculation is an exceedingly curious
" one, how fishes could be elevated into the atmosphere, and by what means kept alive after
" they are raised." Showers of fish are not uncommon, and are susceptible of an easy solution.
They are raised by whirlwinds or water-spouts ; and the tenacity of life, in the species under
consideration, accounts for their being found alive.

FAMILY LOPHID^E BATRACHUS. 171

This species cannot be confounded with any other now known. From the B. bispinis of
Bloch and Schneider, it is readily distinguished, if indeed that species is rightly placed under
the present genus.

Its geographical limits are not known.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

B. variegatus. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 3, p. 398.) Second dorsal distinct, and with twenty-one rays.
Laciniated processes on the jaws, eyes and opercles. Length five and a half inches. New-Jersey.
An sp. ver. 1

172 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

FAMILY XVI. L ABRIDGE.

Jaws covered by fleshy lips. Tongue and palate smooth and toothless. Three pharyngeals :
two above, and one beneath ; all furnished with teeth, either paved or flattened, or pointed.
Body oblong, scaly. A single dorsal, with Hie anterior rays spinous. An air-bladder.
No ccecal appendages.

Obs. This family, as established by Cuvier, comprises three hundred and fifty-one species,
arranged under twenty-two genera. They appear to be most numerous in warm latitudes ; for
on the coast of New-York we have only the representatives of two genera, comprising a very
limited number of species. Other genera will doubtless be found on the coast bordering on
the Gulf of Mexico.

GENUS CTENOLABRUS. Valenciennes.

Body elongated, scaly. Preopercle denticulated. A band of velvet-like teeth in front, behind
the conical teeth in the jaws. Three, spinous rays to the anal fin.

Obs. This genus has been lately separated by M. Valenciennes from the genus Crenilabrus,
with which it has many characters in common.

THE COMMON BERGALL.

Ctenolaercs ceruleus.

PLATE XXIX. FIG. 93.

Labrus, The Burga.il at New-York. Schcepff, Beobacht. Vol. 8, p. 155.
Tautoga cerulea, Blue-fish or Bergall. Mitchill, Report in part, p. 24.
Labrus chogset. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 403, pi. 3, fig. 2.
Crenilabrus burgall. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 78.
Le Ctenolabre chogset. Coy. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 13, p. 237.

Characteristics. Bluish, passing occasionally into reddish or bronze; often with obsolete dusky
bars on its back. Length 6-12 inches.

Description. Body elongated, compressed ; its depth equalling one-fourth of its length.
Scales large, adherent, subquadrate, rounded on the exposed margin, with radiating impressed
lines on the concealed surface ; they are found on the upper part of the preopercle and on the
opercle. Forty-five or six scales occur in a line from the branchial aperture to the tail, and
six above and seventeen below the lateral line. Lateral line near the back, concurrent with
it, and of course not much curved ; descending rather suddenly opposite the termination of
the dorsal fin. Head gradually sloping ; the facial line slightly convex before the dorsal fin.
The opercle with a large and obtusely pointed membrane. Eyes moderate. Nostrils double ;
the posterior open, 0 . 2 distant from the eye ; the anterior with a valvular opening. Preopercle

FAMILY LABRID.E CTENOLABRUS. 173

finely denticulated on its posterior margin, and for a short distance along its rounded angle ;
beneath smooth. Mouth protractile, with fleshy lips.

Teeth. A series of sixteen to eighteen acute teeth in the upper, and from twenty to twenty-
two in the lower jaw ; those in front somewhat recurved. Behind these, in both jaws, are
bands of smaller velvet-like teeth. In the pharynx above, the teeth are distributed in two equal
patches ; they are long and blunt, and contain about twenty in each group. Below these are
about forty in number, of a similar size and shape, and arranged in one triangular group.
Tongue free and small. A fold of membrane extends transversely across the roof of the mouth,
and a similar one opposite in the lower jaw.

The dorsal fin commences with a short spine, nearly above the gill openings ; the first
eighteen are spinous, lower in front, and very gradually increasing in length ; (in fresh speci-
mens, there is a short fleshy filament on each spine ;) the remaining ten rays branched, higher,
with a rounded margin to that part of the fin, nearly coterminal with the anal fin. The pec-
torals are placed under the second or third dorsal ray, broad, rounded, and composed of fifteen
articulated and branched rays. Ventrals just behind the pectorals, and composed of one stout
short spine, and five exceedingly ramose rays. The anal fin longer than high, of three stout
spinous and nine branched rays, of which the sixth and seventh are longest. Caudal short
and rounded, with its base covered with scales.

Color. There is scarcely any fish whose colors are so variable as this species. In the
smaller individuals, the general color is blue, more or less mixed with brown ; and faint
dusky transverse bars may be frequently seen. In the larger specimens, as in the one now
before me, which is twelve inches long, the colors are bright and showy, a light orange-
colored tint pervading the whole body. In these, also, the head and opercles are of a beau-
tiful chocolate mixed with bright blue ; the fins of a blue, more or less brilliant.

Length, 6-0- 12 '0.

Fin rays, D. 18.10; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 3.9; C. 15 f.

The specific name burgall, which has been applied to this species on the authority of
Schcepff, is erroneous. Schoepff neither indicated nor suggested any specific name, simply
stating that it was called Burgall at New-York. The prior and better name of ceruleus, pro-
posed by Mitchill in his first report, (and which appears to have escaped the notice of my
learned friend M. Valenciennes,) must be adopted.

The Bergall has various popular names : Nibbler, from its vexatious nibbling at the bait
thrown out for other fishes ; Chogset, a name derived from the Mohegan dialect, but its pur-
port unknown ; Bergall, I suppose to be of Dutch origin, as its use seems to be confined to
the neighborhood of New-York. It is also called Blue-fish, on account of its prevailing color.
At Boston, it is often called Blue Perch ; and generally among the eastern fishermen, Cunner,
or Conner. This last name is applied to a Crenilabrus on the coast of Sussex and Hamp-
shire in England, from whence I presume it was derived.

The bergall is very common on our coast. The larger fish are held in some repute, but the
flesh is rather insipid and watery. Some consider the smaller ones, when skinned, as an

174 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

excellent pan fish. It is found as far as the coast of Massachusetts, and northwardly to the
banks of Newfoundland. I am not aware that it is found south of Delaware bay.

THE SPOTTED BERGALL.

Ctenolabrus uninotatus.
PLATE XXIX. FIG. 90.
Le Clinolabre mouchi. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 12, p. 239.

Characteristics. A black spot on the first two soft rays of the dorsal fin, sometimes bordered
with whitish. About six irregular dusky bands across the back. Length
three to five inches.

Description. Body elongated, compressed ; its height to its length as one to four. Teeth
more equal, smaller, and more crowded, than in the preceding. Preopercle very finely den-
ticulated on its posterior margin ; both this and the opercle covered with numerous scales.
The soft portion of the dorsal fin elevated and rounded. Caudal fin more rounded than in the
preceding.

Color. About six unequal short transverse dark olive bands on the back ; these are very
distinct at the base of the dorsal, but become effaced on the sides. Series of rusty dots along
the sides. Gill-covers obscurely rayed with greenish. Bright blue on the lower jaw, ventrals,
vent, and base of the anal fin. An oblong oval brownish black or black spot on the base of
the two first rays of the soft portion of the dorsal fin, or on the two last rays of the spinous
portion ; this spot is sometimes bordered with white or light yellowish.

Length, 3*0- 5' 0.

Fin rays, D. 19.9; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 3.10; C. 13 f.

The Spotted Bergall is always found in company with the preceding, and has hitherto been
considered as the young of that species. They both prefer rocky shores. I am unable to
state any thing in relation to its geographical distribution.

FAMILY L ABRIDGE. 175

GENUS TAUTOGA. MitcMll, Valenciennes.

Jaws with a double row of teeth. Opercle and preopercle without spines or denticidations,
and with few or no scales.

Obs. This genus was first named by Dr. Mitchill in his Report antecedent to his Memoir,
and subsequently adopted and characterized by M. Valenciennes.* It comprises at present
six species from the Indian ocean, the Red sea, the coast of Norway, and the shores of the
United States. But one species has yet been observed on the coast of New-York.

THE NEW-YORK TAUTOG.

TaUTOGA AMERICANA.

PLATE XIV. FIG. 33. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Labrus, Black-fish at New-York. Schcepff, Beob. Vol. 8, p. 156.

L. americanus. Bl. Schn. p. 261.

Tautoga niger. Mitchill, Report in part, p. 23.

Labrus tautoga. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. York, Vol. 1, p. 399.

The Tautog, L. Americanus. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 76.

Le Tautogue rwir. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 13, p. 293.

Characteristics. Bluish black, with irregular darker blotches and bands. The soft rays of
the dorsal fin elevated. Scales small. Length six to eighteen inches.

Description. Body elongate, compressed, and highest just before the dorsal fin. Length
of the head to the total length as one to four nearly. Frontal outline arched from the origin
of the dorsal outline to the snout ; the dorsal outline rather straight along the fin to the soft
rays. Scales small, thin, adherent ; very small on the summit of the head, and upper part
of the opercle and preopercle ; others on the membrane of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins.
The scales on the body are plaited behind, minutely striated ; exposed surface very small,
minutely punctate' with black. Lateral line slightly curved, and nearly concurrent with the
line of the back, going off straight through the centre of the tail. Nostrils double ; the pos-
terior largest, oval, slightly in front of the orbit, and in a line with its upper plane ; the an-
terior small and tubular. Eyes moderate, and about two diameters apart. Preopercle large,
with a few scales ; its angle rounded. Opercle very large, emarginated above, and with a
wide membrane. Branchial rays five. Lips thick and very fleshy ; the lower jaw slightly
shortest. Teeth conic, robust, particularly in front ; a few forming an imperfect series
behind.

The dorsal fin commences nearly above the branchial aperture, and in advance of the base
of the pectorals ; the spinous portion low, its height about one-fifth of the depth of the body,

* " J'ai employe, a l'exemple de Mitchill, le nom qui se terminait, par une heureuse euphonie, en une disinence latine, pour
*' faire connaitre un nouveau genre de la famille," etc. (Cut. et Val. Hist. Nat. des Poissons, Vol. 13, p. 292.)

176 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

containing seventeen subequal rays, the membrane passing beyond the tips ; the soft portion
is about one-third of the length of the preceding part, higher and rounded, containing ten
rays. The pectoral fins wide and rounded ; their length equal to half the height of the body,
and containing seventeen rays. The ventral fins beneath the middle of the pectorals, mode-
rate, and composed of one spinous and five branched rays. Anal short, commencing under
the fifteenth spinous ray of the dorsal, and terminates opposite the seventh or eighth soft ray
of the soft portion of that fin, and equalling that fin in height. It contains three spinous and
eight branched rays. Caudal fin very short, nearly even, and slightly rounded.

Color. This is remarkably varied, but the general hue is black ; occasionally deep black,
or bluish black with metallic reflections. Very frequently pale bluish, with irregular bands
of a deeper hue. Lips, lower jaw and abdomen lighter, sometimes of a pale color, sprinkled
with black points, and occasionally of the 'same general hue with the rest of the body. Liver
voluminous ; the left lobe divided into two parts each larger than the right lobe. Rectum dou-
ble the size of the preceding intestine, with a thick valve at its origin. Spleen oval, large.
Air-bladder very large, enlarged and emarginate before, pointed behind. Kidneys empty al-
most immediately into a large urinary bladder.

Length, 6' 0 - 18-0.

Fin rays, D. 17.10; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.8; C. 14 |. Vertebrae, 34.

The Common Black-fish, or Tautog, in the Mohegan dialect, which is also said to mean
black, is a well known and savory fish, affording equal pleasure to the angler and the epicure.
Its usual weight in the market is about two pounds. I have heard of one which weighed
twenty pounds, but the largest I have seen did not exceed twelve pounds. This fish selects
in preference rocky shores, feeding near the ground on small crabs and shells ; he is often,
however, taken on sandy bottoms. He is a wary fish, but bites firmly, and is tenacious of life
when taken from the water. It is supposed by the fishermen that he lies torpid in winter,
and that at this period an adventitious membrane closes over the vent. He takes the hook
freely from April until late in the autumn, when he retires into deeper water.

The geographical range of the tautog is very limited, scarcely extending beyond the Capes
of the Chesapeake and Massachusetts bay. According to Dr. Storer, a very few years only
have passed since this species was introduced into Massachusetts bay, and it is now common
along a large portion of that coast. In 1836, three smacks were constantly emploj'ed in
Wellfleet harbor from April to November, in this fishery alone.

Attempts have been made to introduce this fish farther south, but with very limited success.
I am informed by my friend Dr. Holbrook, that General Thomas Pinckney imported from
Rhode-Island a smack load of the Tautog, and set them adrift in the harbor of Charleston,
South-Carolina, where they are to be found to this day. They are still occasionally caught
weighing from one to two pounds, but never in such quantities as to be brought to market.

FAMILY SILURID^E. 177

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

Genus Xirichthys, Cuv. et Vol. Head and body compressed, trenchant. Head longer than high ;
truncated in front. A single long uniform dorsal. Teeth in a single row in the jaws ; the ante-
rior longest. Tongue and palate smooth ; pharyngeals paved. .
X. lineatus. (Cr/v. et Val. Vol. 14, p. 50.) A milk-white spot on the sides, from which descend lines
alternately pale and deep red. Cheeks with bluish lines. Fins red. Length 5 or 6 inches. South-
Carolina.

SOFT-RAYED FISHES.

All the fin rays soft and cartilaginous, with the exception sometimes of the first in the dorsal
and the first in the pectoral fins. These rays of an articulated structure, and generally
more or less branched at their extremities.

ORDER II. ABDOMINAL.

The ventrals behind the pectorals, and not attached to the humeral bone.

FAMILY SILURID^.

Skin naked, and covered with a mucous secretion. Head depressed, and generally enlarged,
with several fleshy filaments. A second adipose dorsal often present. The intermaxilla-
ries, suspended under the ethmoid bone, form the edge of the upper jaw. First ray of
the dorsal and pectoral fins usually a strong articulated spine, with a complicated move-
ment.

Obs. This family contains at present about three hundred species, arranged under thirty-
three genera, almost all inhabiting muddy fresh-water streams and lakes. They are sluggish
in their movements, and depend more upon stratagem than swiftness to seize their prey. Some
of the characters assigned to the family must be received with certain modifications. In some
genera, the skin is not entirely naked, for the lateral line is covered with bony plates ; and in
others, these plates nearly cover the whole body.

The fishes of this family are known in this country under the popular names of Cat-fish
(or simply Cats), Bull-heads, Bull pouts, Horned pouts, etc. Their flesh is generally
esteemed, but its greatest merit appears to be derived from the aids offered by the culinary
art. To the ichthyologist on the sea-shore, it is meagre and tasteless.

Fauna — Part 4. 23

178 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS GALEICHTHYS. Cuvier.

Head rounded, smooth, unarmed. Dorsal and pectoral fins long; the first ray of each
roughened, and ending in filaments. An adipose dorsal. Teeth on the jaws and vomer.
Branchial rays six. Mouth with from four to six barbels.

Obs. This small group, containing at present but five species, is closely allied to Bagrus.
One is found at the Cape of Good Hope, and the others are from the coast of North and South
America. They are all marine species. On the coast of New-York, I have to describe one
species.

THE OCEANIC CATFISH.

Galeicethys marinus.

PLATE XXXVII. FIG. 118. —(STATE COLLECTION.)

Bagre. Parra, Descripcion de diferentes piezas, etc. p. 68, pi. 31, fig. 1.

The Salt-water Cat-fish, S. Marinus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 433.

Le Galeichthe de Parra. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 15, p. 33.

Characteristics. Maxillary barbels not extending to the ventrals. Filament of the pectoral
fin reaching to, and occasionally extending beyond, the ventrals. Caudal
lunate, with pointed tips. Length one to two feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering behind ; its greatest depth at the origin of the first
dorsal, where it is one-sixth of the total length. Skin smooth. Lateral line slightly descending
from beneath the first dorsal, anterior to which it can scarcely be traced ; its course is indicated
by a series of slight elevations. Back slightly carinated. Head broad, flattened above, smooth,
with a few scattering patches of granulations. Jaws equal, broad and rounded. A band of
velvet-like teeth on each jaw, and above there is a transverse band of teeth on the vomer.
Two flattened cirri or barbels 1 • 5 long, depend from the chin ; and two, similar in shape,
from the angle of the mouth, are six inches long, and extend to the pectorals. Eyes oval,
and are placed above the angle of the mouth. Nostrils double, without membrane or cirrus ;
the anterior round, and near the lip ; the posterior, oval.

The first dorsal fin high, triangular, with one bony and seven soft rays ; it is placed on the
anterior third of the body, slightly behind the base of the pectorals. The first ray with rough
granulations in front, three inches high, but continued six inches further by a soft flattened
articulated filament ending in a fine point. The second ray four inches long, with a filament,
but much shorter than the first ; the filament is often wanting : the following rays rapidly
shorter. Second dorsal fin adipose, small, and above the anal. Pectoral fins placed low
down, and with thirteen rays ; the first bony, with strong dentations behind, and continues
by a similar filament to that of the first dorsal fin, six inches. Ventral fins a little in advance
of a point midway between the first and second dorsal fins ; it is composed of six rays. Anal

FAMILY SILURID.E — ARIUS. 179

under the adipose dorsal, and with twenty-three rays. Caudal deeply lunate ; its tips acute,
and its lobes occasionally unequal.

Color. Blue above, tinged with green ; sides silvery ; abdomen opaque white.

Length, 19 '0.

Fin rays, D. 1.7; P. 1.12; V. 6 ; A. 23 ; C. 17.

This marine Cat-fish has a wide geographical range, having been found in the Atlantic from
23° south to 41° north latitude, along the shores of the two Americas. Its flesh has been
represented to me by those who have eaten of it, as having an exquisite flavor. It is fre-
quently abundant in Communipaw creek, on the Jersey side of the harbor of New-York. It
swims frequently with its long dorsal above the surface, in the manner of sharks, and imitat-
ing those animals in voracity.

In accordance with the law of priority, I have restored the original name given by Dr.
Mitchill, although unmeaning. It is not preoccupied in this genus.

GENUS ARIUS. Cuvier.

With the general form of the preceding, but the palatine teeth form two distinct and distant
plates ; rarely any on the vomer. Branchial rays five or six.

Obs. This genus, recently separated from Bagrus, and forming a passage to the genus
Pimelodus, now comprises about forty species, chiefly from Asia, Africa, and the southern
parts of America. They may be subdivided into those which have acute card-like teeth, and
those in which they are so closely approximated and rounded as to appear paved. To the first
division belongs

MILBERT'S ARIUS.

Arius milberti.
L'Arius it Milbert. Ccv. et Yal. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 15, p. 74.

Characteristics. Casque granulated all over, and not in radiating striae. Length five to fifteen
inches.

Description. Head one-fifth of the total length. Snout round ; its casque granulated as far
as between the eyes. A narrow slit ascends half way up the casque. The interparietal pro-
cess is one-third the length of the remaining part of the head. Its base equals its length;
truncated at the end by the crescent of the buckler, which is itself truncated anteriorly. The
granulations are equal, distinct but not large. Front and sides of the head smooth. The
humerus with a smooth skin. The prominence of the upper jaw not very great. Palatine
teeth on two oval plates, nearly touching in front by a small point. The maxillary cirri
or barbels extend slightly beyond the end of the opercle ; the external submandibulary cirri
a fourth less. The spines moderate, with feeble teeth towards the tips, both in front and

180 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

behind. Ventrals less than the pectorals ; the adipose dorsal small ; the upper lobe of the
caudal is one-fourth longer than the lower. Five branchial rays.

Color. Brownish steel-blue, verging to blackish above ; silvery beneath. Adipose dorsal
blackish ; the others grey or brownish. Liver yellow, of two lobes, subdivided into many
smaller ones. Gall bladder small. Stomach elongated, cylindrical. Kidneys thick, and of
moderate length. Air-bladder pointed behind, and supplied with thick muscles.

Fin rays, D. 1.7; P. 1.10; V. 6; A. 17; C. 15.

I am acquainted with this species only through the work of Messrs. Cuvier and Valencien-
nes, from which I have adopted the description. Numerous specimens were sent to Cuvier
from New-York by Milbert, and from Charleston, S. C, by Dr. Holbrook. I am induced to
conjecture, although it is not mentioned by Cuvier, that this species is found in salt water.

GENUS PIMELODUS. Cuvier.

Palate smooth, and without teeth. Barbels varying from six to eight. Casque occasionally
present.

Obs. This genus, now more circumscribed than in the last edition of the Regne Animal,
comprises forty-three species. Of these, ten are described from North America ; but the
actual number will probably be found much greater, when the species shall have been care-
fully examined. All the North American species hitherto known, have the casque continuous
with the buckler, and are furnished with eight barbels.

THE GREAT LAKE CATFISH.

PlMELODUS NIGRICANS.

PLATE L1I. FIG. 170. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Le Pimelode noirdtre. Lesueuk, Memoires du Museum, Vol. 5, p. 153, pi. 16.

The Black Pimelode, P. nigrescens ? Richardson, Northern Zoology, Fishes, Vol. 3, p. 134.

Le Pimelode noirdtre. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 15, p. 133.

Characteristics. Large. Deep olive brown. Caudal forked. Anal fin with twenty-five or
twenty-six rays. Two to four feet.

Description. Head broad and rounded. Skin smooth, glossy, scaleless, with very faint
traces of a straight lateral line. In the larger specimens, a somewhat remarkable depression
on the nape anterior to the dorsal. Eyes small. Orbits 0'7 in diameter, and 4'0 apart.
Barbels eight ; two at the anterior margin of the posterior nostrils, on the upper part of the
head, small, erectile, tapering to a fine point, and exceeding an inch in length. Posterior
nostrils oblong slits, equidistant between the orbits and the central part of the snout, and rather
more than that distance apart. The anterior nostrils smallest, placed in a cavity with a

FAMILY SILURHWE — PIMELODUS. 181

tubular margin, and equidistant between the posterior nostrils and the margin of the upper jaw.
Sides of the upper jaw terminate in a movable accessory bone an inch long, to which is at-
tached a long flattened filament tapering to a fine point, and six inches long ; beneath this, at
the angle of the jaw, is a deep cavity. On the under side of the lower jaw, at a distance of
half an inch from the margin, are four cirri or barbels placed transversely : two on each side
of the jaw ; the two composing the middle pair rather more distant from each other, than from
the adjacent cirrus on each side. All these are somewhat compressed, but less so than those
at the angle of the jaw. Exterior to the outer barbels, on each side, are two or three fora-
mina in a regular series ; the two external communicating with the inside of the mouth, the
others merely blind cavities. These are not always present on both sides, and sometimes
they are almost obsolete. Mouth very capacious, with broad bands of small recurved equal
teeth in both jaws, and in the throat. Palate smooth. Tongue large and rounded, not free.

The first dorsal fin obtusely pointed, higher than wide, and composed of one bony and six
branched rays. It commences eight and a half inches from the end of the snout, or a little
forward of a point reached by the tips of the pectorals. The bony ray is serrated, and ter-
minates in a soft flexible tip ; the third ray slightly longest. The adipose dorsal elongate,
rounded ; its tip reaching a point above the termination of the anal. Pectorals placed low
down, consisting of one stout articulated and serrated spine, and of nine branched rays ; the
lowermost small and indistinct ; the length of its base to its height as three to one. Ventrals
broad and rounded, consisting of one spinous and eight broad fiat many-branched rays ; these
fins arise nearly beneath a point reached by the tips of the prostrate dorsal. The extremities
of the ventrals cover the vent and the posterior urinary meatus, which latter terminates in a
fleshy tubercle. Anal fin long and subequal, composed of twenty-six rays : the first ray short ;
the second and third successively longer ; the rest subequal as far as the twenty-second, when
they again become shorter, making the posterior termination of this fin regularly rounded :
its base to its height as three to one nearly. Caudal forked, with seventeen complete rays.
The rays of all the fins are so much enveloped in the common thick teguments, as to be
counted with difficulty. The spleen is dark red, flat and rounded, with a flat accessory lobe
above. The liver large, transverse, with two lobes on the left, and a smaller one on the right ;
the gall-bladder is long and large, and attached closely to the substance of the liver. Stomach
exceedingly thick and muscular. Kidneys large, bifurcating backwards under the air blad-
der, and terminating in a large urinary bladder. Air-bladder large, long, with remarkably
thick coats ; anteriorly it ends in two pointed processes, with a laciniated border between
them ; a longitudinal wall or septum, as stout as the external coat, divides it into two equal
parts ; the anterior part is covered by a broad thin glandular substance, the uses of which
are unknown. The most curious fact in relation to the air-bladder, is that it communicates
with the alimentary canal, just under the diaphragm, by a duct two inches long, and suffi-
ciently large to admit a crow quill.

Color. General hue olive-brown ; the upper part of the head and cheeks bluish ; the sides
of the body towards the tail, ash white, with occasionally large confluent black spots ; a few
irregular distant round black spots on the upper part of the body. Upper lip maculated with

182 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

black. All beneath bluish white, varied with darker. Base of the ventrals and pectorals
whitish. Pupil black ; irides varied with blackish and golden.

Fin rays, D. 1.6.0; P. 1.9; V. 1.8; A. 26; C. 17 §.

A specimen twenty-eight inches long, offered the following dimensions :

Girth over the opercles, 14 "0 Length of the two lower outer pair, 3" 5

— behind the pectorals, . . 12" 0 — of the pectorals, 3"0

— around the tail, 4-0 — of the ventrals, 2 ' 5

Length of the upper cirri, .. 1'3 — of the dorsal, , 3"0

— of the buccal cirri, . . 6 " 0 — of the adipose fin, l'O

Distance between the tips of the caudal fin, 6"0

This Lake Cat-fish was taken at Buffalo, and weighed eight pounds. I have seen them
weighing from twenty-five to thirty pounds, and have heard of others which reached the weight
of eighty pounds. It is held in very little estimation as an article of food, I should judge,
from the prices asked for them in the towns along the lake. I have seen them weighing ten
or twelve pounds, offered for six cents apiece. Like all its congeners, it prefers muddy bot-
toms. It is usually captured by the spear.

THE COMMON CATFISH.

PlMELODUS CATUS.

PLATE XXXVII. FIG. 119. —(ST ATE COLLECTION.)

Silurus catus, Linneus, Syst. Nat.

Common Fresh-water Cat-fish, S. catus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 433.

Pimelodus nebulosus. Lesueur, Mem. du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle. Vol. 5, p. 149.

Tlie Horned Pout. Stoeer, Massachusetts Report, p. 102.

Le Pimelode nihuleux, et Chat. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 15, p. 124 and 132.

Characteristics. Dusky, becoming darker on the back and upper part of the head. Two
concealed spines near the base of the pectoral. Caudal nearly even,
rounded. Length six to ten inches.

Description. Body elongate, depressed before the anterior dorsal, compressed behind.
Head flattened, smooth, declivous. The anterior nostril near the edge of the upper lip ; the
posterior nearly equidistant between the snout and the eye, with a short erect barbel on
its anterior margin, and partially concealing it ; these barbels, when extended backwards,
pass a short distance beyond the eyes. Depending from the upper jaw are two thick fleshy
barbels, which reach to the middle of the pectorals. Four filaments are placed under the
lower jaw ; the exterior, on each side, reach beyond the branchial aperture beneath ; the two
interior shorter. Body smooth, scaleless. The lateral line nearly straight, occasionally ob-
scure. Eyes small, a short distance behind the angle of the mouth. Branchial aperture

FAMILY SILURID^E PIMELODUS. 183

wide, with eight branchial rays, the last almost rudimentary. Two blunt spines on the hu-
meral bone. Upper jaw longest ; both with a band of numerous, small, crowded teeth. A
roughened orbicular patch on each upper pharyngeal.

The first dorsal fin commences at about one-third of the total length, higher than long,
rounded above ; the first ray stoutly spinous, the fourth longest. Second dorsal adipose,
elongated, and placed above the termination of the anal. Pectorals small, with a serrated
spine, and nine closely crowded articulated rays. This spine, like that of the dorsal, by an
ingenious mechanism, becomes fixed and immovable at the will of the animal, and serves as
an important arm of defence. The ventrals smaller than the pectorals, placed beneath the
last ray of the dorsal, and with eight rays. Anal long and subequal ; its first rays short, and
partially concealed. Caudal nearly even, slightly rounded. The intestines simple, and with-
out caeca. Vent oblong. Kidneys very large, surround the base of the air-bladder, and ter-
minate in a large urinary bladder. Air-bladder oval or heart-shaped, and apparently simple ;
but when the external white fibrous coat is removed, it is found to be covered with a thin trans-
parent membrane forming two distinct sacs, lying side by side ; and each sac is again stran-
gulated towards its anterior extremity, thus forming four distinct cavities.

Color. Dusky, with a deeper shade on the back and summit of the head. Sides of the
head with a greenish tint ; cupreous on the sides. Abdomen pearl-grey. Fins dusky. After
death, from infiltration, some of the fins become tinged with red. Irides white.

Length, 7*5.

Fin rays, D. 1 .6 ; P. 1 .8 ; V. 8 ; A. 23 ; C. 19.

This is one of our most common species, and makes its appearance in market in the first
days of April. A peculiarity connected with this species, and perhaps with others of the same
family, is, that it occasionally appears without any ventral fins. I have seen two thus de-
prived of these fins, and this furnished a naturalist with an opportunity of forming a new genus
Pimapterus. The specimens thus defective agreed in every respect to the minutest particular
with the species above described, so that I am induced to conclude that it was entirely acci-
dental. May not the genus Astroblepus of Humboldt (Obs. Zool. Vol. 1, p. 19, pi. 7), be
founded on a similar mal-formation ? We notice that Cuvier passed over this genus in silence
in the last edition of his Regne Animal, although M. Valenciennes has reproduced it in his
continuation of the Histoire Naturelle des Poissons.

The Common Catfish, Horn Pout or Minister, has a wide geographic range. It occurs in
the great lakes, and along the Atlantic States from New-Hampshire to Florida.

184 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE BROWN CATFISH.

PlMELODUS PULLDS.
PLATE XXXVII. FIG. 117. —(STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Pectorals pointed. Ventrals subacute. Caudal fin emarginate. Length
nine to twelve inches.

Description. Head flattened, with a granular surface above ; its length compared to the
total length, is as one to four and a half. The upper jaw slightly the longest. Lateral line
slightly concave under the dorsal fin, and then straight. Breadth of the head slightly less
than its length. Eyes small, two-tenths of an inch in diameter, and far apart. Nostrils
double ; the posterior pair half an inch apart, patent, oval, with an erectile cirrus on their
anterior margins ; the anterior pair subtubular, and near the edge of the jaws. A long cirrus,
stout and fleshy at its base, at each angle of the jaws, and an inch and a half long. A pair
of slender cirri 0-6 long, on the summit of the head; four others under the lower jaw,
arranged in a curved line an inch in extent ; the internal pair shortest, and all slender.
Humeral bone with a blunt spine over the pectoral, and a short obtuse angular projection
beneath. Mouth very ample and dilatable. A band of small recurved teeth in each jaw,
broadest in the centre, and diminishing to a point on the sides. Vomer and palatines smooth.
Two rounded patches of minute recurved teeth in the upper pharyngeals ; opposite to them,
a few scattering minute teeth.

The dorsal fin commences half an inch posterior to a point vertical to the origin of the pec-
torals, subquadrate, and a little more than an inch high. Its first ray is a robust spine,
slightly serrated on its posterior margin, and much shorter than the remaining rays. Adipose
fin rounded, and opposite the termination of the anal fin. Pectorals placed low down, and in
advance of the posterior angle of the opercle ; its spine stout and pointed, with its anterior
and posterior margins serrated, and its upper and under surfaces corrugated : the spine is
shorter than the four following rays. Ventrals somewhat pointed, and originate at a point
three-tenths of an inch behind the end of the first dorsal. Anal fin with seventeen rays, an
inch and a half long, and six-tenths of an inch high. Caudal fin slightly but distinctly emar-
ginate ; the accessory rays indistinct. Vent with a double orifice.

Color. A \iniform dusky brown above, approaching to black ; beneath bluish white. Fins
and cirri black ; the former tinged with red.

Length, 9-0 ; of the head, 2"0.

Fin rays, D. 1.5.0; P. 1.7; V. 8; A. 17; C. 19. f.

This is very common in Lake Pleasant, Lake Janet, and many of the other lakes in the
northern districts of the State. There are many varieties in its markings, and it occasionally
exceeds a foot in length. Its principal use in those regions appears to be, to serve as bait for
the lake trout.

FAMILY SILURID.E PIMELODUS. 185

THE BLACK CATFISH.

PlMELODUS ATRAHIUS.
PLATE XXXVI. FIG. 116. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Black. Adipose dorsal long and slender ; the rays of the fins passing beyond
the membrane. Caudal emarginate, round, with numerous accessory rays.
Length four to eight inches.

Description. Surface smooth and scaleless. Lateral line distinct, nearly straight, slightly
convex under the dorsal fin. Head depressed, sloping. The barbels, in number and arrange-
ment, resemble those of the preceding species. Lips fleshy, with minute punctures. Teeth
in the jaws minute, long, conical and crowded. Tongue smooth. Humeral bone with a long
concealed spine above the pectoral, and a short blunt rudimentary process directed downward
at the upper angle of the branchial aperture.

The dorsal fin higher than long, arising midway between the pectorals and ventrals ; the
first ray an acute triangular spine ; its anterior surfaces marked with oblicme rugae or wrinkles ;
its anterior edge smooth ; a small accessory bone at its anterior base ; six soft rays, the first
and second longest. The adipose dorsal as far from the last rays of the first dorsal, as the
anterior ray of that fin is from the end of the snout ; long and slender, rounded, and laci-
niate at the tips. The pectoral fins nearly on the plane of the abdomen, and anterior to the
upper angle of the branchial aperture, containing one spinous and seven branched rays : the
spinous ray robust, triangular, slightly curved, with its anterior edge roughened, and its sides
channelled as in the spine of the first dorsal ; a small filamentous ray is connected with it, its
posterior edges with decurved spines ; the second, third and fourth rays somewhat longer
than the spines. Ventrals small and feeble, pointed, their tips scarcely reaching the third
anal ray ; the third and fourth rays longest. Anal fin long ; the first four successively longer,
when they become subequal to the last four or five rays, when they gradually diminish in
length. Caudal slightly emarginate, rounded at the tips.

Color. Deep black, occasionally blackish brown above and on the sides ; ashen grey beneath.

Length, 4' 5.

Fin rays, D. 1.6.0; P. 1.7; V. 8; A. 20; C. 17f.

This species occurs commonly in Wappinger's creek, a tributary of the Hudson, Dutchess
county. They occasionally occur there of dimensions larger than those given above.

In concluding the history of the Siluridaa observed in the State of New-York, I must call
the attention of our ichthyologists to a species which has been rather indicated than described
by Dr. Mitchill in the American Monthly Magazine for 1818. If there be no error in the
description, it will form the type of a new genus in this family, already so rich in the variety
of its forms. It approaches the Silurus of Cuvier and Valenciennes, of which they observe,

Fauna — Part 4. 24

186 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

that they know of none in the rivers of the two Americas. On account of its dorsal spine, it
cannot be admitted into that genus ; and the same spine being smooth, and not serrated,
excludes it from Schilbc. Its natural position in a general arrangement of the Siluridre would
seem to be between Schilbe and Cetopsis ; forming a passage, by its simply spinous anterior
dorsal and pectoral ray, from one to the other. It may be thus characterized : " No adipose
fin ; simple spines to the dorsal and pectoral : anal long ; caudal pointed, not united to the
anal." Important details respecting the teeth are wanting to complete the character. I sub-
join the description :

" Long-tailed Silurus. Silurus gyrinus. Without an adipose fin ; without a second
dorsal fin ; and with a lengthened tail, resembling that of the common tadpole. Brought by
Dr. B. A. Akerly from the Walkill, where the species is numerous, and an individual seldom
equals the length of four inches. His general figure is that of a broad head horizontally
extended ; of a thin tail perpendicularly flattened, and of a belly giving him a roundish appear-
ance towards the middle of the body. There are four cirri beneath the chin, two in the upper
jaw, and two larger ones at the corners of the mouth. The gape is wide ; mouth large ; lips
fortified with a row of small teeth ; tongue broad, distinct. There is but a single dorsal fin,
and that consists of seven rays, of which the first is spinous. About an inch behind it, com-
mences the caudal fin, which is continued quite round the tail, and almost to the anal fin.
The form is lanceolate and pointed ; and the rays are so flexible and delicate, that in the spe-
cimen now before me, the caudal fin puts me in mind of a brush. It may be compared to the
tail of an eel ; the resemblance is nearer to that of a tadpole, when it approaches the period
of conversion to a frog. The vent is nearly midway of the body. The anal fin, consisting
of about sixteen rays, is situated between it and the caudal ; for though the caudal is con-
tinued almost to it, there is no union. The pectoral fins have seven rays, of which the fore-
most is spinous. The spines of the several fins, though sharp, are not serrated. I could not
discover any barbed or jagged configuration whatever in either of them. The abdominal fins
are small, approximated, and almost as far back as the vent. The lateral line, after passing
the thoracic parts, passes along to the middle of the tail, having the appearance of a dark stripe.
The tail exhibits other faint marks of lines or stripes, while the trunk and head have a sort of
mottled or clouded appearance. The belly is whitish or cream-colored.

" The want of serrae to the spines, and of a second dorsal fin, might lead some to remove
this fish from the Silure family ; but to avoid needless innovation, I retain him here."

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. cmwsus. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 132.) Barbels at the angle of the mouth, not reach-
ing- the gills. Br. rays 9. The pectoral spine strongly serrated. Caudal rounded. D. 1.7.0;
P. 1.8; V. 8; A. 24; C. 17 r\. Length ten inches. Lake Huron.

P. albidus. (Lesueur, Mem. Mus. Vol. 5, p. 148.) Whitish ash. D. 1.6; P. 1. 10; V. 8; A. 22;
C. 10; Length 12 to 15 inches. Delaware.

FAMILY SILURID.E — PIMELODUS. 187

P. borealis. (Rich. F. B. A. Vol.3, p. 135.) Pectoral and dorsal spines not serrated. Dorsal sub-
quadrangular. Caudal slightly forked, with rounded lobes. A. 25. Length two to three feet.
Northern Regions.

P. lemniscatus. (Lesueur, Mem. Mus. Vol. 5, p. 155.) Caudal united above to the long and low
adipose fin, and nearly united to the anal beneath. Length 4-8 inches. Southern Stales.

P.furcatus. (Id. Cuv. et Val. Vol. 15, p. 136.) Elongate. Tail furcate. Adipose small and nar-
row. Anal fin with 32 to 34 rays. Length one to four feet. Ohio, Louisiana.

P. punctulalus. (Id. Cuv. et Val. lb. p. 134.) Branchial rays twelve. Caudal even. Brown,
punctured with black. Anal fin with seventeen rays. Length 2-3 feet. Louisiana.

P. ceneus. (Id. Mem. Mus. Vol. 5, p. 150.) Lower jaw longest. Eleven anal rays; twenty-five to
the even caudal. Allied to the preceding 1 Length 2-3 feet. Ohio.

Dr. Kirtland, in his Report on the Geology of Ohio, has given a catalogue of six others, some of
which are probably included above.

P. cerulescens. The Blue Catfish of Ohio and the Lakes.

P. cuprcus. The Yellow Catfish.

P. pallidus. The Channel Catfish.

P. nebulosus. The Mud Catfish, recognized by the scarified and clouded appearance of its skin.

P. xanthocephalus. The small Black Bullhead of the northern streams and lakes.

P. flavus. Young Catfish, with the rudiments of an adipose fin.

Genus Amblyopsis.* Body with scales. Vent anterior to the base of the pectorals. Eyes concealed
under the skin. Ventrals minute ; a single dorsal. Teeth on the jaws and palatines. Head
smooth, and without barbels.

A. spelams. Whitish. Head broad and flattened. Mouth large. Most of the fins with filamentous tips.
Length 3{ inches. Mammoth cave, Kentucky.

* Note. To add to the usefulness of this work as a hook of reference, I introduce here a species which appears not to
have been described, and for which I am in a manner compelled to construct a new genus. It is probably identical with
the one noticed in the proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, as follows: " A small white iish, eyeless, (pre-
sumed to belong to a subgenus of Silurus,) taken from a small stream called the River Styx, in the Mammoth cave, Ken-
tucky, about two and a half miles from the entrance."

I have been much embarrassed to know where to place this species, and have delayed the publication of these pages, in
hopes that some naturalist, with recent and perfect specimens before him, would ere this have favored the public with the
result of his observations. The specimen from which I drew up the following notes was imperfect, and as it belonged to
a public institution, could not with propriety be dissected. It has obviously the port and habit of the Siluridae, and the
obscure character of its eyes naturally recals the genus Cctopsis of Agassiz ; but its scaly body, and head without barbels
forbid its arrangement even in that family as at present characterized. In the singular position of its vent, it resembles
Aphredoderus among the Percida;. I think it probable that it may form the type of a new family of the soft-rayed abdo-
minal fishes.

A. spelcms. Body cylindrical in front, largest at its junction with the head, tapering and becoming gradually compressed
behind. Surface covered with minute soft orbicular scales, becoming smaller on the back and towards the basal line
of the head, and beneath the branchial membrane; they do not ascend upon the fins; the course of the lateral is only
obvious on the posterior part of the body and tail. Head smooth, broad, flat, and gradually sloping from the elevated
nape ; its length to the total length as one to three and a half. Eyes large, vertical, not obvious, but their position

188 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

FAMILY CYPRINID^.

Mouth slightly cleft ; weak jaws, most frequently without teeth ; margin of the jaw formed
by the inter 7naocillaries ; pharyngeals strongly toothed. Branchial rays few. Body scaly.
One dorsal fin. Belly not compressed, never serrated. Intestinal canal short, without
ccecal appendages. The least carnivorous of all fishes.

Obs. Two hundred and seventy species, arrayed under twenty genera, have been described
from various quarters of the globe.

GENUS CYPRINUS. Linneus, Cuvier.

Body covered with large scales. A single elongated dorsal fin. Lips fleshy ; mouth small,
terminal. Teeth in the pharyngeals, but none in the jaws. Branchial rays three.

THE COMMON CARP. — (Introduced.)
Cypeinus caupio.
Cyprinus carpio. Linn., Cuv. Itcgne Animal, Vol.2, p. 271.

Characteristics. Color golden olive. The first ray of the dorsal and anal fin strongly serrated
behind. Two barbules at the angle of the mouth. Dorsal fin long, emargi-
nate. Length, six to twelve inches.

Description. Body covered with about twelve rows of large scales. A cirrus or barbel at
the upper part of each corner of the jaw, with a second smaller one above it on each side.

under the skin may be detected by removing the teguments. Nostrils near the margin of the jaw. Opercles smooth,
and without spines or scrratures. Branchial aperture large ; the membrane with eight rays. No barbels nor cirri
about the head, or depending from its jaws. Mouth wide; lower jaw longest, not as broad nor as much rounded as
the upper jaw ; it is armed with several rows of numerous minute, slender, long and pointed teeth directed backwards.
In the upper jaw, similar but smaller teeth arranged in several rows, of which the outer are directed horizontally
forward. Two rows of long hooked teeth on the palatines ; vomer smooth. Tongue smooth and free.

The dorsal tin arises an inch and three quarters from the end of the snout, is higher than broad, composed of seven
articulated feebly branched rays ; its base 0-3, its height 0-5 ; it appears to lie in a furrow, but this may have arisen
from the shrinking of the animal in spirits. Pectorals 0-6 long, with a narrow base of 0-15, with twelve articulated
and branched rays ; the middle rays are long and filamentous, extending nearly to the origin of the dorsal fin. Ventrals
very feeble, of five rays ; the filamentous tips reaching nearly to the origin of the anal. Anal fin quadrangular, arising
under the fifth dorsal ray, and containing eight articulated rays. Caudal pointed; its middle rays longest, 0-6 long,
but appeared to have been mutilated. Vent a small circular orifice in advance of the base of the pectorals, and only
0-8 from the tip of the lower jaw.

In alcohol, it appeared to have been of a uniform dull yellowish white. Length, 3-5 ; of the head to the edge of the
opercles, 1 -0. Breadth of the head at the basal line, 0.6. D. 7 ; P. 12; V. 5 ; A. 8 ; C. 16 *. (Cabinet oftlic Ujceun
of Natural History?)

FAMILY CYPRINID;£ CYPRINTJS. 189

Eyes small. Nostrils large. Opercle with stria; radiating from the anterior edge. Nape and
back rising suddenly.

Dorsal fin long, with its first ray bony, the second bony and serrated on its posterior surface,
the third flexible and longest. Dorsal and anal coterminal. Ventrals arise under the third ray
of the dorsal ; the first ray of the anal fin robust, bony, serrated behind. Tail forked. Lateral
line interrupted, straight. Vertebra? 36.

Color. Golden olive brown ; head darkest. Irides golden. Belly yellowish white.

Length, 6-0-12-0.

Fin rays, D. 22 ; P. 17 ; V. 9 ; A. 8 ; C. 19.

The Carp is a native of the lakes and rivers of the southern parts of Europe. In Austria
and Prussia, their growth is carefully cultivated, and the traffic in them so considerable, that
in places which are favorable to their increase, the yearly rent of an acre of water is equal
in value to that of an acre of land. They are not found as far north as Russia, and were
introduced into England about three hundred years ago. I am not aware that any attempt
has been made to introduce the Carp into this country previous to the year 1831, which, it
will be seen by the following letter from Henry Robinson, Esq. of Newburgh, Orange county,
was attended with complete success.

" I brought the Carp from France in the years 1831 and 32, some two or three dozen at a time, and
;c generally lost one-third on the passage. I probably put into my ponds six or seven dozen. They soon
" increased to a surprising degree, and I have now more than sufficient for family use. I have not
" paid much attention to their habits, but I have noticed that they spawn twice a year ; first about the
" middle of May, and again in July. It is said in France that they spawn three times, but I have not
" observed it. During the period of spawning, which lasts about ten days, it is very amusing to watch
" their operations. They come up to the surface, and the females deposit their spawn along the sides of
" the pond among the grass, where they are impregnated by the males as they are emitted. During this
" process, they keep the sides of the pond in a foam with their gambols, and it is not difficult at that time
" to take them with your hands. They grow quickly, reaching three or four inches the first year, but
" after that time their growth is very slow. The largest I have taken yet have not exceeded ten or eleven
" inches, my ponds being too small for them to equal the size of those you see in Europe. They are
" very shy of the hook ; I generally bait with small pieces of fresh bread, (of which they are very fond,)
" made up into small pills with the fingers, and at the same time drop a small piece of bread into the
''■ water near the hook, when they bite readily. My ponds are supplied by springs of pure and clear
" water, but they keep the water in such a state that they cannot be seen at the bottom.

" For the last four years past, I have put from one to two dozen carp every spring in the Hudson river
" near my residence. They have increased so much that our fishermen frequently take them in their
" nets. They are larger than those in my ponds."

This interesting note is important, as establishing the practicability of introducing- foreign
fishes into our waters, and as recording an important fact in Ichthyology. We invite other
patriotic individuals to make similar experiments with other species, which are now limited
to the other side of the Atlantic. From recent experiments made in Europe with impregnated

190 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

ova of fishes, we see no reason to doubt why the turbot and sole, and other equally savory
fishes of Europe, may not be successfully introduced upon our seacoast.

THE GOLD CARP. — (Introduced.)

Cyprinus auratus.

Cyprinus auratus. LlNNEUS.

Gold-fish. Smith, Fishes of Massachusetts.

The Golden Carp. Storer, Zoology of Massachusetts, p. 82.

Description. The varieties in color, shape, position of the fins, and even their number, has
been so much influenced by domestication, that the application of any distinctive phrase is
almost impossible.

De Sauvigny, in his Histoire Naturelle des Dorades de la Chine, has figured eighty-nine
varieties of this species, and this list might be almost indefinitely extended. The following
are the most usual appearances : Brilliant red or orange above ; silvery beneath. Occa-
sionally black, or black and white, or wholly of a brilliant silvery color. The opercles with
radiating striae. Scales large, striated, and rough to the touch. The number of fin rays very
variable, but the following is often observed :

Fin rays, D. 16 ; P. 15 ; V. 9 ; A. 18 ; C. 17.

The Golden Carp, or Gold-fish, as it is more generally called, was introduced from China
into Europe in the early part of the seventeenth century, and probably shortly after found
its way to this country. They breed freely in ponds in this and the adjoining States.
They are of no use as an article of food, but are kept in glass vases as an ornament to the
parlor and drawing-room. They are said to display an attachment to their owners, and a
limited obedience to their commands.

FAMILY CYPRINUXE. 191

GENUS ABRAMIS. Cuvier.

No bony rays nor barbels. Body deep, compressed. Dorsal and abdominal line very con
vex. The dorsal fin short, placed behind the line of the ventrals. Anal long.

THE VARIEGATED BREAM.

Abramis versicolor,
plate xxxii. fig. 103.

Characteristics. Silvery varied with green, blue and golden. Anal with fourteen rays.
Length five to seven inches.

Description. Body compressed, with its dorsal and abdominal outlines very convex. Scales
very large, orbicular, with excentric striae. Lateral line commences at the upper angle of the
branchial aperture, descends gently a short distance, when it suddenly curves downwards
with a broad curve below the middle of the body, following the abdominal outline to the tail ;
the scales of this line contain short and somewhat irregular tubes. Head small, smooth,
slightly depressed above, with a range of pores on its upper part. Three flat branchial rays.
Mouth protractile, opening somewhat vertically. Upper pharyngeal paved ; lower pharyn-
geals with three or four stout white teeth.

The dorsal fin higher than long, subquadrate, placed behind the line of the ventrals ; the
first ray short, simple, not spinous, and closely adpressed to the second, which is longest,
and similar in structure to the first ; the remaining rays very ramose, successively shorter.
The pectorals broad, placed very low down ; upper ray simple and longest ; the remainder
slender, and difficult to be enumerated. Ventrals approximated. Anal longer than high,
placed posterior to the termination of the dorsal, excavated on its margin, and composed of
one simple and thirteen branched rays. Caudal forked ; the base covered to some distance
up with scales. Air-bladder bipartite.

Color. This is so varied as to render it difficult to convey an idea by description alone.
General hue silvery, mixed with green and blue above, becoming golden on the sides and ab-
domen. Irides yellow. Opercles and suborbitals brilliant, lustrous, white, with metallic
reflections. Upper part of the head deep brownish black ; back dark green, passing into blue.
Pectorals and anal dull yellow. Ventrals deep orange. Dorsal and caudal fin brownish black ;
the former with a faint yellowish tinge on its membrane.

Length, 5-0-7-0.

Fin rays, D. 9 ; P. 14 ; V. 9 ; A. 14 ; C. 19 f .

This is a savory fluviatile species. It appears occasionally in the New- York market, from
the Connecticut and Hudson river and the streams of Long Island. It is abundant near
Peekskill, where it is called Dace, from its resemblance to the Dace of Europe, which,

192 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

however, belongs to another genus. It is also called the Yellow-bellied Perch, and Wind-fish ;
which induced one of our most zealous and acute ichthyologists, Mr. I. Cozzens, to designate
it many years since in a MSS. description as Cyprinus colus. The name of Wind-fish is de-
rived from one of its habits. Whenever a light flaw of wind ruffles the water, thousands of
these fish may be seen darting to the surface, and as suddenly disappearing.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. smithii. (Richardson, North. Zool. Vol. 3, p. 110, figure.) Tongue toothed. Dorsal with 1.12,
and anal with 1.27 rays. Length 9-10 inches. St. Lawrence river. An Abramis ?

A. balteatus. (Id. lb. p. 302.) A broad scarlet stripe from the gills to the anal, beneath the lateral
line. D. 11 ; A. 19 to 22. Length 5 or 6 inches. Columbia river.

GENUS LABEO. Cuvier.
Dorsal long. No spines nor barbels. Lips fleshy, and frequently crenated.

THE NEW-YORK CHUBSUCKER.

Laeeo elegans.
PLATE XXXI. FIG. 100.

Characteristics. Bluish above ; head greenish. Dorsal subquadrate, rounded above, with
twelve rays. Length eight inches.

Description. Body compressed. Dorsal and abdominal outlines convex. Scales large,
with from three to six radiating impressed lines, crossed by others waved and concentric ;
they extend high up on the caudal rays. Head smooth, scaleless ; its outline suddenly
depressed below the line of the back, and with several irregular protuberances between the
nostrils and the tip of the snout. Lateral line obscure. Jaws toothless, the lower received
within the upper. Branchial rays three, compressed.

The dorsal fin nearly quadrate, higher than long, with its anterior rays longest ; its margin
rounded. It arises somewhat anterior to the centre of the body, and over the ventral fin. Pec-
torals placed low down, long and pointed in a state of repose ; but when displayed, rounded.
The ventral fins originate nearly under the centre of the dorsal fin. The anal fin large, and,
when closed, extending beyond the tail, and some distance along the caudal fin. This latter
fin broadly emarginate, with its lower lobe frequently largest.

Color. Above dark bluish ; beneath whitish, with pinkish suffusions along the abdomen.
Head brilliant green, passing into yellowish and golden on the opercles. Dorsal and anal fin
brown. Pectorals and ventrals faint oranse. Caudal rosaceous.

FAMILY CYPRINID^E LABEO. 193

Length, 8-0.

Fin rays, D. 12 ; P. 15 ; V. 9 ; A. 8 ; C. 17.

This fish occurs in the markets of New- York in October and November. It is held in little
estimation for food. It can scarcely be confounded with the Cyprinus oblongus of Mitchill,
to be presently described.

THE BRILLIANT CHUBSUCKER.

Labeo oblongcs.

PLATE XLII. FIG. 136.

The New-York Chub, Cyprinus oblongus. Mitchill, Report in part, etc. p. 23.
Chub of New-York, C. id. Mitciull, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 459.

Characteristics. Dorsal with thirteen rays. Back arched. Anal bilobate. Beautifully varied
with green and yellow, and with obscure transverse green bands. Length
six to twelve inches.

Description. Body compressed ; dorsal outline arched ; the facial outline nearly continuous
with the curve of the back, anterior to the dorsal fin. Head somewhat depressed. Scales
large, with radiating and waved concentric striae ; they are rather crowded near the shoulder,
and ascend on the caudal fin. Lateral line indistinct. Snout blunt, and, in the dried state,
exhibits a tubercle above. Mouth inferior, corrugated, toothless, bilobate beneath. The dorsal
fin commences at a point equidistant from the end of the snout, and a line vertical to the end
of the anal. It is high, nearly equalling one-third of the greatest depth of the body ; the first
ray shortest, and adhering closely to the second, which is also simple ; the remainder branched.
The pectorals low down and rounded. Anal fin broad, bilobate, with very ramose rays ; its
anterior ray simple. Caudal broadly emarginate, with 2-3 accessory rays ; the lower lobe
largest. Air-bladder single, cylindrical.

Color, of the upper part of the head, dark slate. Back greenish, fading into brilliant
lemon-yellow on the sides. Four to six vertical obsolete bands, resplendent bluish green on
the back, and becoming effaced on the sides. Opercles yellow, with tints of green and pink.
Dorsal, caudal and anterior portion of the anal brown. Pectorals brownish ; red at the base.
Ventrals yellow. Second lobe of the anal dull red.

Length, 6-0- 12-0.

Fin rays, D. 13 ; P. 13 ; V. 9 ; A. 8 ; C. 19 §.

The specific name given to this species by Dr. Mitchill, appears singularly inappropriate.
It is a fish of much beauty, but its brilliant hues soon disappear when taken from the water.
The accompanying figure was made from a remarkably vigorous and active individual, but it
scarcely does justice to its actual brilliancy. It is familiarly known under the name of Chub,
and Chubsucker. As much confusion arises from applying the same popular names to Ame-

Fauna — Part 4. 25

194 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

rican and English species, I make use of the name chubsucker as more distinctive. It is
common in many of our fresh-water streams, and usually appears in the markets in the month
of December. It appears closely allied with the gibbosus of Lesueur, and also with the suc-
ceeding species.

THE LONG-FINNED CHUBSUCKER.

LiBEO CTPR1NUS.
PLATE.
Catostomus cyprmus. Lesueur, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 91.

Characteristics. Body high, compressed. Dorsal long, elongated in front, low and subequal
behind.

Description. Body elliptical, compressed. Scales semi-rhomboidal, very large, radiated ;
a range of smaller ones along the base of the dorsal fin. Lateral line descending with a slight
curve from the upper part of the branchial aperture, to beneath the anterior portion of the
dorsal ; thence straight. Mouth crenated, bilobate beneath. Dorsal outline in front of the
fin, convex ; facial outline sloping, nearly straight. Snout projecting over the jaw. The
dorsal fin commences about midway between the pectorals and ventrals ; its third 1 ray very
long ; thence rapidly diminishing to the eleventh ; the remainder subequal. Pectorals and
ventrals small. Anal excavated on its margin. Caudal deeply forked, with pointed lobes.

Color. Scales variegated with blue, yellow and green. All the fins grey blue.

Length, 12-0- 20' 0.

Fin rays, D. 31 ■; P. 18 ; V. 9 ; A. 10 ; C. 18 |.

This fish, which is commonly called Carp, in consequence of its resemblance to the carp
of Europe, is common in the Susquehannah, and will probably be found in some of its sources
within this State. I am indebted to M. Lesueur for the figure and very brief description.

THE GIBBOUS CHUBSUCKER.

Labeo gibbosus.

TLATE XXXII. FIG. 101.

Caloslomus gibbosus. Lesueub, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. Vol. 1, p. 92.
C. id., The Gibbous Sucker. Storek, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 88.

Characteristics. Dorsal with seventeen rays. Tail deeply emarginate. Body gibbous.
Length seven to twelve inches.

Description. Head nearly as high as long. Scales crowded transversely a short distance
from the opercles, but more developed on the posterior part of the body. Lateral line scarcely
perceptible. Snout short, rounded. Mouth terminal, with thick fleshy lips, toothless. The

FAMILY CVPRINID^ LABEO. 195

dorsal fin quadrate, rounded above. Pectorals placed low down, and rounded. Ventrals
placed under the posterior part of the dorsal. Anal fin deeply emarginate, not reaching the
base of the caudal fin. This latter fin semilunate when extended ; the lobes rounded, unequal.
Color. Deep blue on the back, with golden reflections. Four or five faint transverse bands
across the back. Pectorals, ventrals and anal fins reddish orange. Caudal tinged with car-
mine and violet. Dorsal bluish green. Abdominal scales red at their bases.

Length, 1T0.

Fin rays, D. 17 ; P. 16 ; V. 9 ; A. 9 ; C. 18.

I have seen this species in the Mohawk, and have reason to believe it to be common in
many other fresh-water streams in this State.

THE ROUND-BACKED CHUBSUCKER.

Labeo esopus.
(Cabinet of the lyceum.) •

Characteristics. Back elevated. Dorsal fin with twelve rays. Scales oblong. Lateral line
indistinct. Length ten and a half inches.

Description. Body robust, compressed, gibbous anterior to the dorsal fin. Scales large,
subquadrate, longer than high ; the triangular area on the free portion with four radiating
lines ; the interstices between these lines with concentric wrinkles. Lateral line not obvious ;
a few scattering tubes irregularly disposed, being the only indications of it. Facial outline
sloping. Head flattened above ; no regular series of mucous pores observed on the head or
the gill-covers. Eyes moderate ; the upper margin of the orbits somewhat raised above the
plane of the head. Nostrils double, approximated, vertical ; the posterior very large ; the
anterior with a small valvular membrane. Snout somewhat prominent, abruptly descending.
Gill-covers large ; the posterior margins smooth and rounded, almost vertical.

The dorsal fin arises midway between the snout and the base of the caudal fin ; it contains
eleven articulated rays, and a short rudimentary ray in front ; it is oblong, subquadrate, longer
than high. Pectorals with sixteen rays, obtusely pointed ; its longest ray equalling in length
the longest rays of the ventral or anal fin. Ventrals broad and rounded, under the middle of
the dorsal, with nine rays. Anal emarginate, with two simple subspinous rays in front, and
seven articulated rays. In the anterior portion, the third branched ray is longest ; the last
three rays shorter than the others ; the tips do not reach to the base of the caudal fin. Caudal
emarginate, scaly at the base.

Of the color I can say nothing, as the specimen was in spirits, but it appeared to have had
neither spots nor bands.

Length, 10"5; of the head, 2*4. Greatest depth, 30.
Fin rays, D. 12 ; P. 16 ; V. 9 ; A. 7 ; C. 19 f .

196 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

The specimen purports that it came from the interior of the State. It approaches in its
general form the gibbosus of Lesueur, but is sufficiently distinguished by the number of the
dorsal rays.

GENUS CATOSTOMUS. Lesueur, Cuvier.

Both lips thick, fleshy, and crcnated or plaited; the lower lip pendant. Dorsal placed above
the ventrals, and usually short.

Obs. This genus, as far as hitherto known, contains exclusively North American species

THE COMMON SUCKER.

Catostomus communis,
plate xxxiii. fig. 100.

Catostomus communis. Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 96, plate.

Characteristics. Body long, rounded and tapering. Caudal fin lunate, almost furcate. Length
12- 14 inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, sub-compressed, broad and rounded above to the origin of
the dorsal fin, and compressed towards the tail. Head smooth, scaleless. Scales reticulate,
small on the back and anterior part of the Tjody, larger near the dorsal fin, and increasing in
size to the tail. Lateral line not concurrent with the back, slightly concave, nearly straight.
Three to five smooth tubercular elevations towards the extremity of the snout, scarcely ob-
vious in the fresh, but manifest in the dried specimen. A row of mucous ducts (sutures of
Forster) extend from near the upper angle of the opercle, across the nape, to the same spot
on the opposite side, and separating the smooth head, on what is sometimes called the basal
line of the head, from the scaly body. From this transverse line proceed two others forward,
about half an inch apart, in a sinuous course over the eves and nostrils, and are lost in the
vicinity of the tubercles before mentioned. From near the extremity of the snout, proceed
two other series of mucous ducts (one on each side) upwards beneath the orbits, thence be-
hind the orbits, rising up in an irregular curve, and turning down at the upper angle of the
branchial aperture, where it is lost in the lateral line. These various lines are not exhibited
on the plate, but are manifest in the recent specimens. Eyes moderate. Nostrils oval, appa-
rently single, contiguous ; the posterior closed by a valve. Mouth protractile, with thick
puckered lips ; the lower lip bilobate, as represented in the plate.

The dorsal fin subquadrate, highest in front, with its margin slightly concave, arising nearly
equidistant from the snout to the base of the caudal fin. Pectorals inserted nearly on a hori-
zontal plane, and very low down, long, pointed ; as long as the head. Ventrals broad, trun-
cated, shorter than the pectorals, and placed under the middle of the dorsal. Anal fin long,
pointed, higher than broad, its extremity reaching to the base of the caudal fin ; the first ray

FAMILY CYPRINIDjE — CATOSTOMUS. 197

short and simple ; the next, simple, articulated, and twice its length ; the succeeding ones
branched ; the fourth and fifth subequal, longest ; thence gradually diminishing behind ; the
last a mere rudimentary ray. Caudal with stout branched articulated rays, lunate, almost
furcate. Air-bladder divided into two unequal parts, connected by a short tube ; the anterior
subcordate ; the posterior longer, cylindrical, gradually diminishing behind.

Color. Head dark green above, verging to black. Cheeks bronze and golden. Body above
dark purplish, with pink and metallic tints on the sides, frequently of a resplendent golden
hue extending over the abdomen; beneath white. Pectoral, ventral and anal orange-colored;
dorsal light brown ; caudal deep brownish or blackish. Irides varied with brown and white.

Length, 14-0.

Fin rays, D. 13; P. 16; V. 10; A. 8; C. 17-18 £,.

So little attention has been paid to the careful discrimination of species in this genus, that
I fear to add to the already existing confusion by citing synonimes. After a careful compari-
son of the descriptions of Forster and Peck, I find such slight and scarcely appreciable diffe-
rences as to render it probable that they all refer to the same species. It is very evident from
Forster's description of the tubercles and the sutures, and his silence respecting the color of
the eyes, that he had a dried specimen before him.* The notice by SchospfF of another spe-
cies, which is loose and indefinite, I insert below. f Although the figure of Peck is scarcely
recognizable, owing to the low state of the arts at that period, yet his description agrees in
the main with that of Forster. The description of the C. teres by Dr. Mitchill may apply
to several species, but I know of no Catostomus common here, "with an almost even tail."
I can see but very slight and unimportant differences in the characters assigned by Lesueur
to his C. bosloniensis, hudsonius and communis. A better defined character of the genus,
and a careful description and comparison of the species, is still a desideratum.

The Common Sucker is abundant in our markets in the autumn, when its flesh is consi-
dered to be improved in quality. At the best it is, however, meagre and tasteless.

* " Cyprinus catostomus, var. Prinna anali radiis 7. Labco imo canmcula triloba papillosa. Cauda scmilunata." (Forster.)
t Sucker in Pennsylvania. " Head somewhat thicker than the body, front very flat ; towards the projecting snout, the head be-
comes smaller. Mouth beneath without teeth, and presents a subtriangular opening covered by a soft warty sucking lip. Br.
membrane three-rayed. Body roundish above, sub-compressed, elongate, scaly and silvery. The lateral line bends itself at first
somewhat downward, and then goes off straight. Tail somewhat furcate. D. 13 ; P. 17 ; V. 9 ; A. 7 ; C 18-20.

"Those which I saw in Philadelphia, were caught in the Delaware. They do not come to New York, although they are com-
mon in the small streams of the Hudson. The individual described by Forster came from Hudson's bay, and is undoubtedly the
same species, although the number of rays somewhat varies." (Peck.)

198 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE ONEIDA SUCKER.

CATOSTOMDS ONEIDA.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Back gibbous, with two short subspinous rays to the dorsal fin. Head
smooth, with numerous mucous pores. Length 12 inches.

Description. Body much arched on the dorsal outline, declivous in front, with a small head.
Scales very large, rounded, truncate and emarginate on the radical extremity ; the rounded
portion with radiating plaits ; the free portion with 6-8 minute diverging elevated lines ;
the margin with an elevated border. Seventeen scales in an oblique series from the dorsal
fin. Lateral line commences in the same plane with the central portion of the eye, concurrent
with the back, and rather above the middle of the height of the body, through a series of
forty-five scales. Head smooth, with a series of mucous pores across the nape, descending
below the upper angle of the opercle. From above this angle, another series on each side
advances towards the orbits, and dividing into two others, one of which passes over the orbits,
and disappears near the nostrils ; the other passes behind the eye, where it throws off a
branch, which proceeds directly under the orbits in a waved direction to near the tip of the
snout ; the other branch follows the margin of the prcopercle. Eyes moderate, 0'4 in dia-
meter. Nostrils contiguous ; the posterior largest. Mouth beneath, witli plaited lips.

The dorsal fin above the ventrals ; its first articulated ray equal to the length of its base :
the two first articulated rays longest ; the last slightly longer than its antecedent. Two very
short subspinous rays before the first. Pectoral low down, two inches long, and with fifteen
rays. Ventrals robust, broad, with multifid rays. Anal placed in a sheath, with seven com-
plete and one accessory ray ; this fin is remarkably stout and pointed ; its longest ray the
third, which is equal to the length of the head. Caudal furcate, with rounded lobes, each of
which is equal in length to the anal.

Color. Dark bluish brown above ; lighter on the sides ; whitish beneath.

Length, 12-0. Head, 2"5. Greatest depth, 2-0.
Fin rays, D. 2.13; P. 15; V. 9 ; A. 8 ; C. 18 f.

Common in Lake Oneida, where it is called Mullet, and Sucker.

FAMILY CYPR1NID.E CATOSTOMUS. 189

THE HORNED SUCKER.

CaTOSTOMUS TCEEKCULATB3.

PLATE XXXI. FIG. 07.

Caloslomus tuberculatus. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 93.

C. tribcrculaius, The Horned Sucker. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 85.

Characteristics. Body short and thick. Caudal lunate. Three to five tubercles on each side
of the snout. Length seven to nine inches.

Description. Body robust, cylindrical. Dorsal outline gibbous, terminating abruptly on
the nape. Upper part of the head declivous, nearly straight. Scales large, radiated, with
deep concentric undulations interrupted by the striae. Lateral line very indistinct. Head
smooth. Between the eyes and the snout, on each side, from three to five tubercles. In the
specimen before me, there are but three, subequal : one immediately anterior to the eye ;
another 0"2 distant, nearly on the same plane, and towards the margin of the upper lip ; the
third near the angle of the mouth. These tubercles are smooth, 0-2 high, terminating in a
blunt point, somewhat recurved, with a broad dilated base. Eyes small. Nostrils double,
with a small filamentous strip. Snout blunt. Mouth small, lunate. Lower lip carunculate.
Air-bladder single.

The dorsal fin subquadrangular, rather longer than high, arising rather nearer the snout
than the base of the caudal fin ; the first ray simple, subspinous. Pectorals placed very low,
and rounded. Ventrals under the middle of the dorsal. Anal robust, emarginate ; the
third, fourth and fifth much longer than the others. Caudal lunate ; the lobes unequal.

Color. Head dark olive-green. Back and sides of the body green, with purple and golden
reflections. Sides tinged with yellow. Abdomen yellowish, with a faint flesh-color. Anal
fin dark blackish-brown ; the caudal rather lighter ; the remaining fins light olivaceous. Base
of the pectorals flesh-colored.

Length, 9"0. Depth, 2 '9.

Fin rays, D. 15; P. 16 ; V. 8 ; A. 10; C. 19 |.

The Horned Sucker is common in most of the fresh-water streams of this State, and is
also found in New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New-Jersey and Pennsylvania.
I am not acquainted with its westerly or southerly distribution. It is known under the various
popular names of Barbel, Dace, and Homed Dace. It is considered by many as well tasted.
It is readily taken with the hook, and begins to bite in this State about the middle of April.
It was first described by Lesueur, from a specimen five inches long, which is rather less than
the average size. Dr. Storer has described a specimen fourteen inches long, which is unusu-
ally large. The uses of the tubercles are not very apparent. Lesueur is inclined to the
opinion that they may be a sexual distinction, but this has not been confirmed by my obser-
vations.

200 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE PALE SUCKER.

CATOSTOMUS PALL1DDS.
PLATE XXXIII. FIG. 104.

Characteristics. Sides pale. The two portions of the air-bladder united by a wide aperture.
Caudal fin furcate. Length 9-10 inches.

Description. Body rounded, subquarlrate, being quite depressed on the back anterior to the
dorsal fin, and the sides are nearly vertical. Scales with concentric and radiating impressions,
round, and festooned on the exposed margins ; small on the back and shoulders, becoming
gradually larger to the tail. Lateral line nearly medial, very slightly curved. Eyes large,
somewhat nearer the edge of the branchial aperture than to the end of the snout. A series
of mucous pores running over each eye, and terminating above the nostril ; another from near
the extremity of the snout, proceeds under the eye, then rising closely behind it, runs back-
ward near the upper angle of the gill opening, thence to the nape, which it crosses to meet a
similar series on the other side. Upper surface of the head and snout smooth, with the slight
inequalities common to the genus, and which are scarcely obvious in the living specimens.

The dorsal fin scarcely longer than high, slightly excavated above ; its first ray short and
simple ; the first articulated ray longest : this fin commences equidistant between the snout
and the base of the caudal fin. Pectorals poinled, equal in length to the anal. Ventrals
short, and placed under the posterior part of the dorsal. Anal fin long, subacute, reaching
to the base of the caudal fin. Caudal furcate. Air-bladder divided into two separate portions ;
the posterior longest, elliptical, with its posterior extremity attenuated behind ; anterior long
and subcordate, less in diameter than the posterior portion.

Color, of the head dark greenish, with metallic reflections on the cheeks. Irides golden.
Back light bluish, becoming mixed with yellow and paler on the sides. Abdomen white.
Dorsal and caudal dark brown mixed with yellow. Anal with a faint tinge of yellow. Pec-
torals and ventrals orange.

Length, 9'0. Depth, 1"8.

Fin rays, D. 13 ; P. 16; V. 9 ; A. 8 ; C. 18 f.

The Pale Sucker is a common species, and is taken about the beginning of April. It is
abundant near Peekskill. I was at first disposed to arrange it with the preceding, with which
it agrees in many particulars. Its uniformly pale appearance, forked tail, and the form of its
air-bladder, have induced me to treat it as distinct, although closely allied to that species.

FAMILY CYPRINID.E CATOSTOMUS. 201

THE MULLET SUCKER.

Catostomus aukeolus.
plate xxii. fig. 133. — (state collection.)

Catostomus aureolus. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 95.
C. id., Gilt Sucking Carp. Richardson, Faun. Boreal. Am. Vol. 3, p. 119,

Characteristics. With four or five dusky longitudinal stripes. Anal extending beyond the
base of the caudal fin, which is furcate. Length twelve to eighteen inches.

Description. Body subcylindrical, compressed towards the tail. Scales very large, adhe-
rent, subquadrate, longer than high, subequal ; the surface covered with minute concentric
stria; ; the attached portion with 10-12 irregular radiating raised lines ; the posterior portion
with about four distinct radiating raised lines, and numerous radiating striae ; the free margin
irregularly rounded ; the anterior margin prolonged in its medial portion. Twenty-four scales
were counted in the course of the lateral line, and twelve in an oblique course from the origin
of the dorsal to the base of the ventral fins. The lateral line arises from about the upper
third of the opercular margin, and is nearly straight. Head smooth, flattened above. Snout
ending in a blunt point. Eyes rather oblong, 0 * 5 in their greatest diameter, and about three
diameters apart. Nostrils double, contiguous, 0'3 in advance of the eyes, with a semilunar
valve on the anterior margin of the posterior pair. Mouth plaited, protractile.

The dorsal fin arises nearly equidistant between the tip of the snout, and a point vertical
to the posterior ray of the anal fin : it is composed of fifteen rays ; the first short, the second
longest, both simple, the remainder branched ; the edge of this fin slightly emarginate.
Pectorals large, pointed, with eighteen rays ; the first simple, rigid for nearly half its length.
The ventrals broad, truncated, with nine rays. The vent covered by a sort of membranous
pouch. Anal long and pointed, with robust rays ; the first, slender, short ; the fifth very
long, its tip reaching beyond the base of the caudal fin, which is forked, and often with
unequal lobes.

Color. Greenish above, with metallic greenish reflections when viewed in certain lights.
Sides lighter, with the same metallic reflections ; beneath white. About five dusky obsolete
longitudinal lines on each side above ; the superior pair arising from the origin of the dorsal
fin, diverging and then uniting behind the neck. Gill-covers with metallic brassy reflections.
Upper part of the head and snout bluish brown. Pectorals, ventrals and anal tinged with
reddish. Dorsal and caudal bluish brown. Irides golden, varied with white.

Length, 18-0. Depth, 3 "5.

Fin rays, D. 15 ; P. 18 ; V. 9 ; A. 8 ; C. 18 |.

The specimen described above, was one of the largest dimensions. It is very indifferent
food. It is very common in Lake Erie, and at Buffalo passes under the various names of
Mullet, Golden Mullet, and Red Horse. In August and September, I observed them to

Fauna — Part 4. 26

202 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

be full of worms. The dusky longitudinal lines, which are distinctly visible in the newly
captured fish, disappear almost immediately after death. It is a very beautiful and distinct
species.

THE BLACK SUCKER.

Catostomus nigricans.

Catostomus nigricans. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 102.
C. nigricans, The Black Sucker. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 86.

Characteristics. General hue approaching to black. Head large, quadrangular. Anal fin
straight; its extremity reaching the base of the caudal fin. Length 13
inches.

Description. Body subquadrangular near the head. Tail straight, short. Eyes oblong.
Scales moderate, roundish. The lateral line runs in a straight course from the branchial
aperture, below the range of the eye, to the tail. Dorsal fin quadrangular and small. Anal
fin with its third and fourth rays longest, reaching on to the caudal fin. Caudal fin forked,
with pointed lobes.

Color, of the back, blackish ; sides and abdomen reddish yellow, with dusky blotches ;
beneath white. Pectoral, abdominal and anal fins reddish ; caudal and dorsal fins dashed with
black.

Length, 13-0- 20-0.

Fin rays, D. 13 ; P. 18 ; V. 9 ; A. 8 ; C. 18.

This species is common in Lake Erie, where it is frequently called by the whimsical name
of Shoemaker, probably in allusion to its being something of the color of shoemaker's pitch.
Dr. Storer has observed it at Walpole (Mass.)

THE LARGE-SCALED SUCKER.

Catostomus macrolepidotus.
PLATE.
C. macrolepidotus. Lesueur, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 94.

Characteristics. Bluish above ; sides whitish. Dorsal fin short ; the anterior lobe elevated
and pointed ; the posterior lobe rounded. Scales large.

Description. Body compressed and fusiform, elevated on its anterior part, rounded near the
nape. Head somewhat declivous, longer than deep. Scales large, and disposed in a lozenge
form. The lateral line rises at the nape of the neck, descends along the gill-cover, and thence
to the tail in a line with the centre of the eye. Dorsal fin short. Pectorals and ventrals small.

FAMILY CYPRINID.E CATOSTOMUS. 203

Anal fin straight, long, and passing the base of the caudal fin. Caudal forked, with pointed
lobes.

Color. Back dark blue ; base of the scales brown ; sides whitish, with yellow reflections.
Opercles yellowish. Head reddisli brown. Dorsal, anal and ventral tinged with blue and
yellow ; caudal greyish.

Fin rays, D. 16 ; P. 18 ; V. 9 ; A. 9 ; C. 18 f.

Mr. Lesueur has not given the dimensions of this very distinct species, which is found in
the River Delaware, and doubtless exists in this State. I have given a copy from Lesueur's
figure. He notices, in another place, that the figure of the dorsal fin is not always as much
excavated. In the males, according to Lesueur, the fin is obliquely truncated, and not hol-
lowed out. It appears to be a common species.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. longirostris. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 102.) Head flat, with a long snout. Scales small

and rounded. Anal fin not touching the base of the caudal. D. 12 ; A. 7. Length five inches.

Vermont.
C. maculosus. (Id. lb. p. 103.) Head large, quadrangular. Eyes small. Color reddish, with ir-
regular blotches of black. Lateral line straight, running in a line with the eye. Pharyngeal teeth

hooked. A. 9. Length 8 inches. Maryland. An Var. nigricans ?
C. elongates. The Missouri Sucker, Black Horse and Black Buffalo. (Id. lb. p. 103.) Body very

long. Dorsal as long as one-third of the body, with 32 rays. Length two feet. Ohio.
C vittatus. (Id.) A black stripe passes from the snout, through the eyes, to the caudal fins. Scales

very small, rounded. Length 2 inches. Philadelphia.
C. duquesnii, The White Sucker. (Id.) Scales large, trilobate. Head one-fifth of the total length.

Caudal deeply forked. Mouth wide. D. 14. Length 19 inches. Pittsburgh.
C. sucelta. (Lacepede.) Head compressed, flat. Lower lip very thick, crenated. Scales semi-

rhomboidal. Sides silvery. D. 12; A. 9. Length one to two feet. South-Carolina.
C. mazilingua. The Little Sucker. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 85.) Sides blue, with a brownish

band. A black spot on the base of the caudal fin. Dorsal high. Caudal forked. D. 9 ; A. 9.

Length four inches. Delaware. An juv. 1
C. sueuri. (Richardson, F. B. A.) Brilliant metallic colors. Scales very large. Air-bladder divided

into three portions. D. 14; A. 9. Length 19 inches. Northern Regions.
C. forsterianus. Red Sucker. (Id. lb.) Scales broadly oblong, radiated. Dorsal higher than long,

with 12 to 14 rays. Anal 8 or 9, not reaching to the base of the caudal. Length 22 inches.

Northern Regions.

204 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS STILBE.

Body compressed. Dorsal and abdominal outlines convex. Head small, with no teeth nor
barbels. A short spine before the dorsal fin, which is short. Anal fin long. With the
other characters of Cyprinus.

THE NEW-YORK SHINER.

Stilbe cbrysoleucas.

PLATE XXIX. FIG. 91.

Cuprinus crysoleucas, Shiner. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 23.

The New-York Shiner, C. crysoleucas. Id. Tr. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 459.

Leuciscus chrysoleucas, New-York Shiner. Storek, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 88.

Characteristics. Greenish above ; sides silvery. Dorsal and abdominal outlines convex.
Head very small. Length three to six inches.

Description. Body much compressed, deep ; one-third of the total length, measured in a
line with the ventrals. Scales deciduous ; on the sides, large, orbicular, with concentric and
radiating stria, festooned on the edges. Lateral line deeply concave, following nearly the
abdominal outline. Head very small, scaleless ; upper jaw longest ; mouth opening upwards,
toothless. Eyes large. Nostrils double ; the posterior largest. Three flat branchial rays.
Abdominal outline very convex, thin, cultrate.

The dorsal fin subquadrate, higher than long, highest in front ; the first is a short spine,
nearly hidden under the skin, about three lines in length ; the second and third successively
longer, and simple ; the fourth longest, and with the remainder branched, and gradually dimi-
nishing to the last. This fin is placed over the space between the ventral and anal, its last
ray being nearly over the first of the anal fin. Pectorals pointed, feeble, and with fifteen
rays. Ventrals long, pointed, and nearly equidistant between the snout and the end of the
body. Anal longer than high ; its margin excavated ; the first rays longest, the last higher
than the penultimate ray ; the first two rays simple. Caudal forked, with pointed lobes.

Color. Back, dorsal and caudal fins greenish. Upper part of the head dark brown, with
metallic green behind the orbits. Irides pale yellowish ; beneath the orbits, pearly. Oper-
cles brilliant yellow, which disappears shortly after being taken from the water. Pectorals
and ventrals with faint orange tints. Sides of a brilliant lustrous white, which has suggested
the popular name.

Length, 5*0. Depth, T3.

Fin rays, D. 10 ; P. 15 ; V. 10 ; A. 14 ; C. 19 f .

This beautiful little fish, which is usually much smaller than the one whose dimensions are
given above, is common in all the fresh-water streams of this and the adjoining States. Its

FAMILY CYPRINID.E LEUCISCUS. 205

geographical limits are not ascertained. Richardson (Vol. 3, p. 122) describes one from Lake
Huron, under the same name, which must be a different species.

I have ventured to construct a new genus for the reception of this species. The deep body,
small head, cultrate abdomen and dorsal spine, clearly show that it can be arranged with
no previously described genus of this family. The name alludes to its silvery lustrous
appearance.

GENUS LEUCISCUS. Klein.

The dorsal and anal fins short, without strong rays at their commencement. No cirri, nor
barbels on the head. The dorsal either above the ventrals, or between these and the anal.

THE BLACK-NOSED DACE.

LEUCISCUS ATRONASUS.

PLATE XXIII. FIG. 69.

The Brook Minnow, Cyprinus alronasus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 460.
Leuciscus alronasus, The Brook Minnow. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 92.

Characteristics. Small, with a broad black longitudinal band. Tail forked. Length one to
three inches.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical, tapering. Head small, flattened. Scales moderate,
orbicular, and, under the lens, exhibiting concentric and radiating striae ; towards the tail they
become oblong. Lateral line straight, composed of a double series of tubes, and running
along the lower margin of the dark longitudinal band. Eyes rather large, with black pupils
and golden irides, the lower portion being darkest. Nostrils large, oval. Mouth small ; the
under jaw shortest. A few sharp incurved teeth in the pharynx.

The dorsal fin higher than long, subquadrate, slight, emarginate above ; the rays succes-
sively shorter to the last. It arises nearly equidistant between the extremity of the caudal
fin, and the tip of the snout ; its first ray is slightly in advance of the ventrals. The pectorals
are placed very low, fan-shaped, and with very minute rays. Ventrals feeble, and very
closely approximated to the anal, which latter equals in length some of the longest rays of the
dorsal fin ; the third and fourth rays longest. This fin is quite remote from the caudal, which
is deeply forked, and with numerous accessory rays.

Color. Body above greenish ; summit of the head blackish brown. A broad dark brown
or blackish band passes from the nose, including the lower half of the eyes, and proceeds in
a straight line to the tail ; bordering this above, is a light yellow line, which, however, com-
mences only from the gill-covers : this is occasionally inconspicuous. Under the lens, the
scales appear minutely punctate with brown. Abdomen silvery, with a few brownish and
metallic blotches. Pectorals orange. Dorsal and caudal dark brown.

206 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Length, 3-0. Depth, 0-5.

Fin rays. D. 8 ; P. 15 ; V. 8 ; A. 8 ; C. 19

The dimensions given above, are from one of the largest size. It inhabits clear fresh-water
streams and rivulets, and is found abundantly in this and the adjoining States.

THE SPAWN-EATER.

Leuciscus htjdsonius.
PLATE XXXIV. FIG. 109. — (STATE COLLECTION. CAB. LYCEUM.)
Clupca hudsonia. Clinton, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 49, pi. 2, fig. 2.

Characteristics. A broad longitudinal silvery band along the sides, and a black spot on the
base of the caudal fin. Length three to six inches.

Description. Body subcompressed, cylindrical ; dorsal outline somewhat arched near the
dorsal fin. Abdomen convex. Scales very deciduous, vertically oblong ; margins entire.
Lateral line straight. Head small, flattened above. From above the nostrils, the facial line
descends rather abruptly, producing a blunted nose. Eyes large ; the upper margin of the
orbits near the facial outline ; orbits 0' 3 in diameter. Nostrils double, contiguous; the pos-
terior largest, sublimate ; and both vertical, in a line with the upper margin of the orbits.
Opercles obtusely rounded, with a narrow membrane on its margin ; near the upper angle, a
flat curved and pointed scale. Length of the head to that of the body and tail, as one to six
nearly. Branchial aperture large. Jaws toothless ; the lower shortest. Branchial arches
with short pectinations.

The dorsal fin trapezoidal, placed immediately above the ventrals, composed of one long
simple and seven successively shorter branched rays. Pectorals long and pointed, containing
fifteen rays. Ventrals with one simple and seven branched rays ; their tips nearly reaching
the anal. Anal higher than long, Caudal forked ; the lobes equal.

Color. Opercles silvery. A lustrous silvery band 0"1 broad, extends from the upper
angle of the opercle to the base of the tail, where there is a deep roundish black spot. Pupils
black ; irides silvery.

Length, 4-5; of the head, 0-8.

Fin rays, D. 8 ; P. 15 ; V. 8 ; C. 19 f .

This species was originally noticed by Mr. I. Cozzens, in a catalogue which we drew up
together many years ago. In that list, he called it Stolephorus hudsonius, but the descrip-
tion remained in manuscript. The first published description of this beautiful fish was by a
former Governor of this State, De Witt Clinton, in the Annals of the Lyceum above re-
ferred to. It is called Spawn-eater, from an idea entertained by fishermen that it lives
exclusively on the spawn of other fishes. It is not uncommon in the Hudson river and its
tributaries.

FAMILY CYPRINIDjE LEUCISCUS. 207

THE RED-FIN.

Leuciscus cornbtbs.
PLATE XXIX. FIG. 92.
Cyprinus cornulus, The Red-Jin or Rough-head. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol.1, p. 324.

Characteristics. Opercles, and the margins of all the fins, bright crimson. Numerous tuber-
cles on the head. Length three to six inches.

Description. Body symmetrical, cylindrical, tapering ; greatest depth anterior to the dorsal
fin, where the back is slightly arched. Scales large, oblong vertically, with concentric and
radiating stria? and entire margins. Lateral line gently concave from its origin until it reaches
a point below the termination of the dorsal, and then proceeds straight throughout ; it is com-
posed of a series of single tubes. Summit of the head covered with numerous minute pointed
tubercles, (in some individuals, extending as far back as the dorsal fin.) These are also to be
seen on the sides of the snout, and form a regular series along the sides of the lower jaw.
They have a rounded, extended, and somewhat depressed base. Eyes moderate. Lower
jaw rather shortest. Nostrils double, contiguous ; the posterior largest. Air-bladder double ;
the anterior short and cylindrical ; the posterior longest, and pointed behind.

The dorsal fin quadrate, higher than long, originating above the commencement of the
ventrals, composed of eight rays, of which the anterior is longest, and thence gradually
diminishing to the last. Pectorals placed low down, broad, and obtusely pointed ; their tips
reach to within three-tenths of the ventrals. Ventrals rounded, and beneath the dorsal.
Anal broader at base than high ; its anterior rays longest, and its margin broadly excavated.
It commences beneath a point reached by the tip of the dorsal when recumbent. Caudal
forked, with many accessory rays.

Color. Above blackish brown, with metallic reflections ; sides brilliant cupreous. Opercles
sometimes brassy, occasionally deep bronze. Dorsal and caudal darkish brown ; the former
sometimes mottled with darker clouds. Ventrals and pectorals light-colored ; the first rays
of the pectoral fin deep brown, which occasionally tinges the central portion of the rays.
All the fins broadly margined with deep crimson ; the lower part of the opercles and base of
the pectorals tinged with the same color. Humeral bone deep blackish brown. Abdominal
cavity lined with a silvery pigment.

Length, 5-2. Head, TO.

Fin rays, D. 8 ; P. 15 ; V. 8 ; A. 9 ; C. 19 f

This very beautiful little fish was first noticed by me in Indian lake, Hamilton county ;
subsequently in Lake Janet, and in most of the streams in the northern parts of the State.
Dr. Mitchill describes it from Westchester county. It is exceedingly lively and active in its
movements ; is usually found in clear limpid streams, associated with the Brook Trout. It

208 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

has the various popular names of Red-fin, Red Dace, and Rough-head. It appears to be
allied to the L. pulchellus of Storer.

THE ROACH DACE.
Leuciscus pulchellus.
Leuciscus pulchellus, The Beautiful Leuciscus. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 91.

Characteristics. Brown above ; lighter on the sides. Dorsal nearly as high again as long.
Length fourteen inches.

Description. Back slightly arched ; the arch on the top of the head very slight. Scales
large, small on the back and smaller on the throat ; transparent, rounded at the summit, trun-
cated at their base, exhibiting numerous striae. At the base of each scale, a fleshy dark
colored membrane, which, projecting as far as the apex of the preceding scales, gives the
appearance of indistinct oblique bands across the fish. The lateral line commences at the
upper angle of the branchial aperture, curves downward nine scales, and goes off straight ; it
is composed of fifty-nine scales. Nine above the lateral line, in an oblique line from the origin
of the dorsal fin, and six below. Head naked ; distance between the eyes equal to one-third
the length of the head. Nostrils placed higher than the eyes, and in front of them ; the posterior
largest, the anterior tubular. Jaws without teeth. Upper jaw juts slightly over the lower.

The dorsal fin arises on the anterior half of the body ; the first ray one-fourth the height of
the second. Pectorals rounded. Ventrals beneath the dorsal, shorter than the pectorals. Anal
arises 0*75 behind the dorsal, and is higher than long ; the first ray one-fourth the height of
the second. Caudal large, three inches wide when expanded.

Color. Back dark brown ; sides and abdomen flesh-colored, with metallic reflections. Head
bluish above ; gill-covers silvery, with metallic tints and a brown membranous prolongation.
Dorsal brown with reddish. Pectorals brownish above ; lighter beneath. Ventrals and anal
light-colored.

Length, 14- 0.

Fin rays, D. 10 ; P. 17 ; V. 8 ; A. 10 ; C. 22.

According to Dr. Storer, this species is found in the Eastern States, where it is called Roach
and Cousin Trout.

FAMILY CYPRINIOE LEUCISCUS. 209

THE SHINING DACE.

Leuciscus nitidus.
PLATE XXXIII. FIG. 105 — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Body silvery white. Head with mucous pores. Tail deeply emarginate, not
furcate. Length two to ten inches.

Description. Body rather deep, compressed, elongate. Scales large, caducous, orbicular ;
the free margins festooned with elevated radiate striate lines, the intervals being concentrically
striate ; the scales ascend some distance up the caudal fin. There are seven scales in an
oblique line from the first dorsal ray to the lateral line, and five below. Forty-six were counted
along the lateral line, which is curved downward, and concurrent with the abdomen. Head
small, smooth and scaleless ; flattened above, with a curved series of mucous pores on each
side above the eyes, extending to the nostrils, and are apparently continuations of the lateral
line. Eyes moderate, 03 in diameter and 0'65 apart. Length of the head 1*6. Nostrils
contiguous ; the posterior largest, with a valvular membrane. Snout blunt ; under jaw shortest,
both edentate. Sharp teeth in the pharyngeals. Tongue conspicuous, attached, with trans-
verse rugae. The same rugae, with slightly pectinated margins, in the roof of the mouth.
Stomach capacious. Air-bladder double ; the posterior portion longest.

The dorsal fin quadrate, higher than long, and commencing rather nearer the end of the
snout than to the base of the caudal ; the anterior ray longest. Pectorals small, slender and
pointed, placed below the angle of the opercle. Ventrals beneath the dorsal ; the second and
third rays longest. The anal commences half an inch behind the tips of the ventrals, emargi-
nate, with its second and third rays longest. Caudal fin deeply emarginate, not forked.

Color. Upper part of the head and body olive brown ; the former darker. Sides silvery.
Pupil black, with a silvery ring. Gill-covers lustrous silvery. Pectoral fins tinged with light
yellow, reddish on its inner base. Dorsal and caudal fins brownish. On the small specimens
only did we notice a bright greenish stripe above the lateral line, which appeared only in
certain lights.

Length, 2" 0 - 10*0.

Fin rays, D. 8 ; P. 16 ; V. 10 ; A. 9 ; C. 19 f .

This species was taken in July, in Lake Champlain, where it appeared to be common. It
was called there, White Dace and Shiner.

Fauna — Part 4. 27

210 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE BLACK-HEADED DACE.

Leuciscus atkomaculatus.
plate xxxii. fig. 102 — (state collection.)

The Mud-fish, Cyprinus atromaculatus. Mitchill, Am. Month. Magazine, Vol. 2, p. 324.

Characteristics. Back anterior to the dorsal, with a depression in the vertebral line. Lips
fleshy. A dusky longitudinal band. Length six to twelve inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering, subcompressed. Scales large, suborbicular, with
radiating and concentric stria?. Lateral line distinct, arising from the upper angle of the opercle,
curving downward to the twelfth row of scales, then slightly rising under the middle of the
dorsal fin, and going off straight. The anterior portion of the back flattened, with a depression
in the centre, extending nearly to the dorsal fin. Head sloping, smooth and scaleless. A
series of mucous pores over each eye, extending to the nape ; this is only apparent in the
larger individuals. Nostrils in a cavity ; the posterior large and patent ; the anterior nearly
closed by a valvular margin. Mouth terminal, very large. Lips somewhat fleshy, with a
very slight roughness on the jaws.

The dorsal fin arises nearly in the centre of the body, quadrate, higher than long ; the
second, third and fourth longest. The pectorals are placed low down, and may be described
as low and pointed. Ventrals half an inch anterior to a line vertical from the origin of the
dorsal. Anal higher than long, arising two-tenths of an inch behind a line vertical from the
end of the dorsal. In this specimen, this fin was 0-8 long. Caudal fin lunate.

Color. Body above dark olive-green, with a broad darker longitudinal band extending from
the gill-covers to the tail. In the larger individuals, this color extends, as in atronasus,
through the eyes, and to the tip of the snout. Flanks of golden yellow. Beneath silvery
white. Head deep brownish black. Gill-covers cupreous, with metallic reflections. The
black color of the head descends down along the margin of the gill-cover, to the base of the
pectoral. Eyes black, surrounded by a golden ring. Dorsal fin with a dark spot at the ante-
rior portion of its base. Pectorals, ventrals and anal with a light orange tint.

Length, 10-0 ; of the head, 1'5. Depth, 1*2.
Fin rays, D. 9 ; P. 15 ; V. 8 ; A. 9 ; C. 18 f .

This species is very common in the lakes in the northern counties of the State, and varies
much in size. They are popularly termed Lake Chub and Lake Dace. I refer this, notwith-
standing the discrepancies in the enumeration of the fin rays, to the Mud-fish of Dr. Mitchill,
which he describes from the Walkill. His specimens were six inches long.

FAMILY CYPRINID^E — LEUCISCUS. 211

THE BAY SHINER.

LEUCISCU3 CIIRYSOPTERBS.
PLATE XXX. FIG. 95. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Ventrals with an accessory scale. Dorsal emarginate. Length four to six
inches.

Description. Body elongate, tapering, subcompressed. Scales large, subequal. Number
of scales in a transverse series to the ventrals, seven above and six below the lateral line.
There are about forty-five in a longitudinal series. They are rounded, the free margins entire ;
exposed surface with six or seven elevated radiating stria?, with minute intermediate concen-
tric strias ; middle of the base of each scale produced, with eight or nine radiating plaits.
Lateral line curved downward below the middle of the body opposite the ventrals, thence
rising and going off straight, but somewhat below the medial line. Head scaleless, pointed,
smooth, flattened above. The opercular bones smooth, lustrous silvery. Humeral bone
broad, triangular, shining. Eyes large, 0'3 in diameter, and rather more than their diameters
apart. The anterior nostril circular, with an elevated margin nearly covering the posterior
aperture. Snout blunt. Mouth small, toothless.

The dorsal fin arises nearly half an inch farther from the snout than from the base of the
caudal ; it is half an inch long, and slightly exceeding this in height ; quadrate, slightly emar-
ginate above ; the first ray shortest, the two first simple ; of nine rays, the last bifid. Pecto-
ral acuminate, placed low down, slightly behind the gill opening, its tip reaching to within
half an inch of the base of the ventrals ; its own base oblique, the lower rays very minute.
Ventrals broad, rather contiguous, composed of one simple and eight branched rays ; tbey
arise a tenth of an inch in advance of the first dorsal ray, with a pointed accessory scale at
the base ; they reach to within 0'2 of the vent, which is placed just before the anal fin. This
latter fin of two simple and eight branched rays, broadly emarginate above. Caudal deeply
lunate ; the membrane of the middle rays translucent.

Color. A general silvery color, with a darker hue above. Fins yellowish. I have not
given a colored figure of this species, as I had not a sufficiently fresh specimen from which
to make the drawing.

Length, 6*0. Depth, 1"2.

Fin rays, D. 9 ; P. 19 ; V. 9 ; A. 10 ; C. 19 f .

This beautiful species is caught in the harbor of New- York, and is popularly called Bay
Shiner, or simply Shiner. It is allied to L. nitidus, a fresh-water species already described.
It appears to have some relations with the family of the Clupidae.

212 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE SILVERY DACE.

Leuciscus argenteus.
Leuciscus argenteus, The Silvery Leuciscus. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 90.

Characteristics .

Description. Body elongate, but very slightly arched over the neck and at the dorsal fin.
Head without scales. On the body, nine moderate sized scales in an oblique line from the
origin of the dorsal to the lateral line, and four beneath. The lateral line commences on the
sides of the snout, and passing back under the eyes, and up over the posterior angles of the
gill-covers, curved downward until opposite the middle of the pectorals, and thence straight.
Head flattened above ; distance between the eyes 0-5 ; their diameters 0*25. The posterior
nostril oblique and largest. Jaws toothless ; upper jaw longest. The dorsal fin arises on the
anterior half of the body, higher than long; the first half as high as the second. Pectorals
elongated, as high as the dorsal. Ventrals directly beneath the dorsal. Anal 0*25 behind
the ventrals ; its length to its height as two to three. Caudal deeply forked.

Color. General color silvery ; rather darker on the back, head above bluish. Opercle
cupreous ; exterior to the opercle, a narrow dark band encircles the head from the base of the
pectorals, and separating the head from the body. Preopercle inclining to flesh color. Dorsal
fin dark colored ; the others lighter.

Length, 6-0.

Fin rays, D. 9 ; P. 16 ; V. 8 ; A. 9 ; C. 20.

I am indebted to Dr. Storer for the description of this Dace, from the adjoining State of
Massachusetts.

THE BANDED DACE.

Leuciscus vittatus.
PLATE XXXIV. FIG. 108. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Olive-green, with a golden dorsal stripe ; silvery beneath, tinged with flesh-
color. Length two to four inches.

Description. Body subcylindrical, tapering, subcompressed. Scales moderate, with mem-
branous margins. Lateral line descends with a curve, and rises under the posterior part of
the dorsal fin to the middle of the body. Head rather depressed, scaleless, with several
series of mucous pores. Eyes large. Mouth small, terminal, toothless ; a few teeth in the
pharynx. Three branchial rays. Air-bladder double ; the anterior short, cylindrical ; the
posterior longer, pointed behind. Dorsal fin quadrate, higher than long ; its first ray simple,
the second longest ; its articulated ray quadrifid. Pectorals pointed, subfalcate, placed very

FAMILY CYPRINID.E LEUCISCUS. 213

low down. Ventrals broad and rounded, beneath the dorsal. Anal similar in shape to the
dorsal, but not so high; its upper edge slightly emarginate. Caudal deeply forked.

Color. Body above light-olive green, with a golden dorsal stripe extending to the tail. A
faint broad yellowish stripe along the sides, which in certain lights assumes a darker hue.
Abdomen silvery, tinged with salmon-color. Pupils black ; irides light brown. Summit of
the head olive-brown. The fins yellowish, translucent.

Length, 4-0. Depth, 0-8.

Fin rays, D. 9 ; P. 15 ; V. 8 ; A. 8 ; C. 19 f .

This small species is very common in the Chittenonda and other tributaries of the Mohawk.
In the latter stream, they are abundant in the " pot-holes," or circular cavities made in its
limestone bed.

THE CORPORAALEN.

Leuciscos'? corporalis.
Corporal, Cyprinus corporalis. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 324.

Description. Head smooth, roundish, thick, and without scales. Body thickly covered
with scales : On the back, more especially between the head and dorsal fin, the hue is dusky ;
on the belly, it is uniformly white ; and on the sides, the fore part of each scale is covered
with a blackish film or pigment. Mouth toothless, and of a moderate gape. Tongue distinct,
not free. Gill-covers smooth. Tail forked; the lateral line bends downwards and ends in
the middle of the tail. Branchial rays three. Dorsal fin near the middle of the back, and
consists of seven rays ; caudal of nineteen, or thereabouts ; the anal seven ; the ventral seven ;
pectorals thirteen ; the dorsal and caudal fins tipped with blackish. Length of a middle sized
individual about thirteen inches, though he frequently grows larger. Inhabits the Hudson in
the neighborhood of Albany, the Walkill through its whole extent, and the western streams
and lakes from Wood creek to the Oneida lake, and so on. Takes the hook, if baited with
dough, when let down through holes in the ice, at mid-winter, in the Hudson at Albany.
Flesh eatable, but rather soft and coarse.

I have copied this brief account of a fish which, according to Dr. Mitchill, is common in
almost every part of the State, but which it has not yet been my good fortune to meet with.
I solicit the attention of ichthyologists to this species, which, if it should prove to be a Leu-
ciscus, is one of the largest of the genus.

214 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE PIGMY DACE.

Leuciscus pygmjBDs.
plate xlii. fig. 134. — (state collection.)

Characteristics. Very small. One or more black ocellate spots on the base of the oblong
pointed tail. Length one inch.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical ; abdomen somewhat prominent. Lateral line con-
current with the back. Scales soft, large in proportion to the size of the body, extending
over the cheeks, and to a line with the anterior margin of the orbits. Head flattened, the
facial line descending to the snout. Eyes large, and rather more than their diameters apart ;
orbits prominent. Nostrils inconspicuous. Mouth small, edentate ; lower jaw somewhat
longest. The dorsal fin long, emarginate, and over the ventrals and anal. Pectorals low
down, pointed, with excessively minute rays. Ventrals with six rays, ending in filiform points.
Anal coterminal with the dorsal. Caudal long, lanceolate.

Color. Head and back uniform dark brown or black above, and lighter towards the abdo-
men; reticulations of the scales darkish. Pupil black; irides light-colored. On each side
of the tail a black spot, margined with white ; occasionally two of these spots on each side,
surrounded by a common ring. Rays of the vertical fins annulate with brown.

Length, 1 ■ 0.

Fin rays, D. 14 ; P. 16 ; V. 6 ; A. 13 . C. 17.

The scaly head, long dorsal and filiform ventrals, evidently indicate a new form, distinct
from Leuciscus. In a general systema, it must be the type of a new genus. It is the smallest
of the American Cyprinidae, the above being of the largest size. It occurs in brooks near
Tappan, Rockland county, from whence it was obtained by Mr. John G. Bell. They are
very active, ascend high up the sources of the smallest streams, and are frequently left in
shallow pools dried up by the sun.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL. )

L. elongates. (Kirtland, Bost. Jour. Vol. 3, p. 339, pi. 4, fig. 1.) Sky blue. Back edged below
with a golden band, which is margined beneath by an interrupted black stripe ; beneath this a
carmine stripe, ending opposite the ventrals. Length three inches. Tributaries of Lake Erie.

L. dissimilis. (Id. lb. fig. 2.) Head flat between the eyes ; nose prominent. Back brownish or olive.
A golden stripe along the lateral line, with about twelve bluish dots. With preceding.

L. bigutlatus. (Id. lb. pi. 5, fig. 1.) A large vermilion dot behind each eye. A black spot at the
base of the caudal. Allied to cornutus. Length six inches. Ohio.

L.cephalus. Chub Big-head. (Id. lb. pi. 5, fig. 2.) Head often with spines. Silvery; back brownish.
Dorsal with a large black spot at the anterior base. D. 9 ; A. 9. Length six to eight inches.
Ohio.

FAMILY CYPRINIDjE LEBIAS. 215

L. caurinus. (Richardson, F. B. A. p. 304.) Moderately compressed. Scales orbicular ; seventy-
five on the lateral line, twenty-four in a vertical line. Caudal deeply forked. D. 10 ; A. 9. Length
12i inches. Columbia River.

L. oregoncnsis. (Id. lb. p. 305.) Brownish grey; belly silvery white. More elongated than the
preceding; head longer. Length thirteen inches. Columbia River.

Genus Pcf.cilia, Schneider. Body little elongated. Jaws flattened, protractile, and but slightly cleft,

with a single row of very small teeth. Opercles large, five-rayed. Dorsal above the anal.
P. multilincata. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 2, pi. 1.) Compressed. Several longitudinal series of black

spots. Dorsal small, longer than high. Caudal straight. D. 14; A. 9; C. 26. Length one and

a half inches. Florida.

GENUS LEBIAS. Cuvier.
With many of the characters of the preceding . Teeth denticulated. Branchial rays five.

THE SHEEPSHEAD LEBIAS.

Lebias ovinus.

PLATE XXVII. FIG. 64.

The Shecpshead Killifish, Esox ovinus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 441, pi. 4, fig. 7.
Cyprinodon ovinus. Valenciennes, apud Humboldt, Obs. Zool. Vol. 2.

Characteristics. Elliptical, compressed, with transverse stripes or spots occasionally obsolete.
Extremity of the tail pellucid.

Description. Body much compressed : its greatest depth equalling one-half of the length of
the body and tail. Scales large, subquadrate, longest in their vertical diameter, rounded and
entire on their free edges ; at their radical edge, straight, with parallel horizontal striae ; on the
summit of the head, a central scale, with its entire margin free. The scales extend over the
cheeks, form an imperfect sheath for the dorsal, and extend far up the caudal fin, giving that
pellucid appearance noted in the specific phrase. A large plate or bony scale above the base
of the pectoral fin. Lateral line scarcely obvious. The head slopes rapidly down from before
the dorsal fin, and is much flattened between the eyes, which are distant. Nostrils contiguous
to the orbit. A number of mucous pores about the head and beneath the jaws. Opercular
margin entire, rounded. Branchial rays five. Jaws protractile, with from sixteen to eighteen
tricuspid teeth in each jaw.

The dorsal fin high and rounded, with eleven nearly subequal branched rays, and termi-
nating over the commencement of the anal rays. Pectorals pointed, placed low on the body,
with its middle rays longest, and extending to the seventh dorsal ray. Ventrals very feeble,
of seven very closely applied rays, with their tips extending to the anal. Anal fin higher than
long. Caudal fin broad and short, nearly even ; its margin slightly excavated.

216 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Back dark green, becoming lighter towards the sides, with numerous spots disposed
in vertical series, often becoming confluent in interrupted bars. Irides yellow. Fins light
brown.

Length, 2 '2. Depth, 0"8.

Fin rays, D. 11; P. 15; V. 7 ; A. 10; C. 15 f.

Dr. Mitchill first described this small species as an Esox. M. Valenciennes, in his elabo-
rate Memoir on the Fishes of Equinoxial America, arranged it under the genus Cyprinodon.
The Lebias rhomboidalis of that author also appears strikingly allied to our species.

These minute inhabitats of the salt and brackish streams in the neighborhood of New- York,
possess slight economical value. They are, with other small fishes, used as bait.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

L. ellipsoides. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 6.) With a series of large scales on the back and upper
part of the head. Caudal fin obliquely truncated. Teeth ending- in 3 - 4 points. Length two
inches. Florida.

GENUS FUNDULUS. Lacepede, Valenciennes.

Body oblong, tapering, with large scales. Head depressed, scaly. Teeth in both jaws,
numerous ; the first row acute and largest. Stout conical teeth in the pharynx. Four
branchial rays.

THE STRIPED KILLIFISH.

FCNDCLCS FASCIATUS.

PLATE XXXI. FIG. 98. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

May-fish. Schcepff, Beobachtungen der Natutfors. Vol. 8, p. 173.

Paciliafasciata. Schneider, fide Valenciennes.

Hydrargyre swampine. Lacepede.

Esox flavulus, New-York Gudgeon. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. p. 439, pi. 4, fig. 8.

Characteristics. Sides brassy yellow tinged with green, with 12-18 blackish bars often
obscure, and 2-5 irregular longitudinal stripes ; the bars on the tail
persistent.

Description. Body oblong, subcompressed. Head depressed; its facial line horizontal.
Scales large, subquadrate, rounded on the free portion, concentrically striate ; radical portion
truncate, with deep plaits in the central portion, its angles produced. Mouth opening obliquelv
upward ; lower jaw jutting and longest. Orbits large ; their upper margins in the plane of the
facial line. Crowded and pointed teeth in the jaws ; similar teeth in close rows on the pha-
rynx. The dorsal fin high, and slightly rounded above ; placed on the posterior part of the

FAMILY CYPRINID.E FUNDULUS. 217

body. Pectorals broad and pointed. Ventrals small ; their tips reaching nearly to the vent.
Anal long, placed under the posterior part of the dorsal. Caudal oblong, rounded.

Color. Dusky greenish on the back ; darker on the head above. Sides brassy yellow tinged
with green, becoming lighter beneath. Along the sides are faint indications of dusky bars,
which, on the tail, become distinctly marked black bars, or lines of interrupted black dots.
There are also from two to five irregular longitudinal dusky stripes of various lengths ; more
usually two short interrupted stripes, and two longer continuous stripes, which usually stop
short near the distinct caudal bars. Dorsal and anal with numerous white dots.

Length, 1-0 - 3' 0.

Fin rays, D. 14; P. 15 ; V. 6 ; A. 11 : C. 23.

This little fish presents much variety. in its markings : the transverse bars on the sides of
the body arc frequently obsolete ; the stripes are irregular and often obsolete, their places
being indicated by dots or abbreviated lines. In all the specimens which I have seen, the
black bars across the tail were always persistent, and this is perhaps its most striking charac-
teristic.

This species abounds in all our salt-water creeks and bays. Its popular name is derived
from its abundance in creeks and estuaries, which our Dutch ancestors termed " kills." It is
used merely as bait for other fishes. From the similarity of name, I should almost be inclined
to suspect this to be the Cobitis maialis of Schneider, which is cited by Valenciennes as a
svnonime of his Cyprinodon flavulus .

THE BIG KILLIFISH.

FUNDULUS VIR1DESCENS.
PLATE XXXI. FIG. 99.
Killfisk. Schcepff, Beobachtungen tier Naturforsch. &c. Vol. 8, p. 172.

Characteristics. Greenish above ; pale beneath, without stripes or bars. Caudal nearly even,
rounded. Length 3-5 inches.

Description. Body elongate, cylindrical, flattened above, and much compressed on the sides
of the tail. Scales large, orbicular, with strongly impressed concentric striae ; very large on
the head, extending to the end of the snout, and covering the opercles. A central one on the
summit of the head, with its entire margin free. Lateral line obscure. Head very small,
flattened above. Eyes large, distant. Nostrils form an oblong slit just anterior to the orbits,
and in a line with their upper margin. Several mucous pores about the head and along the
base of the preopercle. Mouth small, protractile, with a somewhat vertical aspect. A single
row of long slender crowded subequal and slightly recurved teeth in front on the lower jaw,
and several series of minute teeth behind ; a similar disposition in die upper jaw. Two round
patches of blunt teeth in the pharynx.

Fauna — Part 4. 28

218 • NEW- YORK FAUNA.

The dorsal fin placed far back, quadrate, longer than its base, of eleven subequal rays,
and placed over the anal. Pectorals obtusely pointed, 0"6 long, and containing seventeen
very slender rays. Ventrals feeble, distant, and nearly in the centre of the body. Anal 0"5
long, composed of eleven rays, of which the middle are longest. Caudal fin broad and short,
slightly rounded, and with its numerous accessories comprising twenty-nine rays.

Color. Olive-green above ; lighter on the sides, and becoming whitish, tinged with yellow-
ish, on the abdomen. Opercles, pectorals and ventrals light greenish yellow. Irides yellow.

Length, 3"0 - 5"0. Depth, 0*4 - l'O.
Fin rays, D. 1 1 ; P. 17 ; V. 6 ; A. 1 1 ; C. 29.

I cite but one synonime, although I am inclined to suspect that this may be the fish intended
by Dr. Mitchill as Esox pisciculus ; but his description is not sufficiently precise to enable
me to pronounce it to be the same with any certainty. M. Valenciennes, apud Humboldt,
supposes this pisciculus to be the adult of his Fundulus fasciatus.

This fish is known under the names of Minny (minnow), and more generally of Big Killie.
It abounds in the salt-water creeks and brackish streams in the neighborhood of New-York.

THE BARRED KILLIFISH.

Fundulus zebra.
(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Fifteen to twenty narrow vertical lines over the body. Dorsal and anal
punctate with white. Length 2-4 inches.

Description. Body oblong, compressed ; dorsal outline, anterior to the fin, forms a slight
curve, gently sloping to the snout. Scales rounded, and sparsely ciliate on the free margins ;
radical margin straight, with parallel striae ; scales large on the head and opercles, extending
far up on the base of the caudal fin. Lateral line not obvious. Summit of the head broad
and flat. A short series of mucous pores anterior to the eyes. Mouth with a somewhat ver-
tical aspect. Jaws protractile, furnished with a series of distant recurved teeth ; and behind
this, others smaller and crowded. Pharynx with stout teeth.

The dorsal fin quadrate, over the anal, with its posterior ray longest. Pectorals small,
scarcely pointed, with the middle rays longest. Ventrals feeble. Anal fin very high, the pe-
nultimate rays extending nearly to the accessory rays of the caudal. This latter fin rounded,
almost pointed.

Color. Body brownish green, with numerous narrow white lines or spots (forming inter-
rupted lines), dividing the dark colored sides of the body into many dark colored bars. With
these are numerous silvery white and steel-blue dots, giving a singularly beautiful and striped
appearance to the fish ; these dots extend over the dorsal and anal fins.

FAMILY CYPRINIDiE — HYDRARGIRA. 219

Length, 4"0. Depth, 0-3.

Fin rays, D. 10 ; P. 17 ; V. G ; A. 10 ; C. 19 §.

To this, and various other allied species, is applied the indian name of Mummachog. Like
its congeners, it is found in the salt-water creeks about New-York. Dr. Holbrook informs
me that it is common in the brackish streams of Carolina.

GENUS HYDRARGIRA. Lacepede, Lesueur.

Head flat, shielded above by large scales ; the central scale largest. Teeth in the jaws and
throat; those in the jaws conic. Scales on the opercles. Branchial rays four to Jive.

Obs. M. Lesueur has attempted to renovate a defective genus proposed by Lacepede, but
it does not appear to be well elaborated, and has not been adopted by modern ichthyologists.
When better studied, it may serve to embrace numerous small fresh-water Cyprinidae, which
are not yet well established in the systems.

THE TRANSPARENT MINNOW.

HYDRARGIRA DIAPHANA.

Hydrargira diapkana. Lesueur, Journ. Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 130.

Characteristics. Body diaphanous, with sixteen transverse brown bands, confluent above.
Dorsal fin double the size of the anal. Length 3-5 inches.

Description. Body subcylindric, fusiform ; head cuneiform ; snout elongated ; lower jaw
straight ; back nearly straight. Eyes large, sub-oblong. Dorsal, anal and pectorals roundish ;
ventrals very small, roundish, situated midway between the anal and pectoral fins ; caudal
truncate.

Color. Back and upper part of the head brown olive ; lower parts white. Sides with deli-
cate blue tints. Opercles with brilliant yellow and blue reflections.

Length, 5"0. Depth, 0-6.

Fin rays, D. 13 ; P. 18 ; V. 6 ; A. 12 ; C. 18 f.

This is described by Lesueur from Saratoga lake, where it is used as a bait for other
fishes.

220 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE BARRED MINNOW.

Hydrargira multifasciata.
Hydrargira multifasciata. Lesueuk, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 131.

Characteristics. Fifty transverse bands on the sides, alternately olive brown and blue. Dor-
sal and anal nearly equal. Length three inches.

Description. Body more elevated in the middle than in the preceding, and less transparent.
Snout shorter, and ventrals larger. Dorsal and anal fins almost equal, the latter pointed.
Pectorals with their tips passing beyond the base of the ventrals. Eyes rounded.

Length, 3'0.

Fin rays, D. 14 ; P. 18 ; V. 6 ; A. 12 ; C. 16 f .

This species, according to M. Lesueur, is also found in Saratoga lake. It may prove to be
the young of the preceding.

THE CHAMPLAIN MINNOW.

Hydrargira atricada.

Characteristics. Olive-brown, with a broad black stripe across the tail. Length two to three
and a half inches.

Description. Shape that of the F. viridescens, represented on Plate 31, fig. 99. Back
nearly straight, flat and slightly depressed in front of the dorsal fin. Head flattened above,
slightly descending to the pointed snout. Scales large, orbicular, with impressed concentric
stria?, rounded on the head above, distributed over the opercles, aud elongated where they
cover the base of the caudal fin. Thirty-six were enumerated along the lateral line. Nume-
rous mucous pores about the head and on the opercles. Two contiguous and near the poste-
rior margin of the orbits ; and behind these, two others in an obliquely descending line. Three
pair between the orbits, and others before the eyes, on the cheeks, and the branches of the
lower jaw. Nostrils double ; the posterior largest. Eyes large, near the snout, with the
upper margin of the orbits in the facial line. Opercle large and rounded. Five branchial rays,
of which the three upper are broad and flattened. Mouth small ; tongue long, thin, and en-
larged at the end. Teeth in the lower jaw, numerous, minute, acute, and much recurved ;
in a single series on the sides, and double in front. In front of the upper jaw, a small patch
of minute teeth. Asperities in the pharynx. Air-bladder large.

The dorsal fin of fifteen rays, higher than long, placed far back, and commencing nearly
above the origin of the ventrals. The first short, 0-l long ; the second much longer; the
third longest, and subequal with the remainder ; it is coterminal with the anal. Pectoral
obtusely pointed ; the middle rays longest, the axillary cavity deep, with slender rays, their

FAMILY CYPRINIDiE — HYDRARGIRA. 221

tips reaching halfway to the base of the ventrals. Ventrals long, narrow and pointed, of six
rays ; their tips reaching to a little beyond the first anal ray. Anal narrow, higher than the
dorsal, of ten rays ; the first two short and simple, the remainder articulated and branched •
Caudal long and rounded.

Color. This appears to have been olive-brown, «with numerous transverse bars across the
body and tail. A distinct black line in the course of the lateral line. Across the tail, on each
side, about one-tenth of an inch from the base of the caudal fin, is a broad black bar, which
appears to have been bordered with lighter in the recent specimen. Fins light olive-brown.

Length, 2 '5. Depth, 0"4.

Fin rays, D. 15 ; P. 15 ; V. G ; A. 10 ; C. 12 |.

I have seen larger specimens, measuring 3' 5 in length, with a depth of 0'6. For an op-
portunity of describing this species, I am indebted to Mr. Z. Thomson, of Burlington, Ver-
mont, who has kindly favored me with other species.

(EXTRALIMITAL .)

H. omata. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 131.) Lower jaw short and curved. Back elevated. Dorsal
clear blue, with yellow spots, and a larger deep blue spot. Sides blue, with sixteen transverse sil-
very stripes. D. 11; A. 12. Length 3 inches. Delaware river.

H. nigrojasciata. (Id. lb. p. 133.) Dorsal and anal long and narrow. Fifteen black transverse
bands; reddish yellow above. Caudal slightly rounded. Length 2-3 inches. Salt marshes,
Newport, R. I.

Genus Molinesia, Lesueur. Anal between the ventrals, and under the dorsal. Teeth as in Fundulus.
Branchial rays four or five.

M. latipinna. (Les. Ac. Sc. Vol. 2, pi. 3, fig. 1.) Reddish. Dorsal large and long, prolonged be-
hind, in height equalling the depth of the body. Length 2| inches. Ponds, Louisiana.

222 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

FAMILY ESOCIDjE.

Body elongated. One dorsal, and generally opposite to the anal. Edge of the upper jaw
either formed by the inter maxillaries, or if the maxillaries enter at all into its composition,
they are destitute of teeth. Intestinal canal short, and generally without caeca. Branchial
rays vary from three to eighteen. Mouth large, and with sharp teeth.

Obs. In this State, and along its shores, we describe the representatives of four genera.
There are about ninety species, tolerably well known, in various parts of the world.

GENUS ESOX. Cuvier.

Head depressed, large, oblong, blunt. Inter maxillaries small, with small teeth at the middle
of the upper jaw, of which they form two-thirds. The maxillaries forming the sides, have
no teeth. Vomer, palatines, pharyngeals and branchial arches, bristling with card-like
teeth. Sides of the lower jaw with a row of long pointed teeth.

THE MUSKELLUNGE.

EsOX ESTOR.

Pike, Pickerel or Maskallonge, E. estor. Lesuecr, Journ. Acad. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 4t3.
E. Masquinongy. Mitchell, Mirror 1824, p, 297 ; Kirtland Zool. Ohio, p. 194.
E. estor. Cuvier, R. A. Ed. angl. Vol. 10, p. 389.
Maskinonge. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 127.

Characteristics. Sides of the body with numerous rounded, distinct, occasionally confluent,
lighter spots. Length one to three feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, elongate, somewhat quadrate. Scales thin, small, orbicu-
lar, ascending on the cheeks ; the upper part of the head smooth ; a series of about 160
along the lateral line, and 45 in a vertical row before the ventrals. Snout broad, rounded and
depressed. Head covered with numerous pores on the summit and sides ; its length to the
total length, as one to four nearly. An oblong cavity between the orbits. Mouth very large.
A single row of small recurved teeth in the anterior part of the upper and lower jaw ; sides
of the lower jaw with long acute distant teeth ; bands of small teeth on the vomer and pala-
tines ; a series of minute teeth on the branchial arches. Tongue truncate, with asperities on
its base. Branchial rays eighteen. The dorsal fin with twenty rays, of which the first five
are applied closely to the base of the sixth. Anal similar in shape, with its first four rays
similarly applied to the fifth. Pectorals small. Ventrals on the middle of the body, and
small. Caudal large, lunulated with rounded lobes.

Color. Deep greenish brown ; darker on the back ; pale on the sides, with numerous
rounded, distinct, pale yellowish or greyish spots on the sides. These spots vary in size

FAMILY ESOCID.E — ESOX. 223

from two to three-tenths of an inch in diameter ; they become occasionally confluent. Each
scale has a bright quadrate spot, which reflects brilliant metallic tints of various colors.

Length, 12-0- 48' 0.

Fin rays, D. 21 ; P. 12 ; V. 11 ; A. 21 ; C. 19 f.

According to Mitchill, who describes a specimen 47-0 long and weighing 30 pounds, the
fin rays arc as follows :

D. 21 ; P. 14; V. 11; A. 17; C. 26.

The Muskellunge, or Maskinongc, for its orthography is not settled, occurs abundantly in
Lake Erie, and is found also in the streams in the western district. My friend Dr. Pickering
informs me that he saw them offered for sale at Montezuma (Cayuga county), where they
were kept in a reservoir. They occur as far north as Lake Huron, where, however, they
are rare. They are often caught by the seine. Dr. Kirtland speaks of them as being one of
the best fish for eating, produced by the western waters. A specimen, he states, was taken
in the canal near Massillon, which had found its way from Lake Erie. According to Lesueur,
the name of this fish in the Wyandot dialect is Tltuhahresah han.

The description of E. estor by the last named author, with the exception of a part of the
specific phrase, applies, according to Richardson, exactly to E. lucius, and not at all to the
true Muskellunge.

THE COMMON PICKEREL.

ESOX RETICULATUS.

PLATE XXXIV. FIG. 10T.

The common Pike of North America. Schcepff, Naturforschen, Vol. 2, p. 26.
The Pickerel, E. lucius, var. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 440.
Esox reticulatus. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol.1, p. 414. E. nigcr. Id. var.
The common Pickerel, E. reticulatus. StoreR, Massachusetts Report, p. 97.
Esox reticulatus. Pike. Kirtland, Zoology of Ohio, No. 41, p. 194.

Characteristics. Yellowish, with reticulated dark marks on the sides. Abdomen white, tinged
with pink. Caudal deeply emarginate. Length one to three feet.

Description. Body subcylindrical, elongate. Scales small, emarginated. Snout blunt ;
the upper jaw smooth, broad, depressed, shorter than the lower jaw. Branchial rays seven-
teen. A few very small teeth on the intermaxillaries, in front of the upper jaw ; sides tooth-
less. On the lower jaw, in front, short small recurved teeth ; but on the sides they are longer,
distant, and slightly compressed. Palatines bristling with teeth, directed backward and
inward ; those on the interior edges of the palatines, much longer. Base of the tongue,
branchial arches and pharyngeals with card-like teeth directed inward. Mouth large ; nostrils
in a groove. A few orifices of mucous ducts scattered over the summit of the head. The
dorsal fin subquadrate, slightly rounded above the last ray, much the shortest. Pectorals

224 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

small, short and rounded. Ventrals rather nearer the pectorals than to the anal. Anal fin
under the dorsal. Caudal deeply emarginate, almost forked ; the lobes obtusely pointed.

Color, varies in intensity and tint. In some it is deep green, varying to blackish on the
back and head, or bluish grey ; in others, it is of a golden or olive-yellow on the sides, the
free margins of the scales bordered with black. Numerous irregular abbreviated longitudinal
dusky streaks on the sides of the body, united with similar oblique streaks, and producing an
imperfectly reticulated appearance. Irides yellowish varied with blue. The fins greenish ;
those below tinged with reddish.

Length, 12-0- 36-0.

Fin rays, D. 18 ; P. 1G ; V. 10 ; A. 14 ; C. 19 \.

The Common Pickerel is found in most of the ponds and streams throughout the State.
They are caught during the whole year, but appear to be most prized in winter. In the dis-
tricts bordering on the lakes, they are considered inferior to the preceding species.

This species appears to be common through all the Eastern and Middle States, and is
found in the waters of the Ohio. It does not extend to the countries north of the great lakes.

I am induced to believe the Black Pike of Saratoga lake, described by Lesueur as E.
niger, to be the young of this species.

THE VARIED PICKEREL.

EsOX PASCIATUS.
TLATE XXXIV. FIG. 110. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Greenish yellow, with dusky vertical bars along the sides. Tail slightlv
emarginate. Length 6 to 10 inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, with its dorsal surface much flattened. Upper part of the
head with a deep longitudinal groove. The orifices of mucous ducts disposed irregularly
over the head. Teeth smaller than, but similar to, those in the preceding, on the inter-
maxillaries, lower jaw, vomer, palatines, pharyngeals, base of the tongue, and branchial
arches. Dorsal fin higher than long, its margin much rounded. Anal with subequal rays.
Pectorals much nearer the end of the snout than the ventrals, which produces a correspond-
ing change in the position of these last mentioned fins.

Color. Dark brownish black above, descending in irregular dark clouds a short distance on
the sides. Sides greenish yellow, with irregular vertical brown stripes descending on the
belly. Dorsal and caudal fins dark brown. The pectorals, ventral and anal lighter colored ;
often, by infiltration, reddish. A short dark band from the eye to the angle of the jaw.

Length, 6-0-10-0.

Fin rays, D. 15 ; P. 15 ; V. 9 ; A. 14 ; C. 19 f .

FAMILY ESOCLLME ESOX. 225

This beautiful little pickerel is abundant in many of the streams and ponds on Long Island,
and is said never to exceed the size given above. Independent of the markings, it appears to
be quite distinct from the preceding species. It is not improbable that this may be the species
noticed by Dr. Mitchill in his Supplementary Memoir on the Fishes of New-York, under the
name of Esox scomberius, which is thus alluded to :

" The Mackerel Pike, <$-c. Esox scomberius. An inhabitant of the fresh streams of New-
" York. A figure of this fish was forwarded to me by John Bradbury, Esq. It was exe-
" cuted from the creature, as taken from Murderer's creek. Beside other strong features of
" the Pike, it was distinguished for a large and projecting lower jaw ; for the length of the
" head and gill-covers ; for the dark green of the back, gradually disappearing in the white
" of the belly, and the two hues connected by cloudy patches almost resembling bands, slant-
" ing forward and downward from the back, by a ruddy tinge of the roundish pectoral, abdo-
" minal and ventral fins ; and by a broad concave or lunated tail. Mr. B. states the rays of
" the pectoral fins to be thirteen, of the ventrals nine, of the dorsal fourteen, of the anal thir-
" teen, and of the caudal twenty."

THE FEDERATION PIKE.

EsOX TREDECEM-RADIATUS.

The Federation Pike, E. tTedecem-lineatus. Mitchill, Mirror, 1825, p. 361.

Characteristics. Opercles, pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins each with thirteen rays. Length
12 to 23 inches.

Description. I am unacquainted with this species, except through the description of Dr.
Mitchill, which is annexed :

" The figure of the head and mouth bears a considerable resemblance to the Pike or Mas-
" canongy, particularly the broad or duck snout, the projecting lower jaw ; and this, together
" with the tongue and palate armed with teeth, and the general shape, are characteristic
" enough. The intermaxillary bone, the situation of the ventral fin far behind on the belly,
" and the opposition of the dorsal fin to the ventral, are additional indications of the same
" family connection. The four individuals now before me were obtained by Mr. William
" Sykes from the Oneida lake, on the 26th January, 1825. The largest is twenty-three
" inches long, and more than nine in its greatest girth. Eyes yellow ; tail forked ; skin
" covered with small scales. Color of the back, and upper part of the head, brown, almost
" running into black ; of the contiguous parts, brown running into yellowish or orange, and
" the yellow ending in a snowy or silvery white on the belly. The broad side, that is, the
" space between the back and belly, beautifully and curiously variegated with irregular black
" lines, which inosculate with each other all the way from the eyes to the tail, and surround
" spaces of various sizes and figures, all of which are fantastic and odd. Toward the belly
" and tail, these black lines lose themselves, or end abruptly. Sometimes there are oblong

Fauna — Part 4. 29

226 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

" and roundish spots. The modifications of these colors give the fish a very striking, and
" indeed elegant appearance ; quite equal to the Spanish mackerel, or indeed superior to it.
" Branchiostegous membrane, thirteen rays ; pectoral fin, thirteen ; ventral, nine ; anal, thir-
" teen ; dorsal, thirteen ; caudal, about twenty-one. The fins are reddish, and their color
" contrasts admirably with the others to increase the beauty of the fish. I know of no fish
" of the fresh, or even of the salt water, in the market and region of New-York, that equals
" it. The flesh is savory and fine. There is something quite peculiar as to the number of
" rays in the fins of this fish, which has led me to the adoption of its specific name. For the
" branchiostegous pectoral and dorsal each contain thirteen rays, or with inconsiderable va-
" riations in the several individuals, was the most constant number. So it seems to afford
" ground for a term indicative of the original States in the Union, by the characteristic num-
" ber XIII."

If there be no inaccuracy in the above description, which exhibits the characteristic quaint-
ness of the writer, this must be a distinct species. I have received several pike or pickerel
from this lake, which I referred without hesitation to E. reticulatus. The " inconsiderable
variations" may possibly include the above described species, which, however, demands a far-
ther examination.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

E. lucius? (Richardson, F. B. A.) Tip of each scale with a bright speck like the letter V. Scales
with four lobes. D. 20; P. 16; A. 18. Length two feet. Northern Regions.

E- phaleratus. (Say, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 416.) A dorsal; reddish brown band, and three or four bands
of the same color on the sides. Not described. East-Florida.

FAMILY ESOCID^;. 227

GENUS BELONE. Cuvier.

Head and body greatly elongated ; the latter covered with minute scales. Both jaws very
much produced, straight, narrow and pointed ; armed with numerous small teeth. Pharynx
paved. Scales not apparent, except a carinate row near the edge of the abdomen.

THE BANDED GAR-FISH.

Belone truncata.
plate xxxv. fig. 112 — (state collection.)

Esox, Sea Pike, Sea Snipe at New-York. Schoefff, Beobacht. Vol. 8, p. 108.
The Bill-fish, Esox belone. Mitchill, Lit. and Philos. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 443.
Esox longirostris, Long-jawed Fresh-ivater Pike. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 322.
Bciona truncata. Lesmedr, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. Vol. 2, p. 126, plate.
The Gar-fish, Belone truncata. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 98.

Characteristics. Green above ; silvery beneath. A dark green longitudinal band. Lower
mandible longest. Length one to two feet.

Description. Body much elongated ; covered with small transparent orbicular scales. Over
and behind the end of the anal, on each side of the tail, is a row of carinated scales. The
lateral line arises from the lower angle of the opercles ; ascends gradually beneath the pecto-
rals, maintaining a direction near the abdomen ; passes over the base of the ventrals, and behind
the anal, rises up and follows the course of the carinated scales. The vertebral line marked
above by a slight depression from the dorsal fin to the nape. On each side of this line, at the
distance of 0-2, is a faint darker line concurrent with it. Head and opercles trigonal, flat
above. Eyes longitudinally oval, 0' 6 in their greatest diameter, and with the upper margin
of the orbits in the plane of the head ; their distance apart equal to the same diameter. A
triangular fossa in front of the eyes, extending forward into an acutely pointed furrow for the
nostrils. Branchial aperture very ample, extending forward beneath the orbits. Upper man-
dible flattened at its base, rounded forward, and terminating in an acute tip, its upper margin
with a medial and two lateral impressed lines : it is 0'3 shorter than the lower jaw, which is
elastic and flexible at its tip. Both mandibles furnished with long conic acute distant teeth,
with intermediate smaller ones, externally in confused series ; towards the angle of the jaws,
the smaller ones are exserted. The interior of the upper jaw with a longitudinal furrow, of
the lower, transversely rugous. Length of the mandibles to the whole length as one to five
nearly.

The dorsal fin arises far back, commencing over the fourth ray of the anal ; it is elevated,
triangular in front, low and subequal behind, the second and third rays longest. This fin is
composed of one simple and fifteen branched rays. The pectorals on a line with the posterior
angle of the opercles, and 0'4 behind it ; composed of one flat, simple and scarcely ^.iiculated
ray, and eleven branched rays. Ventrals feeble ; their distance from the origin of the anal,

228 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

equal to the distance between the origin of the dorsal and the base of the caudal fin : they
contain six rays. The anal similar in shape to the dorsal, and coterminal with it ; the first
ray short, triangular, subspinous ; the second and third longest ; after the seventh, the rays
are nearly equal : there are nineteen rays. The vent forms a sort of enlarged pouch, with a
large oblong aperture. Caudal cmarginate ; the lower lobe very slightly longest.

Color, from a living specimen captured in September. Upper part of the body a beautiful
transparent sea-green, which becomes darker above the opercles and over the nostrils. Oper-
cles and sides of the body bright silvery. Abdomen beneath opaque white. A narrow dark
green band arises from the upper part of the angle of the opercle, and running towards the
tail, separates the color of the back from that of the sides. Margin of the preopercles deep
green. Pupils black ; irides silvery.

Length, 22.0; of the head and jaws to the opercular margin, 7.0.
Fin rays, D. 16 ; P. 12 ; V. 6 ; A. 19 ; C. 19 §.

I have adopted the name proposed by Lesueur, as I have very little doubt but that he had
the same species in view, although his notice is very imperfect, and his trivial name unmeaning.
I have examined many specimens, and have found in none the tail so unequal as his figure
would seem to indicate ; it was probably a deformed or mutilated specimen.

I am disposed to believe the E. longirostris of Mitchill to have been intended also for this
species, but his description is too imperfect to render this certain. He observes, " It is said
to grow to the length of three or four feet, and is always an inhabitant of fresh water."

The Gar-fish occurs on our coast chiefly in the latter part of summer and in the autumn,
from which I infer that it is a southern fish. I do not find it, however, among Dr. Holbrook's
drawings, nor among Parra's figures. Its farthest northern range hitherto observed has been
on the coast of Massachusetts, south of Cape Cod. It is highly prized by epicures.

FAMILY ESOCIDjE. 229

GENUS SCOMBERESOX. Cuvier.

Snout greatly attenuated and elongated as in the preceding. Teeth in both jaws ; more on
the palatines and tongue. Dorsal and anal fins divided behind into numerous finlets.

THE BILL-FISH.

SCOMEERESOX STORERI.

PLATE XXXV. FIG. 111.

Scomberesox equirostrum et scutellatum. Lesdeur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2, p. 132.
S. id., The Bdl-fish. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 100.

Characteristics. Dark green above. Lower jaw longest. Body with a broad silvery band.
Length ten to twelve inches.

Description. Anguilliform ; nearly of equal depth and width to the origin of the dorsal fin.
Scales small. Lateral line straight, indented, concurrent with, and near to the dorsal outline.
On each side of the abdomen is a longitudinal furrow, which begins at the underside of the
opercles, and extends to the base of the caudal fin ; dilated near the ventrals. Head deep,
long and narrow compared with the body. Eyes small, 0 ■ 2 in diameter. Jaws elongated,
and furnished at the base with very minute teeth ; the upper jaw an inch and a half long ; the
lower jaw about a quarter of an inch longer. Opercles large, smooth and silvery. The dorsal
fin longer than high, and composed of ten nearly subequal rays. Behind it are five pinnulae
or finlets. Pectorals pointed, of fourteen rays, with the first ray longer and broader than the
others. Ventral fins just in advance of the anal. Caudal broadly excavated.

Color. Body above dark green. Head above deep green. Beneath the green of the back,
a broad silvery band extends through the whole length of the body, and divided in the centre
by a narrow green line. Gill-covers and abdomen silvery. Dorsal and its finlets greenish
tinged with yellow. Pectorals dark at the base ; the rays silvery. Ventrals and anal white ;
the finlets of the latter yellowish.

Length, 10-0 ; of head and jaws, 3"0.

Fin rays, D. 10. v.; P. 14; V. 6 ; A. 12. v.; C. 20.

The original notice of this species by Lesueur, was made from an imperfect and dried
cabinet specimen ; and his name, of very dubious latinity, and drawn from a false character,
must be rejected. The name which I have attached to it, is due to the distinguished Ichthy-
ologist who pointed out distinctly the impropriety of the appellation, and was its first accurate
describer.

A specimen of this fish, to which Lesueur has attached another name, was obtained from
the banks of Newfoundland. On the coast of Massachusetts, they appear in immense num-

230 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

bers in October, where they are considered as a very nutritious and grateful food. A few
stragglers are occasionally taken on the coast of New-York, which is presumed to be the
extreme limits of its southern range.

GENUS EXOCETUS. Linneus, Cuvier.

Pectorals nearly as long or longer than the body, and sufficiently developed to enable them
to suspend themselves in the air. Head and body scaly. Jaws with pointed, and pharyn-
geals ivith paved teeth. In some species a row of carinate scales on each side of the abdo-
men. Air-bladder very large.

THE NEW-YORK FLYING-FISH.

EXOCETUS NOVEBORACENCIS.

PLATE XXXVI. FIG. 114.

The New-York Flying-fish, E. noveboracensis. Lit. and Phil. Soc. pi. 5, fig. 3 ; Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 323.

Characteristics. Dark green above. Abdomen carinate on the sides. Teeth very minute.
No filaments to the lower jaw. Length 12 inches.

Description. Head smooth, trigonal. Scales thick and deciduous. A row of carinated
scales on each side of the abdomen, from the lower edge of the gill-covers to the tail. Eyes
large, with a moderate depression between them, and three small pores on each side, and
small channelled lines along the back. Dorsal fin with its commencement over the ventrals,
and containing fourteen rays. Pectorals five and a half inches long, with fifteen branched
rays. Ventrals three inches long, and with six rays. Anal longer than high, with eight short
subequal rays. Caudal deeply lunate, with its lower lobe much longer. Branchial rays ten.

Color. Above, dark greenish ; beneath white. Irides silvery yellow.

Length, 12-0. Depth, 1'5.

Fin rays, D. 14 ; P. 15 ; V. 6 ; A. 8.

The number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins of this fish must separate it from exiliens,
to which it has been referred. The specimen which furnished Dr. Mitchill with the above
description, was taken in a seine near New- York. Although natives of the tropical seas,
they have been known to ascend along the European shores of the Atlantic as high as 50°
north latitude.

FAMILY ESOCID.E EXOCETUS. 231

THE SINGLE-BEARDED FLYING-FISH.

EXOCETDS COMATDS.

PLATE XXXVI. FIG. 115.

E. comatus, The Single-bearded Flying-fish. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 448, pi. 5, fig. 1.
E. appendicular. Wood, Journal Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 4, p. 283, pi. 17, fig. 2.

'Characteristics. A long black cirrus depending from the chin, with occasionally a shorter one
on each side. Length five to six inches.

Description. Head trihedral, depressed above, declivous. Body covered with robust deci-
duous scales. Snout somewhat obtuse ; lateral line straight ; mouth small ; a blackish cirrus
2' 5 long, depending from the chin. Dorsal with its anterior portion slightly elevated ; tips of
the pectorals extend to the end of the dorsal fin. Ventrals under the dorsal, and extend
towards the end of the anal. Caudal furcate ; upper lobe shortest.

Color. Above brown ; beneath white.

Length, 5*0.

Fin rays, D. 11 or 12; P. 13; V. 6 ; A. 7; C. 19.

On the authority of Cuvier, I have united the species above cited.
THE DOUBLE-BEARDED FLYING-FISH

ExOCETDS FURCATUS.

Double-bearded Flying-fish, E.furcatus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 449, pi. 5, fig. 2.
E. nuttallii? Lesdedr, Ac. Sciences, Vol. 2, p. 10, pi. 4, fig. 1 (young).

Characteristics. Abdomen with a series of carinated scales. Two cirri, or laciniated appen-
dages, to the lower jaw. Length three inches.

Description. Eyes large. Ventral fins very long, and placed about two-thirds of the dis-
tance between the pectorals and the vent. Dorsal and anal large and truncated. Scales
small, adherent.

Color. Bluish above ; silvery on the sides. Pectorals and ventrals with brown bands.

Length, 3*0.

Fin rays, D. 15 ; V. 10 ; A. 8 ; C. 17.

The descriptions of both the above cited authors are very incomplete, but I believe there
can be little doubt of the identity of the species. The mcsogaster, cited by Mitchill, is very
doubtful, and certainly has not been found on our northern coast as far as I am acquainted.
The ■fasciatus of Lesueur (Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 9), observed near the Gulf of Mexico, I am
disposed to refer to the exiliens of Bloch. The bearded flying-fish have been very properly
united into a distinct group, under the name of Cyprilurus, by some recent writers.

232 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

FAMILY FISTULARIDJE.

Mouth elongated into a tube, formed by the extension of the ethmoid, vomer, preopercles,
inter opercles, pterygoidal and tympanal bones. At the extremity is the mouth, composed
as usual of the inter maxillaries, palatines and mandibulary bones. Ribs short or wanting.
Some of the genera are long and cylindrical ; others short and compressed.

Obs. By some writers this has been made a sub-family of the Scomberidce, and it does not
appear among the Spine-rayed fishes in the great work of Messrs. Cuvier and Valenciennes.
Its true place is probably near or among the Syngnathidce. I am acquainted with but two
representatives of this family on our coast.

GENUS FISTULARIA. Lacepede, Cuvier.

Body elongated, cylindrical. Dorsal above the anal. Intermaxillaries and lower jaw armed
with small teeth. A long filament arises from between the two lobes of the tail. Tube of
the mouth depressed. Air-bladder very small. Scales invisible.

THE AMERICAN PIPE-FISH.

FlSTOLARIA SERRATA.
PLATE XXXV. FIG. 113.
The Tobacco-pipe Fish, F. serraia. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 80. (Adult.)

Characteristics. Reddish brown above, with a narrow bluish band along the sides. Tube
strongly serrated on its sides. Length exclusive of the caudal filament,
nineteen inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, elongate, with numerous asperities visible under the lens,
and slightly rough to the touch. The lateral line commences just above the posterior por-
tion of the opercle, runs obliquely backwards about an inch, then rises and approaches within
0'2 of the line on the other side, coniinuing in this direction in a straight line for about 1*5;
it then passes down suddenly to the middle of the body, and runs a straight course through
the middle of the lateral band. Near its origin, it is rather indistinct ; but on the posterior
half of the body, it becomes covered with a series of elevated carinated plates. Entire length
of the head, from the end of the snout to the margin of the opercle, 6*8. Tube wider than
deep, of a hard horny consistence, strongly serrated along each side with short spines directed
forwards, and extending to the anterior portion of the orbits. This tube, just in front of the
eyes, is 0"75 wide ; and at the angle of the jaws, 0-5. Vertical gape of the mouth, 0'5.
Nostrils single, oval, and 0'3 in advance of the orbits. Lower jaw longest, with a protube-

FAMILY FISTULARID.E FISTULARIA. 233

ranee at the chin. Both jaws armed with numerous small acute and recurved teeth. Gill-
covers radiated, with a flat trifid spinous elevation on the upper and anterior part of their sur-
face. Over the opercle, a strong bony serrated or rather spinous ridge, 0'7 in extent. Orbits
elliptical, 0" 5 long, and 0" 35 apart. There are prominent angular serrated processes on the
anterior and posterior portions of the upper margin of the orbits. Head above with longitu-
dinal furrows on its surface.

The dorsal fin small, pointed, triangular, and placed on the posterior third of the body.
Pectorals broad, subtruncate, and placed 0'25 posterior to the opercle; their length to their
width as one to three. Ventrals 2" 5 behind the pectorals ; very small, distant, and 0'4 long.
Anal similar in shape and size to the dorsal, against which it is placed. Caudal deeply forked
from between its lobes arises, as if a continuation of the lateral line, a strong filament, elastic
as baleen. This filament is nine inches long, jointed at the base, and delicate towards the tip ;
at its base arises a short filament, and at the distance of 6*0 from the base, another very short
bifid filament.

Color. Upper part of the body reddish brown. A narrow bluish longitudinal band along
the sides, through the centre of which passes the lateral line. Abdomen light-colored. Dor-
sal and ventrals white.

Length, 19" 0; of the caudal filament, 9"0.

Fin rays, D. 14 ; P. 16 ; V. 6 ; A. 14 ; C. 16 |.

The species of this genus are still involved in great obscurity. Cuvier, in his Regne Animal,
cites three species. Cloquet, in the Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, asserts that only
one is known. We are to await the publication of the work of Cuvier and Valenciennes
before this point will be definitively settled. There certainly appears to be two species on
our coast ; the one just described, and another very briefly indicated by Dr. Mitchill. I have
to return my thanks to Dr. Storer, for his kindness in favoring me with an opportunity of
examining and figuring the specimen which furnished him with his description.

THE SPOTTED PIPE-FISH.

FiSTULARIA TABACARIA.

The New-York Trumpet-fish, F. neo-eboracensis. Mitchell, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 437, pi. 3, fig. 8.

Characteristics. A row of pale spots on the sides. Orbits of the eyes with angular processes
or spines.

Description. Body rounded, slender ; its depth less than its thickness. Tube 2 ■ 5 long
grooved or fluted on the sides. The lower jaw projecting beyond the upper. Gill-opening
ample ; opercle radiated. Orbits large, contiguous, and beset with angular processes (in the
figure representing spines). Lateral line as in the preceding. Surface smooth and scaleless.
Ventrals small, and far apart. Dorsal and anal opposite. Caudal filament 4-0 long.

Fauna — Part 4. 30

234 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Brown on the back, with a row of pale spots. Belly white in the middle, and semi-
diaphanous on the right and left. Eyes orange-colored.

Length, 14-0.

This is a very indistinct notice by Dr. Mitchill, but there are sufficient indications that it is
a distinct species. Some years since, I obtained in the harbor of Pernambuco (Brazil), a
Fistularia, which I suppose to be identical with that above indicated. I annex the notes
which I made at the time :

" Fistularia tabacaria ? Color brownish, with round whitish spots more conspicuous in
front. Throat white.

" Dimensions. Tube, from the mouth to the margin of the opercle, four inches. Body,
from the gills to the fork of the caudal, seven inches and a half. Caudal thread three inches.
Diameter of orbits half an inch ; depth of head the same. Distance of the dorsals from
above the pectorals, four and a half inches. Total length fifteen inches.

" Tube serrated on the lateral ridges of each side. The ridges on the vertical surface
smooth ; those beneath minutely serrated. Lower jaw longest ; both with minute distant
recurved teeth : a strong protuberance on the symphysis. Nostrils three-tenths before the eyes.
Eyes longitudinally oval, silvery ; the antero-superior margins raised, with a furrow between ;
the superior posterior margin serrated ; and from this margin proceeds posteriorly a strong
serrated ridge over the opercle, which is oblong, smooth, slightly radiate on its posterior mar-
gin. Pectorals two-tenths behind the opercle, truncated at tips. Dorsal triangular, resem-
bling the anal, and beneath it. Lateral line rises apparently from immediately behind the
orbits, where it forms a simple ridge, and nearly unites with that of the opposite side ; then
descends just anterior to the ventrals, forming a row of interrupted tubes, and, towards the tail,
a raised line. Ventrals small, distant one and a half inches behind the base of the pectorals.
Caudal fin (if it be not a second dorsal and anal ?) forked, with a slender appendage like
whalebone, and terminating in a fine thread. D. 16 ; P. 16 ; V. 6 ; A. 16 ; C. 16 f .

"May 18, 1827."

I am induced to believe that this is the true tabacaria of authors, characterized by rounded
white spots on the sides and spinous orbits ; and of course, Mitchill's specimen, which appears
to have been quite fresh, must be referred to this species. Its geographic range is therefore
from Brazil to the coast of New- York, and probably even still farther north ; for Smith, in
his History of Massachusetts, speaks of having seen two specimens of this fish from the
coast of Martha's Vineyard, in 41° 3CK north latitude. The specimens were eighteen inches-
long, exclusive of the caudal filament, which was one foot long.

FAMILY SALMONIDjE. 235

FAMILY SALMON IDsE.

Body more or less scaly. Two dorsals ; the first with articulated rays, the second adipose.
Numerous ceecal appendages, and an air-bladder . Excessively voracious. Great varia-
■ tion in the armature of the jaws. Inhabiting fresh and salt water.

GENUS SALMO.

Branchial membrane with more than eight rays. Anal Jin with less than thirteen rays.

THE BROOK TROUT.

Salmo fontinalis.

PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 120.

S. fontinalis, New-York Trout. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 52.

S. id., Common Trout. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 345.

Red Spotted Trout. Dodghty, Cabinet Nat. Hist. Vol. 1, p. 145, pi. 13.

Nae-York Char. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 17C, pi. 83, fig. 1, and pi. 87, fig. 2.

S. fontinalis. Storek, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 106.

Characteristics. With vermilion dots, and larger yellow spots in the vicinity of the lateral
line. Gill-covers with no defined spots. Length 6-20 inches.

Description. Body oblong, compressed ; back broad and rounded. Head sloping nearly
symmetrically from above and beneath ; equal to one-fifth of the total length, or equal to the
interval between the ventrals and anal. Scales minute, oblong, imbedded in the skin. Late-
ral line slightly curved downward. Nostrils equidistant between the eyes and snout, with a
double opening ; the posterior closed by a valve. Branchial rays twelve. Labial armed with
numerous acute incurved teeth, nearly to the extremities ; somewhat shorter on the interma-
xillaries. Tongue with from four to six teeth on each side. About twelve recurved teeth on
each side of the palatines, and from six to eight on the vomer.

The first dorsal fin equidistant between the pectoral and the adipose fin ; quadrate, with its
base equal in length to the fourth or fifth ray ; the first ray very short, and the two following
gradually longer; from the fifth, the rays gradually diminish in length to the last; the first
three rays simple. Adipose dorsal somewhat pointed behind, and nearly equal in length to
the diameter of the eye ; it is placed above the last four rays of the anal. Caudal deeply
emarginate. The intestines scarcely exceed the body in length. Stomach stout and mus-
cular, filled with remains of earth-worms, water beetles, etc. ; caeca numerous. Air-bladder
occupying the whole length of the abdomen, simple, cylindrical, slightly tapering behind.

Color. Body above with irregular dark markings on a horn-colored ground, which, in freshly
taken specimens, gives bluish metallic reflections. Sides bluish, mixed with silvery white ;
the whole underside silvery. Upper part of the head dark greenish brown, with obscure

236 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

mottlings. First dorsal pale yellowish, with horizontal interrupted bars of dark green. Pec-
torals pointed ; the first ray light yellow ; the second blackish, and the remainder orange.
Ventrals and anal with their first rays entirely white, as are the tips of the second and third
rays. The bodies of the second and third, and the tip of the fourth, black, which causes
them to appear blackish on their edges, and broadly bordered with white ; the remaining rays
reddish. Caudal reddish, with obscure parallel dark bands, which are more distinct towards
the tips of the lobes. Irides white.

Length, 8"0. Depth, T3.

Fin rays, D. 13.0; P. 12; V. 8 ; A. 10; C. 19 f.

The specimen from which the above description was taken, was a female. It is about the
average size of the smaller kind of brook trout. I have never seen any exceeding fourteen
inches in length, but I am credibly informed of one taken on Long island, which measured-
twenty inches in length, and weighed four and a half pounds. Those from running streams
are better flavored than the pond trout ; and those taken from streams to which the salt water
has access, are preferred to either. The latter have brighter colors externally, and their flesh
has more of the salmon color.

The Brook Trout is a northern species, being found in almost all the clear running streams
and ponds throughout this and the northern States. I am unable to state with precision its
southerly range. It occurs in the head waters of the Delaware, Susquehannah and Allegany
rivers, but never descends into the Ohio. According to Dr. Kirtland, it is found only in two
small streams in the State of Ohio, viz. a small creek in Ashtabula county, and a branch of
Chagrin river, Geauga county, bordering upon Lake Erie. I have no information of its being
found north of the forty-seventh or south of the fortieth parallel of latitude.

THE RED-BELLIED TROUT.
plate xxxix. fig. 136.
Salmo erythrogaster.
Creek Trout ? Doughty, Cabinet of Nat. Hist. Vol. 1, p. 134, pi. 13, fig. 2.

Characteristics. Above, mottled with dark olive-green and light horn-color. Sides of the
abdomen reddish orange, separated by a distinct line from the pearl color
beneath. Tail broadly margined with bright red. Length 15 to 20 inches.

Description. Body symmetrical, tapering. Scales very small and rounded. Lateral line
concave anterior to the dorsal ; the remaining part straight. Tongue with five incurved teeth
on each side ; the snout with a deep notch, to receive the prominent conical knob on the loafer
jaw. Five curved subequal teeth on the intermaxillaries ; labials with fifteen ; lower jaw
with sixteen on each side, and about eight on the vomer. The dorsal quadrate, slightly higher
than long, its origin being an inch nearer the snout than to the tip of the caudal fin. It is

FAMILY SALMONIDiE SAL MO. 237

1 '7 high, and is composed of ten rays ; the adipose slightly falcate, rounded, 0'7 high. Pec-
torals two inches long, and arise anterior to the opercular margin. Ventrals broad and pointed,
arising under the fourth ray of the dorsal fin, and composed of eight rays. Anal higher than
long, its longest ray being 1*8 in length; base of the fin 1*1, slightly emarginate. Caudal
concave, composed of seventeen complete and with numerous- accessory rays ; its diameter
across the tip 2 '5.

Color. Above, dark olive-green, with confluent blotches of a lighter color on each side of
the back, resembling those on the common mackerel. Head above, uniform olive-green.
Sides bronze-brown, with numerous rounded rich salmon-colored spots, becoming larger
toward the tail; these are intermixed with smaller crimson dots. The belly of a brilliant
reddish orange, separated by a distinct line from the pearl color beneath. Membrane of the
gill-rays, and interior of the mouth, with a black pigment. The first rays of all the fins,
except the dorsal and caudal, opaque white, edged with black ; the other rays of a brilliant
flesh-red; inside of the pectorals black. Dorsal varied with dark green and opaque or horn
color. Ventral with its black margin extending over two or three of the adjacent rays.
Caudal broadly margined with bright red. Flesh incarnate red.

Length, 15*5 ; of the head 3-3. Depth, 3"0. Weight one and a half pounds.
Fin rays, D. 10.0; P. 14; V. 8; A. 10; C. 17 f.

This beautiful species, which has probably been confounded with the preceding, I first
noticed at Indian lake, Hamilton county ; then at the outlet of Lake Janet, one of the Eck-
ford chain, emptying into Lake Raquet ; and subsequently in most of the streams in Hamil-
ton, St. Lawrence, Franklin and Essex counties. There is a beautiful variety of this species
in Silver lake, Pennsylvania, with head and opercles unusually dark. They sometimes attain
the weight of four and even five pounds. Independent of other considerations, as will be
apparent from the description, the regularity and brilliancy of their colors seem to render it
proper to designate them by a distinct specific name.

Between this species and the Lake Salmon, next to be described, there is a continued war-
fare ; and hence it is never found except at the outlets of lakes, and in streams. It chiefly
affects the rapids above waterfalls, and the deep pools below them. It rises to the fly, but
will readily take the common earth-worm. One of the best baits I found to be the ventral
fins of this fish, which, as it moves rapidly through the water, resembles a gaudy butterfly.
In taking this species, the trained sportsman will often find his snoods snapped, his jointed
rod broken in pieces, and his reel rendered useless ; while a simple native by his side, with a
coarse line five or six feet long, tied to a short stick, will jerk them out as rapidly as his
clumsy hook (fabricated at the nearest blacksmith's shop) touches the water.

Various causes have been assigned for the great variety in the color of the flesh of this and
other congeneric species. One cause is said to be the difference of food : such as live upon
fresh-water shrimps and other small Crustacea, being brightest ; those which feed upon com-
mon aquatic insects, being next ; and those living upon aquatic vegetables, being dull and
darkest of all. It is very doubtful, however, whether any trout feeds on vegetables, the

238 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

armature of their mouth very clearly pointing out the nature of their food. All that we know
positively on the subject, is that in our brook trout, those which inhabit ponds are dark colored
externally ; those in clear streams running over sandy bottoms, are bright ; and those which
are found in salt or brackish streams, are not only very bright externally, but their flesh has
more of the salmon color. In the present species, which is only found in fresh-water streams,
not only the colors externally are extremely vivid, but the flesh is of a bright red approaching
carmine.

They are above the average size of the preceding. Out of many taken at different times, I
should be disposed to say that the average weight was about a pound and a half. I do not
remember to have seen one weighing four pounds, although I have heard of their weighing more.

THE LAKE TROUT.

Salmo confinis.
PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 123.
The Lake Trout. Doughty, Cabinet of Natnral History, Vol. 1, p. 145, pi. 13, fig. 1.

Characteristics. Blackish, with numerous grey spots. Body robust ; comparatively short in
proportion to its depth. Caudal fin with a sinuous margin. Length two
to four feet.

Description. Body stoul, thicker and shorter than the common salmon. Length of the
head to the total length, as one to four and a half nearly. Dorsal outline curved. Scales
small, orbicular and minutely striate. The lateral line distinctly marked by a series of tubu-
lar plates, arising at the upper angle of the opercular opening, slightly concave until it passes
over the base of the pectoral fin, when it proceeds straight to the tail. Head flattened between
the eyes. Snout produced, and, in aged individuals, with a tubercular enlargement on its
extremity. Eyes large; the antero-posterior diameter of the orbits 1*5, and their distance
apart 2" 5. Nostrils contiguous, patent; the anterior vertically oval, the posterior smaller
and rounded. Under jaw shortest, and received into a cavity in the upper. The transverse
membrane over the roof of the mouth exceedingly tough and thick ; the numerous curved
teeth in the jaws partly concealed by a loose fleshy membrane. Tongue long, narrow and
thick, with series of large teeth along the central furrow. Many series of acute teeth on the
vomer and palatines.

The first dorsal fin with its upper margin rounded, subtriangular, arising somewhat nearer
the snout than to the extremity of the caudal rays, higher than long ; measuring 4*5 in height,
and 4"0 along the base. It is composed of fourteen rays ; the first two short, and imbedded
in the flesh ; the fourth and fifth rays longest. The adipose finl'O long, rounded at the end,
scarcely narrowed at the base, an inch long, and placed over the end of the anal fin. Pectoral
fins broad and pointed, five inches long, and arising slightly behind a line drawn from the
upper posterior angle of the opercle ; it is composed of fourteen rays. The ventral fins placed
nearly under the centre of the dorsal fin, composed of nine rays, and furnished with a thick

FAMILY SALMONIDJE SALMO. 239

pointed axillary plate. Anal fin quadrate ; its extreme height 4 -4, and its base 3-0 ; com-
posed of twelve robust rays. Caudal fin nine inches in extent from tip to tip, furcate, with a
sinuous margin.

Color, from a living specimen. All the upper portion of the head and body bluish black.
Sides of the head and body, base of the first dorsal, of the caudal and anal fins, with nume-
rous rounded crowded irregular light grey spots. On the base of the dorsal and caudal, the
spots are oblong, light greenish. Chin brownish bronze. Pupils black ; irides salmon-colored.
Tips of the lower fins slightly tinged with red.

Length, 31 '3; of the head, 7'3. Weight 15 pounds.
Fin rays, D. 14.0; P. 14; V. 9; A. 12; C. 21 |.

This is the well known Lake Salmon, Lake Trout or Salmon Trout of the State of New-
York. Among the thirteen species or varieties of Lake Trout or Lake Salmon, so beautifully
illustrated by Richardson, I cannot find this species described. It appears most nearly allied
by the figure to S. hoodii (PL 82, 83 and 87), but differs in very important particulars from
that species. It occurs in most of the northern lakes of this State, and I have noticed it in
Silver lake, Pennsylvania, adjacent to Broome county, which, as far as I know, is its south-
ernmost limits. I have to acknowledge my obligations to Miss Ann Rose (now Mrs. Main),
for a beautiful drawing of the Lake Salmon from this locality. The figure illustrating this
species was from a specimen taken at Lake Louis, Hamilton county, and was selected for
his unusual size and vigor. The average weight is from eight to ten pounds, but I have heard
fishermen speak of some weighing thirty pounds and even more. There is, however, such a
strong propensity to exaggeration in every thing pertaining to aquatic animals, that I refrain
from citing cases derived from such sources.

The Lake Trout furnishes an important, and often necessary article of food, to the frontier
settler. They frequent the deepest part of the lake, and unlike most of their congeners,
never rise to the fly. In order to take them, particular deep spots are selected and marked
by buoys. Large quantities of small fish are then cut up and thrown in at the buoys for
several days in succession. After having been thus baited, and accustomed to resort to the
spot, they are then readily taken by the hook. Some idea of their abundance may be formed
from the fact that a single fisherman has been known to capture, on Paskungameh or Long
lake, five hundred weight in the course of a week. Its price, when salted down, is ten cents
per pound ; but in winter when it can be preserved fresh, it sells from twelve to fourteen cents
the pound. It has become, in these regions, an important article of commerce ; and if the
settlers would confine themselves to bait fishing, the species would be long preserved. Un-
fortunately, however, they are speared in great numbers in October, when they are said to
come out in the shoal water to spawn. Any legislative enactment for their preservation, how-
ever, would be useless in these thinly peopled districts ; and, of course, we may look for the
gradual but certain extirpation of this species.

The flesh is of course esteemed in these districts, where no oceanic fish is ever tasted ;
but to me, it appears to possess all the coarseness of the halibut, without its flavor.

240 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

THE MACKINAW SALMON.

Salmo amethystus.

I
PLATE LXXVI. FIG. 541.

The Namaycush Salmon. Pennant, Arctic Zoology. Supplement, p. 139.
The Great Trout of the Lakes, Salmo amethystus. Mitchill, Jour. Acad. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 410.
The Namaycush, S. namaycush. Richardson, Faun. Boreal. Am. Vol. 3, p. 179, pi. 79 and 85.
The Mackinaw Trout, S. namaycush. Kietland, Report on the Zoology of Ohio, p. 195.

Characteristics. Dark grey, with numerous light grey spots on the back and sides. Teeth
and gums tinged with purple. More elongated than the preceding. Length
two to five feet.

Description. Body robust. Scales small, oval and adherent. Lateral line nearly straight,
arising from a short distance below the upper angle of the branchial aperture. Dorsal outline
moderately arched. Head one-fourth of the total length, somewhat plane above, and without
scales. Eyes moderate. Nostrils double, contiguous ; the anterior with a slightly elevated
margin. Mouth large. Jaws very strong and massy ; in the male, the upper is longest, and
the lower has a conical knob at its tip. Teeth on the edges of the intermaxillaries, in a
single series ; along the labials, in two series, of which the outer is smaller and more nume-
rous. On the vomer and palatines, a double row ; the lower jaw and tongue with a single
row on each side. All these teeth are strong, sharp and recurved, deeply imbedded in the
jaws in the gums, and of a beautiful purplish color at their bases, resembling that of ame-
thystine quartz ; their tips are translucent. Branchial rays twelve ; subopercle large and
grooved. Air-bladder communicates with the oesophagus by a large tube.

The dorsal fin nearly in the centre of the fish, its height slightly longer than its base, qua-
drate ; the first two rays short, the fourth longest. Adipose short and small, over the last
ray of the anal. Pectorals placed low down, pointed, and of fifteen rays. Ventrals with
nine rays ; the first ray stout, and with a pointed accessory scale. Anal with thirteen rays.
of which the first is much shorter than the second. Caudal forked.

Color. Dark or dusky grey above ; chin, throat and belly, light ash-grey or cream-color ;
the back and sides sprinkled with numerous irregular lighter grey or brown, or soiled white
spots, which do not, however, as in the preceding species, rise upon the fins. Ventrals, anal
and pectorals slightly yellowish. Irides yellow. The teeth, gums and roof of the mouth
with a bright purple tinge already described.

Length, 24-0-60-0.

Fin rays, D. 14.0; P. 15; V. 9 ; A. 11 ; C. 19 f.

It was doubtless through inadvertence that Richardson selected the indian name applied
to it by Pennant, in preference to the first trivial name proposed for this species by Dr.
Mitchill.

FAMILY SALMONID.E — SALMO. 241

This magnificent Trout, which is the largest hitherto known of the Salmonida, exists in all
the great lakes lying between the United States and the Arctic ocean, is exceedingly voracious,
feeding upon every fish within its reach ; and according to Dr. M itchill, is sometimes of the
weight of one hundred and twenty pounds. It is a favorite article of food with the Canadian
voyageurs, who frequently eat it raw. Its flesh is reddish. Like the preceding species, it
resorts habitually to the deepest parts of the lake, and only comes near the shores in October
to spawn, when the natives spear it by torch light. Lake Huron appears to be its most
southerly range in any considerable numbers, although a few are taken occasionally in Lake
Erie, along the shores of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New-York.

It has been observed as far north as the sixty-eighth parallel.

THE COMMON SEA SALMON.

Salmo salar.

PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 122.

Salmo salar. Linneus, 12 ed. p. 509 ; Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 435.

S. id. De Witt Clinton, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 147.

iS. id., The Salmon. Storee, Mass. Report, p. 104; Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 145.

Characteristics. Elongated. Bluish black above ; paler grey beneath. Pectorals, dorsal
and caudal blackish. Length 2 to 3 feet.

Description. Body elongate oval ; the greatest depth in front of the dorsal fin. Head one-
fifth of the total length. Scales on the body moderate, thin, oval, rather easily detached ;
with about one hundred and twenty along the lateral line, and about forty-five in an oblique
series. Lateral line straight and nearly central. Head naked, declivous. Nostrils conti-
guous, vertical, and much nearer the eyes than the extremity of the snout. Teeth numerous,
robust, sharp and incurved, in a single row on the under jaw ; one or two on the anterior part
of the vomer ; three to five on the tongue. Dorsal fin emarginate above, and half way
between the point of the upper jaw and the base of the caudal fin ; the adipose fin long and
rounded. Pectorals pointed, equaling in length the base of the first dorsal. Ventral with
its first ray simple, and a pointed accessory plate. Anal quadrate, higher than long. Cau-
dal lunated, with a sinuous margin. Branchial rays twelve.

Color. Above to the lateral line, bluish black tinged with grey ; beneath this, silvery white.
Head darker than the upper part of the body. Ventrals and anals light-colored ; the former
dark on the membrane connecting the first three rays. Abdomen pearly white, intermixed
with bluish tints. Opercle with one or more dark spots, which are occasionally found distri-
buted over the body.

Length, 24 -0 - 36 '0.

Fin rays, D. 1.30; P. 15 ; V. 9 ; A. 9 ; C. 19 f.

Fauna — Part 4. 31

242 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

The Sea Salmon rarely now appears on our coast, except as a straggling visiter. Such an
occurrence took place in August, 1840, when a salmon, weighing eight pounds, entered the
Hudson river, and ascended it more than one hundred and fifty miles, when it was taken near
Troy. Previous to the setting of so many nets along the whole course of this river, it is
probable that salmon were more numerous. In the Journal of Hendrick Hudson, when he
first describes the noble river which now bears his name, he states, " Many salmon, mullets
and rays very great ;" and when he passed the Highlands, he says, " Great stores of salmon
in the river." It now is only seen on our northern borders, ascending the St. Lawrence from
the sea, and appearing in Lake Ontario in April, and leaving it again in October or Novem-
ber. They were formerly very abundant in the lakes in the interior of the State, which
communicated with Lake Ontario ; but the artificial impediments thrown in their way have
greatly decreased their numbers, and in many cases caused their total destruction. I have
seen some from Oneida lake weighing ten and fifteen pounds, and one of them exhibited the
following radial formula :

Fin rays, D. 12.0; P. 14 ; V. 9 ; A. 9 ; C. 19 |.

They are occasionally found in Lake Ontario during the whole year ; but as the same
instinct which compels them to ascend rivers, also leads them again to the sea, and as there
is no barrier opposed to their return, we may presume that these are sickly or possibly barren
individuals.

The geographical range of the Sea Salmon, along the Atlantic coast of America, extends
from New-York to Labrador.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL )

S. scouleri. (Richardson, Vol. 3, p. 158, pi. 93.) Back anterior to the dorsal fin, gibbous. Jaws

elongated ; the upper jaw much incurved and arched. Length two feet. N. W. Coast.
S. rossii. (Id. p. 163, pi. 80.) Long cylindrical. Red beneath ; brownish above, with a few crimson

dots along the course of the lateral line. Length 2-3 feet. Arctic Seas.
S. hearnii. (Id. p. 167.) Olive green above. Belly bluish; several rows of large red spots on the

sides. Length 12 inches. Coppermine River.
S. alipes. (Id. p. 169, pi. 81.) Slender. Greyish, with lighter spots. Scales small. Teeth only on

anterior part of the vomer. Fins remarkably long. Length two feet. Arctic Regions.
S. nitidus. (Id. p. 171, pi. 82.) Deep green above ; orange red beneath, with small red spots in two or

three series along the course of the lateral line. Length 20 inches. Arctic Regions.
S. hoodii. (Id. p. 173, pi. 83.) Olive green above, and covered with numerous yellowish grey spots.

Form slender cylindrical. Length two feet. Northern Regions.
S. mackenzii. (Id. p. 183, pi. 84.) Head long, compressed, flattened above. Greyish, tinged with blue

on the sides and beneath. Length 20 inches. Arctic Sea.
S. quinnat. (Id. p. 219.) Bluish grey; dark spots along the lateral line; belly white, unspotted.

Branchial rays seventeen. Length 2-3 feet. Columbia River.

FAMILY SALMONIDiE — OSMERUS. 243

S. gairdntri. (Id. p.221.) Dorsal line nearly straight, unspotted. Ash grey on the sides ; belly white.

Length 2-3 feet. Columbia River.
S. canadensis. (Grif. Cuv. Vol. 10, p. 474, pi. 41.) White circular spots along the sides, with a red

central dot. Pectoral, anal and caudal barred with black. Length ten inches. St. Lawrence.

GENUS OSMERUS. Cuvier.

Branchial membrane with only eight rays. Teeth on the jaws and tongue, very long and
sharp; two distinct rows on each palatine bone. Anal fin with more than fourteen rows.

THE AMERICAN SMELT.

OsMERCS VIRIDESCENS.

PLATE XXXIX. FIG. 124.

Smelt, Salmo eperlanus. Mitchill, Report in part, p. 12.
Salmo id., Smelt. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 435.
Osmerus viridescens. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 230.
The Smelt, 0. viridescens. Storek, Mass. Report, p. 108.

Characteristics. Greenish above ; silvery beneath, with a longitudinal band. Stomach with
a few short casca. Length 6-12 inches.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, tapering gradually towards the head and tail.
Scales large, oval, concentrically striate. Lateral line straight, not concurrent with the line
of the back. Head rather more than one-fifth of the total length, sloping, smooth. Nostrils
large, double, contiguous, nearly equidistant between the eyes and end of the snout. Dis-
tance from the tip of the snout to the posterior margin of the opercle 2.5. Eyes large.
Lower jaw longer than the upper, armed with strong, acute, recurved teeth ; labial finely
serrated. Tongue with two or three long teeth on each side, with a larger one in front near
the tip ; palatines with a row of smaller teeth. The vomer with asperities in front.

The first dorsal commences at a point midway between the base of the caudal fin and the
tip of the snout ; its height equal to twice the length of its base ; the two first rays simple,
the first very short, the second longest, thence very gradually diminishing to the last. The
adipose dorsal long and narrow, nearer the base of the caudal than to the last rays of the first
dorsal, and over the posterior third of the anal. Pectorals pointed and fan-shaped ; its first ray
simple, short and dark-colored. Ventrals broad, with multifid rays, arising under the first
ray of the dorsal fin. Anal long, with subequal rays, the anterior being slightly longest.
Caudal forked. The parietes of the abdomen silvery. Ovaries of a bright sulphur-yellow.
Liver moderate. Stomach cylindrical, with a few short caeca. (The absence of caecal ap-
pendages in the European species has, by some European writers, been made a part of the
generic phrase.) Air-bladder oblong, linear, slightly dilated at its anterior extremity, where
it terminates in a short tube communicating with the oesophagus. In the stomach, remains
of shrimps and an atherine.

244 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Pale olive-green above the lateral line. Opercles and sides silvery. Obscure traces
just below the lateral line, of a broad longitudinal satin-like band, extending the whole length
of the body ; the place of the ribs indicates unusually lustrous stripes, which disappear shortly
after death. Upper part of the opercles near the nape, dark green. Caudal dark at the
base, and with an obscure broad dusky marginal band. Dorsal and caudal fins light green.
Pectorals, venlrals and anal light-colored, tinged faintly with bluish. Irides silvery. Bones
of the head sub-diaphanous.

Length, 8-0. Depth, 1'5.

Fin rays, D. 11.0; P. 14; V. 9 ; A. 15; C. 19

5

Individuals of this species are sometimes taken, a foot in length, but the average size on
this coast is between five and six inches.

This beautiful and savory fish derives its popular name of Smelt from its peculiar smell,
which resembles that of cucumbers. This is strongest when first taken out of the water, but
it may be perceived by raising the opercles even when it has been some time out of water.
This peculiar smell it possesses in common with the Mallotus villosus of the northern seas.
It comes to us from the north in November and December, abounding in our salt-water
streams, and is sold by measure in our markets. They are derived chiefly from the small
streams emptying into Long Island sound, and from the Hackensack and Passaic rivers in
New-Jersey. It appears to vary considerably from the European species, and is found along
our coast from the mouth of the Hudson river to the coast of Labrador.

GENUS BAIONE.

A range of even teeth on the maxillaries ; a shorter range on the intermaocillaries and the
anterior part of the vomer. A series of long recurved teeth, around the margin of the tongue.
Branchial rays ten. Adipose fin posterior to the anal. Scales microscopic.

Obs. I propose this new subdivision, to admit a small fresh water species of the family
SalmonidaB, that cannot be arranged with any of the published genera of which I have any
knowledge. Its name is derived from /3aiwv, a small fish alluded to by ancient writers.

THE SPOTTED TROUTLET.

Baione fontinalis.
PLATE XX. FIG. 58. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristic. Blackish above ; sides silvery ; with seven to eight broad vertical black bands
on the sides. Length one to two inches.

Description. Body elongated, subcompressed, with exceedingly minute, deeply imbedded
scales, and only visible under a strong lens. Length of the body to its depth as eight to one.

FAMILY SALMONID.E — BAIONE. 245

The lateral line curves down from the upper angle of the branchial aperture ; it is com-
posed of a series of very minute rounded tubercles, continuous with the mucous pores on the
head. Length of the head measured to the posterior margin of the opercle, to the total length,
as one to five. The orbits large, encircled by a row of mucous pores ; at the posterior part
of the orbits, a series of these pores goes off on each side posteriorly, and becomes continuous
with the lateral line ; another transverse line connects these two over the basal line of the
head. These series of mucous pores are scarcely evident in the living specimens. Eyes
very large in proportion to the size of the body, 0-15 in diameter, and 0-l apart. Mouth
broad, rounded, and deeply cleft. A row of crowded minute even teeth on the maxillaries ;
a shorter range on the intermaxillaries, and a patch of similar minute teeth on the vomer.
A series of long upright teeth on the edges of the tongue. The branchial rays ten and
eleven on opposite sides.

The first dorsal arises at a point nearly midway between the end of the snout and the adipose
dorsal ; it contains eight slender branched rays, so far cloven down as to render them difficult to
enumerate. It is higher than long, being 0'2 in length along the base, and 0"28 high. The
adipose fin slender but distinct, 0- 1 high, and nearer the end of the first dorsal than the tip
of the caudal rays. Pectorals placed low down, with twelve rays, of which the second, third
and fourth rays are longest ; this fin is 0-3 long, its tips scarcely reaching the base of the
ventrals. The ventrals feeble, contiguous, pointed, and placed beneath the first dorsal, with
one simple and six branched rays. The vent is a longitudinal fissure with a tubercular mar-
gin, and covered by the ventrals when they are in repose. Anal quadrate, with nine rays,
arising half an inch from the base of the caudal ; it is 0*25 high, which is twice the length of
its base. Caudal fin forked ; its lobes rounded, and with numerous accessory rays.

Color. The general color is black above ; silvery white on the sides and beneath. The
dark color above, descends in a waving manner on the sides, occasionally becoming detached
rounded spots. Along the sides are eight large vertical broad bands, sometimes irregular,
occasionally oblong elliptical, not uniting with the dark color above ; these bands become cir-
cular spots on the sides of the tail. First and second dorsal dusky, faintly maculated with
brown. All the other fins tinged with orange on their outer margins.

Length, 2'0. Depth, 0"25.

Fin rays, D. 8.0; P. 12 ; V. 7 ; A. 9 ; C. 19 if.

This pretty little fish inhabits clear running streams and springy morasses. It was first
detected in a deep spring in Rockland county, by Mr. J. G. Bell, and will doubtless be
found in other parts of the State. I have heard it called Pigmy Trout and Trout Pig. It is
undoubtedly the smallest fresh-water species of the Salmonidae.

246 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS SCOPELUS. Cuvier.

Body long and slender. Mouth and gills excessively cleft. Branchial rays nine and ten.
Small teeth in both jaws ; the edge of the upper jaw formed entirely by the intermaxilla-
ries. Tongue and palate smooth. The first dorsal over the space between the ventral and
anal. The adipose fin rudimentary.

THE ARGENTINE.

SCOPELUS HPMBOLDTI 1

PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 121.

Argentina sphyrena. Pennant, British Zoology, Vol. 3, p. 432, pi. 76.

Scopelus humboldti. Cdvier, R. A. Ed. Angl. Vol. 10, p. 432.

The Argentine, S. id. Clarke, Lond. Mag. Nat. Hist. No. 13, 1838.

The Argentine, S. id. Storer, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 110.

Characteristics. Several series of brilliant silvery points along the sides of the body and tail.
Length two inches.

Description. Body oblong, much compressed. Lateral line almost imperceptible, nearly
straight, commencing at the upper third of the opercle. Mouth widely cleft, with minute
teeth in both jaws. Eyes large, 0'2 in diameter.

Color. The back, to the depth of about a line, green. Sides and gill-covers silvery. A
series of circular metallic spots along the belly, from before the pectorals to the vent. Above
these, another row ; and behind the vent another, consisting of similar but smaller dots
extending to the base of the caudal fin. Irides silvery.

Length, 2- 1 ; of the head, 0'3.

Fin rays, D. 10.— ; P. 17 ; V. 8 ; A. 15 ; C. 19.

But one living specimen has, as far as I am acquainted, been met with on our shores. It
occurred at Nahant on the coast of Massachusetts, and is noticed by Dr. Storer, whose de-
scription is copied. Dr. Storer is silent respecting the spots on the opercle, and the slight
ridge between the dorsal and base of the caudal, which represents the adipose fin in the
European species. In this latter species, also, there are stated to be four series of metallic
colored spots. The American species is, in all probability, distinct from that of the Medi-
terranean.

FAMILY SALMONID.E. 247

GENUS COREGONUS. Cuvier.

Month slightly cleft. Teeth exceedingly minute, or wanting. Scales large. Base of the
dorsal less than the length of its anterior rays. Numerous ctzca.

THE WHITE-FISH.

CoREGONDS ALBUS.

PLATE LX. FIG. 198.

White-fish, Coregonus albus. Lesueur, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 231, extra plate.
The Altiliawmeg, Salmo (Coregonus) albus. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 195, pi. 89.

Characteristics. Bluish grey on the back, lighter on the sides, and white on the belly. Jaws
and tongue with asperities; vomer and palate smooth. Length 18-20
inches.

Description. Body elongated, subcylindrical, somewhat compressed, slightly elevated be-
fore the dorsal fin. Head one-fifth of the total length, smooth, and flattened above. Scales
large, orbicular, thin and deciduous. About eighty scales in the course of the lateral line,
and twenty in an oblique series from the dorsal ; numerous small ones ascend on the base of
the caudal. Lateral line slightly arched, nearly straight. Eyes large, and nearly two diameters
distant from the end of the snout. Tip of the snout blunt. Mouth small. Teeth scarcely
perceptible to the touch. Pharynx smooth. Branchial arches with a row of bristles.

The dorsal fin two inches and a half high, and one and six-tenths along its base ; the first
three closely applied to the fourth, which together with the fifth is longest. Adipose broad
at the base, where it is surrounded by small scales. Pectorals pointed, three inches long,
the third and fourth longest, the lower rays very slender. Ventrals broad, arise under the
tenth ray of the dorsal, and their tips reach to within 0'8 of the anal. The anal fin higher
than long, shaped like the dorsal, and ending a short distance behind the adipose fin. Caudal
forked.

Color. Greyish blue above, lighter on the sides ; in certain lights, there is a play of colors
on the sides.

Length, 17'0; of the head, 3-0.

Fin rays, D. 13.0; P. 17; V. 12; A. 13; C. 19 f.

This is the celebrated White-fish of the lakes, which is most abundant in Lake Huron, but
is occasionally found in Lake Erie. It was named by Lesueur, but its first accurate describer
was Richardson, whose plate I have copied. The brief notice given by Lesueur will apply
to any and all the species. It is often salted and sent to the New-York market, where it is
sold for eight cents per pound. It occurs as high as 72° north latitude.

248 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE COMMON SHAD SALMON.

COREGONUS CLUPEIFORMIS.

PLATE LX. FIG. 198.

White-fish of the Lakes, Shad Salmon, S. clupeiformis. Mitchill, Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 321.
Herring Salmon, Coregonus artedi. Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Vol. 1, p. 231.
Salmo (Coregonus) artedi. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Amer. Vol. 3, p. 203.

Characteristics. Body elongated, compressed, arched above and beneath. Bluish above ;
silvery and yellow on the sides. Length one to two feet.

Description. Form elongated in the males, but deeper and more compressed in the females.
Scales orbicular, large, and ascending high up on the caudal fin. Lateral line not very con-
spicuous, nearly straight. Head small, compressed, flattened above. Mouth small, with no
teeth on the margin of the jaws. Nostrils double, and near the end of the pointed snout. The
dorsal fin higher than long, even on its margin, and with twelve rays, of which the first two
are simple and short. Pectorals long and pointed ; the three lower ones very slender. Ven-
trals small, and placed under the posterior part of the dorsal. Anal under the adipose, and
composed of fourteen rays. Caudal forked.

Color. Bluish, with silvery reflections above ; with iridescent, pink, and yellowish on the
sides ; white beneath. Irides yellowish white.

Length, 15 -0.

Fin rays, D. 12.0; P. 16; V. 12; A. 14; C. 19 j.

This species was named by Dr. Mitchill, but Lesueur's account, which appeared only a
few weeks after, contains the first recognizable description. It occurs in Lakes Erie and
Ontario, and in the smaller lakes in the interior of the State, which still communicate with
our inland seas.

THE OTSEGO SHAD SALMON.

Coregonus otsego.
Salmo otsego, The Otsego Bass. Clinton, Med. and Phil. Register, Vol. 3, p. 188, plate.

Characteristics. With numerous dusky longitudinal lines along the sides. Length one to two
feet.

Description. Body elongate, subcylindrical, compressed. Back arched. Scales very small.
Lateral line indistinct, straight. Mouth small, with a protuberant bifid upper lip. No teeth
in the maxillaries, intermaxillaries, vomer, palatines or pharyngeals. The dorsal with nine ?
rays, three of which are imperfect. Adipose filamentous at the tip, caudal forked.

FAMILY SALMOMDiE COREGONUS. 249

Color. Dusky above the lateral line ; silvery beneath it. Dusky lateral stripes, as in the
Labrax lineatus, or Striped Bass ; these are about six or eight, in number. Pupils black ;
irides silvery. Opercles silvery, spotted with yellow.

Length, 17" 0. Depth, 5"0. Thickness, TO.

Having mislaid my notes on this species, I am compelled to use the very brief description
given by De Witt Clinton. It is a very distinct and beautiful species. According to Mr.
Clinton, it is nearly equal to any fish that swims, for exquisite and delicious food. It is among
fishes what the grouse or canvass back duck is among birds : the flesh is fine, white and
delicate. It appears to be peculiar to Otsego lake, and is daily decreasing in numbers. It
is rarely taken by the hook, but has been taken by the seine to the number of five thousand
at a draught.

•■&'

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

C. tullibec. (Richardson, F. B. A. p. 201.) Compressed; belly rounded. Scales large, oblong. A

small plate of minute teeth on the tongue. Length 14 inches. Northern Regions.
C. quadr Hater alis. (Id. p. 204.) Subcylindrical, quadrilateral. Scales rhomboidal. No teeth. Length

18 inches. Polar Sea.
C. lucidus. (Id. p. 207.) Compressed. Scales transversely oval. No teeth. Length 18 inches.

Northern Regions.
C. harengus. (Id. p. 210.) Compressed; back rounded ; abdomen slightly flattened. Three rows of

microscopic teeth on the tongue. Length 12 inches. Lake Huron.

Fauna — Part 4. 32

250 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

FAMILY CLUPIDM.

Dorsal single. No adipose Jin. Upper jaw formed as in the preceding family ; in the
centre by inter mamillaries, and on the sides by the labials. Body very scaly.

GENUS CLUPEA. Cuvier.

Body compressed. Scales large, thin, and deciduous. Tongue and vomer furnished with
teeth. Under jaw longest.

THE COMMON AMERICAN HERRING.

Clupea elongata.

The Herring of Commerce, C. harengus. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 323.

Clupea elongata. Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 234.

Clupea elongata, The Common Herring. Storer, Report on the Ichthyology of Massachusetts, p. 111.

Characteristics. Back and head deep blue, tinged with yellow. Tail with caudal pouches.
Length 12-13 inches.

Description. Body lengthened, fusiform, compressed. Depth at the dorsal fin to the total
length, as one to fourteen. Back slightly arched. Scales large, silvery and deciduous. Ab-
domen sharp, indistinctly serrated ; about thirty spines in front of the ventrals, and fifteen
behind them. Two scaly appendages on each side of the caudal fin. Head destitute of scales,
and about one-seventh of the total length ; a depression above, with numerous mucous pores.
Eyes large, with a nictitating membrane, and two diameters apart. Mouth large. Jaws,
palate and tongue furnished with teeth. Dorsal subquadrangular, longer than high. Pecto-
rals short, rounded. Ventrals under the middle of the dorsal fin. Anal subequal, narrow,
highest in front. Caudal small, forked.

Color. Back and head deep blue, tinged with yellow. Opercles yellowish, tinged with
violet. Irides silvery ; pupils black.

This species,* which rarely descends to the coast of New-York, is occasionally taken in
considerable numbers in the waters south of Cape Cod. Of late, their numbers have much
diminished, which is attributed by the fishermen, according to Dr. Storer, to torching them

* As this species has been confounded with two species on the coast of Europe, we subjoin their diagnostic characters:

1. C. harengits, the Common Herring. Back dark and glossy blue. Belly distinctly serrated in the young, obsolete with

age. Under jaw tipped with black. Base of the ventrals under the sixth dorsal ray. First ray of the dorsal fin
exactly half way between the tip of the snout and the base of the middle caudal ray; if held up by the anterior
dorsal rays, the head dips considerably. Vertebra 56. Anal with 15 rays.

2. C. pikhardus, tlic Pilchard. Back bluish green. Belly smooth. Dorsal fin with its last ray equidistant between the

tip of the snout and half way along the caudal ray; if held up by anterior dorsal rays, the body preserves its equili-
brium. Vertebra 55. Anal with 18 rays.

FAMILY CLUPIDJS CLUPEA. 251

at night, by which the shoals are broken up, and the fish frightened away. The causes of
the irregular appearance and disappearance of many species of this family are not yet under-
stood, and the wildest conjectures are substituted as a cloak for ignorance. Thus, in some
of the western islands of Scotland, their disappearance was attributed to the fires used in
making kelp, although they appeared on other shores where these fires were also kept up.
Another fancy is, that they are driven away by the firing of guns ; and hence they have left
the Baltic since the attack upon Copenhagen. So firmly is this believed, that no guns are
allowed to be fired during the fishing season. Steamboats are also charged with driving
away fish ; and the answer to this is, that in Loch Fine, where a steamboat plies daily, they
are abundant, while they have deserted other places where a steamboat never yet appeared.
When the species above described first made their appearance in Long Island sound, in 1817,
they were mistaken for the European herring, and were gravely stated to have followed the
English squadron thither in the attack upon Stonington in 1814. The best satire upon these
wild conjectures, is found in a statement made in the English House of Commons, to this
effect : A clergyman on the coast of Ireland having signified his intention of taking the tithe
of fish, it was considered to be so utterly repugnant to the privileges and feelings of the finny
race, that not a single herring has ever since visited that part of the shore.

THE STRIPED HERRING.

Clupea fasciata.

Clupea fasciata, The Fasciated Herring. Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 233.
C. pusilla, Tiny Herring? Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 451 (young ?)
C. fasciata, The Fasciated Herring, Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 112.

Characteristics. Seven or eight blackish blue lines at the side of the back. Length two to
nine inches.

Description. Body compressed ; back straight ; breast and abdomen forming a bow down-
wards as far as the tail. A rounded notch at the bottom of the divisions of the tail, of which
the lower lobe is longest. The entire length of the body is about six times the length of the
head, which is not equal to the depth of the body. Snout short ; jaws equal ; maxillaries of
middling width, scarcely reaching beyond the centre of the eye, which is round, near the end
of the snout. Opercle parallelogramiform, slightly oblique, and depressed at the lower edge.
Dorsal as high as the width of the base. Pectorals acute, rather long. Ventrals somewhat
behind the front of the dorsal, which is large and truncated. Anal long, subequal. Lateral
line scarcely visible. Branchial rays seven.

Color. Blue on the back ; lighter at the sides, and of a silver white under the abdomen,
breast and tail. Yellow tints are reflected from the scales upon the opercles, base of the tail
and fins. Seven to eight lines, of a blackish blue color, at the sides of the back ; deeper v
towards the back than the abdomen, where they disappear.

252 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Length, rO-9'0.

Fin rays, D. 18 ; P. 16 ; V. 9 ; A. 18 ; C. 22 f. '

This is a rare but well denned species, occurring south of Cape Cod, and will in all pro-
bability be found on the coast of New- York. I have taken the description as given by
Lesueur. I am inclined to suspect C. pusilla of Mitchill, or the Tiny Herring, to be the
young of this species.

THE GREEN HERRING.

Clupea virescens.
plate xiii. fig. 37.

Clupea haler, New-York Herring ? Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 451. (Var. ?)

Characteristics. Bright green on the back. A black spot behind the upper angle of the gill
openings. Length six inches.

Description. Body much compressed ; its greatest depth to its length as one to four. Back
arched. Abdomen cultrate, much serrated, with nineteen strong spines anterior to the ven-
trals, and twelve between these latter and the vent. Scales large, orbicular, and very deci-
duous. Lateral line straight, indistinct, but may nevertheless be traced. Eyes large, rather
more than their diameter apart. Head flattened above, and bounded by two parallel elevated
lines. Branchial rays seven. The dorsal fin quadrangular, highest in front, its margin slightly
concave ; the first two rays simple, shorter than the third and fourth, which are longest.
Pectorals placed low down, long and pointed, and composed of sixteen rays. Ventrals fan-
shaped, and placed under the middle of the dorsal fin. Anal long and subequal, its anterior rays
longest, its margin slightly excavated. Caudal with long pointed lobes, and deeply forked.
Caeca numerous. Air-bladder large, and ending some distance beyond the vent.

Color. Back green, passing into a lustrous bright green, and forming a longitudinal stripe
of the same above the lateral line. Sides silvery. Irides white, varied with brown. Sum-
mit of the snout dark brown. A vertical black mark behind the upper part of the branchial
aperture. Dorsal and caudal fins light olive-green, bordered on their margins with dark brown.
Anal faintly tipped with black on the tips of a few of the first rays ; the remaining rays faint
yellowish white.

Length, 6*0. Greatest depth, 1*5.

Fin rays, D. 16 ; P. 16 ; V. 9 ; A. 17 ; C. 19 f .

The specimen from which this description is made, was taken in October by a seine, with
several others in the Bay of New-York. It is called sometimes Greenback and Fall Herring.

FAMILY CLVPWM CLUPEA. 253

THE LITTLE HERRING.

Clupea parvula.
The Little Herring, Clupea parvula. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 452.

Characteristics. Brownish above, and without spots or stripes. Almost transparent. Length
six inches.

Description. "A delicate, and as it were, a semi-transparent appearance. Tail forked.
" Belly serrated. Branchial rays six.

" Color. A little greenish about the head, gills and eyes ; but neither green nor blue on the
" back or sides. Back of an unmixed, though not deep brown, which passes through regular
" gradations of hue to a silvery whiteness on the sides and belly.

"Length 6"0.

" Fin rays, D. 14 ; P. 14 ; V. 9 ; A. 18 ; C. 21."

I have copied this short note of a species, which figures in Mitchill's Memoir on the Fishes
of New-York. I have met with nothing like it. It does not appear, from the description,
whether it should be referred to this or the succeeding genus. Allied to it appears the Brit
of Dr. Storer, which is thus described :

THE BRIT.

Clupea minima.

C. minima. Peck, Belknap's Hist. New-Hampshire, Vol. 3, p. 130.

C. id., The Brit. Storer, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 113.

Characteristics. Black above ; dark green and silvery on the sides. Abdomen serrated.
Length one to four inches.

Description. Length of the head one-fourth the length of the body, gradually sloping from
the occiput to the snout. Gill-covers large, silvery, seeming to form one large plate. Lower
jaw rather projecting beyond the upper. Diameter of the eye equal to one-sixth of the length
of the head. Tail forked.

Color. Back nearly black ; upper part of the sides dark green. Sides silvery, with roseate
and golden reflections. In the younger specimens, the dorsal ridge is a black line, and the
distance between it and the lateral line, which is situated very high upon the sides, is of a
light green, sprinkled with darker points. The lateral line arises upon a line with the upper
angle of the opercle, and runs along very near the back, the length of the body.

Length, l'O -4"0.

Fin rays, D. 10 ; P. 15 ; V. 5 ; A. 12 ; C. 18.

254 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

This appears in some years in incredible numbers on the shores of Massachusetts, according
to Dr. Storer, and will probably be found on our own coast.

Dr. Mitchill has indicated, rather than described, two small herrings from the waters of
New- York, which may be the young of other species. The notes which he has left do not
enable me to place them with sufficient accuracy, but I leave them provisionally here. I have
not met with them.

THE SATIN-STRIPED HERRING.

Clupca vjttata.
Satin-striped Herring, C. vitlata. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 456.

Characteristics. With large projecting upper jaws, small lower jaws, silver-striped sides, and
forked tail. Length 3^ inches.

Description. " Length about three and a half inches ; depth rather more than half an inch.
Inhabits the salt water, and resembles an atherine. The upper jaw is much more conside-
rable in size than the lower, and terminates in a distinct nose or snout. Beneath it, the lower
mandible is received, and shuts closely. The mouth has no proper teeth, but both the jaws
have very minute and exact serrated edges. The throat, on examination, is found to be sur-
rounded with a row of bristles, long and diposed funnel-wise, and investing the sides of the
tongue. One dorsal fin near the middle of the back. The vent is rather nearer the tail than
to the head. The ventrals small, and six-rayed. Eyes large and yellowish. Gill-covers
silvery white. Belly carinated, and moderately serrated. Branchial membrane, eleven or
twelve rays. Anal fin about twenty-one."

This can scarcely be identical with the C. argentina of Swainson, from Brazil ; but the
characters are too meagre to enable us to make a comparison.

THE BLUE HERRING.

Clupea ccerulea.
C. ccerulea, Tlie Blue Herring. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 457i

Characteristics. " With bluish complexion, large head, forked tail, and small pectoral and
abdominal fins." Length three inches.

Description. " Length three inches ; depth nearly one, being a deep fish in proportion to
his length. The scales are large for a fish of his size, and are readily deciduous. The skin
is free from spots or stripes, and is of a bluish color. This is less considerable on the belly
than on the back. The eyes and head are large. The jaws about even. Tail deeply forked.
Belly sharply and delicately serrated. Pectoral fins small ; ventral smaller. Body in .some

FAMILY CLUPID.E ALOSA. 255

degree semi-transparent. He may possibly be a variety of one of the preceding species ; but
I have thought it proper to mention him by himself."

{EXTRA-LIMIT AL.)

C. harengus ? (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 229.) Labials minutely toothed, with minute teeth
on the vomer. Back green and gold. Length 15 inches. Arctic Seas.

GENUS ALOSA. Cuvier.

Characters of the preceding, but the tongue and rocf of the mouth smooth, and destitute of
teeth. Upper jaw with a deep notch in the centre.

THE AMERICAN SHAD.

ALOSA PRJESTAEILIS.

PLATE XV. FIG. 41.

Clupea alosa, Shad. Schcepff, Beobachtnngen, Vol. 8, p. 180.

C. id. Shad. Belknap, Hist. N. Y. Vol. 3, p. 130.

C. id. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 22.

The Shad, Clupea alosa. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 449.

The Sprat Herring, C. indigena. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 454. (Young?)

Alosa vulgaris, The Common Shad. Storer, Ichthyology of Massachusetts, p. 116.

Characteristics. The largest American species of the genus. With one or more dark spots
on the sides. Caudal pouches. Length one to two feet.

Description. Body oblong, compressed ; its thickness being nearly one-half of its depth ;
the back rounded. Scales large, caducous, transparent, rhomboidal on the sides, rounded on
the abdomen. No lateral line obvious. Head small, smooth, and its length, compared to the
total length, as one to five. Lower jaw closing into the upper, and when dropped, apparently
longer. The labials large, narrowed above, and, under the lens, faintly denticulate on their
lower edges. The upper jaw smooth, with a central notch. Tongue distinct, smooth and
pointed. Eyes moderate ; two diameters distant from the extremity of the snout, and a sin-
gle diameter apart. Nostrils nearly equidistant from the central notch, and the middle of the
orbit. A triangular transparent space anterior to the eyes. Belly carinate, sharply serrated
throughout ; the serratures strongest between the ventrals and anal.

The dorsal fin quadrangular, with a base two inches and a quarter long ; the first ray pro-
jects slightly beyond the skin, the second slightly longer, the third twice the length of the
preceding, the fourth still longer, and the fifth, which is two inches long, exceeds all the
others in length. All these rays are strong, simple and subspinous ; the remaining rays
branched ; the last ray nearly horizontal, and at the same distance from the end of the tail,
that the first ray is from the point of the nose : the fin itself is emarginate, the last ray being

256 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

longer than the twelfth. On each side of its base is a series of smaller scales, not conform-
ing to the general plan. Pectorals moderate, with a broad accessory scale beneath, and a
slight groove above ; its first ray is about an inch above the thoracic outline, simple, and
shorter than the two following. Ventrals feeble, pointed, near the edge of the belly, and one
inch behind a line vertical from the first dorsal ray. It has a broad emarginate accessory
scale above, with a subacute tip ; the first ray simple, with a minute rudimentary ray attached
to its base ; the second longest, and, with the remainder, branched. Anal long, low and emar-
ginate, commences about five inches behind the base of the ventrals ; and the length of its
base, compared with that of the dorsal, is as ten to nine ; third and fourth rays longest, the
last nearly horizontal and equal in length to the sixth, the intermediate rays being shorter.
The first ray simple, about 0"4 long ; the succeeding ray also simple, and nearly as long as
the third ; the remainder branched. The caudal deeply forked, with minute scales ascending
high up on the rays, which are much branched, with the exception of the external entire rays.
They are all closely connected to each other, which renders their enumeration difficult. This
difficulty is increased by the presence of two membranous plates, or rather scaly appendages,
the use of which is entirely unknown. It may possibly serve as subsidiary to mucous secre-
tion. These plates (see figure) are on both sides of the fin, two on each side ; they are an
inch long, a quarter of an inch wide, narrow at the base, and wider and rounded at the tips,
which are free. Counting from the outer edge of the fin, the scale is attached by one edge
to the seventh ray on each side ; included between this and the corresponding scale opposite,
is a bundle of longitudinal fibres, the free edges being open toward the centre of the tail.

Color. Head and back dark bluish. Sides of the body greenish, with blue and yellowish
changeable metallic reflections. Opercles with golden metallic tints, becoming greenish
beneath. An irregular dark spot, more or less distinct, behind the upper margin of the oper-
cles. Dorsal and caudal fins dark greenish brown. Pectorals tinged with dusky brown.
When the scales are detached, a series of from five to eight dark spots are observed along the
sides. "When the fish has been kept for some time, these spots are apparent through the
scales, but in the fresh unsealed fish are not seen. In stale fish, moreover, there are traces
of parallel lines along the sides. Pupils black ; irides yellow.

Length, 21 -0. Depth, 6"0. Weight, 5 pounds.
Fin rays, D. 17 ; P. 16 ; V. 9 ; A. 20 ; C. 20 |.

This beautiful and savory fish has hitherto been confounded with the Shad of Europe.
There are two species, one the A. finta, and the other A. vulgaris, which, until the time of
Cuvier, had been strangely confounded. The first is thirteen inches long, with distinct teeth
in the upper jaw, and a row of dark spots along the sides ; a coarse, dry and insipid fish. The
second, the A. vulgaris, or the Alike Shad of Yarrel (Vol. 2, p. 136), approaches more nearly
to our own in size and flavor. Its jaws are toothless, its sides without spots, and it has, like our
own Shad, a large dusky spot behind the opercle. Without the means of making a direct
comparison, we may note the following differences, suggested by the minute description of

FAMILY CLUPIDiE — ALOSA. 257

that excellent observer Mr. Yarrel. In the European Shad, the opercle is roughened, with a
number of raised lines placed obliquely ; color above bluish grey. In our Shad, the scales
are rhomboidal ; the dorsal fin differs in the number, arrangement and position of its rays ;
the pectorals have an accessory scale, and the first ray is shorter than the two following ; the
position of the ventral is far behind the first ray of the dorsal ; the base of the anal shorter,
with other differences which occur to the careful observer.

Unlike most of the genus which appear to reside in the northern seas, this species comes
to us from the south to deposit its spawn. We infer this to be the fact, from the chronological
order of its occurrence along our coast. At Charleston, according to my friend Dr. Holbrook,
they appear in January or February, later at Norfolk, and here the latter end of March or
beginning of April, their appearance being accelerated or retarded by the mildness or severity
of the season. On the coast of Massachusetts, they appear during the month of May, and
farther north they have been observed still later. There are several varieties, which have
suggested various popular names. On the coast of Carolina, the fatter ones have the tail
swollen, and are called Club-tails. Formerly, a large variety, supposed to be an old fish, and
weighing from ten to twelve, pounds, were frequently taken in the Hudson river, under the
name of Yelloiv-backs . They were distinguished immediately by their large scales and the
brassy color of their backs, and are now seldom seen. In those which ascend the Connecti-
cut, the bodies are more cylindrical, with a quantity of mucus distributed over the body,
which gives it a slimy appearance obvious to the touch and the eye. They are considered
superior to those on our coast. Upon entering the Hudson river, they ascend one hundred
and fifty miles to spawn. They descend in the latter part of May, when they are called
Back Shad, and are lean and scarcely fit to eat. In abundant seasons, they are sold at from
six to ten dollars per hundred, and are packed away in salt. Of late years, it has been
observed that they are more scarce, being driven away by the increasing number of nets set for
their capture. Thirty years since, they were caught in large fyke or hoop-nets, which could
only be set in shallow places, leaving the main channel of the river open. These, however,
have been superseded by gill-nets, which are attached to long spears, and often set in from
seven to ten fathoms of water, nearly blocking up the whole channel. It is easy to foresee,
that before many years, the shad will be driven entirely from the river. We know of several
individuals who have a capital of from six to eight hundred dollars invested in nets, boats, etc.
for this fishing ; and from information derived from various sources, have no doubt, that along
the course of this river, there is a capital invested in the shad fishery alone of nearly half a
million of dollars.

I am not able to state whether the Shad is found farther north than the coast of New-
Hampshire.

Fauna — Part 4. 33

258 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

THE AMERICAN ALEWIVE.

Alosa tyiunnus.
plate xiii. fig. 38.

Clupea tyranmis, Bay Alcwifc. Latrobf, Am. Phil. Soc. Trans. Vol. 5, p. 77, pi. 1.
C. vernalis. Mitchii.l, Report, p. 22. Id. Tr;ms. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 454.
Alosa vernaHs, Spring Herring or Alewioe. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 114.

Characteristics. Indistinct longitudinal lines on the sides. A dark spot on the shoulder.
Pectorals without an accessory plate. Anal nearly even. Length eight
to ten inches.

Description. Body elongate, strongly compressed. Length of the head, to the total length,
as one to six. Depth of the body at the dorsal fin, to the total length, as one lo four. Scales
very large and deciduous. Lateral line indistinct. Abdomen strongly serrated, more especially
behind the ventrals. Head small, flattened between the eyes. Mouth very protractile ; the
gape opening upwards, with the upper jaw notched in the centre ; labials slightly roughened.
Eyes large, two diameters from the end of the nose. Nostrils simple, near the edge of the
upper jaw. Tongue long, thin and smooth. Branchial arches angular, with long filaments
on the first arch ; smaller on the others. Branchial rays seven. Dorsal fin quadrangular,
slightly longer than high ; the first and second rays short ; the third longest, the margin slightly
concave. (In Latrobe's figure, the dorsal is omitted.) Pectorals long, subacute, and without
an accessory plate. Ventrals small, with a feeble and indistinct scale on its outer side. Anal
low, with subequal rays. Caudal forked. Creca numerous. One which I examined, had its
stomach filled with shrimps.

Color. Back blue-green, approaching to purple ; sides silvery. From four to six indistinct
dusky lines along the sides. Head dark green above, and the tip of the lower jaw of the same
color. Opercles yellow.

Length, 8-0-10-0.

Fin rays, D. 17 ; P. 15 ; V. 9 ; A. 18 ; C. 21 f.

We do not adopt the first name proposed by Peck (serrata) in Belknap's History of New-
Hampshire, as it is a mere name without any specific character, or clue to its identity. La-
trobe's name, although absurd and unmeaning, must, however, be retained.

The Alewive appears in great quantities in the Chesapeake, from March to May. In our
waters, they appear with the shad about the first of April, but are never sufficiently numerous
to form a separate fishery. On the coast of Massachusetts, they again appear to be numerous.
According to Dr. Storer, five thousand barrels were cured on that coast in the year 1836.

FAMILY CLUPID.E ALOSA. 259

THE MOSSBONKER.

Alosa menhaden.

PLATE XXI. FIG. CO.

Bony-fish or Mossbonker, Clupea menhaden. Mitchill, Report in part &c, p. 21.
Hard-head or Marsbanktrs, C. menhaden. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 453.
The Menhaden, Hard-head, Alosa menhaden. Storer, Massachusetts Report p. 117.

Characteristics. Silvery ; no siripes ; a humeral spot. A double accessory ray to the ventrals.
Abdomen serrated behind the ventrals. Length 10 - 14 inches.

Desc?iption. Body much compressed ; its height to its length as one to four nearly. Abdo-
men cultrate, with a fissure along its edge, indistinctly serrated before the ventrals, sharply-
serrate behind. Scales large, elliptical, distinctly and evenly ciliate on the free margins ; on
the back, smaller and more crowded ; on the nape, the scales have longer unequal cilia?. No
appearance of a lateral line. Head large, compressed, one-third of the total length; the
operclej with curved and radiating striae. Mouth large ; the upper jaw emarginate on the
side. The gill membrane on one side folds over its opposite, with five slender cylindrical and
three larger and flat rays. Branchial arches four, with a small rudimentary one in front, all
angular, and with long minutely fringed filaments. Eyes nearly covered by a nictitating mem-
brane. Tongue soft, white, minutely punctate with black.

The dorsal fin long, emarginate ; the first three rays simple, articulated ; the anterior being
very short, the remainder branched : first branchial ray highest, the last higher than the four
preceding. This fin is concave on its margin, and is placed in a sheath. Pectorals long and
pointed, on a line with the margin of the opercles ; the first ray simple ; the accessory plate
large, and as long as the fifth ray. Ventrals feeble, short, fan-shaped, lying under the ante-
rior portion of the dorsal, with double accessory plates. Anal long and low, the two first rays
simple, the first shortest ; the last ray longer than the fourteen preceding. Scales covering
the base of the rays, so as to form a sort of sheath. .Caudal forked, much branched, and
with numerous accessory rays. Scales extending high up on the fin, and very minute ones
distributed almost to the tip. Abdomen covered internally with a black pigment. Into jtines
long and convoluted. Caeca numerous, attached to a stout muscular stomach, lined with a
white rugose membrane, covered with numerous papilla?. Air-bladder simple.

Color. Summit of the head and back greenish ; silvery on the sides. In the plates, more
of a yellow hue is given to this fish than belongs to him. A dark brown spot on the shoul-
ders, behind the opercles. Irides yellow. A space anterior to the eyes so translucent as to
permit opaque objects to be seen through on the other side.

Length 8-0-14-0.

Fin rays, D. 20 ; P. 16 ; V. 6 ; A. 22 ; C. 20 f .

This fish is known under the various names of Bony-fish, Hard-head, Mossbonkers (or as

260 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

it is pronounced by our Dutch inhabitants, Morsebonkers), Panhagen and Menhaden ; the
last being the name given by the Manhattans, and Panhagen (pronounced panhangen) the
Narraganset epithet. At the east end of the island, they are called Skippangs or Bunkers.
Although seldom eaten, as it is dry, without flavor and full of bones, yet it is one of the most
valuable fish found within our waters. Its use as a manure is well known in the counties of
Suffolk, Kings and Queens, where it is a source of great wealth to the farmer who lives upon
the seacoast. They are used in various ways : for indian corn, two or three are thrown on
a hill ; for wheat, they are thrown broadcast on the field, and ploughed under ; although it is
not uncommon to put them in layers alternately with common mould, and when decomposed,
spread it like any other compost. Its effects in renovating old grass fields, when spread over
with these fish at the rate of about two thousand to the acre, are very remarkable. Its value,
however, as a manure, has one drawback in the abominable and unhealthy stench which poi-
sons the whole country, and according to the testimony of some medical writers, lays the
foundation of dysenteries and autumnal fevers. They appear on the shores of Long island
about the beginning of June, in immense scholes ; and as they frequently swim with a part
of the head above or near the surface of the water, they are readily seen and captured. They
are commonly sold on the spot at the rate of two dollars the waggon load, containing about a
thousand fish. The largest haul I remember to have heard of, was through the surf at Bridge-
hampton, at the east end of the island. Eighty-four waggon loads, or in other words, 84,000
of these fish, were taken at a single haul. On the coast of Massachusetts, they are used as
bait for mackerel, cod and halibut ; and many are packed away for exportation to the West
Indies. According to Dr. Storer, in 1836, 1488 barrels were thus salted down for exportation.
I am not aware that its geographical limits pass beyond the coast of New-Hampshire on
one side, and Chesapeake bay on the other.

AUTUMNAL HERRING.

Alosa mattowacca.

PLATE XL. FIG. 127.

Clupea mattowaca, Long Island Herring. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. VoL 1, p. 451
C. mediocris, Staten Island Herring.

Characteristics. Silvery, with a series of dark rounded spots on the sides. Tongue with a
band of teeth. Caudal pouches. Length one to two feet.

Description. General form of the herrings. Height to the total length as one to four.
Back regularly arched throughout. Scales large, deciduous, rounded, with minute concentric
striae, and extending high up on the lobes of the caudal. Belly convex, serrated; fifteen
spines behind the ventrals, and twenty-two in front. Eyes large, prominent ; the margin of
the orbits in the facial line. Nostrils slightly nearest the snout. Upper jaw with a deep
emargination. Lower jaw longest, with a small prominence at its tip. Tongue free, elevated
in the centre, obtusely pointed, with a band of asperities in its centre, composed of minute

FAMILY CLUPID£J ALOSA . 261

conical teeth ; the band ending in a point in front. Branchial rays seven ; the aperture widely
cleft. Operclc with rugose radiations on its surface ; its edge nearly vertical, with a broad
and slight emargination.

The centre of the dorsal fin is midway between the tip of the snout and the fork of the
caudal fin ; it is quadrate, concave on its margin, highest in front, and its height equal to its
base ; the first four simple, the first very slender and 0 " 3 long, thence gradually increasing
in length to the fourth, which is slightly longer than the two following branched rays ; the
rays then gradually decrease in length to the penultimate, which is shorter than the last ray.
Pectorals low down, pointed, falcate, with one stout simple articulated and fifteen branched
rays ; a long pointed accessory plate beneath. Ventrals under the dorsal, with a broad and
pointed accessory plate ; the membrane allows the tips of the rays to be distinct. Anal long,
slightly elevated in front ; its anterior portion lies in a groove formed by the scales. The
caudal deeply forked, with two oblong elliptical thin scales on each side, forming^pouches
similar to what has been noticed in the American Shad and Herring. These pouches will
probably be the foundation of good generic characters.

Color. Bluish green on the back ; and when the scales are detached, a series of four or
five black spots, which are sometimes lengthened into short transverse bars, extending from
the head to the tail, and are sometimes evident before the scales are removed. Beside these,
there is a series of five large roundish dark-colored spots on the fore part of the body, extend-
ing to beneath the centre of the dorsal fin. A larger black blotch in a line with these, on the
upper part of the humeral bone. Summit of the head hyaline, bounded by two parallel lines.
Pectorals, ventral and anal whitish. Dorsal and caudal dark olive-brown. Tongue and tip
of the lower jaw blackish brown. Irides silvery ; pupil jet black, its upper part mottled with
brown.

Length, 12' 0. Depth, 0'3.

Fin rays, D. 18 ; P. 16 ; V. 9 ; A. 20 ; C. 20 §.

The Autumnal or Fall Herring, or Shad Herring, is a common fish in our waters in the
months of September, October and November. I have seen a few as early as July in our
markets, which were brought from the Connecticut river, where they are called Weesick. The
trivial name given by Mitchill, was derived from the aboriginal name of the island Mattowaka
or Matowax*

The specimen described above, is about the medium size. The largest I have heard of,
did not exceed two feet in length.

* The name giver, to the island by the Delaware3, was Sewanhackee, or the Isle of Shells; in allusion to the quantities of shells
which furnished their wampum.

262 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE SLENDER HERRING.

Alosa teres,
plate xl. fig. 128. — (state collection.)

Characteristics. Body cylindrical. Ventrals behind the dorsal. Length six or seven inches.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical. Length of the head to the total length, as one
to five nearly ; greatest depth one inch. Scales large, orbicular, deciduous ; ascending on
the caudal fin. A very long and slender accessory scale to the pectorals ; a short and rounded
one to the ventrals. Lateral line indistinct. Head long and pointed, with a long and deep
furrow on the summit, terminating in front in a point : this furrow has a central carina (see
figure). Orbits large, 0"5 in diameter, and distant one diameter from the tip of the snout;
its upper margin somewhat prominent. Nostrils contiguous, vertical ; the posterior largest.
The mouth protractile, large ; the edges of the maxillaries armed with microscopic teeth.
Tongue long, pointed, with asperities on its surface. A distinct notch in the upper jaw.
Opercles large ; the posterior margin of the opercle with a silvery membrane. On the mar-
gin of the suborbital, are three or four flat truncated radiating rays.

The dorsal fin rather higher than long, arising at a point midway between the tip of the
snout and a point vertical to the last anal ray : the two first longest, thence rapidly decreasing
to the thirteenth ; the last rays feeble, slightly longer than their antecedents ; the margin con-
cave. Pectorals low down, long and falcate. Ventrals broad ; their rays subequal, with an
intervening broad plate ; they are nearly equidistant between the first rays of the dorsal and
anal. Anal short, longer than high, concave on its margin ; the anterior and posterior rays
subequal, the first ray very short.

Color. Bright silvery ; darker above, with a tinge of blue and yellow on the flanks. Sides
of the head metallic silvery, mixed with cupreous. Irides golden. Dorsal and caudal tinged
with yellow ; the remaining fins transparent, feebly punctate with black.

Length, 7-0 ; of the head, 1'5.

Fin rays, D. 19 ; P. 15 ; V. 10 ; A. 12 ; C. 19 f .

This is a rare species, and I have never met with more than one specimen. It was taken
with a seine in the harbor of New-York, in the latter part of October. I am inclined to sus-
pect that it is a southern species, from the season at which it was taken, and its association
with numerous specimens of the Saurus, to be hereafter described.

FAMILY CLUPIDjE ALOSA. 263

THE SPOTTED SHADINE.
Alosa sadina.
PLATE XL. FIG. 129.
The Ntw-York Shadine, Clupea sadina. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 457.

Characteristics. A dark humeral spot. Abdomen faintly serrated in its whole length. No
caudal pouches. Length six to twelve inches.

Description. Resembles the Common Shad in its form, compressed; branchial rays and
emarginate upper lip. Length of the head to the total length as one to three, and equal to
the depth of the body. Scales on the back, small and crowded ; larger on the sides, and
becoming smaller on the tail, which they cover to some distance up the rays. Lateral line
indistinct. Tongue smooth ; the filaments of the branchial arches nearly fill the mouth.
Belly faintly serrated ; (in the figure, too much exaggerated.)

Dorsal fin concave on its margin ; highest in front, terminating nearly over the origin of the
anal. Pectorals with a diaphanous scale, nearly as long as the fin. A similar scale above
and behind the ventrals, which are very short, feeble and ramose.

Color. Greenish and blue above, with metallic reflections. Sides and belly silvery, the
latter with a faint tinge of pink. Opercles yellow and gold. A dark green rounded spot,
almost approaching to black, on the shoulder, just behind the upper part of the branchial
aperture.

Length, 6-0-12-0. Depth, 3-0 -4*0.

Fin rays, D. 18 ; P. 18 ; V. 7 ; A. 21 ; C. 16 f.

I have referred this, with some misgivings, to the sadina of Dr. Mitchill, which he de-
scribes vaguely enough as " neat, taper and slender." In a list of fishes which I published a
few years since, I changed sadina (on account of its being liable to be confounded with sar-
dina) to notata ; but farther reflection has satisfied me that I have no right to make the
change. In the Fauna Boreali Americana, the author places Mitchill's sadina under En-
graulis ; but I know not upon what authority. The ventrals are certainly not in advance of
the dorsal, nor does the mouth extend beyond the orbits. Indeed, I know of no American
Engraulis. Our species does not appear to be common. It was taken in the harbor of New-
York in November, and was brought to me for a curious variety of the menhaden, from which
it differs by its large head, relative size and position of the dorsal and anal, absence of pouches,
and general physiognomy.

264 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS CHATCESSUS. Cuvier.
The last dorsal ray prolonged into a filament. Mouth edentate.

THE SPOTTED THREAD HERRING.

Chatcesscs signiper.
PLATE XLI. FIG. 132. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Back with three or four dusky lines. A round black spot on the shoulder,
behind the branchial aperture. Anal distinct. Length 8-12 inches.

Description. Body compressed, elliptical ; total length to the depth as one to three nearly.
Scales large, irregularly rounded, deeper than long, and covering the base of the anal rays.
Abdomen serrate, with thirteen distinct rhomboidal acute scales between the ventrals and the
vent, and eighteen smaller, scarcely prominent ones anterior to the ventral fins. Head small,
nearly one-fifth of the total length ; its summit plane. Eyes large, prominent, nearer the tip
of the snout than to the edge of the branchial aperture. Upper jaw broadly emarginate ;
lower jaw longest, with a broad expansion above, which is received within the upper jaw.
The point of union of the branchial rays prominent ; the posterior branchial ray much dilated.
Opercle large, rounded above ; margin vertical, rounded above, and with deep emargination
between its lower angle and the second posterior branchial ray. Tongue small, distinct,
smooth.

The dorsal fin sub-triangular; the first short, 0"2 long ; the second, third and fourth rays
successively higher and simple ; the fifth longest ; from this, the branched rays descend in a
broadly emarginate line to the last, which is prolonged into an articulated filament, equal in
length to the greatest depth of the body ; at the base of this ray, and behind it, is a small
tubercle. Pectorals feeble, falciform, and of eighteen rays ; beneath it a rudimentary acces-
sory plate. Ventrals very short, near the edge of the abdomen, and with its base under the
twelfth dorsal ray ; these fins are also furnished with slight accessory plates. Anal very low,
but distinct ; the last ray simple, articulate, and longer than the preceding. Caudal deeply
forked ; the external entire ray filamentous. Branchial rays seven.

Color. Bluish above, with a series of dark points along the sides of the back, forming four
or five longitudinal lines. A round black spot behind the upper part of the branchial aperture.
Pectorals, ventrals and anal white. Dorsal and caudal yellow ; the membrane finely punc-
tate with black, and bordered with dusky. Irides white varied with yellowish.

Length, 8'0. Greatest depth, 2 "5.

Fin rays, D. 19 ; P. 18 ; V. 8 ; A. 21 ; C. 19 f.

The Thread Herring can scarcely be confounded with the C. thrissa of Bloch. It is more
closely allied to the Megalops oglina of Lesueur, but from this it is sufficiently distinct. It

FAMILY CLUPID.E HYODON. 265

appears in our waters about the beginning of September, where it is often called the Shad
Herring. It has also the names of Thread Herring and Thread-fish, in allusion to its last
filamentous dorsal ray.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

C. oglina. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1. p. 359.) Back almost straight ; with three longitudinal black
bands on each side. Anal fin hardly visible. Dorsal not emarginate. Length 8 inches. New-
port Harbor.

C. cepedianus. (Id. p. 361.) Pectorals reaching beyond the base of the ventrals, which are placed
anterior to the dorsal. Length eight to twelve inches. Delaware and Chesapeake.

C. elUpiicus. (Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 195.) Hickory or Gizzard Shad. Undescribed. Ohio
River.

GENUS HYODON. Lesueur.

Form of the preceding. Scales large, deciduous. Abdomen thin, trenchant, but not serrated.
Dorsal and anal nearly opposite. Branchial rays eight or nine. Teeth minute and
curved, on the jaws, tongue, vomer and palatines. Eyes very large.

THE RIVER MOON-EYE.

Hyodon tergises.

TLATE XLI. FIG. 130. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Hiodon tergisus. Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 366.

H. tergissus, Moon-eyed Herring. Kirtland, Zoology of Ohio, p. 170 and 195.

Characteristics. Anal large and rounded anteriorly, with its posterior portion low. Lateral
line nearly straight. Dorsal margin concave. Length 9 inches.

Description. Body compressed ; the dorsal outline very slightly arched from above the
branchial aperture, thence descending to the tip of the snout, forming a slightly concave pro-
file. Scales large, caducous, membranous on their free edges, and with three radiating ele-
vated lines ; the radical portion striated in radiating lines, irregularly truncate on the margin.
The scales ascend high up on the base of the caudal. Head small. Opercle with a slight
notch near its upper margin, which is filled up with a membrane. Eyes very large, and
nearly filling tip the whole space between the angle of the jaws and the upper part of the
head. Snout in front descending almost vertically. Nostrils double, contiguous, patent;
both nearer the point of the jaw than to the eyes. Conic teeth in a single row above ; in
several rows on the lower jaw. Tongue with several series of teeth, of which the outer on
each side are largest. Teeth also on the vomer, and very minute ones on the palatines.

The dorsal fin with the first three rays simple, the fourth and fifth longest, the twelfth
shorter than the following; this fin arises shortly anterior to the anal. Pectorals 1"3 long,

Fauna — Part 4. 34

266 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

with the tips reaching to within 0"4 of the base of the ventrals ; with two simple rays. Ven-
trals broad, with a pointed accessory scale. Anal fin long ; its first five rays short, succes-
sively longer ; the two last rays longer than the preceding ; the sixth ray longest, thence
gradually decreasing to the seventeenth ; a few rays subsequent to this are subequal.

Color. Back bluish ; sides silvery. Fins tinged with yellow. Opercle silvery, with cu-
preous reflections. Base of the caudal rays dusky.

Length, 9'0; of the head, l-8. Depth of the ventrals, 2"5.
Fin rays, D. 15 ; P. 15 ; V. 7 ; A. 29 ; C. 18 }.

This species, which was first described by Lesueur from the Ohio, I observed in the Alle-
gany river in this State. It is known under the popular names of Herring, River Herring,
and Toothed Herring. Very indifferent food.

THE LAKE MOON-EYE

Hyodon clodaus.

PLATE LI. FIG. 1C4. —(STATE COLLECTION!

Hiodon clodalus. Lesueuk, Joum. Acad. Nat. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 367. PI. 14.
H id., The Larger Herring. Kirtland, Report Zool. Ohio, p. 195.

Characteristics. Elongate, compressed. Dorsal with its margin sinuous. Back with a
regular curve. Length 7 inches.

Description. Dorsal outline forming a regular curve to the snout. Abdomen, between the
ventrals and anal, trenchant. Scales rounded, moderately large. The radical margin pro-
duced in the middle, with 12-14 radiating stria;, which are distant in the centre, and crowded
on the sides ; exposed surface with diverging stria?. Lateral line may be traced from the
upper end of the branchial aperture, over the opercle, to the superior portion of the orbits,
forming rather a prominent ridge. This line is rather irregular in its course, until a short dis-
tance before the dorsal fin, when it is deflected, and becomes concurrent with the dorsal out-
line. Head compressed, scaleless. Opercle with a notch behind. Eyes 0"4 in diameter.
Nostrils double, near the end of the snout ; the upper largest. Mouth large ; under jaw shut-
ting within the upper. Teeth in a single series on the upper jaw ; in several below. The
sides and tips of the tongue armed with long acute recurved teeth.

The dorsal fin originates at a point equidistant between the tip of the snout and extremity
of the tail : the first four, simple, short, and successively longer; the fifth, sixth and seventh,
longest, thence gradually diminishing with a slight variation to the last, which is rather longer
than the three preceding. Pectorals long and pointed, lying in a horizontal groove or cavity ;
the first ray simple, the second longest. Ventral small, with an obtusely pointed accessory
scale ; its tips do not reach the vent. Anal fin with thirty rays. It arises under the fifth
dorsal ray ; the first four rays very short, and successively longer ; the seventh and eighth

FAMILY CLUPIDjE ELOPS. 267

longest, thence diminishing with a slight emargination to the last. It terminates about half
its length from the base of the caudal, and there is a series of scales running close along the
whole base of this fin. Caudal forked.

Color. Uniform metallic silvery, with a slightly darker shade beneath ; bluish above. Pu-
pils black ; irides silvery. Fins light colored.

Length, 7-0. Depth, 1*5.

Fin rays, D. 15 ; P. 14 ; V. 7 ; A. 30 ; C. 19 a.

Lesueur, to whom we are indebted for the first notice of this species and its congener,
seemed to be doubtful whether they were distinct. His opportunities were restricted, and
he saw but two specimens. The two species are now well established. The figure of this
species by Lesueur makes the dorsal deeply emarginated, and its base elevated and scaly.

This species is common in Lake Erie. At Buffalo and Barcelona, it is called Moon-eye,
Shiner, and Lake Herring.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

H. chrysopsis. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 222, pi. 94.) With eleven dorsal and thirty-four
anal ravs. Length 16 inches. Northern Regions.

GENUS ELOPS. Linneus.

Jaws formed like those of the Herrings. Body cylindrical. The gill membrane with thirty
or more rays. Aflat spine on the upper and under edges of the caudal fin.

THE SAURY.

Elops saurus.

PLATE XLI. FIG. 131. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Elops saurus. Linneus, Systema Nat. Ed. 12, p. 518.

Smooth Elops, Elops inormis. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 445.

Characteristics. Ventrals under the anterior part of the dorsal.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, compressed towards the tail. Dorsal outline
gently arched before the dorsal fin, descending with a slope to the extremity of the upper jaw.
Scales moderate, orbicular, caducous, membranous on their free margins, with faint concen-
tric stria? ; radical surface with from eight to ten radiating folds, and festooned on the margin
(see figure). Lateral line formed by a series of tubular scales, arising above the upper angle
of the branchial aperture, and descending by a gentle concave sweep to the tail. Length of
the head to the total length as one to six nearly ; flattened above with a broad distinct and deep
furrow between the eyes. Orbits large, 0- 5 in diameter. Nostrils double, contiguous; the

268 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

posterior largest. Upper jaw broad and rounded, entire and longer than the lower, which is
received into it. An elongated bony process arising from the symphisis of the chin, and ex-
tending backwards 0"8 between the limbs of the lower jaw. Minute card-like teeth in many
series on the labials, maxillaries, tongue and palatines.

The dorsal fin arises nearly midway between the end of the snout and the fork of the tail,
its longest anterior ray equal to the length of its base : first ray short, the three following
successively shorter, the fifth and sixth longest and subequal, thence gradually decreasing to
the sixteenth ray subequal to the twenty-first inclusive, the last three gradually increasing in
length ; the margin is hence deeply excavated behind, and gives a subtriangular shape to this
fin ; its base is covered on each side, for some distance up, with a thick membrane. Pecto-
rals broad, connected to its long pointed axillary scale by a membrane. Ventrals broad, tri-
angular, distant ; its origin is slightly in advance of the commencement of the dorsal fin, and
it is equidistant between the pectoral and anal ; its axillary plate is longer than the posterior
rays ; the first ray short and subspinous, the second long and simple. Anal deeply concave
on its margin, with the same thickened membrane along its base, which we have noticed on
the dorsal ; the first ray exceedingly minute ; the second, third and fourth successively longer ;
twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth rays shorter than those which follow. Caudal widely forked ;
its tips as long as the head, with six accessory rays on each side, the first somewhat produced
and flattened on the upper and under edges of the tail. To me this spine appears to be no-
thing more than an enlarged accessory ray.

Color. Body bright silvery, with a greenish tinge along the back. Pupils black ; irides
golden. Summit of the head bronzed. Opercles with golden metallic tints. All the fins
more or less punctate with black. Dorsal and caudal light olive-brown. Inferior fins tinged
with yellow.

Length, 11*5; of the head, 2-4.

Fin rays, D. 24 ; P. 15 ; V. 14 ; A. 17 ; C. 20 f.

I have compared this specimen with a very slight notice of an Elops on our coast by Dr.
Mitchill, and refer them both to the same species.

The fish described above, was taken in a net in the harbor of New-York, in the autumn.
It appeared to be little known to the fishermen, who spoke of having seen it before, and
called it the Round Herring. Dr. Mitchill's specimen was twenty-two inches long. I find
an Elops (not named) among the drawings of the fishes of Carolina by my friend Dr. Holbrook,
and suppose it to be a different species.

The Saury is a southern species, and the coast of New-York is probably the limit of its
extreme northern range.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

Genus Butiiunus, Commerson. Tongue, vomer and palatines paved with rounded teeth, closely
crowded together. Body elongated ; mouth small, with even teeth in the jaws- Snout promi-
nent. Branchial rays twelve.

B. vulpes. (Catesby.) 2.1.2.

FAMILY CLUPID.E. 269

GENUS AMIA. Linneus.

Small paved teeth behind the acute conical ones. Head flattened, naked, with conspicuous
sutures. Twelve flat gill-rays. A large long buckler between the branches of the lower
jaw. Dorsal long. Anal short. Air-bladder cellular, like the lungs of reptiles.

THE WESTERN MUD-FISH.

Amia occidentals.
PLATE XXXIX. FIG. 125, and Odtline of the Head. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Dark brown ; elongated. Lateral line tubular. Tail unspotted. Length
two feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, elongated. Scales large, thin and membranous, with im-
pressed concentric striae ; oblong, and with their radical and free margins rounded ; on the
back, the radical margins bifid. Lateral line distinct, tubular, arising from the upper angle
of the opercle ; thence descending by a gentle curve to the middle of the body, under the an-
terior portion of the dorsal fin ; thence straight to the tail. Head broad, flattened above.
Depth one-fifth of its length. Opercles bony, scaleless, corrugated. Eyes moderate, longi-
tudinally oblong. Nostrils single, somewhat above the plane of the upper orbit, and nearer
the eye than the end of the jaw. Jaws broad and rounded ; the lower slightly advanced.
Series of conic, acute, incurved teeth on the jaws and palatines ; those on the sides of the
upper jaw small, subequal ; in front, longer ; and behind these last, a large group of smaller
ones closely crowded : the outer row in the lower jaw very robust, and much incurved. Four
or five irregular series of short and smaller ones behind.

The dorsal fin originates ten inches behind the tip of the upper jaw, and, with its forty-six
rays, reaches to within an inch of the base of the caudal fin. The first two or three rays of
this fin short ; the remaining rays subequal, but from the thirtieth to the fortieth, rather more
elevated. Pectorals beneath the angle of the humeral bone, with seventeen rays, of which
the first and second are shorter than the third. Ventrals long and narrow, with one short
spinous and eight articulated rays ; the longest ray 2" 6, and placed under the twelfth ray of
the dorsal fin. Anal high and narrow, with eleven rays, the anterior rays becoming gradually
longer to the sixth. Caudal fin rounded, with eighteen broad and flat complete rays ; the acces-
sory rays are four above and six beneath, giving an irregular configuration to that fin. Small
scales ascend some distance up the membrane.

Color. Of this I can say nothing, as I had only a dried specimen. It appears, however, to
have been of a uniform dark brown.

Length, 2S-0; of the head, 5 "5.

Fin rays, D. 46 ; P. 17 ; V. 9 ; A. 11 ; C. 19 f.

270 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

My first personal knowledge of this species was derived from the specimen described above,
which was sent to the Lyceum many years since by Mr. H. Schoolcraft. It was labelled
" River St. Mary, Michigan Territory," and called " Shigwumaig in the Ojibway (Chippe-
way) dialect."

The only species hitherto described, A. calva, is from the rivers of Carolina emptying into
the Atlantic. This species is found in Lakes Erie and Ontario, but I have not met with it.*

Under the head of A. calva, Dr. Kirlland states that " the Dog-fish is found in Lake Erie,
" where it is frequently called 'The Lake Laiuyer.' It is distinguished by its ferocious looks
" and voracious habits, (unde nomen ?) The flesh is rank, tough, and not eatable. To the
" anglers it is a troublesome nuisance, by taking their bait, and often breaking their hooks
" and lines, which it can readily do by means of its large teeth and long jaws. Linneus de-
" scribed a species of this genus as inhabiting the waters of Carolina. His characters agree
" essentially with those of this lake fish, so far as I have compared them, except in the rela-
" tive size of the pectoral and ventral fins ; still I believe they are specifically identical."

Dr. Richardson furnishes us with a short notice of the " Amia ocellicauda" from Lake
Huron, which may possibly be the occidentalis above described : " Poisson de marais. Back
" and sides dark ; belly and fins dark green. Head short, flattened at top and on the sides ;
" eyes small; jaws even; mouth capacious; tongue obtuse. Two short cirri on the upper
" lip, the lower notched. One row of sharp longer teeth on the margin of the jaws, more
" interiorly shorter clustered ones ; two patches of teeth on the upper part of the gullet.
" Pectorals near the throat ; ventrals about the middle of the fish; one anal. One dorsal ex-
" tending from four inches behind the neck to the tail, which is oblong and round, with an
" irregular round spot of the size of a shilling, bordered with scarlet at the base of the seven
"upper caudal rays. Scales large, semicircular and membranaceous exteriorly; square
" where inserted into the skin. The intestines make three longitudinal turns in the abdomen.
" Br. 8; D. 48; P. 17; V. 7; A. 9; C. 22." The dimensions of the specimen are not

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. calva. (Encyc. Method, pi. 99, fig. 408.) Tail with a black spot. Ventrals in the middle of the
body. Pectorals not larger than the ventrals. D. 42. Length 8-10 inches. Carolina.

* From various but imperfect reports, I have reason to believe that this species (A calva) is also found in Pennsylvania.'"
(Schoepff, Bcobachlungen U. S. W. Vol. 8, p. 174.) SchrepfF doubtless alludes to the occidentalis.

FAMILY SAURID.E — LEPISOSTEUS. 271

FAMILY SAURIDJE.

Body covered with scales of a stony hardness, which are extended into imbricated spines
upon the first rays of all the fins. In some genera, dorsal finlets, each supported by a
strong spine.

Obs. The fishes composing this group are so obviously distinct from all others of the family
Clupid*, with which they are arranged, that I have been in a measure compelled to treat of
them separately. Their situation even among the soft-rayed fishes scarcely appears to be
natural. To avoid the introduction of a new name, I make use of that already employed by
Agassiz, and which also comprises the Polypterus of the Nile. I have not had an opportu-
nity of referring to his description, and have framed the characters with reference both to the
American and Egyptian genera. To this family may be referred many of the American
fossil genera of fishes, which are included by Agassiz under the name of Ganoidei.

GENUS LEPISOSTEUS. Lacepede.

Snout formed by the union of the intermaxillaries, maxillaries and palatines, with the vomer
and ethmoid, and much elongated. Jaivs slightly unequal ; both furnished over their whole
internal surface with rasp-like teeth, and a row of long and pointed, teeth along their edges.
Dorsal and anal opposite and far back. Air-bladder cellular, as in Amia.

Obs. This species is peculiar to the rivers and lakes of America. When more thoroughly
investigated, it will doubtless admit of subdivisions ; but it will be requisite to make such
divisions after an attentive study of the characters on the fishes themselves, and not (as has
been done) from an inspection of drawings, which were made by persons not even versed in
the department of Ichthyology.

THE BUFFALO BONY PIKE

LEPISOSTEUS BISON.

PLATE XLIII. FIG. 139.

Esox osseus, Bony-scaled Pike. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 414.
Bony-scaled Pike, E. osseus. Id. Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 321.

Characteristics. Scales smooth. With narrow elongated jaws, and a broad dusky band on the
side. Breadth of the upper jaw at the rictus, to its length, as one to six.
Length one to three feet.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, compressed towards the tail. Scales arranged
in oblique series, of which there are sixty-four from the branchial aperture to the tail. The
scales are smooth, thick, rhomboidal, terminating on the caudal fin in an oblique line, which

272 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

is directed from above, forwards. The scales are loosely imbricated posteriorly, but firmly
attached to each other by their upper and lower margins. In the dried specimens, they are
of stony hardness ; but in the recent fish, may be cut with a knife. Under the lens, they
appear to be minutely spinous on their outer margins. This, however, only appears in the cabi-
net specimen, and may be owing to the desiccation of the mucus on the surface. The scales
become elongated into bifid spines, which are imbricated over the external rays of the caudal
and the first rays of the remaining fins. The lateral line commences at the upper angle of
the opercle, gradually descending until it reaches the ventrals, and thence straight ; it runs
nearest the dorsal outline. Head square, rounded above, elongated. Eyes large, slightly
oval, placed just behind the angle of the jaws; diameter of the orbits, 0.25. Opercles
smooth, narrow, elongated, with a rounded margin, and furnished with a broad cellular mem-
brane. Branchial rays three. Jaws elongated ; the upper somewhat rounded above, with a
longitudinal furrow, and enlarged and rounded at the tip, extending 0"3 beyond the lower
jaw. Nostrils double ; the posterior rounded, vertical ; the anterior subterminal, and placed
laterally on the margin of the enlarged part of the upper jaw. Both jaws armed with a series
of very acute conical distant teeth on the outer edge, and another series of minute contiguous
teeth within ; on the enlarged end of the upper jaw externally, is a row of rather larger teeth,
which, when the jaws are closed, shuts over the extremity of the lower jaw.

The dorsal fin near the tail, pointed, longer than high, and when reclined back, extends
beyond the lower line of the base of the tail ; its first ray is covered with four bifid imbri-
cated spines ; the third ray longest, the others successively shorter. The pectorals placed
low down, slightly pointed ; the third and fourth longest, subequal. Ventrals equidistant
between the pectorals and anal, 1 ' 3 long, acute, and composed of seven rays, of which the
first is longest. Anal beneath the dorsal, with a somewhat wider base. Caudal rounded,
with an oblique base ; the fourth ray longest.

Color. Soiled yellowish ; darker above. A broad longitudinal band of dusky brown ex-
tends from the opercles of the tail just beneath the lateral lines.

Length, 13*0; of the head and jaws, 4'0.
Fin rays, D. 8 ; P. 14 ; V. 7 ; A. 10 ; C. 14.

This fish, which frequently attains a larger size, was obtained at Buffalo, Lake Erie, where
it is called the Bony Pike, Alligator and Alligator Gar. It occurs in many of the small lakes
of the Western district, and has been taken at Ogdensburgh three feet long. It is frequently
known under the name of Bvffalo-fish, which suggested its specific name. From a commu-
nication which I received from Mr. Z. Thomson of Burlington, Vermont, I have reason to
believe that this species exists in Lake Champlain. He speaks of it as being ten inches long,
and as distinctly striped as in the Coluber sirtalis. I cannot suppose the above described
species to be cofounded with L. rostratus, Cuvier (Uuronensis, Richardson), and certainly not
with the following.

FAMILY SAURID^E LEPISOSTEUS. 273

THE FLAT-NOSED BONY PIKE.

Lepisosteus platyrhinces.
plate xliii. fig. 137. — (cabinet of the lyceum.)

Characteristics. Jaws broad, elongated. Breadth of the upper jaw at the rictus, to its length,
as one to three. Scales smooth; dorsal series subcordate. Length 2 feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, subfusiform, with smooth siliceous rhomboidal scales, arranged
in fifty-two oblique series ; the scales on the sides convex on their posterior and inferior mar-
gins, rather acutely pointed behind (see figure 2), the radical portion terminating in a sort of
pedicel ; the scales at the basis of all the fins elongated, acute. The lateral line descending
from the upper angle of the opercle, thence straight ; its course indicated by short vertical
slits on each scale. Head four-sided, flattened above ; the opercular bones forming a right
angle beneath. The upper surface of the head and mandibles (see figure 1) broad, flattened,
tubercular, with irregularly elevated and parallel lines and dots radiating in all directions.
Jaws scarcely as long as the head, measured from the rictus to the posterior margin of the
opercles. Upper jaw longest, with two sinuous furrows above ending in the posterior nares ;
a transverse furrow from the anterior nares to its opposite ; from the centre of this line, a short
furrow proceeds forward to the end of the jaw. Around the end of the jaw, a series of open
pores. This jaw is enlarged at the extremity as in the preceding species, and is 0'4 longer
than the inferior. Teeth in both jaws, long, acute, distant, with smaller intermediate ones.
In the palatine series, I observed a tooth of so remarkable a configuration, that I deemed it
worthy of especial note (see figure 3). It was loosely attached, and may possibly be extra-
neous. The figure represents it of the natural size.

Dorsal fin with seven aculeated rays, and eight bifid scales over its first ray. It arises
opposite the penultimate ray of the anal, (this is wrongly given by the draftsman,) which it
resembles in shape and size. Pectorals long and narrow. Ventrals midway between the
pectorals and anal, with six rays and seven bifid scales. Anal with nine bifid scales. Caudal
obliquely rounded, with fourteen or fifteen bifid scales on each external ray.

Color. Greyish above, separated by the lateral line from the soiled white or yellowish
beneath.

Length, 25 -0; of head and jaws, 4 "4.
Fin rays, D. 7; P. 10 ; V. G ; A. 8 ; C. 12.

This species is found in Florida and the western rivers, and will probably be found in some
of their sources within this State.

We have another species within this State, which, however, I have not seen. It may be
the longirostris hereafter mentioned.

Fauna — Part 4. 35

274 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

L. longirostris. (Cuvier, Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 237.) A row of close small acute teeth
externally; another larger, distant, and conical ; and within these another, forming a band of fine
velvet-like teeth in a single series in front. Scales rhombic, the lower edge arched; vertebral series
subcordate. D. 7; P. 15; V. 6; A. 8; C. 13. Two to three feet. Lake Huron.

ORDER III. JUGULAR.

Ventrals under the pectorals, and the pelvis is immediately attached to the bones of the
shoulder.

FAMILY GADIDJE.

Body elongated, little compressed, covered with soft moderate scales. All their fins soft.
Jaws and front of the vomer armed with pointed irregular teeth, forming a sort of rasp.
Eyes placed one on each side of the head. Ventrals separate, jugular. Almost all with
two or three fins on the back, and one or two behind the vent. Air-bladder large.

Obs. This family contains at present about sixty species, and is one of the most important
to man in the whole class of Fishes.

GENUS MORRHUA. Cuvier.

Dorsal fins three. Ventrals pointed. Two anal fins. Seven branchial rays. A barbel at
the end of the loiver jaw.

THE AMERICAN COD.

MoRRHCA AMERICANA.

PLATE XXIV. FIG. 140.

Gadus callarias, Torsh, or Common Cod or Rock Cod of New-York. Mitchill, Report in part, p. 5.
The Common Cod of New-York, G. id. Id. Trar.s. Lit. and Phil. Soc. New- York, Vol. 1, p. 367.
Morrhua americana, The American Cod. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 120.

Characteristics. Ash-colored, with reddish or yellowish spots. Second dorsal and first anal
of twenty-two rays. Length one to three feet.

Description. Body largest and deepest anterior to the dorsal fin. Scales small and adherent.
The lateral line arises from above the branchial aperture, and gradually descends by a broad

FAMILY GADIDJE MORRHTJA. 275

curve until it reaches the anterior portion of the middle dorsal fin, when it goes off straight ;
distinct throughout its whole course, and somewhat wider behind. A single barbel or cirrus
at the point of the lower jaw, an inch long, and enlarged at the base. Head sloping, in a
slightly arched line ; its length to the total length, as one to four and a half. Eyes large and
distant. Nostrils double ; posterior lower and largest. Upper jaw longest, both armed with
teeth ; in the upper jaw, four rows in front, gradually reduced to two in the posterior part of
the jaw. Lower jaw with a single row, which is small in front, larger in the posterior part of
the jaw.

The first dorsal fin commences slightly behind the base of the pectorals, longer than high,
rounded on its margin ; its first ray simple, and shorter than the second ; the third longest,
from whence they become successively shorter. The second arises directly behind it, with
its rays gradually diminishing to the last ; the third arises directly behind it, is of nearly twice
its length, with a straight sloping margin ; the third arises immediately behind the second, in
advance of the origin of the second anal, and is longer than the first fin. Pectoral fins broad
and rounded, of twenty and twenty-one rays. Ventrals in advance of the pectorals ; the
second ray longest, filiform ; this and the first ray often occur free. The first anal commences
slightly behind the origin of the second dorsal, and is slightly shorter than that fin ; the second
anal, subtriangular. Caudal nearly even, slightly rounded.

Color. This varies so much in different individuals, as to have given rise to the belief that
there is more than one species. The most usual arrangement of the markings is exhibited in
the plate. In this, the back is of a light olive-green, (becoming pale ash in the dead speci-
mens,) covered with numerous reddish or yellowish spots to a short distance below the lateral
line. Cheeks, abdomen and lower fins whitish, minutely punctate with black. Head greenish
olive above ; irides silvery. Lateral line opaque white throughout its whole extent. Pectorals
and dorsals light green, usually punctate with black. Caudal of a darker green. The more
usual varieties are, 1, with a greenish brown hue and inconspicuous spots, the arenosus or
Shoal Cod of Dr. Mitchill ; 2, of a smaller size, and with a reddish hue occasionally bright
red, the rupestris or Rock Cod of the same author ; 3, a more rare variety noticed by Dr.
Storer, of a bright lemon-yellow.

Length, 24 "0.

Fin rays, D. 15.22.19; P. 19 ; V. 6 ; A. 22.19; C. 40.

This species has been very properly separated by Dr. Storer from the G. callarias, and
even from the G. vulgaris, or Common Cod of Newfoundland, with which it had been con-
founded. Tt occasionally attains an enormous size. Specimens weighing seventy and eighty
pounds are sometimes taken. Dr. Storer speaks of a well authenticated instance of one which
reached the enormous size of one hundred and seven pounds. It occurs along our coast during
the whole year, going off into deeper water in the spring.

The capture of the Bank Cod has not, as far as I am aware, excited much interest in this
State ; but some idea of its importance in neighboring States may be gathered from the fol-

276 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

lowing facts : In the year 1836, five hundred and sixty-one vessels were employed from ten
towns along the coast of Massachusetts, having crews amounting to three thousand eight
hundred and sixteen men. In the following season, 510,554 quintals were taken, producing
the sum of $1,569,517. At, the rate of thirty-five hundred fish to one hundred quintals, which
is the usual average, some idea may be formed of the number annually taken. From the
Register's office, Tonnage Bureau, we learn that in 1840, the tonnage of all the vessels en-
gaged in the cod fisheries amounted to 76,025 tons, which, at the usual rate of six men to
twenty-five tons, would give us a total of more than eighteen thousand men and boys employed
in the fishing business alone.*

The taking of the American Cod is carried on in small open boats and schooners, along
the northern coast, and affords occupation to thousands, supplying our markets at all seasons
with fresh fish, which commonly sells at four cents per pound. From the liver not only of
this species, but of others of the same family, as well as from sharks and mackerel, an oil is
obtained, by exposing it to putrefaction in the sun, which is highly prized by the leather-
dressers, and sells for fifteen dollars per barrel.

Several species of this family have been successfully reared (we can scarcely say domesti-
cated) by a person in the neighborhood of Edinburgh. He has a salt-water pond about thirty-
feet in width by two hundred in length, communicating with the sea, and allowing a free pas-
sage to the tide through an iron grating. They are fed with smaller fishes, and with the in-
testines of sheep, which the cod is observed to devour with great avidity, and to fatten in a
short space of time.

The American cod is exceedingly voracious. It attacks indiscriminately every thing in its
way, devouring smaller fish, Crustacea and marine shell-fish. Its stomach is in fact the great
repository from which has lately been obtained so many rare and undescribed species of shells,
inhabiting deep water, and which are unattainable by any other means.

Its geographical range appears to be from the coast of New-York, northwardly.

* At the same Bureau, we were furnished with the following table of tonnage for 1840 1

TONS.

Vessels in the Cod fishery, 76,025.65

Ditto in the Mackerel fishery, 28,267.19

Ditto in the Whale fishery, 136,926.64

Total, 251,219.48

FAMILY GADID.E MORRHUA. 277

THE POWER COD.

MORRHCA MINCTA.

PLATE XLIV. FIG. 141.

Gadus minulus. LlNNEUS.

M. minula.. Yaekel, British Fishes, Vol. 2, p. 161, plate.

The Poor or Power Cod, Morrhua mmvta. Storer, Zool. Massachusetts, p. 127.

Characteristics. Small. Nose blunt. First dorsal scarcely higher than the second, which is
emarginate. Origin of the first dorsal under the commencement of the
second dorsal. Caudal emarginate. Length 4 to 8 inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, fusiform. Upper jaw longest ; both armed with nvimerous
small teeth. The barbel from the symphisis of the chin, 0-2 long. Lateral line curved
above the pectoral ; and under the anterior portion of the middle dorsal, goes off straight. A
series of mucous pores from the end of the snout to beneath the eyes. Scales very minute.

The first dorsal triangular, and composed of twelve rays, of which the first is longest.
Second dorsal above the first anal ; the twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth rays sensibly shorter,
making an excavated margin ; the third dorsal longer than high. Pectorals pointed, 1 *0 long.
Ventrals beneath the pectorals, with the long second ray free at the tip. First anal commences
under the origin of the second dorsal ; the second anal is opposed to, and contains the same
number of rays with, the third dorsal. Caudal broadly emarginate.

Color. Brownish yellow above ; abdomen soiled white, with numerous minute points.

Length, 8"0.

Fin rays, D. 12.19.17; P. 17; V. 6 ; A. 22.17; C. 20.

This is a rare species on our coast. I only know it through the description of Dr. Storer,
although I think I saw it some years since in the market. At that time, I supposed it might
be the M.pruinosa, var. fusca, of Dr. Mitchill; but I have now little doubt but that it was
the species just described.

278 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

THE TOM-COD.

MoRRHUA PRDINOSA.

PLATE XL1V. FIG. 142. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Gadus , Tom-rod at New-York. Schcepff, Beobachtungen u. s. w. Vol.8, p. 140.

Frost Cod, and Frost-fish. Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Supplement, p. 114.
Gadus pruinosus, Tom-cod or Frost-fish. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 4.
Tom-cod, Gadus tomcodus. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. New-York, Vol. 1, p. 3G8.
Gadus tomcodus, Tom-cod. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 126.

Characteristics. Head small, and flattened above. Abdomen prominent. Tail long and
slender. Cheeks lustrous. Second ventral ray filamentous. Length
4 to 12 inches.

Description. Shape oblong fusiform ; abdomen prominent. Scales small, orbicular, with
concentric striae. Lateral line tubular, slightly curved until it reaches beneath the centre of
the middle dorsal, when it goes off straight. Head depressed, flattened above ; the facial line
sloping. Snout rounded, obtuse, prominent. A small barbel at the symphisis of the lower
jaw. Eyes small, 0- 7 apart. Nostrils double ; the anterior largest. Opercle pointed. Tongue
white, distinct and smooth. Minute sharp teeth in the jaws and vomer, and in rounded
patches on the pharyngeals. Stomach angular, with numerous caeca ; filled with remains of
small decapodal Crustacea. The air-bladder large, cylindrical, extending from the posterior
extremity of the first anal fin to the gills, where they have two vermicular appendages ; inter-
nally silvery, but deep black above.

The first dorsal fin begins over the middle of the pectorals, triangular ; the second slightly
longer than the third ; the first and third higher than the second dorsal. Pectorals rounded,
subacute. Ventrals with the second ray filamentous, and 1 " 3 long ; both the first and second
with free tips. The first anal longest, and distinctly separated from the second, which is
opposite the last dorsal. The caudal rounded.

Color. Dark olivaceous green above, with darker irregular streaks and blotches, giving a
mottled appearance. Irides yellowish. Beneath silvery white ; and in old females, this part
becomes golden yellow. Scales minutely punctate with brown ; immaculate beneath. Dor-
sals and caudal dark brown, tinged with reddish. Pectorals reddish brown. Ventrals buff-
orange. Anals light brown, tinged with red or yellow. The colors in scarcely two indivi-
duals are alike. Dr. Mitchill has noticed five varieties, but the number might be still farther
increased.

Length, 6'0.

Fin rays, D. 12.20.18; P. 17; V. 6 ; A. 20.18; C. 37.

The Tom-cod is found on our coast during the whole year ; but in the autumn after the
first frost, (hence its name of Frost-fish,) and the early part of winter, it becomes very abun-
dant. They are a savory fish, and are caught in large quantities with the greatest ease. I

FAMILY GADIDJS MORRHUA. 279

have known them to be taken out of the water along the shores of Long Island, in great num-
bers, with a common garden hoe. They ascend rivers even into fresh water. Dr. Eights
informs me that they appear at Albany in abundance, at intervals of six and eight years.

The specific name (tomcodus) proposed by my estimable and amiable friend, the late Dr.
Mitchill, has been frequently made the subject of animadversion. Although not unobjec-
tionable, it ranks with cattus, rattus, sprat tus, kangurus, terrapene, johnnius, lumpus, and
a host of others which have been adopted without comment. It gives me pleasure, however,
to be enabled to satisfy the tastes of the most fastidious, by restoring the original name of the
first describer. The name luscus of Peck, in Belknap's History of New-Hampshire (Vol. 3,
p. 130), I can only conjecture to have been intended for this species.

The range of this species appears to be from the coast of New-York northwardly.

THE HADDOCK.

MORRHUA iEGLEFINUS.

PLATE XLIII. FIG. 138. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Gadus aglefirms. Linnecs, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 435.

G. id. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 370.

Morrhua aglefinus. CcVILR, R. A.

M. id. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 124.

Characteristics. Lateral line jet black, occasionally interrupted. Caudal emarginate ; first
dorsal elevated. Length one to two feet.

Description. Body robust, large in front, tapering behind. Length of the head to the total
length as one to four. Height of the body at the pectorals, one inch less than the length of
the head. Scales small, elliptical, feebly radiate, striate. Lateral line high up, and irregu-
larly concurrent with the dorsal outline ; it is not unfrequently interrupted with occasional
branches or offsets from the ordinary course. Head large, slightly carinated on the nape ;
broad, and slightly convex between the eyes. Snout conical, prominent. Eyes large, and
placed high up near the facial outline. Nostrils double, longitudinally oval, contiguous ; the
upper slightly anterior, somewhat smaller, and with a valvular membrane. Lips thick and
fleshy. The lower jaw shortest, with a single row of short minute teeth ; the upper jaw with
a band of very short minute teeth. A single, short and very small barbel under the chin.

The first dorsal triangular, the third ray longest ; higher than long, and higher than the
other dorsal fins ; its origin over the base of the pectorals. The second dorsal longest, arising
slightly anterior to a point vertical to the vent ; the third triangular, and almost continuous
with the second. Pectorals large ; the tips extending to a point below the third ray of the
. second dorsal. The first anal longest ; the second arises under the third ray of the last dor-
sal. Caudal fin with its margin concave.

Color. Above the lateral line, blackish brown ; below silvery grey ; the line itself jet black.
One or more large, dark, vertically oblong blotches across the lateral line. Pupils black ;

280 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

irides bluish mixed with reddish. Dorsal and caudal fins bluish ; anals dusky, lighter along
their bases ; pectorals bluish, occasionally the lower half light-colored.

Length, 22 "0. Head, 5 "5.

D. 15.22.20; P. 21 ; V. 6 ; A. 25.21 ; C. 34 f.

The Haddock is nearly as common in our markets as the Cod, but is an inferior fish as an
article of food. It is, in fact, during the summer, more abundant than the cod. Dr. Storer
states, that on the coast of Massachusetts, they are more abundant than the cod, are fre-
quently sold for one or two cents apiece, and often strewed on the ground for manure.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

M. vulgaris, the Bank Cod. Abdomen white. Lower half of the lateral line white. Second dorsal
and first anal with nineteen rays.

GENUS MERLUCIUS. Cuvier.

The head flattened ; body elongated. Two dorsal fins. No barbels on the chin. TJie single
anal fin very long.

THE AMERICAN HAKE.

MERLUCIUS ALBIDtTS.

PLATE XL VI. FIG. 148.

Le Mertu. Dithamel, Pesc.hes, part 2, Cap. 7, pi. 24.

Hake. Pennant, Arctic Zoology, Vol. 3, p. 115.

Stomodon bilmearis ? Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 7.

The New-York Whiting, Gadus albidus. Mitchill, Ac. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 409.

Gadus merlucius, Hake. Id. Lit and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 371.

Merlucius vulgaris, Hake. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 132.

Characteristics. Reddish brown above. Long, acute palatine teeth. Lower jaw longest.
Length one to two feet.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical, subcompressed, and covered with a viscid mucus.
Scales loosely attached, and partially concealed by a loose membrane. On the flanks, the
scales are ovate, the concealed portion being narrowest ; near the upper angle of the opercle,
the scales have the same shape, but are much larger ; on the head, they are very small, orbi-
cular, and concentrically striate on their surface. Lateral line arising above the branchial
aperture, near the nape, very distinct, straight, nearly concurrent with the line of the back,
and composed of short interrupted tubes. Head large, broad, depressed, and in desiccated
specimens, presents strong bony sutures. In the recent fish, a few of these may be observed.
Thus, over the eye is an elevated crest, taking a sinuous course backward to the upper part

FAMILY GADLOE MERLUCIUS. 281

of the branchial aperture ; another commencing near and above the origin of the preceding,
runs obliquely towards the central part of the summit of the head, joining its opposite from
the other side, and forming with it an inverted V ; from the apex of this figure, there is
another central elevated line running backward over the nape. Eyes large and prominent,
nearer the end of the snout than to the posterior margin of the opercles, and near the facial
outline; diameter of the orbits, 0'8. Nostrils double; the posterior largest, and separated
from the anterior by a narrow slip of membrane. Mouth wide, with fleshy lips. Lower jaw
longest. Membrane of the opercle large and pointed. Seven flat branchial rays ; the mem-
brane of the left side overlapping that of the opposite. Tongue large and distinct.

Both jaws armed with ill defined series of very sharp recurved teeth, some of which are
0*2 in length, and resemble the fangs of serpents; these long fang-like teeth are distant,
the interval being filled up with smaller teeth to supply their places. In the central portion
of the upper jaw, is an interval destitute of teeth. On the palatines, on each side, there is a
series of twelve or fifteen teeth of the same shape, and nearly as prominent as those in the
jaws. The outer row of branchial arches with long pectinated processes ; the others with
series of tubercles, composed of sharp card-like teeth. The lower pharyngeals consist of
two long triangular patches of sharp recurved teeth on each side ; the two posterior are some-
what triangular, and placed side by side ; above these are two others, sublinear, and extend-
ing transversely across the jaw.

The first dorsal subquadrate, with a delicate membrane connecting the rays ; it commences
5-5 from the end of the snout, and its base two inches in extent. At an interval of 0-6,
commences the second dorsal, which extends the whole length of the back nearly to the tail ;
at the thirteenth ray, we noticed a double ray followed by two others apparently naked ; we
say apparently, but in reality they were only denuded ; the following ray was broken off, and
a similar occurrence in other specimens has probably led some ichthyologists to place this
species in another genus. I suppose the double ray and the isolated ones to have been purely
accidental. All the rays of the dorsal are simple, and often terminate in a filament ; from
the sixteenth to the twenty-second ray, the fin is low, gradually increasing to the twenty-
fourth, which, with one or two others, are 1*5 high, and thence gradually decrease to the
termination. Pectorals long and slender, extending to the interval between the first and second
dorsal, composed of simple slender rays. Ventrals broad, and placed before the pectorals.
The vent at a point beneath the interval of the first and second dorsal. Anal of forty rays,
subequal throughout the greatest portion of its extent, higher towards its termination ; but a
few of the last rays much shorter, and extending slightly beyond the termination of the dor-
sal. Caudal lunate, almost furcate, with minute ovate scales extending far up the rays.

The abdominal cavity coated with a black pigment. Liver of one large and broad lobe,
extending beyond the vent. Stomach very muscular, cylindrical, and without cascal appen-
dages. Kidneys large ; urinary bladder large, and opening externally by a distinct aperture
posterior to the vent. Air-bladder ample, largest before, where it has two sac-like processes ;
it is supported throughout its whole extent by dilated membranous processes from the ver-
tebrae.

Fauna — Part 4. 36

282 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Reddish brown, with golden yellow tints towards the shoulders. Sides of the oper-
cle silvery, with a pinkish lustre. Summit of the head dark brown ; lower part of the body
soiled white ; lateral line brownish black. Tongue, surface of the branchial arches, fauces,
and interior of the opercles, deep bluish black. Irides golden, mottled with brown. Dorsals
light brown, the rays lighter. Caudal dark brown ; remaining fins whitish, minutely punc-
tate with brown.

Length, 19*0; of head, 5'0. Breadth and depth of ditto, 2"5. Depth of body, 2'5.
Fin rays, D. 11.39; P. 16; V. 7 ; A. 40 ; C. 17 f.

This is a rare fish in the waters of New- York, and when caught, is always associated with
our common cod. It has hitherto been confounded with the M. vulgaris of Europe, from
which we suppose it to be distinct by its radial formula, its long palatine teeth, its deeply
concave caudal fin, and other particulars.

The specimen described above, was taken in November, off Sandy Hook. The fisherman
from whom I procured it, called it the Whiting, and said that it was very rare. As Mitchill's
little tract upon the New-York fishes is very scarce, I insert his description of a fish of which
I have never yet met with, unless it be the Hake above described.

" Stomodon bilinearis. The name given to a hard-featured fish bought in the New-York
" market, November 4, 1813. The length twenty-one inches. Mouth wide, and armed with
" sharp teeth ; double row in the upper jaw, single in the lower. Palate also armed with
" teeth, as is the back of the tongue and throat, all very acute. Lower jaw rather longer
" than the upper. Head bony, and covered with skin in such a manner as to indicate its
" inequalities. Eyes large. Nostrils single. Lateral line dark and double ; continued in
" nearly a straight course from a groove above the eye to the middle of the tail, divided by a
" very narrow bright stripe. Between the eyes, a remarkable depression, reaching, in a bifid
" channel, the snout. Color of the back, a mottled dark grey ; of the belly, a dirty white.
" Rays, B. 7 ; D. 12 - 39 ; V. 4 ; P. 13 ; A. 39 ; C. 24."

The Gadus albidus, subsequently described in the Journal of the Academy cited above, is
undoubtedly identical with the Hake, although some errors have crept into the author's
statement. Thus, the accidental rupture of the membrane has led him to attribute three
dorsals and two anals to this species.

The species of this genus appear to be limited in their geographic range. The European
Hake is abundant on the west coast of Ireland, while on the east coast of Scotland it is ex-
ceedingly rare. On the coast of New-York it is very rare, while farther north it is very
numerous. Smith, in his History of the Fishes of Massachusetts, states that the best are
taken off Cape Cod, and sold under the name of Stockfish. When prepared for market,
according to the same authority, they are called Poor Johns.

It is in little repute as an article of food, although well flavored when perfectly fresh, but
soon becomes soft and tasteless.

FAMILY GADIDJE. 283

GENUS LOTA. Cuvier.

Dorsal fins tiuo. A single anal fin. Body much elongated. One or more barbels on the
chin. Inhabiting fresh and salt water.

THE PLAIN BURBOT.

Lota inornata.
PLATE XLV. FIG. 145. — (CABINET OF THE ALBANY INSTITUTE.)

Characteristics. Ventrals with filamentous tips ; the first ray partly free. First and second
dorsals subequal in height. Length one to two feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering and compressed towards the tail. Scales small,
rounded, deeply imbedded in the skin, and extending over the head and opercles. Lateral
line runs nearly parallel with the dorsal outline, from which it is distant about an inch, and
covered with minute scales. Head broad, depressed. Eyes lateral, placed near the summit
of the head, two and a half diameters from the end of the snout, and six diameters from the
margin of the opercle. Nostrils double ; the first oval, the anterior, a single diameter of the
orbit distant from the eye, with a short tube terminating on its external edge in an acute tip.
Abdomen prominent, rotund. Lower jaw shorter than the upper, and furnished with a single
barbel three-quarters of an inch long. Intermaxillary with a broad belt of equal incurved
teeth ; a similar belt on the vomer, palatines and pharyngeals. Tongue broad and smooth.

The first dorsal short, rhomboidal, commencing at a point distant from the eyes equal to
the length of the anal fin ; of the same height with the second, which is long, low and sub-
equal throughout its whole extent. It commences half an inch behind the first, and in length
is nearly equal to the space between the first ray of the anal and the commissure of the jaws ;
its rays are enveloped in a thick and tough membrane, in common with those of all the other
fins. The pectorals rounded, and placed two inches and a half behind the eyes. Ventrals
acute, placed very far forward ; the second ray longest and filamentous, the first ray free
for nearly half an inch. Anal fin subequal, terminating at a point under the sixty-sixth ray
of the second dorsal, and commencing opposite the tenth ray. Anal quite rounded, and en-
tirely surrounding the obtusely pointed tail ; its rays beneath are three-quarters of an inch
from the termination of the anal, and above at a less distance from the termination of the
dorsal.

Color. Of this I am unable to state any thing, as it was preserved in spirits ; it appeared
to resemble that of the common cod, with a general reddish brown hue, pale bluish beneath.
The dorsal appeared to have been margined with dusky. No appearance of spots or stripes
whatsoever. The place of the right eye was entirely concealed by the common teguments ;
this, I presume must have been accidental.

284 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Length, 29 '0. Depth, 3'0.

Fin rays, D. 9.71 ; P. 19 ; V. 7 ; A. 63 ; C. 45.

The fresh-water species of this genus are usually called Burbot and Eel-pout, while the
name of Ling is attached to those living in the ocean. The specimen which furnished the
above description was captured in the Hudson river at Lansingburgh, and presented to the
Albany Institute by Mr. Jacob C. Lansing. I suspect its original habitat is in Lake Cham-
plain, and that it reaches the Hudson river through the canal. Mr. Z. Thompson informs me
that he has observed a Burbot in that lake, which agrees neither with the maculosa nor com-
pressa of Lesueur, and which in all probability is this species. It bears a general resem-
blance to the Gadus coinpressus of Lesueur ; but from this it differs in size, and the compa-
rative length of the dorsal and anal fins.

Nothing is known of its habits. The allied European species is said to resemble the eel
in its habits, concealing itself under stones, and feeding chiefly at night. In Switzerland, it
is much esteemed as an article of food.

THE SPOTTED BURBOT.

Lota maculosa.

PLATE LII. FIG. 168.

Gadus lota. Scbcepff, loc. cit. Vol. 8, p. Ill ; Penn. Aret. Zool. Introduction, p. 191.

Gadus lacuslris. Codfish of the Lakes. Mitchill, Am. Monthly Magazine, Vol. 2, p. 244

G. maculosus, Lesueur, Ac. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 83.

Le Molve tachete. Id. Mem. Mus. Vol. 5, p. 159, pi. 16.

The Methy, Gadus (Lota) maculosus. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 248.

Eel-pout, L. maculosa. Kirtland, Report on the Zoology of Ohio, p. 190.

Characteristics. Large, dark brown, with lighter spots. Anterior nostrils with a membranous
filament. Length two feet.

Description. Body oblong, compressed, anguilliform. Head broad, depressed ; jaws nearly
equal. Scales minute, rounded and deeply imbedded ; under the lens, concentrically striate.
Lateral line in a furrow ; arched slightly at its anterior part, thence going off straight. Eyes
small, oval. Teeth in the jaws, small and recurved, distributed in bands ; similar but smaller
teeth on the vomer and anterior part of the palatines, also on the pharyngeals. Branchial
rays seven. The first dorsal small, subtriangular ; the first ray short. The second com-
mences 0- 3 behind the first ; long, low, and coterminal with the anal. Pectorals long, pointed ;
its tips reaching nearly to the base of the first dorsal. Ventrals anterior to the pectorals, long,
narrow, and ending in a long thin point. Anal long, subequal. Caudal rounded ; its rays above
nearly touching the second dorsal, and not quite so near the base of the anal.

Color. Deep chesnut brown, marbled with lighter spots ; beneath lighter. Pupils black ;
irides while and golden. Ventrals white.

FAMILY GADIDjE. LOTA. 285

Length, 18 "0.

Fin rays, D. 10 or 12, 70 or 74 ; P. 16 ; V. 6 ; A. 70 ; C. 45 to 50,

This fish was first described by Lesueur, from Lake Erie. It is very voracious, feeding
on crayfish and the smaller fish. It is a poor article of food ; even the dogs in the arctic
regions refusing to touch it. The liver and roe are, however, considered great delicacies.
It is known under the various local names of La Loche, Methy, Dog-fish and Eel-pout. Ac-
cording to Richardson, it is common in every river and lake from the great lakes to the frozen
ocean. It occurs in several of the small lakes in the western district of this State.

THE COMPRESSED BURBOT.

Lota compressa.
PLATE LXXV1II. FIGS. 244 and 245.

Gadus compressus. Lesueur, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 84.
Lota compressa, The Eel-pout. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 134.

Characteristics. Body much compressed. Yellowish brown varied with darker spots ; a row
of dusky spots along the base of the second dorsal. Dorsal, anal and
caudal connected. Length six to eight inches.

Description. Body much compressed, commencing at the tip of the pectorals, and becom-
ing more so until the caudal fin appears like a membranous continuation of the body. Surface
covered with minute scales, resembling cup-shaped depressions. Lateral line obvious, straight.
Head compressed. Nostrils double. A minute barbel on the hinder margin of the anterior
nostril. A single barbel, 0'25 in length, attached to the chin. Upper jaw longest; both
armed with acute and minute teeth. The first dorsal placed the length of the head behind it ;
the second, arising 0-25 behind it, is continued to the tail. Pectorals 0'75 long. Ventrals
small and pointed. Anal equal in length to the second dorsal. Caudal rounded.

Color. Yellowish brown varied with darker brown spots. Gill-covers and snout blackish
brown. Abdomen whitish. The first dorsal lighter than the body, and varied with black. A
row of dark colored spots along the base of the second dorsal, and its edges margined with
black. The anal and caudal are marked in a similar manner.

Length, 6-0-8-0.

The only two specimens described, are from the Connecticut river and its tributaries. I
know it only through the descriptions of Lesueur and Storer. Cuvier, in 1838, had desig-
nated a group of the Gadidas under the name of Molva (afterwards suppressed), and it was
probably this circumstance which induced Lesueur to mark his plate Molva huntia. Brotula
has the dorsal, anal and caudal continuous, but the tail is pointed. Its history and description
is yet incomplete.

286 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS MERLANGUS. Cuvier.

Three dorsals and two anals. No barbels to the chin.

THE NEW-YORK POLLACK.

MEKLANGUS PURPUIiEUS.

PLATE XLV. FIG. 147.

The Nae-York Pollack, Gadus purpureus. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 370.
Merlangus purpureus. The Pollack. Stoker, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 130.

Characteristics. Caudal fin deeply concave. The third dorsal fin of twenty rays. Lateral
line black. Length eighteen inches to three feet.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical, subcompressed. Scales small, with concentric and
radiating stria?, and extending over the head and opercles ; the exposed surface very small on
the head, and resembling shagreen. Lateral line curved, but not concurrent with the dorsal
outline. Eyes large ; nearer the end of the snout than to the posterior edge of the opercle.
Nostrils double, oval, contiguous, nearly vertical ; the posterior largest. Mouth moderate ;
the lower jaw longest. A series of small acute teeth in each jaw. No free interval in the
centre of the upper jaw. Asperities on the vomer ; very minute teeth on the pharyngeals.
The anterior branchial arch pectinated ; the others tubercular.

The first dorsal subtriangular, longer than high, equidistant between the tip of the snout
and the nineteenth ray of the second dorsal ; its base covered with minute scales ; the first
four rays simple, the first very short, the others successively longer ; the fifth and sixth
longest, subequal ; the remainder suddenly shorter. The second dorsal long and triangular,
arising 0*4 behind the first ; its first three rays simple, the first ray 0'7 long, the fourth and
fifth longest, thence gradually diminishing to its termination a little anterior to the end of the
first anal. At an interval of 0-6 comes the long third dorsal, terminating above the end of
the second anal. The pectorals broad, extending to the tenth ray of the first dorsal. Ventrals
feeble, before the pectorals ; the first ray longest, and, with the second, filiform at the tips.
The first anal fin long and low, commencing at a point equidistant between the point of the
jaw and the end of the second anal ; its first two rays short and simple ; the seventh and
eighth longest, subequal. The second anal subquadrate, with its first two rays short and
simple. Caudal dilated by numerous accessory rays.

Liver with two long triquetrous lobes, enlarged in front, and almost embracing the gall-
bladder. Intestines with six convolutions. Stomach an angular sac, with numerous minute
caeca ; it is corrugated internally, and filled with a yellow glairy fluid. Air-bladder eight
inches long, cylindrical, and extending from near the pharynx to a point behind the end of the
second dorsal, where it is supported by bony rings or processes of the vertebras. Anteriorly

FAMILY GADIDM MERLANGUS. 287

it ends abruptly in a small pit or depression, but I was unable to detect in this place any con-
nexion outwardly. A small flat reddish gland on its interior surface.

Color. Dark olive-green above, paler on the sides ; summit of the head olive brown. Irides
silvery. Interior of the mouth dark colored. Tongue silvery in the middle, blackish on the
sides ; the roof of the mouth silvery and flesh-colored. Gill-covers silver)'. Abdomen white.

Length, 18-0. Depth, 4'0.

Fin rays, D. 13.21.21; P. 20; V. 6 ; A. 25.20: C. 24 f.

This fish occurs in our markets occasionally during the winter. It is taken with the com-
mon cod, but it is by no means common on the coast of New-York. On the coast of Massa-
chusetts, north of Cape Cod, in the spring and autumn, they are very numerous. I have
seen a specimen weighing seventeen pounds, three feet two inches long ; but the individual
described above is of the average size.

THE COAL FISH.

MERLANGOS CARBONARIUS.

PLATE XXV. FIG. 144. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Gadus carbonarius. LlNNEDS, Syst. Nat. 12 Ed. p. 438.

Merlangus id. Cuvier, Regne Animal.

Gadus [Merlangus) carbonarius. Richardson, F. B.Am. Vol.3, p. 247.

Merlangus carbonarius, The Coal-fish. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 129.

Characteristics. Dark brown or deep black. The third dorsal of nineteen or twenty rays.
Lower jaw slightly longest. Length one to three feet.

Description. Body fusiform, cylindrical, approaching the mackerel in shape; covered with a
thick mucous coating, which at first conceals the scales. These are small, oblong, and of the
shape represented in the plate ; the exposed surface very small, and concentrically striate.
The scales extend over the opercles, the head beyond the nostrils, the anterior part of all the
dorsal fins, and high up on the caudal fin ; on the summit of the head, they are very minute,
oblong, and resemble those on some species of serpents. The lateral line straight, and
descending obliquely through the tail ; the fleshy portion of the tail elongated. Head tapering
to the snout, flattened above. Eyes large, prominent, near the facial outline, and rather
nearer the snout than to the posterior margin of the opercles. Nostrils double, contiguous ;
the anterior valvular. A series of mucous pores around the jaws. Lower jaw, when closed,
0*2 longer than the upper. A band of card-like teeth on each side of the upper jaw, sepa-
rated by an interval, and with smaller ones on the vomer. A similar but continuous band on
the lower jaw, interspersed with larger acute distant teeth.

The first dorsal fin triangular, slightly higher than long, commences an inch before a point
vertical to the vent, and terminates over the first rays of the anterior anal fin. Second dorsal
ends just behind the termination of the first anal ; the third begins before the origin of the

288 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

second anal, and is coterminal with it ; its first and second rays are short, the third and fourth
rays longest, the remainder gradually shorter. Pectorals fan-shaped, and reaching to a line
with the vent. Ventrals small, distant. The first anal fin long, and high anteriorly ; the
fourth and fifth rays longest, thence gradually diminishing in size. The second anal, in shape
and size, resembles the third dorsal. Caudal forked, with numerous accessory rays.

Color. Dark blackish green above ; abdomen and base of anal fins whitish, minutely punc-
tate with brown. Chin and sides of the opercles bronzed. Lateral line silvery white. Pupils
bluish black; irides silvery, mottled with brown. Tongue silvery, margined with dusky. All
the fins, except the ventrals, dark brownish black ; the pectorals being somewhat lighter.
Ventrals white.

Length, 13-0. Depth, 3-0. Length of the head, 3-0.
Fin rays, D. 13.19.19; P. 18; V. 6 ; A. 24.19; C. 22 }.

The Coal-fish is often taken off the harbor of New-York, in company with the Cod and the
preceding species. I have received the names for it of Pollack and Black Pollack, from our
fishermen. It is not a common species, and is usually confounded with the preceding. In
the pollack, the vent is under the middle of the first dorsal ; in this species, it is under the
posterior third of the same fin.

This is one of the comparatively few oceanic fishes which range on both shores of the
Atlantic. It is a northern fish ; and on this side of the Atlantic, the coast of New-York must
be assigned as the extreme southern limits of its geographic range.

THE GREEN POLLACK.

MERL4NGUS leptocephalus.
PLATE XLV. FIG. 146. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Deep green above the lateral line. Lower jaw shortest. Length twelve to
eighteen inches.

Description. Head small ; facial line sloping from the dorsal fin, and slightly arched. Body
compressed, subcylindric. Scales not adherent, small, oblong on the head, orbicular on the
body. Lateral line tubular, curved, nearly concurrent with the dorsal outline. Eyes large.
Nostrils double, tubular, nearly equidistant between the eyes and the end of the snout. The
upper jaw receives the under jaw within it, although, when extended, the latter appears some-
what the longest. Card-like teeth on both jaws and on the palatines, and recurved teeth on
the upper and lower pharyngeals.

The first dorsal fin pointed, subtriangular, commencing vertical to a point equidistant between
the vent and the tip of the ventrals, and terminating above the origin of the first anal ; second
dorsal as high as the preceding, and slopes backward nearly to the level of the back ; the third
dorsal begins and ends on the same line with the second anal, with which it agrees in size and

FAMILY GADWJE BROSMrUS. 289

shape. Pectorals pointed, reaching nearly to the end of the first dorsal. Ventrals small and
feeble, placed anterior to the margin of the opercles. The first anal stout at its origin, and
ending just before the termination of the middle dorsal. Caudal forked.

Color. Deep green above the lateral line ; silvery white beneath, and minutely punctate
with black. Pectorals and all the vertical fins deep greenish black, and minutely punctate.
Ventrals white. Pupils black ; irides silvery.

Length, 12-0 ; of the head, 3'0. Extreme depth of body, 3-0.
Fin rays, D. 12.19.19; P. 18; V. 6 ; A. 27.20; C. 22 f.

This is not often captured, although I have reason to believe that it is not uncommon on the
coast. It is called Young Haddock by our fishermen, under the belief that it is the young of
the M. ceglefinus ; but from this it is generically distinct. In color, configuration of its scales,
the extension of its pectorals, and radial formula, it differs from carbonarius, with which it is
otherwise closely allied. It resembles very much the Green Cod of Europe, M. virens ; but
that species is represented to be of a light glossy green color, with even jaws, and its sides
irregularly marked with a number of small dark blue spots.

The specimen which supplied me with the above description, was taken by hook in Long
island, out of a large schole. They flipped in the same manner with the menhaden or bony-
fish, and were at first supposed to be that species. They seemed to be very timid ; for upon
a very slight noise in the boat, they all disappeared.

GENUS BROSMIUS. Cuvier.

A single long dorsal fin extending the whole length of the back. Anal long. One barbel at
the chin. Ventrals fleshy.

THE CUSK.

Brosmies vulgaris"?

PLATE XLIV. FIG. 143.

Brosmerus flavescens ? Le Brosme jaune. Lesueuk, Memoirs (lu Museum, Vol. 5, p. 158, pi. 1G.
Gadia (Brosmius) flavescens? Yellow Tusk. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 257.
Brosmius vulgaris, The Cusk. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 136.

Characteristics. Dark slate above, passing into yellowish on the sides. Dorsal, caudal and
anal bordered with black and white. Length two to three feet.

Description. Nose broad, and somewhat flattened. Scales small, rounded, covering every
part except the maxillary bones and the end of the jaws. Lateral line in a straight line to the
commencement of the anal, when it curves down and goes off straight. Mouth large. Upper
jaw slightly longest ; both filled with numerous sharp recurved teeth. Teeth also on the
palate and pharyngeals. Anal coterminal with the dorsal. A single barbel under the chin.

Fauna — Part 4. 37

290 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Uniform dark slate. (In large individuals, body brown above, with yellowish sides ;
abdomen white, and yellow ventrals.) The dorsal, anal and caudal dusky, margined with
blue and edged with white.

*&*■

Length, 25 "0.

Fin rays, D. 96 ; P. 23 ; V. 5 ; A. 73 ; C. 35.

There are apparently two American species described under the name of Cusk, and both,
we apprehend, confounded with the vulgaris of Europe. We have seen neither, and can
therefore only judge by the descriptions of preceding writers. The European Tusk has a
broad furrow from the nape to the dorsal fin. According to Bonnaterre, it is deep brown above,
with some transverse spots on the -sides. It has forty-nine dorsal and thirty-seven anal rays.
The Cusk of Storer is uniform dark slate, and has ninety-six dorsal and seventy-three anal
rays. He mentions a specimen weighing twenty pounds, which was brown above, with yel-
lowish sides and white abdomen. Dr. Smith mentions a Cusk of Massachusetts, which
is greyish, mottled with brown spots in warm seasons, but nearly black in winter, and
with a broad and spotted lateral line. The meagre indications of Lesueur are as follows :
" Color yellow, with the dorsal, pectoral ? and anal edged with black and white ; lateral line
" arched above the pectorals ; eye large and oblique ; the lower jaw with two barbels." No
mention is made of the dorsal or anal rays. We look confidently to Dr. Storer to eliminate
these different species. The figure referred to above is from the European species, and is
only introduced to illustrate the typical form of the genus.

FAMILY GADIDiE. 291

GENUS PHYCIS. Artedi, Cuvier.

Two dorsal fins ; the first short, the second long. A single barbel at the chin. Ventrah
with a single ray, sometimes divided at their tips.

THE AMERICAN CODLING.

PlIYCIS 1MERICANUS.

PLATE XI.VI. FIG. 150. — (STATE COLLECTION )

Bknnius , Chuss at New-York. Schcepff, Beobachtungen u. s. w. Vol. 8, p. 143.

JSnchelyopus americanus. ^CHNEinER, Bloch.

Merlu barbu. Duhamel, Traite des Pesches, p. 148, pi. 25, fig. 4.

Gndus longipes, Codling. Mitchii.l, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soo. Vol. 1, p. 372.

Phycis furcatus. Storer, Boston Jour. Vol. 1.

Pftyas americanus, American Hake. Storer, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 138.

Characteristics. Reddish brown. The third ray of the first dorsal more than twice the height
of that fin. Ventrals extending to the vent, or a little beyond it. Length
one to three feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, tapering from the region of the pectorals; sides subcom-
pressed. Scales small, orbicular. Lateral line distinct, arising from above and anterior to
the margin of the opercles ; concurrent with and near the back, until it reaches above the
vent, when it rather suddenly curves down, but still keeping near the back, and going off
straight through the tail. Head pointed, flattened above ; its outline sloping, nearly straight.
Snout prominent. Upper jaw projecting beyond the lower, and both armed with several series
of minute incurved teeth, with a free interval in front of the upper jaw. Patches of similar
teeth on the anterior part of the vomer. Tongue large, distinct and fleshy. Barbel on the
chin very small. Eyes large and prominent. The stomach with numerous csecal appendages
Abdominal cavity lined with a black pigment, in which the air-bladder, with its curiouslv
fimbriated processes, is beautifully displayed.

The first dorsal fin- triangular, originating a short distance behind the base of the pectorals.
The third filamentous ray, from its extreme delicacy, is often destroyed ; but when perfect,
is as long as the dimensions given in the specific phrase. The second dorsal commences
immediately behind the first ; its subequal rays are enveloped in a very stout membrane ; a
few of its posterior rays become rapidly shorter. Pectorals long and rounded. Ventrals
originate midway between the line of the base of the pectorals and the angle of the jaws. It
is usually stated to consist of but one ray on each side. I am disposed to consider them as
double, but enveloped in a common membrane for more than half the length of the shortest
filament. When perfect, they extend to, and even a little beyond the vent. The anal fm
commences opposite to the twelfth or thirteenth ray of the second dorsal, and terminates a
little anterior to the end of that fin ; its rays are subequal, gradually diminishing in length
towards the tail. Caudal rather long, and fan-shaped.

292 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color. Reddish brown, with slight metallic reflections on the cheeks, and a dark patch
beneath the orbits. Abdomen lighter, mixed with grey, and a faint pinkish or orange hue along
the base of the anal. Irides silvery, tinged with yellow. Anal bluish white, darkly margined
along its tip with brownish. This has suggested to a writer of no authority, the name of
marginatus. Dorsals dark brown. A faint crescent-shaped mark on the caudal fin.

Length, 12" 0.

Fin rays, D. 10.52; P. 17; V. 2 ; A. 50; C. 18 f.

This species appears to feed chiefly on the smaller Crustacea, as in several which I opened,
the stomachs were filled with nothing else. It is very abundant at some seasons. Our markets
are usually supplied with them from the coast east of Cape Cod, but they also occur in our
waters. It is most abundant in the early part of the autumn, and varies in weight from three
to thirty pounds. It is called indiscriminately Hake and Codling by our fishermen ; but as
the name of Hake is already applied to another genus (Merlucius), it seems preferable, in
order to avoid confusion, to make use of the other name. I found them equally palatable
with the common cod.

The geographic range of this species appears to be from the coast of New-York north-
wardly.

THE SPOTTED CODLING.

Phycis pdnctatus.

PLATE XLVI. FIG. 149.

The Spotted Cod, Gadus punctatus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 372, pi. 1, fig. 5.
The Spotted Phycis, G. (Phycis) punctatus. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 253, figure.

Characteristics. Lateral line alternately black and white. A black spot on the first dorsal.
Caudal emarginate. Length ten inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, subfusiform. Head small. Scales soft, and very deciduous.
Lateral line nearly straight, black ; with alternate white dashes a quarter of an inch long,
occurring at spaces half an inch apart. Barbel under the chin, small. The jaws, palate and
throat armed with minute sharp teeth ; lower jaw shortest. Ventral fins bifid, and its longest
ray two inches in length.

Color. Back and sides pale brown or whitish, with lines between the scales ; neck and
belly dull white, with suffusions of cream color. The first dorsal marked above with a black
spot, surmounted by the white tips of the rays. In some individuals, an imperfect whitish
straight fillet under the lateral line. Anal fin brownish, edged with blackish.

Length, 10-0. Depth, 3-0.

Fin rays, D. 9 or 10.47; P. 13, V. 1; A. 47; C. 23.

FAMILY PLANIDiE. 293

This is an exceedingly rare but distinct species. It occurs from the coast of New-York to
the gulf of St. Lawrence.

The Gadus tenuis of Mitchill (Tr. Lit. and Phil. Soc. p. 372), is a Phycis. and if the
radial formula be correct, anew species. It is fifteen inches long; brownish back and sides.
D. 11.54; P. 16; V. 2; A. 44 ; C. 25.

FAMILY PLANID&.

Body flat, compressed vertically. Upper surface dusky, and of various colors ; beneath
white. Dorsal single, extending the whole length of the back. Both eyes placed on the
same side of the head. $0 air-bladder. Branchial rays six.

Obs. This family, which comprises about one hundred and thirty species, is well charac-
terized. In the want of symmetry in the head, it stands alone among the vertebrated ani-
mals ; the eyes being both on the same side of the head, one usually above the other, and often
unequal in size. This want of symmetry extends to the mouth, and often to the pectoral fins.
In the exceptions, the eyes are placed on a different side from their usual situations, and are
then termed reversed individuals ; more rarely it happens that both sides are colored, when
they are said to be doubled* The terms right and left, or dextral and sinistral, have been
variously applied ; and some confusion has also arisen from the fact, that in transferring the
drawings of these fishes to copper, the true position of the sides has been reversed, and the
figure and description at variance. The rule proposed by Bloch, is to place the fish on its
edge, with the tail to the observer, and the dorsal fin uppermost ; the fish is then said to be
dextral or sinistral, according as the colored side is on the right or left hand.

We have on our coast examples of the following generic groups : Platessa, Hippoglossus .

* Thus the P. melanognster, Mitchill, is a doubled variety of P. dentaius.

294 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS HIPPOGLOSSUS. Cuvier.

Body elongated. Eyes and color on the right side. Jaws and pharynx armed with strong
and sharp teeth.

THE HALIBUT.

HlPPOGLOSSUS VULGARIS.

PLATE XLIX. FIG. 157.

Pkvronectes hippoglossits. LlNNEUS, p. 450.
H. id., Halibut. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 386.
Hippoglossus vulgaris. CuviER.
The Halibut. Storek, Massachusetts Report, p. 145.

Characteristics. Very large. Uniform dark ashen grey on the upper side ; white beneath.
Caudal fin concave. Length one to eight feet.

Description. Body elongated ; breadth to the length as one to two and a half nearly ;
smooth, covered with minute oval scales. The lateral line arched over the pectorals. Length
of the head to the total length as one to four. Eyes moderate, dextral. Nostrils double,
slightly in advance of the eyes ; the anterior tubular. Gape of the mouth large. Lower jaw
longer than the upper, and both with large fleshy lips. Teeth in a double row in both jaws,
robust, distant, acute ; the posterior range somewhat larger. Branchial rays seven.

The dorsal fin commences above the eye, and ends near the caudal ; its middle rays longest.
Pectorals oblong, arising below the medial line of the body. Ventrals beneath the base of the
pectorals ; very small, with its third ray longest. The first rays of the anal fin shortest, gra-
dually increasing in length to the seventh or eighth ray ; thence gradually diminishing and
coterminal with the dorsal. Vent with a separate urinary passage behind. Caudal fin cres-
cent-shaped.

Color. Head, body and fins of the right side an ashen grey, more or less darker ; the left
side white, immaculate. Pupils black ; irides golden.

Length of head and body, 24 -0. Breadth of body, 9 '5.
Fin rays, D. 100 ; P. 16 ; V. 6 ; A. 74 ; C. 17 f .

The individual described above is small. They are usually of a more considerable size. I
have seen them of the weight of two hundred pounds, and Dr. Storer informs us of one which
reached the enormous weight of six hundred pounds. It is a savory fish, particularly the
smaller individuals, and occasionally appears in unusually large numbers on the coast. Its
capture on the shoals of Nantucket at one time afforded employment to eighty vessels of from
sixty to eighty tons each. They are very voracious ; swimming near the ground, and devour-
ing other Planidee, as well as shells and Crustacea. It occurs on both shores of the Atlantic,
inhabiting the northern seas, and migrating south on the approach of spring, as far as the

FAMILY PLANID.E PLATESSA. 295

coast of New-York, and returning in June or July. Others suppose that lie retires to deeper
waters in the winter, without changing his latitude. He is found as far north as the coast of
Greenland. Specimens sometimes occur with the eyes and colored surface on the left side.

GENUS PLATESSA. Cuvier.

Body rhomboidal. Eyes and color usually on the right side. A row of cutting obtuse teeth
in the jaws, and frequently paved teeth on the pharyngeals. The. dorsal advances over
the upper eye, and leaves a naked interval between it and the caudal. Form rhomboidal.
A few small caca.

* EYES AND COLORED SURFACE ON THE RIGHT.

THE NEW- YORK FLAT-FISH.

Platessa plana.

PLATE XLV1II. FIG. 154. — PLATE XLIX. FIG. 15S. Reversed and DOUBLED.

The New-York Flat-fish, Pleuroncetes planus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Sot-. Vol. 1, p. 387.
The Flounder of Massachusetts, Platessa plana. Storer, Massachusetts Report.

Characteristics. Elliptical. Greenish with darker spots. A concealed anal spine. Length
six to eighteen inches.

Description. Form elliptical. Length of the head to the total length as one to five and a
half. Scales small, orbicular, beautifully ciliate under the lens, and of nearly equal dimen-
sions throughout the head and body. Just before the anal fin, is a sharp horizontal spine.
The lateral line very distinct, and rising very gradually towards the head, curves above the
pectorals. Under jaw rather longest. Mouth small. A single row of minute acute teeth in
the jaws ; the half of the jaw next to the colored portion, without teeth. Teeth on the pala-
tines.

The dorsal fin commences above the upper eye, and gradually increases in the height of
its rays to the posterior third, when it as gradually diminishes to the end. Pectorals small,
fan-shaped, and of nine rays. Ventrals beneath the pectorals, with the rays projecting be-
yond the membrane. Anal fin arises a short distance behind the ventrals, equal in height to
the dorsal, and coterminal with it. Caudal broad and rounded.

Color. This is extremely variable in this species. The more usual appearance is pale
greenish, with numerous darker or brownish small irregular clouds or patches over the body
and fins, as is represented in the plate. Pupils black ; irides golden or greenish. Pearly
white beneath. Dorsal, caudal and anal faint yellowish brown. Branchial membrane bright
olive. They are occasionally slate-colored and rusty brown.

Length, 8-0. Depth, 3 "5.

Fm rays, D. 67; P. 10 ; V. 6 ; A. 46 ; C. 17 §.

296 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

This is the most common species in our waters, and is often called the Winter Flounder.
It is subject to great varieties in color. Dr. Mitchill mentions having seen a specimen with
the upper surface entirely white, and another with a yellow margin on the lower side. In
April, I obtained an individual of this species, which presented the remarkable peculiarity of
being not only reversed but doubled (see pi. 49, fig. 158). Its color on both sides was uni-
form bronze, with a white patch on its right side near the chin, almost entirely denuded of
scales ; it had the singular protuberance over the eye, noticed by Dr. Mitchill in his melano-
gaster.

It is a highly prized fish. It occurs on the coast of Massachusetts, but I am unacquainted
with any other particulars respecting its geographical distribution.

THE PIGMY FLAT-FISH.

Platessa Pusilla.

plate xlvii. fig. 153. — (state collection.)

Characteristics. Small. Uniform olive brown. No anal spine. Length five to eight inches.

Description. Form rather more elongated than the preceding ; depth of body alone to its
length as 2-0 to 4'6. Scales moderate, elongate ; the exposed surface small, with its mar-
gin rounded and ciliate ; the covered surface striate. The scales cover the body and entire
head, except the lower part of the cheeks, and extend high up on the caudal fin. Lateral
line prominent, not concurrent with the dorsal outline, slightly curved above the pectorals, and
then proceeding in a slight furrow straight through the tail. Orbits oblong, contiguous ; with
the interval between them scaly, not elevated. Nostrils united, with a single valvular opening
before the eyes. Mouth protractile ; lips fleshy ; lower jaw longest, and both with series of
minute conic teeth. A small patch of scarcely visible teeth on the vomer and pharyngeals.

The dorsal fin somewhat higher than the anal, commencing above the eye, and ending a
short distance anterior to the termination of the anal ; somewhat higher on its posterior third.
Pectorals pointed, their base distant 1 ' 1 from the end of the snout. Ventrals 0 " 4 long, of
six rays, and anterior to the pectorals. The anal fin commences opposite to the seventeenth
dorsal ray. Caudal rounded.

Color. Above nearly uniform olive brown, with indistinct darker blotches toward the dorsal
and anal fins ; beneath bluish white. Fins tinged with rufous. Pupils black, surrounded by
a golden ring.

Length, 5*0. Depth of the body, 1*8.

Fin rays, D. 67 - 69 ; P. 11 ; V. 6 ; A. 50; C. 15 f.

This small flat-fish is taken in the shallow bays about New-York, in September. It is little
valued as an article of food, as is known in the markets under the name of Sand Flounder.
It is closely allied to the preceding, and especially to the brown variety.

FAMILY PLANID.E PLATESSA. 297

THE RUSTY FLAT-FISH.

Platessa ferruginea.
plate xmi. fig. 155. — (state collection.)

The Rusty Dab, Platessa ferruginea. Stoker, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 141.

Characteristics. Willi numerous minute rusty spots over the body. Dextral. A series of
four white distant rounded spots along the dorsal and abdominal outline.
Length twelve to twenty inches.

Description. Elliptical ; roughened by orbicular scales, which likewise cover the opercular
plates. The scales are rounded about the middle of the body, smaller towards the abdomen
and tail, and extend to the tips of the caudal rays ; they extend far on and even beyond the
eyes, and are furnished with from four to six denticles on their posterior edges ; beneath they
are rounded, becoming pointed towards the tail, and destitute of denticulations. The lateral
line curves shortly over the pectoral fin, and then proceeds in a straight line through the middle
of the tail. The snout produced ; a strong bony ridge separates the narrow space between
the orbits, curves upward and backward, and appears to form a continuation with the lateral
line. Eyes large, approximated and prominent. A row of small blunt teeth in each jaw,
almost obsolete on the colored side ; on the upper pharyngeals, they are arranged in three
transverse rows on a disk on each side, each series consisting of from eight to twelve small
incurved teeth on each side. Branchial aperture large, and the membrane dilated with six rays.

The dorsal fin arises above the anterior portion of the orbit, and runs backward to within a
short distance of the accessory caudal rays ; the rays of this fin extend beyond the mem-
brane, and its tips are white ; they are longest between the thirty-fifth and fiftieth rays. The
pectorals nearly equidistant between the back and thorax, rounded ; the first three simple, the
remainder branched ; on the uncolored side, they are all simple. Ventrals extending to the
origin of the anal. The anal has a horizontal spine before it ; its rays gradually increase in
size to the twenty-fifth, when they as gradually diminish to the last, which is opposite to the
termination of the dorsal. Caudal rounded, with rays nearly three inches long; all, with the
exception of the first on each side, branched. The membrane of all the fins exceedingly
delicate and diaphanous ; the opercular membrane almost transparent. Ovary, in the speci-
men before me, long and triangular, almost filling up the abdominal cavity, and extending to
within three inches of the base of the caudal rays. No air-bladder nor casca.

Color. Head and body greenish, with numerous irregular, crowded, chocolate or rust-colored
spots, giving a rusty hue to the animal. These spots appear to be confined to the body alone,
not extending over the fins. A series of four or five distant obscure rounded spots along the
dorsal, and a similar series along the abdominal outline. When held up to the light, these
spots are deep black, and the whole body pellucid. Beneath white, except the lower margins

Fauna — Part 4. 38

298 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

of the dorsal and anal fins, the posterior margins of the body and tail, and the whole caudal
fins, which are all deep yellow.

Length, 18-0. Breadth, 8 -5.

Fin rays, D. 81 ; P. 10 ; V. 6 ; A. 59 ; C. 14 f.

This is a rare species, and notwithstanding the discrepancies in the radial formula, I believe
it to be identical with the ferruginea of Dr. Storer. The fishermen say that it is only found
in deep water. It has hitherto been observed only on the coasts of New-York and Massa-
chusetts.

THE TOOTHED FLAT-FISH.

Platessa dentata.

The Flounder of New-York, Plcuronecles dentalus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. I, p. 390.
Platessa dentata, The Flounder of New-York. Storer, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 143.

Characteristics. Reddish brown. Mouth large ; lower jaw with a blunt spine at the chin.
Length twenty to twenty-five inches.

Description. Figure elliptical. Length of the head to the body, exclusive of the caudal
fin, as one to four. Mouth very large. Upper jaw slightly projecting over the lower, and both
furnished with a single row of prominent sharp teeth separated from each other, so that when
the mouth is closed, the teeth of one jaw shut into the spaces between those of the opposite
jaw. The lower jaw has a blunt spine at the chin. Lips small. Eyes separated by a bony
ridge, covered with scales similar to those over the whole head. The lateral line makes a
curve over the pectorals, so slight as to be scarcely observable. The dorsal fin commences
over the eyes. The anal behind the middle of the pectorals.

Color. On the right side reddish brown or pale brown, without lines or spots. Pupils black ;
irides golden. The edges of the anal and dorsal fins bordered with white.

Length, 20 '0.

Fin rays, D. 91; P. 11 ; V. 6; A. 70 ; C. 18.

This species is extremely common in our markets, and is called the Summer Flounder. It
is a well flavored fish.

FAMILY PLANIDiE — PLATESSA. 299

THE OBLONG FLOUNDER.

Platessa oblonga.
plate xlvhi. fig. 156.

The Spotted Flounder, P. oblongus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. I, p. 391.

Characteristics. Oblong. Smooth. Nearly uniform brown ; occasionally with spots. Caudal
fin angulated. Length fifteen to twenty inches.

Description. Oblong. Length of the head to the total length as one to four and a half.
Scales small, orbicular, and deeply imbedded ; they extend far up on the caudal fin. Late-
ral line straight from the tail, until it reaches near the tip of the pectoral, when it suddenly
rises, curving convexly above it, and then proceeds with a gently concave curve to the upper
angle of the branchial aperture. Nostrils double ; the posterior and superior placed imme-
diately in front of the dorsal fin. Lower jaw prominent ; its symphisis deep and truncate.
Eight to ten sharp stout teeth on each side of the lower jaw ; six to eight similar teeth on each
side of the upper jaw, and the remaining posterior portion of the jaw filled up with numerous
minute teeth. Tongue smooth. Stout hooked teeth on the pharyngeals. The branchial
membrane united in the centre, and strengthened by two bones forming the letter V.

All the rays of the pectoral and caudal fins branched ; those of the remaining fins simple.
The dorsal fin commences anterior to the upper eye, and its anterior rays are doubled over and
free. This would assimilate it to the Rhombus, but the dorsal and anal do not approach un-
usually near the caudal fin. The same feature is noticeable in the anal fin, the anterior rays
of which arise almost immediately behind the ventrals, with the vent on the uncolored side.
Caudal fin with its central and external rays longest, producing an angular margin ; its rays
remarkably stout and ramose.

Color. Dark olive-green, with somewhat lighter spots on the head and body ; these spots
are occasionally distinct, but oftener with no vestige of them. Dorsal, anal and caudal
dusky, tinged with sanguineous. The pectoral and ventral of the under side reddish ; above
dark olive with dusky bars. Branchial membrane bright olive above. The lower parts white,
with a faint blush of pink. Interior of the mouth rosaceous. Pupils black ; irides yellow.

Length, 19-0. Depth, 8"0.

Fin rays, D. 88 ; P. 12 ; V. 6 ; A. 66 ; C. 17.

This species is occasionally larger, but its average size is usually smaller than these dimen-
sions. Although the radial formula does not precisely coincide with the fish of Mitchill, which
I have cited as a synonime, yet from the extreme difficulty of being accurate in the enumera-
tion of the rays, I can scarcely doubt its identity with his species. For the purpose of intro-
ducing uniformity into our English nomenclature, I have called the dextral species Flat-fish,
and shall restrict the name of Flounder to the sinistral species of this division.

300 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

The Oblong Flounder is common along our sandy shores, and is procured abundantly in the
months of September and October. It is excellent eating, and usually sells at from six to
eight cents per pound. Like its congeners, it is very tenacious of life, and can be preserved
in good condition for a long period.

THE LONG-TOOTHED FLOUNDER.

Platessa ocellaris.
PLATE XLVII. FIG. 152. —(STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Dorsal fin with more than ninety rays. Chin prominent. Teeth long.
Upper surface with ocellated and other spots. Tail rounded. Length
twelve to eighteen inches.

Description. Body oblong. Length of the head to the total length as one to five. Depth
of the body alone to its length as one to two. Scales adherent, rounded ; their concealed
surfaces with radiating striae, and extending over the opercles. The lateral line with a short
and rapid curve over the pectorals, and thence straight. Eyes moderate, and separated by a
bony ridge ; the inferior smallest. Nostrils double, between and somewhat in advance of the
eyes, distant ; the anterior smallest. Mouth large, and when closed, the labials extending to
the posterior margin of the orbits. Preopercle with a rounded angle. Branchial membrane
united beneath as in the preceding. Teeth in the lower jaw long, distant, acute, and about
twenty-four in number. In the upper jaw, the four in front on each side long ; those on the
sides small, numerous and subequal.

The dorsal fin commences anterior to the eyes ; the first twenty-five or twenty-eight with
free tips, the rays gradually increasing to the sixtieth ray ; from the sixty-fifth, they decrease
in height to the tail, ending opposite the termination of the anal. Pectorals pointed, arising
under the twenty-third dorsal ray. Ventrals small, anterior to the pectorals ; the second ray
longest. Vent on the colored side, rather anterior to the base of the pectorals, and midway
between the ventral and anal. Anal similar in shape to the dorsal ; the longest rays are about
the fifty-sixth. Caudal rounded.

Color. Olive brown, with from six to ten black spots bordered with white ; a few of them
form an irregular series along the base of the dorsal fin ; the others are irregularly distributed
about the body, above and below the lateral line. Intermingled with these, are numerous
obscure pale spots over the surface. Pupils black ; irides golden. Pectoral and ventral of
the colored side frequently barred with black.

Length, 12" 0 - 24' 0. Breadth, 4-0-6-0.
Fin rays, D. 95 ; P. 12 ; V. 6 ; A. 72 ; C. 16 |.

This is a savory fish, which appears on our coast in the summer months. I have hitherto
confounded it with the preceding ; but on a reexamination, I am satisfied that it is very dis-

FAMILY PLANIDiE PLEURONECTES. 301

tinct. From the drawings of Dr. Holbrook, there appear to be three species with ocellated
spots on the coast of Carolina, allied by its markings to this flounder, but all with the caudal
angular.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

P. stdlata. (Pall. Rich. 1. c. p. 257.) Liver brown above, with numerous stellated bony tubercles.
Fins reddish, with broad vertical black stripes. Length twelve inches.

GENUS PLEURONECTES. (Rhombus of Cuvier.)

Eyes and colored surface on the left. Teeth in the jaws and pharynx. Dorsal fin com-
mences anterior to the eye.

Obs. MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes having been compelled by the law of priority to restore
the name of Rhombus to a genus of the family Scombridag, the name of the present genus,
which was also called Rhombus, must be changed. Mr. Swainson has proposed to restore
the old name Psetta of Aristotle. It, however, resembles too closely the genus Psettus of
the family Chetodonida?, and we think it preferable to employ the neglected name of Pleuro-
nectes. As the Turbot of Europe stands as the type of this genus, we shall apply this popu-
lar name to the American species ; although it must be distinctly understood that the Turbot
of Europe has never yet been detected on the coast of the United States.

THE SPOTTED TURBOT.

Pledronectes maculattjs.

PLATE XLVII. FIG 151.

The New-York Plaice, P. maadatus. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 9.

Plaice of New-York, P.aquosus. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 389, pi. 2, fig. 3.

Rhombus aquosus. Cuvier, Regne Animal.

R. id. Storer, Boston Journ. Nat. Hist. Vol. 1, p. 351 ; and Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 146.

Characteristics. Orbicular. Body and fms pellucid, with numerous black spots. The ante-
rior rays of the dorsal with membranous slips. Length twelve to eighteen
inches.

Description. Body nearly orbicular ; the dorsal outline slightly concave towards the head.
Scales round, minute, adherent, and depressed in the centre. Lateral line regularly arched
above the pectoral, and then proceeding straight in a slight furrow to the tail. Eyes moderate,
with a distinct bony ridge between them ; immediately in front of this are the two nostrils,
one preceding the other. Mouth large ; its gape extensive. Chin with a slight protuberance.
Teeth numerous, sharp and small, crowded in front of the upper jaw, and in a single series
on the sides ; beneath they are rather more robust, but nearly obsolete on the uncolored side
of the jaw. A small patch on the vomer, and numerous crowded teeth on the pharyngeals.

302 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

The dorsal fin commences anterior to the eyes, and near the end of the snout ; the first six
or eight of the foremost rays have their tips detached from the membrane, and present a ragged
appearance, which is not accidental, as I have observed it in all the specimens which I have
examined. Attached to these rays are loose membranous slips, as exhibited in the plate.
This fin is about an inch high, and is coterminal with the anal. The base of the pectoral is
beneath the twenty-first ray of the dorsal ; the pectoral is pointed, with the third and fourth
rays longest. Ventrals longer than high, not originating from a common base as usual ; the
colored pectoral arising from the abdominal edge, and almost confounded with the anal ; the
uncolored fin is parallel with this, and two-tenths of an inch distant, on the uncolored side.
The vent also is on this surface. The anal fin commences immediately over the vent, and is
composed of weak flexible rays. Caudal fin an inch and a half long, and rounded.

Color. Dark olive-brown above, with rounded deep chocolate brown spots on the body,
becoming larger behind, and oblong on the fins, are rather of a lighter color than the body.
When held up to the light, the whole animal is diaphanous, showing the position of the viscera
in the abdominal cavity. The eyes are surrounded with a faint bluish white ring, which, soon
after death, changes to a dull white. On the colored side, arc likewise a few distant light-
colored spots. Pupils black, surrounded by a golden ring. The under side of the usual bluish
white.

Length, 5-0. Depth, 3-5.

Fin rays, D. 68 ; P. 12 ; V. 6 ; A. 56 ; C. 15 |.

Although I feel convinced that this is the Watery Flounder of Mitchill, yet I cannot recon-
cile the radial formula of my own and other describers. I may have possibly erred in trans-
cribing my notes. On the coast of Massachusetts, it is sold as "the English Turbot ;" from
which, however, it is readily distinguished by the absence of the numerous tubercles on the
colored side, which characterize that species.

The Spotted or Watery Turbot is considered as a delicate article of food, and has been
known to weigh twenty pounds. I have never seen them, except in two instances, larger than
the dimensions stated above. It is sometimes called the Watery Flounder, and more frequent-
ly the Sand Flounder.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL)

P. glacialis. (Richardson, 1. c. p. 258.) Ovate. Caudal cuneiform, entire. A spine before the anal.
Scales small, roua;h. Lateral line straight. Leno-tli nine inches. Arctic Seas.

FAMILY PLANIDjE. 303

GENUS ACHIRUS. Lacepede.

Destitute of pectoral fins. Dorsal and anal fins distinct from the caudal. Eyes and colored
surface on the right side. Gape of the mouth curved downward.

THE NEW-YORK SOLE.

ACHIRUS MOLLIS.

PLATE XLIX. FIG. 159. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Plewonectes lineatus. Sole in New-York. Schcepff, Beobachtungen u. s. w. Vol. 8. p. 148.

Pleitronecles mollis, New-York Sole. Mitchill, Report in part, &c. p. 9 ; Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc.Vol. 1, p. 288, pi. 2, fig. 4.

Achirus mollis. Cutieh, Regne Animal, Vol.2; Stoker, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 149.

Characteristics. Greenish brown, with numerous black blotches, and from four to seven trans-
verse dark lines across the body. Length three to six inches.

Description. Form oval, approaching to orbicular. Snout rounded, vertical in front. Scales
small ; their exposed surfaces orbicular ; free margins with radiating spines. The scales ascend
high up on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins ; and when the mucosity is cleared off from the
body, it becomes rough to the touch. Lateral line nearly straight, submedial. Eyes small ;
the lower behind the angle of the mouth. A single white and tubular nostril in advance of
the eyes, and placed near the border of the upper jaw. Gill-covers on the under side, covered
with many fleshy filaments, disposed in irregular groups. A membranous expansion over the
edge of the upper jaw on the white side ; this membrane is fringed with white filaments.
Rictus of the mouth turned downward. Teeth in both jaws minute, and barely perceptible.

The dorsal fin commences on the fore part of the upper jaw, and is coterminal with the
anal ; the rays included between the thirty-fifth and forty-fifth are largest. Ventrals longer
than the first rays of the anal fin ; its first ray shortest ; they are contiguous to each other,
and barely leave room for the vent between them and the anal. Anal similar in shape, but
shorter than the dorsal. Caudal rounded, nearly orbicular.

Color. Head, body and fins greenish brown, with numerous black blotches ; smaller on the
head. There appears to be two strongly marked varieties in our waters ; the one with the
blotches disposed as above, and another with from five to seven meandering transverse black
stripes across the body ; on the fins the spots become confluent, forming broad vertical black
stripes. These two varieties are often intermixed ; the spotted variety being often without
stripes, and the striped variety with obscure spots ; in both, the under side soiled white, with
numerous circular dark brown spots. The abdominal cavity extends to the tail. The stomach
has no caeca, and the intestines present three principal convolutions.

Length, 5'5. Depth, 1'7.

Fin rays, D. 56 ; V. 4 ; A. 40 ; C. 16.

This species is common in our waters. It is usually taken in seines in the months of Sep-

304

NEW- YORK FAUNA.

tember and October, but is too small to be of much importance as an article of food. I have
eaten of them, and found them to be very delicate. They abound on the shallow flats on the
Jersey shore opposite New- York, where they are called Calico and Coverclip. It has been
taken as high up the Hudson as Peekskill. When first taken from the water, it escapes
readily from the hand by an undulatory movement, in which it is aided by its mucous surface,
and by an elevation of its scales beneath. By the same means, it can make considerable pro-
gress over a moderately smooth surface. It is extremely tenacious of life, and I kept one
alive four days out of water. Among the drawings of Dr. Holbrook, I notice a figure of this,
or of a closely allied species. The head appears somewhat more pointed, and the back is
covered with meandering dusky blotches, intermixed with eight black transverse angular bars
across the body and tail. It is probably the true lineatus of Linneus.
The range of the New- York Sole extends from Nantucket to Carolina.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

Genus Plagusia, Cuvier. No pectoral fins. Dorsal, caudal and anal fins united.
P. fasciata. (Holbrook, Illustrations, pi.) Body elongated, terminating in a point. With seven
broad transverse dusky bands. South-Carolina.

Under the name of P. apoda, Dr. Mitchill has described, from the Bahama channel, a spe-
cies of the genus Monochirus, which will probably be found on the southern coast of the
United States. (See Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 244.) It is nearly circular, with twenty
transverse black stripes.

FAMILY CYCL0PTERIDJ5. 305

FAMILY CYCLOPTERIDM.

A small family, characterized by the ventrals being united into a disk or cup-shaped form.
Body smooth, and without scales. Eyes placed one on each side of the head. Branhcial
rays six.

GENUS LUMPUS. Cuvier.

Two dorsals ; the first often so much enveloped in a. tuberculous skin, as to appear like a
hump of the back. Second dorsal with rays, and opposite to the anal. Body deep and
rough, with bony tubercles.

THE LUMP-FISH.

LUMPUS ANGLORUM.

PLATE LIV. FIG. 175. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Lumpus anghrum. Willughby, Historia Pisciura, p. 208.

Cycloplerus ceruleus, The Blue Lump-fish. Mitchill, Lit. and PhiL Soc. Vol. 1, p. 4S0, pi. 2, fig. 7.

C. lumpus, The Lump. Richardson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Part 3, Fishes, p. 260.

Lumpus vulgaris. Cuvier, Rdgne Animal, Vol. 2.

L. id. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 151.

Characteristics. Blue. Three series of tubercles along the sides. Dorsal lump with a fissure
on its posterior part. Length ten to twenty inches.

Description. Body suborbicular in its outline, compressed, more especially towards the
dorsal ridge. It is soft and flaccid, resembling a lump of jelly. Instead of scales, the body
is covered with minute tubercles, and horizontal series of larger ones. From the anterior
portion of the dorsal ridge, the outline slopes in a concave line to the orbits, where it becomes
abruptly declivous to the snout. The space between the orbital ridges, flat. On the lop or
ridge of the back, is a series of from five to seven large compressed tubercles, and a smaller
row on the anterior slope. Behind the large tubercle, there is a deep oblique fissure ; poste-
rior to which the dorsal surface becomes flat, with a series of from three to five sharp unequal
tubercles on each side, the posterior largest. A series of large tubercles commences before
the eyes, curves over the pectorals, and then proceeds in a straight line through the upper part
of the tail. Another series of which the first four are very large and closely approximated,
commences a short distance above the ventral part of the branchial aperture, curves slightly
downward, and, with a slight interruption, passes through the lower part of the tail ; there is
still another series on each side of the abdomen, consisting of about six inequidistant large
tubercles. Eyes lateral, prominent. Nostrils double ; the anterior large and tubular ; the
posterior scarcely perceptible, when they will be found just within the first large tubercle, on
the superciliary ridge. Branchial rays four, slender. Mouth moderately large, broad ; the

Fauna — Part 4. 39

306 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

under jaw slightly longest. Small blunt teeth, in three or four rows, in front of each jaw ;
teeth also on the pharyngeals, and a small patch on the base of the tongue, which appeared
to be distinct from the pharyngeals.

The dorsal hump without any vestige of rays ; at least, I found none in two which I exa-
mined. Dorsal fm with thick soft and indistinctly branched rays, opposite to the anal, higher
than long, and rounded on the margin. Pectorals short, with a very broad base ; not united
beneath, but partially concealing the ventrals. Ventrals immediately under the pectorals,
united into a disk (see figure), with a funnel-shaped cavity in the middle ; the margins softly
dentated. Anal higher than long, placed under the dorsal, which it resembles in size and
shape. The rays of the anal, caudal, dorsal and pectoral fins covered with small bony tuber-
cles. Skin very thick. Stomach enormously large ; the abdominal cavity lined with a pearl-
colored membrane. Intestines very long ; numerous caeca. No air-bladder.

Color. Above deep blue, becoming paler on the sides, which are tinged with yellowish
beneath, approaching to red. Ventrals bright yellow, and in the spawning season, bright red.
Irides yellowish.

Length, 110. Depth, 7-0.

Fin rays, D. 10; P. 20; A. 10; C. 11.

This fish agrees so exactly in all its characters with the Lump-fish of Europe, that I
cannot hesitate to place it under that species. It is often much larger than the dimensions
noted above. Dr. Storer noted one which weighed seventeen pounds. In Scotland, it is
called the Cock-paddle and Hen-paddle ; in England, Lump Sucker, Lump-fish, and Sea Owl ;
in France, Licorne de Mer. In the former country, it is considered a great delicacy, though
it agrees with few stomachs, on account of its oily nature. In this country it is not eaten.
By means of its cup-shaped ventrals, it adheres so firmly to any solid substance as to be re-
moved with extreme difficulty. Pennant relates, that upon throwing one of these fishes into
a pail of water, it adhered so firmly, that upon taking hold of the fish by the tail, he lifted
the whole vessel, although it held several gallons.

It is a native of the northern seas ; the coast of New-York being its most southern locality
hitherto observed.

We have not observed the C. minutus of Pallas, which is a beautiful species about an inch
long, and distinguished by two white tubercles on its sides. Its occurrence on the coast of
Massachusetts rests only upon the authority of Dr. Smith, in his Natural History of the
Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 221. Nor have we seen any species of the genus Liparus, on
this side of the Atlantic. According to Sabine, one species, L. vulgaris, was taken in Davis'
Straits.

FAMILY ECHENEID^E ECHENEIS. 307

FAMILY ECHENEIDJE.

A flattened disk on the upper part of the head, composed of numerous transverse cartilagi-
nous movable plates, by means of which the animal is enabled to attach itself to other
bodies. Eyes one on each side of the head.

Obs. The position of this family here, is very doubtful. By some ichthyologists it has been
arranged among the Spine-rayed fishes. There are but few species, and those chiefly of the
tropical seas.

GENUS ECHENEIS. Linneus.

Body elongated, covered with small scales. A single dorsal, placed opposite to the anal.
Mouth wide, with numerous small pectiniform teeth on the jaws. Teeth on the vomer.
Branchial rays eight. No air-bladder. Contains few species.

THE WHITE-TAILED REMORA.

EcHENEIS ALBICAUDA.

PLATE LIV. FIG. 177. —(STATE COLLECTION.)

The White-tailed Remora, Echeneis albkauda. Mitchill, Am. Month. Magazine, Vol. 2, p. 244.
The Indian Remora, E. naucrates. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 153.

Characteristics. All the fins margined with white. A dusky longitudinal band along the body.
Length twelve to twenty inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, elongated. Skin granular, and covered with a viscid mucus.
Head nearly one-sixth of the total length ; flat above, with a broad disk extending from the
tip of the upper jaw, and beyond the margin of the opercles ; it is surrounded by an elevated
border, and is divided throughout its length by a fleshy partition, on each side of which are
from twenty-one to twenty-three pair of transverse plates. In four specimens which I exa-
mined, the plates varied in number as just noted. The lower jaw broad and rounded, pro-
jecting 0"5 beyond the upper jaw, with numerous recurved card-like teeth. Two series of
teeth on the upper jaw, and likewise on the vomer and pharyngeals. Opercles smooth,
rounded. Eyes large.

The dorsal fin arises just in front of a line vertical to the vent ; it is long and low, elevated
in front, and gradually diminishing behind. The pectorals broad, arising at a point near the
dorsal outline of the body, and above the branchial aperture. Ventrals below the pectorals,
and united by a delicate membrane. Anal corresponding in position and shape with the dorsal,
and beneath that fin. Caudal even at the extremity, rounded at the tips ; its rays are soft and
branched, and surround the extremity of the elongated tail.

308 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Color, of a fresh specimen just from the water. Slate brown above ; lighter beneath. A
broad black band extends from the angle of the mouth to the tail. The lateral line is placed
on the upper margin of this longitudinal band, where it may be indistinctly traced. Along
the back, a series of triangular dark colored marks like an inverted letter \. Beneath, mot-
tled slate and whitish. Irides silvery ; pupils black. Pectorals and vcntrals edged with
white ; dorsal and caudal with a white border on their anterior rays, broad on the first ray,
and gradually diminishing and becoming effaced on the posterior rays. Tips of the caudal
broadly edged with white.

Length, 16-0. Depth, 2-5.

Fin rays, D. 33 ; P. 18 ; V. 7 ; A. 30 ; C. 18.

This interesting species is not uncommon on the coast of Long island, and has been seve-
ral times brought to me by those who took it in ordinary seines. This circumstance would
seem to indicate that it is not as constantly attached to other species as is commonly supposed.
From being often found sticking to the shark, it is called in this vicinity the Shark-sucker.
I have seen a specimen which had ascended a considerable distance up the Hudson river. It
appears most commonly in July and August. The species of this genus have furnished ro-
mance writers, under the name of naturalists, with an abundance of marvellous anecdotes,
which are now generally discredited. All the species are natives of the tropical seas, and
they are only to be considered in the light of accidental visitors on our coast.

THE INDIAN REMORA.

ECUENEIS NAOCRATES.

Echeneis naucrates. Linneds. Schcepff, Beobachtungen u. s. w. Vol.8, p. 145.

Big Oceanic Sucker, E naucratcs. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 377.

Shipmaster Echeneis, E. id. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 266.

Characteristics. Olive brown, without stripes. Twenty-two to twenty-four transverse plates
on the disk. Length thirty-one inches.

Description. Figure of the shield (disk) elliptical, rather inclining to oval ; its longer dia-
meter six and a half inches ; its shorter, two and three-quarters ; with twenty-four bars, sepa-
rated through the middle. Tail not convex, though my specimen may have been perhaps
deficient in that part.

Color, of the head, dusky brown or olive, interspersed with whitish clouds. Belly and
neck dusky white, with carnation and green about the gill membrane ; and greenish along the
chin, cheeks, neck, pectoral fins, belly, vent and roof of the anal fin away to the tail. A
white longitudinal cloud on each side, near the belly.

Length, 31 "0. Girth, 10-5. Weight four pounds ten ounces.
Rays, Br. 9 ; P. 19 ; V. 5 ; D. 34 ; A. 34 ; C. 21.

FAMILY ECHENEID.E ECHENEIS. 309

I insert this species as I find it in Mitchill's account of the Fishes of New-York. It varies
somewhat from the description of the E. naucrates, but I am inclined to believe that the
number of transverse plates is (although restricted within certain limits) not constant in num-
ber in the same species. It certainly is not in the following.

The E. naucrates has been observed on the banks of Newfoundland.

THE COMMON REMORA.

EcHENEJS RE.MORA.

Echeneis remora, Linneus. Schceppf, Beobachtungen u. s. w. Vol. 8, p. 145.

Echeneis remora, Small Oceanic Sucker. Mitchill, Transact. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 378.

Characteristics. Dusky brown ; lighter beneath. Adhesive disk with seventeen or eighteen
transverse bars. Tail concave. Length 12 - 18 inches.

Description. Form as in the preceding. Length of the head about one-fifth of the total
leDgth. Head flattened above, with a disk extending from near the tip of the upper jaw to
the ends of the pectorals, and equal to one-third of the total length. Seventeen to eighteen
pairs of bony laminae, the edges of which are furnished with rows of minute tooth-like pro-
jections. Mouth wide ; lower jaw longest ; a single band of small incurved teeth in the upper
jaw, also on the vomer and tongue. Branchial aperture large. Dorsal and anal opposite and
coequal. Pectoral small and rounded. Ventrals narrow, and with a membrane attaching
them to the body. Caudal fin crescent-shaped.

Color. Dusky brown above : the under part of the body lighter. The fins darker than the
rest of the body.

Length, 12"0 - 18-0.

Fin rays, D. 21 ; P. 22 ; V. 4 ; A. 20 ; C. 20.

The indications given by Dr. Mitchill are sufficiently explicit to lead me to arrange this
species among those fishes, which, occasionally at least, visit our shores. Schcepff saw both
this and the preceding species taken from the bottoms of vessels in the harbor of New-York.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

E. 14. laminatus. (Storer, 1. c. p. 155.) Reddish brown. Adhesive disk with fourteen serrated
bars. Length five and a half inches. Coast of Massachusetts. An juv. ?

310 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

ORDER IV. APODAL.

No ventral fins.

FAMILY ANGUILLIDJE.

Body very much elongated and cylindrical, for the most part of a serpentiform figure. Scales
scarcely apparent, being imbedded in a soft and thick skin. Air-bladder of various singu-
lar forms. No ccecal appendages.

Obs. A very natural group, with numerous subdivisions, and comprising about one hundred
species.

GENUS ANGUILLA. Cuvier.

The dorsal fin commencing considerably behind the pectorals, and uniting with the anal to
form a caudal fin. Lou; er jaw longest. Mouth with a row of teeth in each jaw, and a few
on the anterior part of the vomer.

THE COMMON NEW-YORK EEL.

ANGUILLA TENTTIROSTR1S.

PLATE LIU. FIG. 173.

Mura-na angw.Ua, Eel. Schcepff, Beschreib. u, s. w. Vol. 8, p. 138.

The Common Eel, Angmlla vulgaris. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 300.

The Fresh-water Eel. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 241.

Characteristics. Greenish olive above ; yellowish beneath. Head small, tapering to the jaws.
Length one to two feet.

*S"

Description. Body long, cylindrical, compressed on the sides of the tail, which is pointed.
Surface covered with a thick mucus, concealing scales so exceedingly minute as to be visible
only in the dried skin under a lens. Lateral line straight, indistinct. Head small, flattened
above, and pointed ; lower jaw longest. Eyes rather large in proportion to the size of the
head, and placed just above the angle of the mouth. Nostrils horizontally oval, placed just
before the eye, and on a line with the upper part of the orbit ; a short tubular cirrus on the
anterior pair, on the edge of the upper jaw. Branchial aperture crescent-shaped, and just
before the base of the pectoral fin. Numerous series of mucous pores about the head. Teeth in
both jaws, numerous, small, acute and crowded ; resolving themselves into three or four rows
on the branches of the jaws, and forming on the anterior part of the upper jaw a large patch

FAMILY ANGUILLIDiE ANGUILIA. 311

which unites with a similar one on the anterior part of the vomer. The branchial membrane
forms a large dilatable pouch, with thirteen or fourteen slender rays on each side.

The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are united, and composed of such minute and delicate rays
as to be enumerated with difficulty. After repeated attempts, the whole number in the three
united fins were estimated to range from three hundred and twenty to three hundred and forty.
In a specimen fifteen inches long, the dorsal fin commences five and a half inches from the
end of the upper jaw, and the vent is six inches and three-tenths from the same point.
Pectoral fin narrow, obtusely pointed, with its base two inches distant from the end of the
lower jaw, and composed of sixteen minute rays. Air-bladder long, linear, with its anterior
extremity pointed.

Color. Greenish olive above, yellow beneath ; this color extending along the base of the
anal fin, nearly to the end of the tail.

I have no doubt but that Mitchill intended this species in his vague notice of the A. vul-
garis or Common Eel; and also in his account of the Success Eel, to which he attributes,
by mistake as I think, 456 rays, I think it probable, but am not so certain, that the Common
Eel of Massachusetts, noticed by Dr. Storer, may also be referred to this species. It may
possibly be the M. bostoniensis of Lesueur, as given in his brief sketch of the Murenida?
of the United States ; but the description is too incomplete to enable me to determine it with
certainty. It approaches the A. acutirostris of Yarrel (Vol. 2, p. 284), and may be considered
as the representative of that species on our coast.

The common eel is exceedingly savory, and from its abundance, is a very cheap article of
food. It is caught in all our bays and creeks, at all seasons of the year. In the spring and
summer, it is taken in large wicker baskets called eel-pots, and also by torch light in the
evening with a spear. They are also taken in winter by breaking a hole in the ice, and
spearing them as they lie torpid in the mud. They are very voracious ; water insects, small
fishes, and all dead animal substances are sought after with equal avidity. The structure of
their branchial pouches enables them to live out of water for a long period ; and as they can
move along the ground, it is not uncommon to find them shifting their quarters from one creek
to another, by crawling through the grass. This species appears to live equally well in salt,
brackish, or even fresh water. We have examined the Silver Eel of the fishermen, and are
disposed to consider it only as a variety of the above. It is silvery grey above, with a clear
satiny white abdomen, separated from the color above by the lateral line.

312 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE BEAKED EEL.

Anguilla rostrata.
Murama rostrata. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 81.

Characteristics. Greyish or bluish above ; beneath white. Snout elongated. Body tumid in
the centre. Length one to two feet.

Description. " Snout elongated, pointed and straight. Eyes large, and situated very near
" the angle of the mouth. Body tumid in the centre, and narrowed to a point at both extre-
" mities.

Color. " Upper parts varied with grey and olive, sometimes of a slate blue ; lower parts
" white. Dorsal and anal fins reddish, which color deepens as it approaches the tail. Pec-
" toral fins small, acute, bluish.

"Length, 18-0-24-0.

" Inhabits the lakes Cayuga and Geneva in the State of New- York, and is esteemed for
" the table."

I transcribe the above short notice of a species which appears to be distinct, in order to
call the attention of naturalists to it. I have not had an opportunity to examine it.

THE SEA EEL.

Anguilla oceanica.
Anguilla oceanica, The Sea Eel. Mitchill, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 407.

Characteristics. Brownish above. Tail pointed. Jaws equal. A dark bluish border on the
vertical fins. Length four feet.

Description. Jaws even ; lips remarkably thick and fleshy. Nostrils tubular. Eyes covered
with the common skin. Branchial rays nine. Tongue smooth, fleshy at the sides and tip,
and furnished with a distinct frenum. Lateral line distinct, straight, disappearing before it
reaches the tail ; it is elevated enough to be felt by the finger. Teeth separate and acute ; .
a single row in the upper jaw, which " enlarges to a toothed patch, reaching back along the
palate more than half an inch." In the lower jaw, traces of two rows of short and small
teeth within the outer serrated row. In the throat, two roundish patches of short file-like
teeth above ; and an oblong one on each posterior branchial arch below. Vent twenty and a
half inches from the head. The dorsal originates at a point three inches behind the pectoral
fins. Tail taper, and elongated. Pectorals small, rounded.

Color. Brown on the back ; pale on the sides ; beneath smutty white. Pectoral fins tipped
with bluish white or pale blue ; the vertical fins with a margin of a dark or somewhat bluish
color.

Length, 50*0. Depth, 5-0 nearly. Weight nine pounds.

FAMILY ANGUILLID,£ ANGUILLA. 313

The characters noted above announce a new generic group in this family. Some years
since, I arrayed this as the representative of a new genus Isognatha, in a catalogue of New-
York fishes ; but it is evidently improper to form such generic subdivisions without examining
the specimens upon which they are founded, and such an opportunity has never presented
itself. I have seen it in detached portions for sale in the market, but have never examined a
perfect individual. It may possibly be included under Conger, with a slight alteration of the
characters of that genus. Such a change is already being attempted by some of the English
ichthyologists. In Cuvier, the lower jaw is said to be shortest in all the known species.
Parnell, in his generic characters of Conger, says "lower jaw not projecting beyond the
upper."

THE BULL-HEAD EEL.

Anguilla macrocephala.
Murana macrocephala, Bull-head Eel. Lesdeur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 82.

Characteristics. Head very large and elevated. Olive yellow above, with a golden band
from the angle of the mouth, extending beyond the pectoral fin.

Description. Snout short ; lower jaw reflected. Head very large and elevated. Eyes
large and prominent. Pectoral and anal fins reddish. Dorsal and anal fins terminating in a
point.

Color. Above olivaceous yellow; the lower jsarts pure white.

Inhabits Saratoga lake. Mr. Lesueur states that it is a good table fish, and that he has
seen, in the market of Philadelphia, an eel so nearly resembling the above, that he would be
unwilling to consider it as distinct.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. bostoniensis. (Lesueur, 1. c. Vol. 1, p. 81.) Greyish brown above; greyish beneath. Vent

yellow ochre. Length twenty-four inches. Northern Coast.
A. argentea. (Id. lb. p. 82.) Body much compressed. Silvery grey above, separated from the silvery

white abdomen by a distinct lateral line. Length two feet. Northern Coast.

Fauna — Part 4. 40

314 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS CONGER. Cuvier.

Lowe?- jaw not projecting beyond the upper. The dorsal fin commences above the -pectorals,
or a short distance behind them. Chiefly oceanic, and are farther distinguished from
Anguilla by the greater number of their vertebra.

THE AMERICAN CONGER.

Conger occidentalis.
PLATE Lin. FIG. 172. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)
Angmlla conger, The Conger Eel. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 360.

Characteristics. Jaws with a single series of contiguous equal teeth. The dorsal arising two
inches behind the base of the pectorals. Length three to five feet.

Description. Head one-eighth nearly of the total length, pyramidal, flattened above. Lateral
line distinct, and with a series of whitish punctures through its whole length. Eyes large,
longitudinally ovate, and near the superior plane of the head. The posterior nostril placed in
an oval cavity immediately in front of the eye, opening by an oblong aperture immediately
under the superior margin ; beneath, numerous papillae occupying the remaining part of the
cavity; the aperture itself is capable of being closed by a membrane with laciniated borders.
The anterior nostrils on each side of the tip of the snout, with a short truncated tube ;
between these are two mucous pores on the tip of the jaw, and behind these two others of
an oval shape. Seven others in a horizontal line on each side, above the base of the pecto-
rals. Lips large and fleshy. Tongue broad and smooth. Teeth small, cylindrical, equal,
closely applied to each other, and forming a single series in each jaw. A broad patch on the
front of each jaw, of small, slightly recurved and crowded teeth. Branchial aperture in
front of the pectoral, and rising up as high as two-thirds of its base; its length 0-9. The
dorsal fin commences about two inches behind a point vertical to the base of the pectorals,
and is continuous with the caudal and anal, containing altogether about five hundred and fifty
rays. The tail ends in an acute tip. Pectorals oblong, with seventeen rays, the tips extend-
ing as far back as the origin of the dorsal.

Color. Dark olive brown above ; chin, space behind the pectorals, and all beneath soiled
white. Dorsal and anal of a deep black hue along their margins.

Length, 45' 0; of the head, 6-0.

We should have considered this as identical with the European Conger Eel ; but in the
only accurate description which we have been enabled to consult, the teeth are said to form a
broad band in each jaw, or according to others, in one or two rows on the sides.

The Conger Eel may be considered as rare on our coast. I have seen few in the markets ;
the flesh has a peculiar unsavory taste. It is apparently a vicious animal, snapping when
captured at every thing near it.

FAMILY ANGU1LLID.E. 315

GENUS OPHIDIUM. Cuvicr.

Head smooth. Body elongated, compressed. Dorsal, caudal and anal united. Scales small,
irregularly imbedded in the skin. Gill-openings large. Teeth on the jaws, vomer and
palatines. Two pair of barbels depending from the throat.

THE NEW- YORK OPHIDIUM.

Ophidium marginatum.
plate lii. fig. 169. — (state collection.)

Cirrhmis Ophidium, 0. barbatum. MlTCHILL, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 362, pi. 1, 6g. 2.

-Characteristics. Grey, with three dusky stripes along the body. Length nine inches.

Description. Body elongated, eel-shaped, much compressed, tapering to an acute point.
Abdomen tumid. Surface smooth, with small cup-shaped elliptical distant scales (see figure),
deeply imbedded in the skin. These scales are radiately and concentrically striate, producing
a beautifully reticulated appearance under the lens ; the largest are 0" 1 in their largest dia-
meter, and none are arranged in a regular series. The disposition of the scales on the sur-
face, which is only evident after immersion in spirits, is very peculiar ; it has none of the
symmetry observed in all the other scaly fishes, and can scarcely be understood without refe-
rence to the plate. An interrupted series of these scales is observed along the dorsal fin, a
short distance above its base. The lateral line arises above the upper angle of the branchial
aperture, follows the dorsal outline about a quarter of an inch below it, and becomes obsolete
about an inch from the end of the tail. Head smooth, scaleless, smaller than the anterior
part of the body. Snout prominent ; lower jaw shortest. Eyes large, 0- 3 in diameter, and
placed in the anterior third of the distance between the eye and the margin of the opercle ;
nearly their diameters apart. From the orbits to the snout, the facial outline is somewhat
concave, and then convex over the snout. Nostrils small, nearer to the end of the snout than
to the eyes. A broad fleshy process or extension of the skin above the upper jaw. Branchial
aperture large, dilated above ; branchial rays seven. Tongue smooth, pointed. Bands of very
minute sharp teeth in both jaws, forming four to six series. Similar but smaller teeth on the
vomer and palatines.

The dorsal fin commences gradually from a point two inches and two-tenths distant from the
extremity of the snout, and proceeds subequally, but insensibly diminishing from its height of
0 • 25 to its union with the caudal, which is pointed. The vent is placed 3 " 2 from the extremity
of the snout. Immediately behind it arises the anal, highest at its origin, but gradually decreas-
ing to the caudal. The rays of all the fins are very minute and delicate, so as to be enume-
rated with difficulty. In a space included within an inch, twenty rays were counted, which
would give a total for the three united fins of two hundred and twelve rays, of which seven-
teen may be assigned to the caudal, leaving one hundred and twenty to the dorsal and seventy.

316 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

five to the anal. Pectorals broad, obtusely pointed, and composed of twenty-two delicate
rays ; its length 0-9, and width of its base 0*35. Two barbels on each side, having a com-
mon origin from the hyoid bone, a short distance behind the symphisis of the chin. The
posterior pair 1 ' 1 long ; the anterior pair half that length, and both with filamentous tips.

Color. Head and upper part of the body and tail ash grey. Abdomen whitish ; the lower
part of the sides of the body pale, mixed with soiled yellowish. Three obscure dusky longi-
tudinal stripes on each side of the body : the first along the base of the dorsal fin ; another
along the lateral line, and a third below this on the sides, only visible on the middle part of
the body, and becoming effaced towards the tail. Dorsal, caudal and posterior portion of
the anal edged with black on their margins. Pectorals yellow. Barbels white. Pupils black ;
irides yellowish, varied with white. A faint interrupted dusky streak on the lower portion of
the membrane of the dorsal fin, near its base.

Length, 9-0; of the head, 1*5. Depth of the body, 1-3.
Fin rays, D. 120; P. 22; A. 75 ; C. 17.

This very rare and curious species was taken in a seine in the harbor of New-York, in
company with a schole of the Striped Bass (Labrax lineatus). It is doubtless the 0. barba-
tum of my venerable friend Dr. Mitchill, which is too succinctly noted in the work cited
above. Swainson asserts that Cuvier and all authors describe the barbatum of Europe as
having four distinct barbels, whereas there is in reality only one, divided at its base into four
filaments ; no good representation, he adds, yet exists of this species. In the species under
consideration, there are undoubtedly four, and I can not reconcile my account of it with the
barbatum of foreign writers. It has so much the habit of some of the Gadidae, and more
especially of the genus Brotula, that our fishermen call it the Little Cusk.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

O. stigma. (Richardson, 1. c. p. 273.) Dilute brown, spotted, and with a purplish spot near the
beginning of the dorsal fin. Length five inches. Kotzebue's Sound.

Genus Fierasper, Cuvier. Body hyaline. Dorsal so thin as to resemble a simple fold of the skin.
Snout very obtuse. No barbels.

JF. borealis? (Peck, Am. Acad. 2d part, Vol. 2, p. 46, pi. 4.) White eel; with a rounded tail.
Dorsal of a uniform color. Br. 6; D. 76; P. 14; A. 49; C. 22. Northern Coast.

F. parryi. (Richardson, 1. c. p. 274.) Greenish brown above. Pectoral fins large, with thirty-
seven rays, and extends beyond the vent. Length four to eight inches. Northern Seas.

FAMILY ANGUILLID.E. 317

GENUS AMMODYTES. Linneus.

Bodij and head elongated. Dorsal fin extending nearly the whole length of the back ; anal
fin long, and both separated from the caudal. Caudal forked. Lower jaw longest.
Branchial aperture large. No cceca nor air-bladder.

THE AMERICAN SAND-LAUNCE.

AMMODYTES 4MERICANTS.

PLATE LII. FIG. 1C.7.

• Ammodytes tobianus. Bloch.

A. id. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 363.

The Sand Eel, A. tobianus? Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 159.

Characteristics. The dorsal fin commencing over the tips of the pectorals. No stout long tooth
on the vomer. Length six to twelve inches.

Description. Body elongate, subcompressed, covered with very minute scales. Lateral
line straight, indented, and running near the base of the dorsal fin. Head flattened above,
compressed on the sides. The lower jaw projecting, prominent beyond the upper, and ending
in a conical indurated tip or prolongation, which, when the jaws are closed, is nearly or quite
in the plane of the summit of the head. Eyes large ; the upper margin of the orbit nearly in
the plane of the facial outline. Nostrils double, nearly midway between the eyes and end of
the snout. Mouth large. Teeth exceedingly minute. No long bifurcated tooth on the vomer.
Opercles long, smooth and silvery, radiated on their lower margin.

The dorsal fin long and low, with a delicate membrane, and the slender rays projecting
beyond it ; it commences above the tip of the pectorals, and is placed in a groove. The
pectorals pointed, one-third the length of the head, and composed of thirteen rays. A narrow
delicate membrane extends from the base of the pectorals to the abdomen. The anal fin
commences under the twenty-seventh dorsal ray, of subequal rays, and coterminal with the
dorsal. Caudal fin forked.

Color. Head and body above bluish brown, intermixed with silvery and light green ; sides
and beneath silvery. Gill-covers silvery. Caudal as dark as the upper part of the body.
Pupils black ; irides silvery.

Length, 4-0-6-0.

Fin rays, D. 56 ; P. 13 ; A. 27 ; C. 17.

This is not a rare species, but, from its insignificant size, never appears in the markets.
It appears to be closely allied to A. tobianus, but seems to differ in the absence of the long
vomerine tooth and other particulars. Mr. Linsley of Stratford has communicated to me a

318 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

specimen which agrees in all respects with the preceding, but its radial formula is D. 60 :
P. 13; A. 27; C. 17.

The young of this species are frequently washed on shore, after heavy northerly gales, in
my neighborhood. It is a northern species, and its congeners are said to bury themselves in
the sand.

THE BANDED SAND-LAUNCE.

AMMODTTES VITTATC3.
PLATE LX. FIG. 197.

Characteristics. Seven projecting spinous processes before the dorsal fin. A broad silvery
band on the sides. Length four to six inches.

Description. Body oblong, subcompressed, slender. Scales minute, deeply imbedded in
the cellular tissue, ciliated on their edges. The lateral line running near the base of the
dorsal fin, until it is confounded with it near its termination ; its situation is indicated by a
series of tubes. Head small, pointed, flattened and grooved above, compressed and edged
beneath. Eyes large ; the margin of the upper orbits on a plane with the profile of the
head, and half their diameters apart. Nostrils double, distant, and placed in a horizontal
groove. Snout terminating in a bifid tip. Mouth protractile ; lower jaw longest. When
the mouth is extended, the lower ends of the labials pass below the line of the lower jaw.
Even aided by the lens, I could detect no teeth in the jaws, and only two slight osseous pro-
jections, scarcely amounting to teeth, on the vomer. Opercle oblong, thin and silvery.

The dorsal fin arises vertical to the posterior margin of the interopercle ; its seven first rays
(if they may be considered as such) composed of short spinous processes, almost concealed
in the common membrane. The dorsal fin proper is composed of slender, simple, nearly
subequal rays ; it commences over the tip of the pectorals, and very gradually decreases to
its termination a quarter of an inch from the tail. Pectorals long and pointed. The vent a
long fissure 0"4 in length, behind the middle of the total length; posterior to this commences
the anal, composed of very slender rays connected by a very delicate membrane. Caudal
forked. No air-bladder.

Color. Greenish olive above, with a broad silvery band along the sides, which is margined
above with blackish. Pupils black ; irides silvery. Belly white.

Length, 4 '5.

Fin rays, D. 7.54 ; P. 15 ; A. 28 ; C. 19 f .

I saw this species several years ago near Sag-Harbor, Suffolk county. I referred it at that
time, with doubt, to the A. lancea. I have since had an opportunity of examining another
specimen from the northern coast, which, on comparison with my notes, I find to be identical
with my Sag-Harbor species. I can only place this species here provisionally, for it is very
doubtful whether it belongs to this genus.

FAMILY SYNGNATHID^E — SYNGNATHUS. 319

Section 2. Lopiiobranchii.

Gilts in little round tufts, disposed in pairs along the branchial arches, instead of being
arranged in continuous series like the teeth of a comb.

This section constitutes Order V., which contains but one family in our waters.

FAMILY SYNGNATHIDJE.

Body mailed with transverse angular plates. Opercle large ; branchial opening very small,,
and formed by a membrane which only exhibits vestiges of rays. Dorsal single. Species
small. No caca ; with an air-bladder.

Obs. A small group, containing about fifty species, chiefly from the seas of the tropical
and temperate regions.

GENUS SYNGNATHUS. Linneus, Cuvier.

Body elongated, slender, covered with a series of indurated plates parallel to each other.
Snout prolonged into a tube, with the mouth placed at the extremity. No ventral Jin.
Males with a pouch for the reception of the female roe.

THE BANDED PIPE-FISH.

SYNGNATHUS FiSCIATUS.
PLATE L1V. FIG. 174. — (STATE COLLECTION.)
Smaller Pipe-fish, Syngnathus typhle. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 475.

Characteristics. Ashen grey, with brownish transverse bars across the tail. Dorsal as high
as the depth of the body. Length six to ten inches.

Description. Form irregularly four-sided posterior to the vent, the lower side being largest ;
anterior to the vent, the body is polygonal, and covered with horny plates. Above, the sur-
face of the back is depressed, and this is produced by the union of a series of carinated plates,
which cause a ridge on each side. This ridge is minutely pectinated, and the plates them-
selves are vertically striate on the sides. Sides of the body vertical, and covered by a
series of carinated plates, which ascend at the vent, and unite at the termination of the dorsal
with the carinated plates on the back. Twenty-five of these plates were counted from the
opercle to the end of the dorsal. The abdomen is formed by three series of carinated

320 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

plates, of the same description with the preceding ; the carinae however, are less denticu-
lated than those on the dorsal ridges. The middle series on the abdomen is composed of
nineteen plates, obsoletely carinate under the pectorals, and terminating at the anal pouches.
The series of keeled plates on the sides of the abdomen pass into those on the sides posterior
to the vent ; and anterior to this part, are nineteen in number. Through the whole length of
the body and tail, the number of plates in the lateral and dorsal series amounts to fifty-nine or
sixty. It results from this, that the disposition of the carinated plates is seven-sided anterior
to the anal pouches. On the summit of the head, and on the nape, is a short series of three
keeled plates, subsiding into a slightly raised line between the eyes, and continued on the
upper surface of the prolonged upper jaw, nearly to its extremity. Head gently declivous
from the nape to the origin of the tubular jaw. Nostrils double, contiguous, and situated in a
triangular cavity anterior to the eyes; the posterior largest. Eyes large, 0"15 in diameter.
Jaws, measured from beneath the orbits, 0-65 long. Head and jaws, measured to the bran-
chial aperture, are to the total length as one to seven and a half. Opercles narrow in front,
enlarged and rounded behind, with a series of moniliform raised lines radiating in a curved
direction from the upper anterior extremity. There is no medial raised line, as in the Euro-
pean species.

The dorsal fin is 0"3 high, with a base an inch and a tenth long; it is composed of forty-
two simple slender and subequal rays. It arises opposite the sixteenth dorsal plate, and occu-
pies a little more than the space included between ten of these plates. The pectoral fins are
placed rather low down, arc slender and pointed, the tips reaching to the third dorsal plate.
The anal fin very minute, placed behind the pouch, and beneath the middle of the dorsal ; it
is composed of two, with the rudiments of a third ray, and is 0'15 long. Caudal fin broad
and rounded, with its membrane concave between the rays.

Color. Ash brown above, light grey beneath ; the portion posterior to the anal pouches with
eight or nine light colored bands, each covering two plates.

Length, 8 '6.

Fin rays, D. 42 ; P. 15 ; A. 3 ; C. 12.

This species appears to be closely allied to the S. peckianus of Storer, but differs in the
following particulars : The body of one species, in front of the dorsal fin, heptangular. Head
and rostrum proportionably longer; the greatest depth of the rostrum scarcely exceeding
twice the greatest depth of the head. The dorsal fin 0- 25 longer than the head, measured
to the posterior part of the opercle. The absence of the radial formula does not enable me
to carry the comparison farther. I suppose that Dr. Mitchill, under the erroneous name of
S. typhle, had our species in view.

The Banded Pipe-fish is rarely taken alive. It occurs more usually thrown up on sea-
beaches, after heavy gales. It is of no use as an article of food.

FAMILY SYNGNATHIDjE — SYNGNATHUS. 321

THE GREEN PIPE-FISH.

Syngnathcs tiridescens.
tlate liv. fig. 176. — (state collection.)
Characteristics. Dark olive green above ; yellowish beneath. Length five to seven inches.

Description. Body elongated, slender, and tapering to a fine point at the insertion of the
caudal fin. In recent specimens, it is hexangular before the vent or anal fin ; but in cabinet
specimens, a slight carina is observed in the middle of the belly. There are nineteen abdo-
minal plates anterior to the vent ; the first plate is pointed. Thirty-nine plates were counted
behind the anal fin. Head depressed between the superciliary ridges, with a carina in the
furrow, extending behind the eyes. Eyes proportionally large. Opercle large and rounded,
with radiating striae. Jaws long, tubular, rounded, with a delicate ridge above. Mouth
small, vertical; lower jaw longest. No vestiges of teeth.

The dorsal fin long and low ; the middle rays longest. It commences on the anterior third
of the body, and contains forty rays. The pouch, when present, is under the middle of this
fin. The pectorals small, obtusely pointed, and composed of fourteen rays ; its middle rays
longest. Anal, when present, minute, and of three rays. Caudal rounded.

Color. Dark olive green above ; yellowish beneath, and beautifully resplendent with green
and gold on the sides and abdomen. These colors rapidly disappear after death, and are suc-
ceeded by a uniform dull green.

Length, 5-0-7-0.

Fin rays, D. 40 ; P. 14 ; A. 3 ; C. 9.

This species, except in color, is closely allied to the S.fuscus of Storer. It is very com-
mon in our waters, and is frequently taken as far up the Hudson as Sing-Sing, where it breeds
in the slightly brackish water. It keeps chiefly among the aquatic plants.

It is now a well established fact, that after the ova of the females of this genus are excluded,
they are received and hatched in the pouches or false belly of the males. The males even
carry the living young in this pouch, after they have been hatched there. In some species,
the males have no pouch, but instead thereof, hemispherical depressions on the outer surface
of the abdomen, into which the eggs of the female are placed.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S. fuscus. (Storer, 1. c. p. 162.) Dull brown; lighter beneath. D. 38; P. 13; A. 3; C. 9. Length

six inches. Coast of Massachusetts.
S. pechianus. (Id. p. 163.) Olive brown, with transverse dusky bars ; golden yellow beneath. D. 45.

Length six to eight inches. Hab. with the preceding.

Fauna — Part 4. 41

322

NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS HIPPOCAMPUS.

Snout elongated as in the preceding. Body enlarged and deep in the centre, with angular
and spinous plates. No ventral nor caudal fin. Female only with an anal fin. Tail
prehensile.

THE HUDSON-RIVER SEA-HORSE.

Hippocampus hudsoniust.

PLATE LIII. FIG. 171. — (STATE COLLECTION.)

Syngnathus hippocampus. Linneus.

Sea-horse at New-York. Schcepfk, Beobacht. Vol. 8, p. 194.

S. id.. Sea-horse Pipe-fish. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. New- York, Vol. 1, p. 475.

The Short-nosed Sea-horse, II. breviroslris. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 167.

Characteristics. A crest extending from the eye to the base of the snout. Pectorals with
fifteen rays. Tubular jaws half the length of the head. Length three to
six inches.

Description. Body of twelve segments, heptangular, protuberant, with three rows of tuber-
cular points formed by the junction of the plates on each side, and a single row beneath ; the
tubercular points become more elevated at the place of the dorsal fin. Jaws tubular, straight,
cleft at the extremity, 0"3 in length measured above, and 0"9 to the branchial aperture. A
short tubercle at the base of the jaw above, and connected by an elevated crest to a distinct
spine over each eye. On the summit of the head, a large bony protuberance terminating in
five distinct points. The oval branchial apertures behind this protuberance. Nostrils double,
round, immediately anterior to the eyes. Eyes prominent. Anal (in the female) with three
rays. Tail longer than the body, quadrangular, ending in a blunted point, finless, and com-
posed of thirty-two segments.

Color. Light brown, with iridescent opercles. Irides yellow.

Length 4 "5.

Fin rays, D. 18 ; P. 15; A. 3.

This species varies in size from three to six inches. I cannot reconcile it with the brevi-
rostris described by Yarrel, to which it is referred by my estimable friend Dr. Storer. It has
even a shorter tubular jaw. All the specimens which I have hitherto had an opportunity to
examine, were females. We believe that the animals of this genus stand alone among fishes,
in having a prehensile tail.

FAMILY GYMNODONTIDJE DIODON. 323

ORDER VI. PLECTOGNATHI.

Gills and rays concealed beneath the skin. The maxillary bone soldered to the side of the
intermaxillary, which alone forms the jaw. The palatine also soldered to the cranium.
Branchial aperture a narroiu fissure.

FAMILY GYMNODONTIDJE.

Instead of the ordinary teeth hitherto observed in fishes, this family has the jaws furnished
with a bony substance resembling enamel, divided internally into lamina; these are
essentially true teeth united together. The snout not produced. Inhabit chiefly tropical
seas. Flesh of several species poisonous.

Obs. About sixty species have been described of this family.

GENUS DIODON. Linneus.

All the teeth united into a single one in each jaw. Behind the trenchant edge of each, a
rounded part furrowed transversely, and aiding in mastication. No ventral fins. Skin
furnished with slender prickles or stout spines.

Obs. The species of this and the following genus possess the singular property of puffing
themselves up into a globular ball, and in this state, float on the surface. This is effected by
swallowing the air, which is retained by a thick contractile muscle surrounding the oesophagus.
This condition, with the projecting spines, serves as a means of defence. Air-bladder with
two lobes. Kidneys placed high up, and have been mistaken for lungs. Liver occupies the
whole length of the abdomen, and divided into many small lobes. The jaws of this genus are
not unfrequently found in a fossil state, but I have not observed them in the United States.

THE SPOT-STRIPED BALLOON-FISH.

DlODON MACULATO-STRIATUS.
PLATE LVI. FIG. 185. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Diodon atinga, Sphericus aculeis triquelris. 1*. X

Toad-fish at New-York. Schcepff, Beobachtungen u. s. w. Vol. 8, p. 192.

Diodon maeulato-striatus, Spot-striped Diodon. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 470, pi. 6, fig. 3.

Diodon rivulatus. Cuvier, Memoires du Museum d'Hist. Naturelle, Vol. 4, p. 129, pi. 6.

Characteristics. Greenish, with numerous meandering olive brown stripes, and a few dark
colored large blotches margined with green. Tail even. Length five to
seven inches.

Description. Body subcubical. Front abruptly descending. Space between the orbits

324 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

concave. The whole surface, except the chin and tail, covered with sharp, recurved, trian-
gular, compressed spines, each with a trifid base, and forming in the dried specimen a sort
of bony coat of mail over the whole animal ; these spines are larger above than beneath.
There are prominent ones over the eyes, and a single one between the orbits. The barbels
are disposed in pairs ; one pair between the eyes and snout, with a slight imperforate cavity ;
another pair under the lower jaw, 0- 2 in length ; and a third, half an inch long, on each side
of the vent. Branchial aperture semilunate, and covered with a loose valvular membrane.
The mouth terminal, broad, with fleshy puckered lips. Teeth slightly crenulate on their
margins. Tongue smooth, large and fleshy.

The dorsal fin on the posterior part of the body, over the vent, composed of thirteen rays,
with a fleshy ridge in front. Pectorals four-sided, broader than long, slightly excavated on
its margin. Anal opposite the dorsal, short, and rounded on its margin. Caudal long, nearly
even.

Color, of a living specimen. Bright sea-green above, with longitudinal olive-brown irre-
gular stripes on the back and upper part of the sides ; on the cheeks, below the eyes, these
stripes are oblique ; transverse across the snout, and sloping downward over the fleshy por-
tion of the tail. The large olive-brown spots are irregularly rounded, occasionally approach-
ing a quadrate form, and eight in number ; one on each side, above the base of the pectorals,
of an oblong oval form ; one on each flank, behind and partially covered by the pectoral,
irregularly subquadrate ; one on each side of the base of the dorsal, ascending upon that fin ;
this is considered by Cuvier as a single spot ; finally a small oblong spot on each side, about
midway between the dorsal fin and the vent. Abdomen light-colored, with a light tinge of
pink. Spines on this portion of the body, inclining to orange. Pupils dark greenish; irides
yellow.

Length, 7"0. Depth, 2'5.

Fin rays, D. 13 ; P. 24 ; A. 12 ; C. 9.

This species is not rare in our waters in summer, and is occasially taken with the hook at
the wharves of the city in July and August. The specimen described was a female. Its
stomach was large and very delicate, filled with fragments of shells chiefly of a species of
Nassa. It is a southern fish, and has not yet been observed north of the latitude of New-
York.

THE UNSPOTTED BALLOON-FISH.

DlODON PCLIGINOSUS.

PLATE LV. FIG. 181. Magnified three times.

Characteristics. Unspotted. Dark olive green above; bright orange beneath. Caudal fin
lanceolate. Length two inches.

Description. Body subcubical, rather more slender towards the tail. Irregular series of

FAMILY GYMNODONTIDiE DIODON. 325

triangular spines on the upper surface ; the extremities of which, in the living animal, are
furnished with long strips of membrane. Similar spines, but more numerous, smaller and
recurved, on the abdomen. Three spines over each orbit, and another equidistant between
each orbit. Lips fleshy, and susceptible of being drawn over the teeth. Three or four
minute barbels under the chin. Pectorals short and broad, with a slightly sinuous mar-
gin ; the upper rays longest. Dorsal placed far back, and obtusely pointed. The anal fin
long, placed on an elongated fleshy base. Tail slender, supporting a lanceolate caudal fin.
All the fins exceedingly feeble and delicate.

Color. Above dark olive-green, tinged with brown, with meandering dusky lines as in the
preceding species. Chin yellowish white. Abdomen black ; but the bases of the spines are
bright orange, which so far predominates as to give this color to the whole under side.

Length, 2"0. Depth and transverse diameter, l'O.
Fin rays, D. 14 ; P. 22 ; A. 8 ; C. 9.

This species, which might be mistaken for the young of the preceding, is readily distin-
guished by its lanceolate tail. I have nothing to state in relation to its habits. The specimen
which furnished me with the above description, was found in a net in the harbor of New- York
in the latter part of October.

THE WARTY BALLOON-FISH.

DlODON VERRUCOSUS.

PLATE LV. FIG. 184. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Small. With rounded areolae, from which arise soft flexible spines. Length
an inch and a half.

Description. Form cuboidal oblong. The whole surface covered with numerous circum-
scribed and somewhat elevated areolae, presenting a verrucose appearance. From the centre
of each arises a pointed conical cutaneous process, resembling a spine. A single barbel oyer
each orbit. Nostrils tubular. The dorsal opposed to and somewhat longer than the anal.
Pectorals short, broader than long. Caudal long, emarginate.

Color. Cinereous brown above ; yellowish white beneath.

Length, 1'4. Depth, 0"5.

Fin rays, D. 11 ; P. 22 ; A. 10 ; C. 10.

This small fish, which is found very rarely in the harbor of New-York, may prove to be
the young of some species hitherto undescribed. My late friend Dr. Mitchill read a descrip-
tion of this species before the Lyceum nearly twenty years since, under the name of verru-
cosus. He was, however, accustomed to throw his communications into any vehicle of publi-
cation that presented itself, and resorted even to ladies' magazines, or to a daily newspaper.
My attempts to find the description of this species have been fruitless.

326 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE HAIRY BALLOON-FISH.

DlODON PILOSES.

PLATE. LV. FIG. ISO. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

The Hairy Diodon, Diodon pilosus. Mitchiix, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 471, pi. 6, fig. 4.
Diodon aspcr ? Ccvier, Memoires du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, Vol. 4, p. 138.
D. pilosus. Id. Regne Animal, Ed. anglaise, Vol. 10, p. 567,

Characteristics. Body with long flexible setaceous spines. Caudal pointed. Length two to
four inches.

Description. Body oblong, cuboidal. Every part of the surface, except a small space
round the mouth and eyes, and another including the base of the caudal fin, furnished with
bristles ; these are from two to four-tenths long, directed backwards, though probably capable
of erection at the will of the animal. They are somewhat longer and more crowded on the
dorsal and posterior parts of the body ; they are all soft and flexible, suggesting the idea of
hair-like processes. Eyes large and lateral ; the space between the orbital margins depressed,
concave. Nostrils single, with an obliquely truncated tubular orifice. Mouth terminal,
broad, with thin membranous lips. Jaws, or rather the teeth, ending in an acute tip in front.
Branchial orifice ear-shaped, placed in front of the upper part of the base of the pectorals.
The dorsal slightly anterior to, but over the anal ; rounded on its margin, higher than wide.
Pectoral short and broad ; its upper rays longest. Anal fin broad, and similar in shape to the
dorsal. Caudal lanceolate.

Color. Brownish above ; ashy white beneath ; the prickles of a metallic golden color. On
the back and along the sides are several oblong, distant, blackish brown spots.

Length, 2-0.

Fin rays, D. 12 ; P. 20 ; A. 14 ; C. 9.

This remarkable little species, which has been occasionally taken in the bay of New-York,
was first described by Mitchill. It was subsequently referred by Cuvier (Op. sup. cit.) as
the young of a species which he names asper, two feet and a half long. It is probable that
his opinion underwent some modification subsequent to the publication of that paper; for in
the last edition of his Regne Animal, D. pilosus is cited as a distinct species.

FAMILY GYMNODONTIDjE. 327

GENUS TETRAODON. Linneus.

Both jaws divided in the middle by a suture, presenting the appearance of four teeth, two
above and two beneath. The surface either entirely or partially covered with prickles.
Form often globular.

Obs. This genus, like the preceding, has the property of inflating itself by swallowing air.
When captured, they produce a sound which is caused by the rapid emission of the air. Some
species are electrical. It comprises many species, which are susceptible of numerous sub-
divisions.

THE COMMON PUFFER.

Tetraodon turgidtjs.

PLATE LV. FIG. 178.

Telrodon hispidus. LlN'NEUS.

Toad-fish at New-York. Schcepff, Beobachtungen, Vol. 8, p. 189.

Puffer, Tetrodon turgidus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 473, pi. 6, fig. 5.

Tetraodon tvrgidus, Sifcll-Jish, Puffer. Stoker, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 169.

Characteristics. The whole surface roughened with prickles, except the chin and the space
posterior to the dorsal and anal fins. Olive-green above ; white beneath.
Length six to twelve inches.

Description. Body oblong, cylindrical ; when inflated, nearly globular. The whole sur-
face, with the exceptions noted in the specific phrase, and small spaces around the nostrils
and behind the pectorals, thickly covered with small acute prickles with a trifid base ; these
prickles are more closely sprinkled on the back and the space between the eyes. The smooth
surface on the posterior part of the body advances slightly before the dorsal and anal fins, and
still more on the sides. No trace of a lateral line. Head scarcely distinct from the body.
Branchial aperture, a narrow sublunate slit in front of the pectorals. Eyes large, longitudi-
nally oval ; the greatest diameter 0*6, and the distance of the orbits apart slightly exceeding
their diameters ; the space between them, plane, sloping with a slight concavity to the jaws.
Nostrils with a short filament, and nearer to the eyes than to the extremity of the snout ; a
small space around them, free from prickles and perfectly smooth. Jaws robust.

The dorsal fin arises anterior to the base of the anal fin, fan-shaped, higher than broad,
with eight branched rays ; the first short and simple, the second highest, and thence gradually
diminishing to the last. Pectoral fins broad and rounded. Anal small and slender. Caudal
rounded. The membrane of all the rays very thin and delicate.

Color. Above darkish olive green on the upper part of the head, body and tail, with a yel-
lowish tinge along the sides. Sides and all beneath white, with occasionally a greenish tinge.
Along the sides, from beneath the eye to the caudal fin, is an indefinite series of six to eight

328 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

oblong black blotches, which occasionally assume the appearance of transverse bars. I have
seen specimens of nearly a uniform black above.

Length, S'5. Head measured from the branchial aperture, 2' 5.
Fin rays, D. 8 ; P. 15 ; A. 6 ; C. 9.

This curious fish receives its popular names of Puffer and Blower, from its being enabled
to inflate itself when taken from the water. When lying undisturbed at the bottom of a
boat, it may again be made to inflate itself by scratching its abdomen. It is a cruel diversion
with boys to crush the inflated animal with a large stone, when the abdomen is burst with a
loud explosion. Schcepff, who was afraid to make an assertion when it contradicted, or was
not supported by the authority of Linneus, had this species before him, and referred it to the
T. hispidus, a very different species. It was this species that SchcepfT asserts to be fur-
nished with lungs lying in the fore part of the breast, having mistaken the kidneys for lungs.

This species is scarcely ever eaten. It is abundant on our shores, and extends northwardly
as far as the harbor of Boston, where it was observed by Dr. Storer. With its southerly
range, I am not acquainted. It is frequently taken with the hook in fishing for black-fish on
our coast, and is also taken in company with the cod and haddock.

THE CURVED PUFFER.

Tetraodon cbrvus.
The Curved Telrodon, T. curvis. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil, Soc. Vol. 1, p. 472.

Characteristics. Smooth and brown above, with faint transverse bars. A smooth brass-
colored stripe on the side, from the head to the tail. Length two and a
half inches.

Description. Back considerably arched, and smooth ; belly pouched, and capable of great
distension. Short sharp spines disposed in quincunx on the belly. Mouth small, the upper
teeth project ; the lower jaw shuts within the upper. Eyes large, and almost halfway between
the snout and the gill-openings. Tail tapering, and the rays of its extremity long, and rather
forked. The dorsal fin much behind, with thirteen rays growing out of a skinny protuberance.
The anal has the same number, situated on a similar process. Pectorals broad, even, and
composed of about sixteen rays.

Color. Back dark brown, variegated with faint bars across. The parts contiguous to the
branchial aperture, brassy. Belly dull-yellow. Between the back and belly, is a smooth
brass-colored stripe or riband from head to tail. General complexion brassy.

Length, 2' 5. Depth, 1*0, or rather more.
Fin rays, D. 13; P. 16; A. 13; C. 15.

FAMILY GYMNODONTIDiE TETRAODON. 329

This description of Dr. Mitchill, which is unfortunately too concise, seems to announce a
new species, and as such I have introduced it here. I have never seen a specimen, but have
been accustomed to regard it as being possibly the young of the following species. This
doubt can only be cleared up by a minute and more careful examination.

THE LINEATED PUFFER.

Tetraodon ijeyicutos.

PLATE LVI. FIG. 183. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

T. lavigalus. LiNNEr/s, Syst. p. 411.

Le Lisse. Bonnaterke, Encycl. Method, p. 24, pi. 16, fig. 52 (had.)

T. laevigatas, Rabbit-fish. Schcepff, Schriften der Nalurf. Vol. 8, p. 189.

Tamboril, Parra, Des. diff. piezas, &c. p. 37, pi. 19.

T. Imvigatus, Brown Glubc-fish. Mitchill, Report, &c. on the Fishes of New-York, p. 28.

T.mathematicus, Mathematical Tetrodon. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soo. Vol. 1, p. 474, pi. 6, fig. 6.

Characteristics. Olive-green above. Belly only furnished with sharp prickles. The upper
part of the body with series of mucous pores, forming numerous lines.
Length one to two feet.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, tumid in front, and gradually tapering behind.
Abdomen pendulous. Summit of the head, between the eyes, plane ; facial line descending
to the jaws with a gentle slope. Many series of mucous pores above. One series on each
side, curving under the orbits, and passing through the nostrils, (in the figure, this is inaccu-
rately represented ;) from the posterior part of this circle, on each side, proceed two others ;
the superior ending abruptly on a transverse row above the base of the pectorals ; the other
passes along the back, on each side, with a broad convex curve, descending to the space be-
tween the dorsal and anal, and then going off straight through the centre of the tail. Head
not distinct from the body. Teeth remarkably robust, acute, and contiguous in front above,
separated at the base. Eyes large, longitudinally oval, near the facial outline, with prominent
orbits. Nostrils double, contiguous ; the posterior with a filament. Lips fleshy and thick.
Branchial aperture crescent-shaped, and just anterior to the pectoral fin. All above, and on
the sides, smooth ; chin and throat smooth. Abdomen, for an area which extends to within
two and a half inches from the anal, and ascending up to the inferior part of the base of the
pectorals, armed with spines. These spines or prickles are a tenth of an inch long, directed
backwards, and trifid at the base ; they are arranged in rather regular transverse series, and
when the abdomen is distended, are about four-tenths of an inch apart.

The dorsal fin irregularly trapezoidal, emarginate above, and arises 13' 0 from the end of
the jaws. It contains fourteen rays, of which the first is very robust, the second 2" 8 high ;
they then rapidly diminish to the eighth, after which they very gradually decrease in length.
Pectorals short, broad, excavated behind, with seventeen rays. The upper ray 1"8 long;
the ninth, tenth, and eleventh shortest. Anal similar in shape and size to the dorsal, under

Fauna — Part 4. 42

330 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

which it is placed. Caudal fin wide, broadly excavated behind, almost lunate ; its central
rays somewhat longer than the immediately adjacent ones on the sides. Its lobes frequently
unequal.

Color. On the back, dark olive-brown, passing into yellowish green on the sides, which is
distinctly separated from the flesh-colored or white parts beneath. Pupils black ; irides yel-
lowish.

Length, 23-0; from the branchial aperture to the jaws, 5'5.

Fin rays, D. 14 ; P. 17 ; A. 12 ; C. 13.

This species was first sent to Linneus from Carolina, and by him described. Bonnaterre,
in his compilation, added a few additional characters made up from a fanciful figure. It was
subsequently noticed by Schcepff, but without affording any additional information. The
Linnean phrase, " Ventre ab ore ad finem p. pectoralium tantum aculeato," is far from being
exact, and probably misled Mitchill, and induced him to describe it as distinct. He had,
however, previously referred it in his first ichthyological essay to the T. Icevigatus. It is called
Rabbit-fish, according to Schcepff, on account of the whiteness of its flesh.

The Lineated Puffer is by no means a common species in our waters. It ranges from the
Gulf of Mexico to Rhode-Island, and, according to Parra, is poisonous.

GENUS ACANTHOSOMA.

Body globular, subcompressed, armed with spines, and susceptible of inflation. Dorsal,
caudal and anal united. Teeth as in Diodon.

THE SMALL GLOBE-FISH.

ACANTHOSOMA CARINATUM.
PLATE LV. FIG. 179. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)
Diodon carinatus. Mitchill, Annals Lye, Nat. Hist. New-York, Vol. 2, p. 264, pi. 5, fig. 1.

Characteristics. Small. Olive-brown above ; silvery on the sides and beneath. Length one
inch.

Description. Body vertically oval, being higher than long. The prickles or spines are
pointed, distant and striated on the sides, with a dilated rounded base, distributed in the fol-
lowing manner : One, small, in the centre of facial profile, over the upper jaw ; one over each
orbit, and another behind ; three equidistant along the dorsal outline, to the dorsal ; two above
the pectoral fin, and one between this fin and the caudal ; below the pectoral, a row of four
on each side, extending from the chin to the caudal ; rudiments of two other rows below these.
The abdominal outline with three inequidistant spines ; the spaces between them being filled
up with numerous small pointed tubercles, which become obsolete on the sides of the abdomen.

FAMILY GYMNODONTIDiE — ORTHAGORISCUS. 331

Surface of the body, under the lens, exhibiting slight asperities, intermixed with scattering
filaments resembling hairs. Eyes large. Nostrils small, and slightly before the eyes. Mouth
small, with undivided teeth, the upper slightly projecting. Branchial fissures short, linear,
nearly vertical, and contiguous to the anterior part of the base of the pectoral. The pectorals
in the middle third of the length of the animal, and midway between the back and belly.
The vertical fins united ; the portions representing the dorsal and anal with fleshy bases, high
and pointed, and resembling each other. The dorsal portion contains twenty-five rays, of
which the anterior is longest ; the anal portion somewhat more produced than the dorsal ; the
caudal portion nearly straight, and represented by a loose membrane, with nine or ten pro-
jecting hair-like rays.

Color. Olive-brown above ; lustrous silvery on the sides and beneath, where it is iridescent.

Length, 1*0. Depth, 1*2.

Fin rays, P. 12; D. + C. + A. = 52.

This little fish, so remarkable for its form, was first noticed on our coast by Dr. Mitchill,
under the name cited above. I am not without the suspicion that this has already been figured
in Pallas (Spicileg. Zool. pi. 4), and described and figured by Koelreuter in Nov. Comm.
Petropol. (Vol. 10, p. 337), with the following phrase: "Mola aculeata, limbo abdominis
" producto, attenuato carnosa (pi. 8, fig. 2) ; length 1\ French lines." There is a figure on
the same plate (fig. 3), one inch six lines long, and one inch ten lines deep, which Koelreuter
merely alludes to. The notice of the species is, however, too vague to enable me to decide
upon the subject.

GENUS ORTHAGORISCUS. Schneider, Cuvier.

Body short, compressed, and as if truncated; spineless, and not susceptible of inflation.
Dorsal, caudal and anal fins united.

THE SHORT HEAD-FISH.

Orthagoriscus mola.

PLATE LIX. FIG. 193. — (CABINET OP THE LYCEUM.)

Tclrodon mola. Linnebs, Syst. Nat. p. 412.

Orthagoriscus id. Schneider, Bloch.

Cephalus brevis. Mitchill, Med. Repository, Vol. 15, p. 195. Id. Lit. Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 471.;

Orthagoriscus mola, The Short Sun-fish. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 170, pi. 3, fig. 1.

Characteristics. Skin dark grey, rough. Depth two-thirds of its length. Length three to
four feet.

Description. Form oblong elliptical, subtruncated behind, compressed. Skin covered with
rough granulations, but no vestige of scales, nor of lateral line. Head not distinct from the

332 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

trunk. Eyes rather large and convex. Nostrils double, just in front of the eyes. Mouth
small. Jaws armed with a broad and bony plate, sharp at the edge. Dorsal outline arched
from a point opposite the anterior angle of the orbits, to a line above the base of the pectorals ;
thence straight to the dorsal fin. The sides of the head project out from the body quite pro-
minently over the eyes, to the branchial aperture. Opercle directly in front of the pectorals,
three inches in its greatest diameter. Largest diameter of the eyes 2' 5; smaller diameter,
2"0. Snout flattened above, obtuse, and projecting about an inch in front of the upper jaw.
Length of the head from the tip of the snout to the base of the pectoral fin, seventeen inches.
Vent corrugated, two inches in front of the anal fin ; a very obvious carina commences in
front of the vent, and is continued until opposite the origin of the pectorals.

Dorsal and anal fins triangular, placed at the upper and lower posterior extremity of the
fish, and six feet and a half from tip to tip. Length of the dorsal, 13' 0; height, 21 "0.
Length of the anal, 12' 0 ; height of the same fin, 21 -0. The caudal fin borders the extre-
mity of the body, and is connected both with the dorsal and anal fins ; divided into eight digi-
tations, of which the upper are smaller, and the sixth the largest. All the fins are of a very
dense texture.

Color. Back dark grey ; abdomen white ; the sides of a soiled white, with silvery reflec-
tions. Pupils black ; irides dark brown, encircled within by a silvery ring. A broad, nearly
black band commences at the origin of the dorsal fin, and running along its base, is continued
in front of the caudal and anal fins to the vent. This band is lighter colored along the base of
the anal, and here also it is as narrow as at the dorsal. Along the base of the caudal it is
much deeper, even equal to the least height of that fin. Edge of the caudal fin flesh-colored.

Length, 54"0. Depth, 30'0. Weight, 200 pounds.
Fin rays, D. 13 ; P. 13 ; A. 15 ; C. 9.

The description by Dr. Storer, from a recent specimen, is the only detailed account which
we have had of this species on this side of the Atlantic. I have therefore rather preferred to
adopt his description, than to present my own, which was drawn up from a cabinet specimen.
It appears from the figure given by Dr. Storer, which we have adopted, that the snout is
more prominent than in any of the figures which we have examined. The slight inaccuracy
in the original drawing, which represents the dorsal and anal as distinct from the caudal, is
corrected in the text. From a comparison of the various figures and descriptions by European
writers of this rare fish, I am inclined to believe that they all relate to the same species. An
originally bad figure has been successively copied, with fancied emendations, which has fur-
nished materials for new errors. The greatest discrepancies are observed in the radial for-
mula ; but when we recollect that the membrane is exceedingly dense, we may make rea-
sonable allowances for the difference in the various enumerations of the fin rays. It is proba-
ble that the figure given by Dr. Storer is the first accurate representation ever published.

The Great Sun-fish, or Head-fish, is not unfrequenlly captured along the coast. The spe-
cimen mentioned by Dr. Mitchill, was captured in the lower bay within Sandy Hook. It

FAMILY BALISTID^E MONOCANTHUS. 333

weighed two hundred pounds. Its flesh is represented to be worthless as an article of food.
In the young, according to Yarrel, there are within the lower jaw tooth several dull pearl-like
teeth of various shapes ; some thin and flat, presenting an edge ; others behind, cylindrical,
short, and rather pointed. These disappear with age ; for we learn from Jenyns, that in the
adult, the lamellated substance is undivided. Various parasitical animals, such as Pennella
sagitta and Tristoma coccineum, are found frequently adhering to his body. It is a sluggish
dull fish, and is easily captured. It has been known to weigh four hundred or five hundred
pounds.

FAMILY BALISTID&.

Body compressed. Snout prolonged from the eyes. Mouth small, with a few distinct teeth
in each jaw. Skin roughened with prickles or scales. Dorsals two; the anterior some-
times represented by a single spine. Ventrals often wanting or indistinct. Pelvic bone
prominent.

Obs. The number of species hitherto observed is about seventy, principally inhabitants of
the tropical seas. They are often distinguished by their brilliant colors.

GENUS MONOCANTHUS. Cuvier.

Body covered with very minute scales, assuming the form of prickles. Extremity of the
pelvis salient and spinous. A single large dentated spine, in place of the first dorsal ;
occasionally a small and almost imperceptible spine.

THE ORANGE FILE-FISH.

MONOCANTHUS AURANT1ACUS.
PLATE LVII. FIG. 186.
The Change File-fish, Balistes aurantiac-us. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 408, pi. 6, fig. 1.

Characteristics. Oval. Brilliant yellow or orange. Tail uneven. Dorsal and anal bordered
with dusky. Length one to two feet.

Description. Body much compressed, subovate. Mouth prominent. Facial line slightly
concave. Dorsal outline, between the spine and dorsal fin, horizontal. Abdomen tumid.
Surface with minute, acute, incurved prickles, which are felt opposing the hand in all direc-
tions, and extend along the rays of all the fins. Very small naked furrows maybe perceived
with a lens, traversing the surface, and separating the spiny prickles into minute patches or
plates. Depth of the body rather more than half the total length. Mouth small and pro-
duced ; the lower jaw longest, and armed with eight thin flattened teeth, of which those in

334 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

front (see figure) are long and large, with emarginated edges ; in the upper jaw, the teeth are
smaller, flat and lanceolate. Eyes large, lateral, and 0*8 in diameter, and nearly a diameter
and a half apart ; they are placed immediately beneath the dorsal spine. The branchial aper-
ture oblique, linear, and nearly two inches long. Nostrils single, oblong, 0'4 long, and
placed nearly on the plane of the upper margin of the orbits, from which it is 0" 4 distant ;
it may be closed by a membrane.

The dorsal spine two inches long, rounded, and slightly bent ; it has a small membrane
attached to the posterior portion of its base, with a furrow behind for its reception when it is
recumbent. By a peculiar mechanism resembling that observed in the family Siluridas, this
spine becomes fixed at the will of the animal. Just before the origin of the second dorsal
fin, there is a rounded prominence, under which is concealed a long flat bone, inserted on
one side of the spinous processes of the vertebrae. The second dorsal commences at a point
4' 2 distant from the spine, is long and low, with flattened subfoliaceous scarcely articulated
surjequal rays, of which the middle ones are longest. Pectorals short, broad and rounded,
placed beneath the eyes. Ventrals represented by a long ensiform bone, triangular in front,
flattened behind. It is articulated in front with opercular bones, and supports the abdominal
viscera. The anal corresponds in shape and size with the dorsal fin, but extends behind it ;
its rays, like those of the dorsal, are cylindrical at the base, membranaceous and flattened
towards the tip. The tail is oblong, linear, compressed, supporting a caudal fin composed of
robust rays, of which the external are largest ; the central and lateral rays are longest, pro-
ducing a double emargination on its border.

Color. Chin, lips, sides and beneath bluish white ; the remaining part of the body of a rich
orange-yellow. Eyes dark greenish. Margins of the pectoral, dorsal and anal fins edged
with dusky.

Length, 17-5. Greatest depth, 8-5.

Fin rays, D. 1.36; P. 12; V. 0; A. 39; C. 12.

This is a rare species in our waters. I have seen but two specimens. I did not observe
the " small prong or branch" on the dorsal spine, noticed by Dr. Mitchill. A southern species,
which has not been observed north of New- York. I find no description which is applicable
to it in the works of foreign writers.

FAMILY BALISTIDJJ MONOCANTHUS. 335

THE LONG-FINNED FILE-FISH.

MONOCANTHUS BROCCUS.

PLATE LVI. FIG. 183.

Batistes tomentosus? Bloch, p. 373 ; Bonnaterre, Ency. Method. Vol. 18, pi. 10, fig. 32?
Tui-mouthed File-fish, Batistes broccus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Sac. Vol. 1, p. 407.

Characteristics. Uniform brown. Dorsal fin with an equal convex margin. Mouth promi-
nent, projecting. Length eight inches.

Description. Body subovate, and covered with asperities, which, under the lens, appear to
be composed of small scales, each with a prickle directed backwards. No lines nor spots on
the body. Back regularly convex, until a short distance before the eyes ; thence sloping,
with a slight concave curve to the jaws. Abdominal outline angular, caused by the promi-
nence of the ventral fin. Eyes large, under the dorsal spine, and slightly in advance of it,
with a nictitating membrane. Branchial fissure small, oblique, sublunate, and between the
eyes and pectoral fins. Six to eight sharp incisorial teeth in the upper and lower jaws.

The first dorsal represented by a sharp recurved spine an inch long ; along its length, on
each side, a row of from six to eight sharp white teeth directed downward, and resembling
white enamel. The second dorsal high, rounded equally on its margin ; the anterior rays
highest, ending near the caudal, and coterminal with the anal. Pectorals subacute, rounded.
The anal long and low, not as high as the dorsal. The place of the ventral is supplied by an
elongation of the pelvis. It presents externally a sharp rough spine, with three or four small
white teeth on each side, similar to what we have noted on the dorsal spine. A loose rough-
ened membrane, which is a prolongation of the skin, with prickles on its edge, extends from
the pelvic spine to the vent. Caudal long and rounded, with its rays very ramose. Along
the base of the dorsal and anal fins, a series of foramina are noticed when held up against the
light.

Color. A uniform slate-brown, without spots or stripes. Irides yellowish white ; pupils
black.

Length, 8"0. Greatest depth, 3'0.

Fin rays, D. 1.32; P. 13; V. 0 ; A. 32; C. 13.

This small species is not uncommon in the harbor of New- York, being frequently found in
the nets set for other fishes. Our fishermen apply to it the whimsical name of Fool-Jish, in
allusion to what they consider its absurd mode of swimming with a wriggling motion, its body
being sunk, and its mouth just on a level with the water. The specimen which has furnished
the above description was recent. I refer to the description of Bonnaterre with great doubt ;
the general shape agrees tolerably well, but I saw no trace of a second dorsal spine ; and if
the species be indeed identical, the subvillous appearance near the tail is hardly rendered by

336 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

the phrase " herisse de poils." I should not have cited the name and meagre notice of Mitchill,
had I not been acquainted with the species which he intended to designate under the name of
broccus.

THE MASSACHUSETTS FILE-FISH.

MoNOCANTHUS MASSACHUSETENSIS.
PLATE LVII. FIG. 187. — (STATE COLLECTION.)
M. massachitsettensis, The Massachusetts File-fish. Stoker, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 174.

Characteristics. Greenish brown, with obsolete abbreviated darker stripes. Margin of the
dorsal fin sinuous. Length three and four inches.

Description. Body elliptical, much compressed. Mouth prominent. Back sub-arcuated
between the dorsal spine and the dorsal fin ; facial line slightly waving. Skin covered with
small stellated plates, which are so disposed as to feel slightly rough only where the hand is
moved towards the head. Eyes large, 0- 3 in diameter. Branchial aperture oblique, linear,
0*2 in length. Mouth with from six to eight teeth in each jaw, with cutting edges ; the ante-
rior pair above and beneath somewhat pointed. Nostrils in advance of the eyes, and very
near the profile.

The spine representing the first dorsal fin over the posterior margin of the orbits, curved,
and 0 ' 7 long, with a short membrane at the base behind ; it has twelve white decurved teeth
in a double series behind, and with smaller teeth irregularly distributed over its anterior and
lateral parts. The dorsal fin with the first three rays are subequal, the succeeding four higher
and longest, thence gradually descending to the posterior rays ; the last two or three rays
very short : the rays of all the fins simple. Pectorals feeble, with the fifth and sixth rays
longest and subequal. At the place of the ventral, a stout pelvic spine, protruding exter-
nally about two-tenths of an inch, with four white acute spiculas projecting forwards, and
smaller ones over its surface. The margin of the cuticular fold covered with sharp stellated
spines. Anal agreeing in size, and nearly in shape, with the dorsal. Tail elongated, linear,
with a rounded fin ; the sides of the rays with minute spines.

Color. Dark olive-green, with a yellowish tint on the chin and throat. Anal and dorsal
yellowish green. Caudal light olive-green. Pectorals light reddish. A faint bluish tint above
the eyes, and between the spine and dorsal fin. Faint abbreviated dark oblong streaks along
the sides. Irides dull golden ; pupils black.

Length, 3-8. Greatest depth, 2*0.

Fin rays, D. 1.34; P. 15; V. 0 ; A. 30; C. 13.

This small species, which is closely allied to the preceding, was first noticed by Dr. Storer.
It is common in our waters, and is most numerous in the month of September. It ranges to
the north of Cape Cod.

FAMILY BALISTID.E MONOCANTHUS. 337

THE THREAD FILE-FISH.

MONOCANTHUS SETIFER.
PLATE L1X. FIG. 194. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Brownish, with one or more of the anterior dorsal rays elongated into fila-
ments. Length five to seven inches.

Description. Body elongated ; its length exceeding twice its depth, and covered with asperi-
ties as in the foregoing species, which extend over the fin rays. Branchial aperture long,
oblique, and anterior to the base of the pectoral fin. Tail elongated. Eyes large. The dorsal
spine above the posterior margin of the orbits, 0"9 high, with nine white lateral decurved teeth.
The dorsal fin with its first ray 0-5 long ; its second filamentous, 1 • 3 long ; the third filamen-
tous, but shorter than the second ; the remaining rays nearly twice the length of the first, and
subequal until we reach the twenty-second, when they gradually decrease in length. I am
not sure whether the first ray is entire. Pectorals broad and rounded, with the tips of the
rays slightly detached. The rays of the anal increasing in length to the fourth, thence sub-
equal to the nineteenth, when they decrease ; the last ray minute. Caudal long and rounded,
with flattened rays.

Color. Dull brownish grey, with obscure darker mottlings on the sides ; beneath rather
lighter. Irides yellowish white.

Length, 5*5. Greatest depth, 2" 1.

Fin rays, D. 1 .33 ; P. 13 ; V. 0 ; A. 33 ; C. 13.

This fish, which was taken in the harbor of New- York in August, appears to be undescribed.
It bears a certain resemblance to the Cochino of Cuba, described by Parra (p. 15, pi. 9), in
its filamentous dorsal, but in other respects is totally different. In some specimens brought to
me, the stomach was filled with small crabs, and the first ray only of the dorsal fin filamentous.

Fauna — Part 4. 43

338 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

GENUS ALUTERES. Cuvier.

The pelvic bone entirely concealed beneath the skin. Body elongated, covered with small
and scarcely visible grains. A single spine representing the first dorsal, as in the pre-
ceding genus.

THE LONG-TAILED UNICORN-FISH.

Aluteres cuspicauda.
plate lix. fig. 192.

The Sharp-tailed File-fish, Batistes cuspicauda. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 326.
The Unicorn Fde-fish, Aluteres monoceros ? Stoker, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 175.

Characteristics. Brown, varied with orange. Tail lancet-shaped, and nearly half the length
of the body. Length six to nine inches.

Description. Body elongated ; back nearly horizontal between the dorsal fin and spine.
Facial line straight, sloping. Abdomen regularly arched. Mouth prominent, projecting, small,
upturned. The surface of the body covered with minute asperities, like shagreen. Teeth
in the jaws lamellated, with pointed tips ; those of the lower jaw closing within the upper.
Lips thin and membranaceous, scarcely covering the teeth. Eyes large. Nostril in a line
with the upper margin of the orbit. Branchial aperture very oblique, and 0 ■ 6 long.

The dorsal spine stout, short, serrated, with a furrow behind for its reception ; second dorsal
low, with its middle rays highest, and reaching to within 0"8 of the caudal fin. Pectorals
short, and placed beneath the orbits. Anal terminates beyond the end of the dorsal ; the rays
of its posterior third portion are longest. The caudal fin arises from an elongated tail, with
its outer rays stoutest, and shorter than the others, which are alternately large and small, and
all serrated towards their bases ; the middle rays are two and a half inches long, and all, with
the exception of the two outer ones, are filamentous at their tips.

Color. Yellowish brown, varied with irregular dashes and blotches, to such a degree that
scarcely any two individuals are precisely similar ; the general disposition is, however, to
oblique bands of dusky brown, with the intervening spaces lighter. Irides yellow.

Length, 8 "5. Greatest depth, 2-5.

Fin rays, D. 1 .38 ; P. 13 ; V. 0 ; A. 42 ; C. 12.

This is not an uncommon species in our waters. The monoceros of Storer is either very
closely allied, or what is more probable, is the young of our Long-tailed Unicorn-fish. The
color varies still more than is noted above. I have seen them of a uniform brown, without
any spots or clouds whatsoever.

FAMILY BALISTIDjE BALISTES. 339

Dr. Mitchill has indicated another species of Aluteres from the waters of this State, but his
account is too vague to permit us to class it among the established species. To call the atten-
tion of ichthyologists to it, I add the few notes he has left on the subject.

" Balistes angusticauda, Narrow-tailed File-fish. With a considerable gibbosity before
" the eyes ; a single horn curved forward, and bending backward at the point ; with a very
" prominent flabby belly ; with an isthmus-shaped tail, narrow immediately behind the anal
" and dorsal fins, and wider towards the origin of the caudal fin ; with a very projecting
" snout and small mouth ; with a white iris, and a skin marked by shades of dark brown over
" the whole surface. This character is derived from a drawing of a fish taken at New- York."
(Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 327.)

GENUS BALISTES. Cuvier.

Body covered with hard rhomboidal scales, not imbricated. Two dorsal fins ; the first com-
posed of two or more spines. Mouth with sharp teeth. Extremity of the pelvis salient
and prickly, and behind it a few rays which are considered as representing the ventrals.

Obs. One of the subdivisions of this genus, which is so rich in species, has the tail
unarmed, and large scales behind the branchial aperture. To this division, which as yet has
received no name, belongs the following :

THE DUSKY BALISTES.

Balistes fuliginosus.
PLATE LVII. FIG. 18S. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Dusky brown, unspotted. Caudal fin doubly cmarginate ; a single spine
between the first and second dorsals. Length twelve inches.

Description. Body oblong, elliptical. Back regularly arched ; the facial profile descending
obliquely, and slightly curved to the prominent mouth. Depth of the body to its length as
one to two nearly ; the length from the snout to the branchial aperture, to the total length, as
one to four and a quarter. Body covered with scales, which are rhomboidal, occasionally
triangular or of an irregular shape, with their surfaces covered with minute, slightly elevated,
rounded tubercles, occasioning a rough feel to the touch ; they are arranged in obliquely
decussating series over the whole head and body, and in parallel series along the bases of the
dorsal and anal fins, forming a sort of sheath similar to what has been noted among some of
the Scienidas. Immediately behind the branchial aperture, and above the base of the pectoral,
is a series of four or five unusually large plates, which can scarcely be considered as scales.
Eyes large, near the facial outline, and slightly in advance of the first dorsal ray ; the orbit is
0'6 in diameter. Nostrils oblong, 0'4 in advance of the orbits, and covered by a membrane.
Mouth small. Jaws nearly equal, and covered with thin membranaceous lips. Teeth sixteen

340 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

in number above and below, and nearly similar in shape and size ; the two anterior longest
(see figure), prismatic, triangular, emarginate behind, and terminate in points ; the posterior
teeth short, compressed, with cutting edges which are emarginate, the anterior points becom-
ing more prolonged. Branchial aperture a short and narrow fissure, nearly vertical ; placed
in front of the superior part of the base of the pectorals.

The first dorsal fin is composed of two, or as others may regard it, of three inequidistant
spines. The first is two inches high, stout and subtriangular, immediately above the branchial
aperture ; broadly channelled behind from the base, gradually contracting to the tip : this
spine is smooth on its sides, and roughened with asperities in front. The second spine is 0*7
high, smooth, acute, and contiguous to the first, with which it is connected by a membrane
attached to more than two-thirds of its anterior surface. Through inadvertence on the part
of the engraver, the figure represents the appearance of another intermediate spine, which
is, however, only the posterior outline of the anterior ray. The third spine resembles the
second, but is more remote and apparently isolated, being an inch and a quarter distant, or
nearly midway between the first and second dorsals ; it has a small attached membrane. All
these spines lie in a deep groove, which entirely conceals them when recumbent. Second
dorsal long, triangular ; the first ray half the length of the second ; the fourth, fifth and sixth
longest ; from the fifth, which is 2 " 5 long, the rays decrease in length, a few of the posterior
rays being subequal. Pectorals short and rounded ; the base under the second dorsal spine.
The pelvic bone terminating in a short and broad spine, truncated at its tip. The spine is
hollowed behind, and covered in front and at the tip with irregularly pointed tubercles ; the
exposed portion is 0" 4 long. Immediately behind, and contiguous to this spine, arises what
is considered by some writers as the representative of the ventral fin. It is low, and extends
to the vent, containing seven short bifid spinous rays. At the base of each ray, on each side,
is a short horizontal spine. The anal fin arises underneath the seventh ray of the second
dorsal, which it resembles in shape and size ; its longest ray is 1*9 in height, and the fin is
coterminal with the dorsal. The tail is oblong, narrow in the middle, enlarged at the base
of the rays. The caudal fin wide, with a double and broad emargination ; the middle rays
are distant from each other.

Color. Blackish or dull brown above ; lighter on the side. Pupils black ; irides greenish.

Length, 12-5; Depth 5'3.

Fin rays, D. 2.1.28; P. 14 ; V. 7 ; A. 26; C. 12.

In the year 1820, a specimen was communicated to me from the harbor of New- York.
I made a drawing and description of it at the time, but the latter is now mislaid. I then
supposed it to be the maculatus of Bloch ; but if the latter be, as I now suspect, the capriscus
of recent writers, it cannot be referred to that species. A memorandum on the drawing
above alluded to, has the following: "Irides green. D. 3.25 ; P. 12 ; A. 24 ; C. 12."

It is a rare species, and probably that figured by Parra (p. 17, pi. 10), under the name of
Sobaco.

FAMILY OSTRACIONID^E LACTOPHRYS. 341

I have observed no other species of this genus on our coast. The Batistes sufflamcn of
Mitchill (1. c. p. 467, pi. 6, fig. 2), does not exist on our coast. The specimen upon which
his description was founded, is in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, and is from the South Atlantic.
It has obvious spines along the sides of the tail.

FAMILY OSTRACIONID^.

Body triangular or four-sided, enveloped in a hard bony case, composed of numerous plates,
soldered together in such a manner that only the mouth, tail and fins are moveable. No
ventral fins. A single dorsal fin.

Obs. A small but well defined group, containing about thirty species.

GENUS LACTOPHRYS.

Body triangular ; ivith strong spines directed backward before the anal fin. Orbits usually
spinous.

THE DROMEDARY TRUNK-FISH.

LACTOPHRYS CAMELINL*?.
PLATE LVIII. FIG. 190. — (CABINET Or THE LYCEUM.)

Characteristics. Back elevated into a spine. Eight spines along the sides, over the orbits
and tail. Length three and a half inches.

Description. Form triangular ; the sides compressed, approaching above, and dilated be-
neath. Abdomen flat, forming an angle with the sides. The whole surface covered with
plates of various sizes and shapes, but which may chiefly be resolved into hexagons, with
bony ridges from the centre of each plate, radiating to the angles ; on the abdomen, these
are most obvious. On the sides, the surface of the plates granulate ; the plates become
smaller and more confused about the head. An indistinct ridge from the orbits to the supra-
caudal plate, seems to indicate the position of the lateral line. Head rather suddenly decli-
vous to the snout, which is small and prominent over the jaws. Orbits very large, and dis-
tant a diameter apart. Orbits elevated into granulated crests, terminating in an elevated
spine over each, which is directed backward. Mouth small, and armed with about twelve
long equal teeth. Branchial aperture a vertical slit. Back much compressed, and regularly
attenuated above into a flat smooth spine, directed backward. The angular sides of the
abdomen are furnished each with four flat spines, directed backward ; the first arises under
the pectoral fin, is short, and contiguous to the second ; the remainder equidistant, and
directed horizontally backward. The bony coat of mail terminates over the tail, in two

542 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

granulate elongate processes above and beneath the tail ; the upper obtusely pointed, the
ower broader and rounded.

The dorsal fin higher than broad, arising on the posterior declivity of the dorsal bump.
3ectorals placed low down, with its superior rays longest. Anal fin posterior to the dorsal,
md nearly in the centre of the infracaudal plate. The vent lies just anterior to the base of
his fin. Caudal fin long, rounded, and fan-shaped.

Color. Ashen grey, with irregular black blotches on the dorsal hump and the sides. Ab-
iomen soiled yellowish white.

Length, 3-5. Extreme height, 1"5. Extreme width of abdomen, 1*6.
Fin rays, D. 9 ; P. 10; A. 10; C. 6.

I know nothing of the origin of this species, except that it is said to have been taken on
the shore of Long island. It is possibly the species named triqueter by Dr. Smith, and which
he represents as " inhabiting the vicinity of Long island, New-York, but rarely makes its
appearance so far to the north as Massachusetts, unless driven on shore by the violence of
storms." The triqueter of Artedi, however, has no spines. It bears a considerable resem-
blance to the O. turritus of Forshal, from the Red Sea ; but that species is quadrangular.

YALE'S TRUNK FISH.

Lactophrys yalei.

Chapin. Parra, Des. cliff, piezas, &c. p. 31, pi. 17, fig. 1.

O. bicaudalis ? Smith, Nat. Hist. Massachusetts, p. 123, fig.

Ostracion yalei. Stoker, Boston Jour. Nat. History, Vol. 1, p. 353, pi. 8.

0. id., Yale's Trank-fish. Id. Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, pi. 177.

Clwacteristics. No orbital spines. Back elevated, but not spinous. One spine on each side
of the abdomen. Length fourteen inches.

Description. Body covered with hexagonal plates, each with six raised lines. Two sub-
caudal (lateral?) spines, short, stout, smooth, and somewhat incurved. Back of the dorsal fin
a large isolated plate, three quarters of an inch long, composed of portions of the several
plates, separated from the rest of the horny cuticle by a continuation of the ligamentary sub-
stance in which is imbedded the fin. Surface of the plates granulated. Mouth, large, promi-
nent, armed with large strong teeth. Eyes large, and distant 1*5 from the mouth. Nostrils
less than a quarter of an inch in front of the eyes.

Color. Light lurid above ; the space between the dorsal and caudal darker. Abdomen
white.

Length, 14 "O.

Fin rays, D. 10; P. 12; A. 10; C. 10.

This large species was found alive on the shore of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

FAMILY OSTRACIONID.E LACTOPHRYS. 341-

For the above description, I am indebted to Dr. Storer. It will undoubtedly be found in our
waters.

The Ostracion sex-cornutus, or Six-homed Trunk-fish, which appears in Dr. Mitchill'n
Supplement to his Memoir on the Fishes of New-York, was brought from the Gulf of Mexico.
It belongs to this genus.

The Shagreened Ostracion, noticed by Pennant as occurring off the coast of New-England
is not sufficiently described to enable us to indicate with any certainty the species.

344 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

SUB- CLASS II. CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.

Bones cartilaginous. Cranium divided by indistinct sutures. Gills generally fixed ; the
membrane without rays. Maxillary and intermaxillary bones either wanting or rudi-
mentary, the palatines or vomer alone supplying their place.

Obs. The fishes of this sub-class form a small group, neither superior nor inferior to the
others, but form with them a parallel series. The skeleton contains no bony fibres, but cal-
careous grains. The gelatinous substance, which in other fishes fills the intervals of the
vertebra;, and communicates from one to the other only by a small hole, forms in several genera
a continuous cord which perforates them all.

ORDER I. ELEUTHEROPOMI.

Gills pectinated, free as in ordinary fishes, with one large external aperture on each side,
furnished with a strong opercle ; without rays. Upper jaw formed by the palatine bone,
firmly united to the maxillary ; intermaxillary rudimentary .

FAMILY STURIONID&.

Body elongated, with large osseous plates or tubercles arranged in longitudinal rows. Mouth
placed beneath, very protractile, and without teeth.

Obs. A small group, containing at present about fifteen species, but not thoroughly examined.

GENUS ACIPENSER. Linneus.

Snout prominent ; nostrils and eyes lateral. Four pendent barbels on the under side of the
snout. Air-bladder large, and communicating by a large hole with the stomach. Dorsal
and anal on the posterior part of the body.

THE LAKE STURGEON.

ACIPENSER RTJBICTJNDUS.

PLATE LVIII. FIG. 191.

Acipenser rubicundus. Lesueur, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. New series, Vol. 1, p. 3S8, pi. 12.
A. id., The Ruddy Sturgeon. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 284.
A. id. Kirti.and, Report on the Zoology of Ohio, p. 19G.

Characteristics. Body of a ruddy hue. Head flat between the eyes. Lateral series lozenge-
shaped, oblique, and thirty-nine in number. Length four feet.

FAMILY STURIONIDJE ACIPENSER. 345

Description. Body most elevated at the nape. Head flat, obliquely descending to the end
of the snout, and covered with rough radiated bony plates. Eyes round, with a vertical
pupil, and three inches apart, and the same distance from the end of the snout. Four barbels
arranged transversely under the snout, and nearer the snout than to the mouth. Dorsal series
of tubercles nine in number, broad, flat, little elevated ; the two posterior ending in a point.
The lateral series composed of thirty-nine lozenge-shaped oblique plates, equidistant between
the dorsal and abdominal outlines, and running upon the tail ; rudiments of plates behind the
dorsal fin. Opercle radiated ; small plates behind the eyes, extending along the borders of
the snout ; a semicircle of small tubercles below the eyes. Skin covered with minute prickles
in patches, which are obvious to the touch. Tail covered with lozenge-shaped tubercles.
The dorsal fin wider than high, broadly excavated ; with its posterior two-thirds above the
base of the anal. Pectorals long and pointed, with numerous rays. Anal higher than wide ;
its posterior margin vertically truncate, slightly concave. Caudal fin stout.

Color, of the back, yellowish red ; of the sides, olivaceous red.

Length, 48" 0; of the head, 6-0.

Fin rays, D. 40 ; P. 50 ; V. 28 ; A. 22.

Lesueur, who first described this species, has noticed two varieties. The first has the
head flat and shorter, with twelve dorsal and thirty-four lateral tubercles ; length twenty-
nine inches. The second variety occurs in the Ohio ; the head convex ; dorsal tubercles ob-
long, and fourteen in number ; the lateral tubercles thirty-four, irregularly formed and placed ;
length four feet.

This species occurs in Lakes Ontario, Erie, and all the upper lakes. Dr. Richardson states
the northern limits of the Sturgeon in North America, to be about the fifty-fifth parallel of
north latitude.

THE SHORT-NOSED STURGEON.

ACIPENSER BREVIR09TKIS.

The Round-nosed Sturgeon, A. sturio. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 461.
Acipenser brevirostrum. Lesceur, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. New Series, Vol. 1, p. 590.

Characteristics. Snout short and blunt. Dorsal series of tubercles nine to twelve ; lateral
series twenty-three to twenty-nine, oblong, oblique. Length two to five
feet.

Description. Head large and convex. Snout short, subacute, depressed between the eyes.
The skin appears smooth, but is covered with small spinous asperities, scattered equally over
the skin. Auricular orifices an inch and a half behind the eyes. Length of the head to the
total length as one to five. Four flat barbels under the snout, disposed in pairs, and nearer
the nostrils than to the end of the snout. The dorsal series composed of nine oblong radiated
and carinated tubercles, with another at the base of the dorsal fin. Lateral series twenty-
three to twenty-nine, irregular, oblong, oblique, with a slight keel on the posterior ones. Ab-

Fatjna — Part 4. 44

346 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

dominal series varying from five to seven, and often unequal in number on the two sides. Tail
covered with lozenge-shaped plates.

Color. Dusky above, with faint traces of oblique bands. Whitish, and often with a reddish
hue below the lateral series. Belly white. Fins tinged with reddish.

Dr. M itchill, who first noticed this Sturgeon, supposed it to be identical with the sturio of
Europe, and therefore gave a slight and scarcely recognizable notice of this species. The
short description given by Lesueur agrees in the main with our Hudson river species, but I
regret that I have not had an opportunity of giving it a thorough examination.

We know little of the range of this species. It is not mentioned in the able Report on the
Fishes of Massachusetts. I have seen it, or a closely allied species, in the markets at Nor-
folk (Virginia).

THE SHARP-NOSED STURGEON

AciPENSER OXYRHINCHS.

PLATE LV1II. FIG. 189. Young.

The Sharp-nosed Sturgeon, A. oxyrhincus. Mitceill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 4Gl.

Acipenser idem. Lesueur, Trans. Am. Philos. Soc. (New Series), Vol. 1, p. 394.

The Sluirpal-nosed Sturgeon, A. id. Storer, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 178.

Characteristics. Snout elongated, spatuliform, and covered with strong bony shields. Length'
two to seven and eight feet.

Description, from a specimen eighteen mches long. Body pentagonal. Skin rough, and
under the lens appearing minutely aeuleated. Head flattened above ; slightly depressed
between the eyes. Snout produced horizontally, attenuated and rounded at the tip, and
covered with strong bony shields roughened above and beneath. The dorsal series largest,
and composed of nine distinct radiated tubercles, elevated into sharp spines pointing backward.
At the anterior base of the dorsal fin, another tubercle, but not so elevated, nor is it pointed ;
the central tubercles of this series largest. Lateral series composed of twenty-five radiated,
carinated, angular, saddle-shaped tubercles, largest about the middle of the body, and gradual-
ly decreasing to the tail. Abdominal series of eight angular tubercles, nearly of equal size.
Between the vent and the anal fin are four plates, and the same number between the dorsal
and base of the caudal. Eyes moderate, nearly equidistant between the end of the snout and
the base of the pectorals. Nostrils double, anterior to the eyes ; the inferior pair more than
twice the size of the other. Under the snout are two pair of short and slendsr barbels, mid-
way between the mouth and the tip of the snout. Mouth beneath, transverse, purse-shaped,
with thick folded lips, and very protractile. Opercle radiated. The dorsal fin arises anterior
to the origin of the anal ; its first ray highest, and longer than the base of the fin, deeply con-
cave on its margin ; its posterior ray attached by a membrane to the body. Pectorals short
and obtusely pointed ; its eighth and ninth rays from above, longest. Ventrals short, distant,
and placed under the fourtceth and fifteenth tubercle of the lateral series. Anal pointed ; the

FAMILY STURIONHXE AC1PENSER. 347

central rays longest ; its tip reaching the lower base of the caudal. Caudal fin with its upper
lpbe elongated.

Color. Dark olive-grey above, occasionally brownish ; beneath light ash-grey. Fins often
red from infiltration. Pupils black ; irides golden yellow.

Length, 18-0.

Fin rays, " D. 38; P. 28; V. 24; A. 23; C. 125" (Lesueur).

This species appears to grow to a larger size than the preceding. The greatest differences
in the characters of the old and young appear to consist in the variable number of the tuber-
cles. It would belong to the genus Helopes of Brandt, which is thus characterized : " Snout
" long (one sixth or seventh the length of the body), and body covered with strong bony dis-
" tant shields." It forms a palatable food.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. transmontanus. (Richardson, 1. c. p. 278, pi. 97.) Profile shelving off suddenly before the nos-
trils, into the greatly depressed and slightly upturned, moderately acute snout, which, measured
from the orbits, is T\ of the total. Columbia Rivt r.

A. rupertianus. (Id. 1. c. p. 311, pi. 97.) Snout narrow, not acute; its sides flattened ; its vertical
height equal to half the transverse breadth. D. 40 ; P. 40 ; C. 112. Length two feet. Northern
Regions.

A. maculosus. (Lesueur, 1. c. Vol. 1, p. 393.) Snout much elongated. Color reddish olive, with black
spots. Length six to eighteen inches. Ohio River.

Genus Platirostra, Lesueur. Jaws, tongue and throat without teeth. Snout long, flattened and

spatuliform. Body without plates. Tail only covered on each side by small bony plates.
P. edentula. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 228; Say, App. Long, p. 254.) Snout not so long as

one-third of the body, dilated and rounded at its end. Opercle long and pointed. D. 58 ; P. 26 ;

C. 15.84= 99. Length three to four feet. A specimen in the Albany Institute, from Juliet,

Illinois.

348 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

ORDER II. PLAGIOSTOMI.

Gills fixed by their external edges, ivith five small external openings on each side. No
opercle. Jaws represented by the palatine and postmandibulary bones, which alone are
armed with teeth. Pectorals and ventrals always present; the latter (in the male) fur-
nished on their internal margins with long appendages.

FAMILY SQUALID^.

Body elongated, cylindrical. Tail thick and muscular. Eyes lateral. Brayichial openings
on each side, never underneath.

Obs. About eighty species have been described, belonging to this family.

GENUS CARCHARIAS. Cuvier.

Snout depressed ; the nostrils beneath the middle. Teeth cutting, pointed, and generally
denticulated at the sides. First dorsal far in advance of the ventrals ; the second nearly
opposite to the anal, which is always present. No temporal orifices ; the last of the bran-
chial openings above or slightly in front of the pectorals.

THE THRESHER SHARK.

Carcharias tclpes.

PLATE LXI. FIG. 199. Female. — (AMERICAN MUSEUM.)

Long-tailed Shark. Pennant, Br. Zoology.

Thresher. Mitchill, Medical Repository, Vol. 8, p. 77, figure. (Male.)

Squatus vulpes, Thresher or Long-tailed Shark. Id. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 482.

Carcharias vulpes. Cuvier, Rdgne Animal, Vol. 2.

C. id., Fox Shark, Thresher. Stoker, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts.

Characteristics. Upper lobe of the tail nearly as long or longer than the body. Length
twelve to fifteen feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, thickest before the dorsal fin, with a ridge on its upper sur-
face towards the tail, and a deep cavity at the base of the caudal fin, as if strangulated.
Back regularly arched from above the pectorals to the end of the snout, which is blunt. Skin
roughened with minute prickles, which are directed backward, and obvious to the touch.
Nostrils small and valvular. Mouth in the shape of a horseshoe, with three series of distant,
flat, triangular, smooth-edged teeth in each jaw ; the teeth appear to be loosely inserted in the

FAMILY SQUALID.E CARCHARIAS. 349

glims. Of the five branchial apertures, the posterior is smallest, and placed just anterior to or
slightly over the base of the pectorals. Upper maxillary bone detached from the snout, and
moves independently of it.

The first dorsal high and triangular ; a foot high, and nearly as long on its base. Second
dorsal similar in shape, but much smaller. The pectorals long and wide, emarginated behind,
with a small process behind. Ventrals wider than high, and nearest the first dorsal. The
male organs arising from between the ventrals. Anal small, and placed behind the second
dorsal. Caudal composed of three distinct lobes ; one small, triangular, at the under side of
the tip of the elongated tail ; a second long and low, extending along the upper side of the
tail ; and a third short and broad, at the lower base of the tail. Vent between the ventrals.

Color. Slate-blue above ; beneath soiled white, marked with obsolete bluish spots. Pupils
a longitudinal slit, edged with golden. In cabinet specimens, the color above becomes soiled
brown.

Length, 12 feet.

This Shark, which appears to be common to both sides of the Atlantic, is known here under
the various popular names of Thresher, Fox Shark and Swingle-tail. Its principal organ of
defence appears to be its long flexible tail : it assails, and literally threshes its enemies. It
pursues scholes of mackerel, mossbonkers and shad, and devours them in great numbers.
I refer to this species the individual roughly figured and described by Mitchill, although he
states inaccurately that the teeth were in a single row.

This species has been noticed on our coast, from New- York to Nova Scotia.

THE SMALL BLUE SHARK.

Carcharias ceruleos.
PLATE LXI. FIO. 200.
The Small Blue Shark. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 487.

Characteristics. Small. Pectorals broad. Slate-blue above. Teeth small serrated. Length
two to six feet.

Description. Body cylindrical ; deepest in front of the first dorsal fin. Surface covered
with minute, distant and vertically oblong scales ; under the lens, these appear as if fluted
longitudinally, and are elevated posteriorly, so as to be sensibly rough when the hand is passed
towards the head. Eyes rather large, lateral, with a large nictitating membrane. Nose blunt ;
conical. Nostrils lunate, directed downwards and backward, with a valvular fold of skin
beneath, and placed just under the margin of the snout, halfway between its tip and the orbits.
Teeth in several series, small, triangular, serrate ; the interior edges convex. Branchial
apertures large, with the central one somewhat longest ; the penultimate over the anterior edge
of the pectoral, the last over the fin itself.

350 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

The first dorsal with a narrow base, rounded in front ; its margin concave, and acutely-
elongated behind. It arises over the posterior part of the base of the pectorals, with its base
and extreme height 2- 7 and equal. The second dorsal rhomboidal, acutely pointed behind.
The pectorals, although rising from a narrow base, may be considered as broad fins ; four
inches long, with a base of one inch and a half and two and a half inches along the posterior or
lower margin. Ventrals small and obliquely truncated, with two pointed appendices beneath,
07 long. Anal deeply notched ; its upper lobe longest, pointed; the anterior lobe rounded.
Tail elongated, six inches long, with two lobes, the spinal column running through it ; the
upper lobe subequal throughout, slightly enlarged at the tip, and extending a little beyond the
vertebrae ; lower lobe triangular, two inches high, then suddenly diminishing along the under
side of the tail, suddenly enlarging near the tip, and forming a third lobe.

Color. Slate-blue on the upper part of the head, body and superior fins. The same color,
but a shade lighter, extends over the upper part of the pectoral and ventral fins. All beneath
whitish ; occasionally cinereous.

Length, 25 "0. Extreme depth, 3"0.

Tiiis species is frequently taken in our waters, and along the coast to New-Hampshire. I
have altered the name of glaucus, as it is the same with that employed by Rondeletius and
Yarrel. I should be inclined to consider this and the obscurus of Lesueur as identical, were
it not for the teeth, which he represents in his plate as having rounded shoulders. They are
at all events closely allied species.

THE DUSKY SHARK.

Carcharias obscuros.
PLATE LXI. FIG. 201.
Dusky Shark, Squalus obscurus. Lesueor, Ac. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 223, pi. 9.

Characteristics. Pectorals long, narrow, falciform. Ventrals subquadrangular, with no
pointed process behind. Snout fiat and rounded.

Description. Head flat and broad ; snout sharp-edged, rounded, and wide at the end. Eyes
lateral, large, orbicular ; pupil transverse, narrow, witli a nictitating membrane arising from
below. Branchial apertures unequal ; the first very large, the last very small, and placed
above the origin of the pectoral fin. Nostrils oblique, and partially covered by a short pointed
appendage on the margin, near the end of the snout. Tail rounded, strong, with a falciform
fin, terminating in a distinct triangular lanceolate lobe. The lower lobe of the fin short and
rounded. Tail with a carina, undulated above, and slightly notched at the base. Ventrals
small, subquadrangular, without posterior processes.

Color. Dusky, with a white spot on each side of the space between the eyes and pectoral
fins.

Length .

FAMILY SQUALID.E CARCHARIAS. 351

I am indebted to Lesueur for the description and figure of this species. There are certain
particulars in which they do not agree, but I suppose the description to be the most exact.
It bears a general resemblance to the following, from which, however, it is obviously distinct.

THE GROUND SHARK.

CARCHARIAS L1TTORAL1S.

The Ground Shark, Squalvs hlloralis. Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 328.
Ash-colored Shark, S. litlorahs. Lesueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 224.

Characteristics. Fins large, not prolonged backward. Teeth narrow, pointed, undulated.
Second dorsal before the anal. Length five to eight feet.

Description. Body short, thick, wider towards the abdomen. Head flat, dilated between
the eyes, and terminating in a pointed snout, rounded at the end. Nasal lobes very short ;
apertures pretty wide, and laterally placed at the extremity of the snout. Eyes very small,
orbicular, brilliant ; these are somewhat above the sides of the snout. Branchial apertures
very large, especially the first ; the last much smaller, embracing the base of the pectoral
fin. Dorsal subquadrangular ; pectoral soft. Tail rounded, tapering to a point, and furnished
with a falciform fin, terminated by a distinct triangular lobe. It has an undulated carina,
tapering at the base upwards. The opening of the jaws represents the letter U. Teeth long,
in three or four rows, without dentulures.

Color. Reddish ash-grey. Abdomen white. Irides silvery.

Length three feet. New-York markets.

To this description,' which is taken from Lesueur, I add the following additional remarks
by Dr. Mitchill :

" Mouth enormously wide, and not very remote from the snout ; with three rows of elon-
" gated teeth, shaped almost like horseshoe nails. Tongue broad and smooth. The hindmost
" spiracle measurably in advance of the pectorals, opening behind the eye. Skin rough
" when felt reversely. Length five to eight feet. Color whitish or grey."

It will be observed that this shark has some of the characters of a Lamna ; but I cannot
venture to reconcile the discrepancies between the two descriptions, which, it is worthy of
notice, were made from the same specimen.

352 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS LAMNA. Cuvier.

Snout pyramidal, with the nostrils under the base. Branchial apertures all in front of the
pectorals. Temporal orifices wanting.

Obs. Some of the recent English systematic writers have added to these characters, the
following : " First dorsal in advance of the pectorals, and sides of the tail carinated." We
prefer the less restricted characters assigned to this genus by Cuvier.

THE MACKEREL PORBEAGLE.

Lamna pcnctata.

PLATE LXI1I. FIGS. 200 & 207. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

The Green-backed Shark, Squalus punctalus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. ami Phil. Soc. "Vol. 1, p. 483. (Young.)
Lamna punctata, Mackerel Shark. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 135, pi. 3, fig. 2.

Characteristics. Teeth in front long and sinuous ; behind, triangular, and all with smooth
edges. Anal small, and posterior to the second dorsal. Tail with a
keel on its sides ; lobes not greatly unequal. Length four to eight feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, fusiform. Head small, with a blunt pyramidal snout six
inches long, measured from the nostrils. The surface, under the lens, exhibits numerous
minute plates, each with three parallel longitudinal elevated lines, producing a roughness when
the hand is moved towards the head. A carina on each side of the tail, about two feet in
extent, highest in the middle ; a deep indentation on the upper and lower sides of the tail, in
the shape of a horseshoe. On the surface of the head are four series of punctures on each
side, commencing nearly opposite to the posterior margins of the orbits, dilating and extend-
ing to within about an inch of the extremity of the snout. Immediately before the eyes is a
large patch of similar punctures, which extend slightly beyond the nostrils ; on the under side
of the snout is a triangular patch of similar punctures, extending to within 0-7 of the extre-
mity; a regularly curved series of punctures from the end of the carina, concurrent with the
back, and ending just anterior to the origin of the first dorsal fin. All these punctures are
the apertures of mucous ducts, which are filled with a transparent jelly. The skin, at the
posterior base of the dorsal and pectoral fins, was eroded by some parasitical animal. (Dr.
Storer noticed the Anthosoma smithii on his specimen.) Eyes moderate, lateral 2" 3 in dia-
meter, and eight inches distant from each other. Nostrils doubly curved, sublateral. The
posterior branchial aperture farthest from its antecedent.

Teeth, of various shapes and sizes, disposed in from three to five rows. In the lower jaw,
the front teeth (see figure 206, 4) are largest, 0"9 long measured to the space between the
roots, irregularly lanceolate, the external and sometimes the internal edge rounded and waved ;
the margins with a finely elevated crest, which is smooth, obsoletely serrate under the lens ;
flattened in front, and rounded, approaching a triangular form behind ; occasionally they are

FAMILY SQUALIDiE LAMNA. 353

recurved, the tips turning slightly outwards. The front teeth of the upper jaw (fig. 206, 3)
long and pointed, flattened on their anterior surfaces, rounded behind. Teeth on the sides
of the jaw (fig. 206, 4) small, compressed, triangular, and so much crowded behind as almost
to resemble tuberculated molars. On the palate is a rounded patch, which offers asperities to
the hand when moved forward. Across the roof of the mouth, a strong membranous fold.

The first dorsal fin quadrilateral, higher than long ; its upper margin excavated ; its lower
angle pointed. It arises 43'0 from the point of the nose ; base 14'0 ; height in front 16'0.
The second dorsal very small, oblong, its lower angle behind ending in a prolonged point 3*0
long ; it arises thirty-eight inches behind the first dorsal, and has a base of 1 " 3 ; the height
of its broad anterior part, 2' 5. Pectorals long, pointed, deeply concave on the posterior mar-
gin, with a small base ; they are twenty-eight inches long, with a base of twelve inches.
The ventrals are forty inches behind the pectorals, which are quadrilateral, and the length of
the base twice the height. Anal fin small, similar in shape to the second dorsal, and slightly
posterior to it, midway between the ventral and base of the caudal. Caudal fin deeply lunate,
with slightly unequal lobes, the upper measuring twenty-five and the lower twenty-one inches ;
the tips three feet apart.

Color. A general dark slate ; lighter beneath. When first taken from the water, it is said
to be of a deep bottle-green. Tongue mottled with black.

Length ten feet two inches.

This was an unusually large specimen, taken in the harbor of New-York, October, 1840.
The description and dimensions of the teeth are from a head of rather smaller size, commu-
nicated to the Lyceum about sixteen years since by Capt. Barnard,* and taken by him near
the light-ship stationed off Sandy Hook.

This species receives its popular name of Mackerel Shark, from its being frequently ob-
served in pursuit of that fish. Its liver produces a large quantity of oil, which is highly
esteemed by curriers. It is allied to the Porbeagle of Europe, and appears to be more
numerous on the coast of Massachusetts than in our waters.

* I take this opportunity of recording my thanks to this individual for his attention in securing many valuable species,
and for the accompanying memoranda. Capt. Barnard is well known in this community, by his almost unparalleled
sufferings among the Falkland islands. He was cruising among those islands for seal, when he discovered a shipwrecked
English vessel on the coast. He hastened to its relief, and succeeded in rescuing forty-seven persons, when they forcibly
took possession of his vessel, and carried her to England, basely leaving Capt. Barnard and two of his crew to encounter
the rigors of an antarctic winter on a desolate and uninhabited island. He remained there two years, suffering at times
the horrors of famine, when he was accidentally discovered and taken off. He has left a curious account of his suffer,
ings, under the title of " Narrative of the Sufferings and Adventures of Capt. Charles H. Barnard." New- York, 1829,
pp. 296.

Fauna — Part 4. 45

354 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE LONG-TAILED PORBEAGLE.

Lamna caudata.
PLATE LXII. FIG. 205. a. iikder side of head ; b. a tooth."
Carcharias terra-nova? Richardsox, F. B. A. Vol.3, p. 289. (Young male.)

Characteristics. Upper caudal lobe much elongated, and furnished with an accessory lobe at
the tip. Teeth triangular, serrated. No caudal carina. Length three to
six feet.

Desc?iption. Body more elongated and cylindrical than in the preceding. Surface rough-
ened to the touch, when the hand is moved towards the head. Snout prominent, pointed,
broad, thin, and of a firm consistence. Eyes small, lateral, oval. Nostrils small, and be-
neath the snout. Mouth large (fig. a.), susceptible of great dilatation, crescent-shaped, and
armed with four or five series of triangular teeth (fig. b.), serrated on their edges ; the largest
were six-tenths of an inch long. Branchial apertures admit the passage of two fingers, and
all are anterior to the base of the pectorals. The first dorsal fin triangular in its general
shape, quadrilateral, one foot high, widely and regularly concave on its upper margin, recti-
linear along its posterior margin, and pointed ; it is twelve inches from its anterior base to its
posterior tip ; arises over about the middle of the base of the pectorals. Second dorsal small,
0'3 high, with a base half an inch long; placed over the anal. Pectorals eighteen inches
long, pointed, triangular, with a base often inches. Ventrals small, nearer the anal fin than
to the pectorals, of a very firm texture, emarginatc beneath, and terminating in a long point
behind. The vent lies between them. The anal similar in size and shape, and beneath the
second dorsal. Caudal fin with a deep indentation at its base. The upper lobe two feet long,
and furnished with a dilated fin near its tip ; the lower lobe ten inches long. All the fins, with
their posterior edges, thin and ragged.

Color. Uniform dusky hue above, tinged with bluish, and forming a bluish grey ; lighter
colored on the sides of the head and body ; white beneath. Irides greenish blue.

Length seven feet four inches. Weight one hundred and sixty-one pounds.

I am indebted to Mr. Carson Brevoort, of this city, for the drawing which illustrates this
species. He captured it in September, at Brenton's reef on the coast of Rhode-Island ; and
although I have seen several specimens of the young from this harbor, this is the first adult
specimen of which I have been able to obtain a good figure. The position of its first dorsal, and
its unequal lobed tail, is a new form under this genus. It clearly cannot, from the position
of its branchial apertures, be arranged under Carcharias. In many particulars, it is never-
theless closely allied to the C. ceruleus previously described. When captured, the stomach
was filled with large fish ; too much injured, however, to determine the species.

TAMILY SQUALID.E. 355

GENUS MUSTELUS. Cuvier.

Teeth blunt, forming a closely compacted pavement in each jaw ; with temporal orifices.
First dorsal in advance of the ventrals. Lower lobe of the caudal short. No spines.

THE AMERICAN HOUND-FISH.

MUSTELUS CANIS.
PLATE LXIV.— FIG. 509.
Dog-fish, Squalus canis. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. I, p. 486.

Characteristics. Unspotted ; dull ash grey. Upper edges of dorsals and anal bordered with
black. Length two to four feet.

Description. Body slender, cylindrical, tapering, elongated. Head flattened above ; snout
thin, obtusely pointed. Surface of the body like shagreen when rubbed forwards, and appears
under the lens to be composed of acute spinous plates. Lateral line scarcely obvious, nearer
the back than to the abdomen. On the back, at a point above the origin of the pectoral fins,
is a slightly elevated ridge, only interrupted by the fins, and extending to the origin of
the caudal fin. The two posterior branchial apertures over the base of the pectorals ;
the fourth longest, the fifth shortest, and subequal with the first. Temporal orifices circular,
about 0'2 in diameter; they lie in a fossa, and are distant 0"3 from the posterior angle of
the eyes. Eyes oblong, lateral, 0.45 above the angle of the jaws ; vertical diameter 0"4,
transverse diameter 07. Nostrils large, semilunar, on the underside of the snout, and
midway between the angles of the mouth and the tip of the snout. Anterior margin with a
large and loose triangular process, and a small one external to it ; attached to the external
side, and to the lower part of the anterior margin, is a second stout process, with a small
membranous appendix ; another process, longer than the preceding, is attached to the inside
of the posterior margin. When these several valvular processes are put aside, we are enabled
to observe the curiously pectinated nasal apparatus. A series of minute punctures originate
a short distance before the branchial openings, and terminate 0" 5 behind the nostrils. Similar
punctures (the openings of mucous ducts) are observed to be irregularly distributed on the
under side of the head, anterior to the mouth. The mouth crescent-shaped when opened,
triangular when closed. Upper lip elongated, free ; lower lip convoluted. Teeth on the jaws,
smooth, flattened, rhomboidal, distributed in about ten rows ; the posterior edge of each tooth
slightly elevated, so as to produce a distinct roughness when the finger is drawn forward.
Tongue moderately free, thin and rough ; its form subtriangular, obtusely truncated at the tips.

Both dorsal fins nearly of the same shape ; the first 3' 5 high, its base 2 "5, quadrilateral,
excavated behind, with an elongated point behind ; its origin is eight inches from the end of
the snout, and slightly behind the base of the pectoral fins. Second dorsal smaller, and
arising seventeen and a half inches from the point of the snout; it is 2*7 high, with a base

356 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

of 2" 3. The pectorals with a narrow base, 3' 5 long, and dilate to a wide margin. Ventrals
quadrangular, slightly emarginate behind, and placed under a point nearer to the first dorsal
than to the second. The anal similar in shape, but smaller than the second dorsal ; placed
under the posterior part of that fin, and extends a short distance beyond it. The caudal fin
composed of two portions, so distinct that Mitchill has described the lower lobe as a second
anal. The upper lobe long and narrow, gradually rising into a rounded lobe at the end of
the vertebra?. Lower lobes two ; the anterior high before, emarginate and gradually declining
behind, its margin being festooned ; the posterior lobe triangular, closely connected with the
preceding, and, with the upper lobe, is obliquely truncated at the tip.

Color. Uniform dull ashen grey (plumbeous in dried specimens) ; white beneath. Upper
edges of the dorsals and anal bordered with black, (this is most distinct in young individuals.)
Ventrals and anals opaque white ; the lower lobes of the caudal bordered with white in the
young, and greyish in the adult. Irides greenish yellow.

Length, 28 "0.

This small species, which, according to Dr. Mitchill, is sometimes four feet in length, is
not uncommon on the coast of New-York. I have taken them not more than fifteen inches
long, and the largest I have seen did not exceed three feet. They are called Dog-fish by the
fishermen, who usually confound under the same name this and another species. I have
usually found their stomachs filled with the smaller crustaceous animals, and with seaweed.
It is very distinct from the M. Iccvis of Europe, and also from the M. hinnulus of Blainville,
if the latter be indeed a distinct species. It is not mentioned among the fishes on the coast
of Massachusetts, but very probably will be found to exist on that coast. I have received
it from Rhode-Island.

FAMILY SQUALID^. 357

GENUS SELACHUS. Cuvier.

Branchial apertures all before the pectorals, long, and nearly surrounding the neck. Teeth
small, not denticulated, of various forms, for the most part conical.

Obs. This genus comprises at present but one well determined species, which has been
reproduced under different names.

THE BASKING SHARK.

Selacmus maximus.

TLATE LXIII. FIG 208. (Male.)

Squalus maximus. Linneus.

S. pcregrinus. Blainville, Ann. Mus. Vol. 18, pi. 6, fig. 1.

Squalus maximus, Basking Shark. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 486.

S. clephas. Lesiteur, Jour. Acarl. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 2, p. 343, pi. 11.

S. maximus. Richardson, Faun. Bor. Americana, Vol. 3, p. 291.

5. (Sclache) maximus. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 407.

Characteristics. Dark slate. Tail with a carina on each side. Length exceeding thirty feet.

Description. Body cylindrical, fusiform. Surface with numerous wrinkles, and covered
with minute sharp prickles, distributed in small groups, and producing a roughness in the
direction of the head. Head small. Snout smooth, blunt, and furnished with numerous cir-
cular and oblong mucous pores. Temporal orifice very small, and placed just over and behind
the angle of the jaws. Eyes very small, not exceeding three inches in diameter, and placed
on the margin of the upper jaw. Branchial apertures with the posterior pair smallest, the
anterior nearly meeting beneath. The nostrils anterior to the eyes, on the edge of the upper
lip. Teeth in the upper jaw, of various forms, recurved, edged but not serrated, subconic,
triangular-conic and even bifid, in six.rows ; in the lower jaw, with seven rows, rather larger,
sublanceolate, conic, elongate ; (according to Dr. Storer, fourteen hundred in the lower jaw
alone.)

The first dorsal fin triangular, concave behind, about four feet high, pointed behind. The
second arises six feet behind the first ; small, sixteen inches high ; its origin anterior to the
anal, and pointed behind. Pectorals large, falciform, and five feet and a half long, with a
base of nearly two feet. Ventrals subtriangular, and nearly equidistant between the first and
second dorsal, with a base of nearly two feet. Male organs about three feet long, and cylin-
drical. Anal fin three feet behind the vent, subtriangular, with a pointed process behind.
Tail with a strangulated appearance above, and below at the base of the caudal, and an ele-
vated keel on its sides nearly two feet long. The caudal fin with unequal lobes ; the upper-
most six feet long, with a small triangular fin near the tip ; the lower lobe shorter, four feet
long, and wide.

358 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

i

Color. Dark-slate or leaden above ; lighter beneath.

Length 32 - 33 feet.

This species inhabits the northern seas, and occasionally visits our coast in summer. His
large size, and his habit of swimming near the surface, with his upper jaw projected out of
the water, as he moves with open mouth in pursuit of his prey, has suggested to ignorant
credulity the idea of some huge aquatic monster, which has received the name of Sea Serpent.
In 1822, an individual was captured in the lower harbor of New York, and subsequently
described by Lesueur, whose figure we have partly copied, with some alterations from a
drawing which we made from the same specimen. In 1828, another but smaller individual
was exhibited here from the State of Maine, and described by Dr. Mitchill under the name
of S. rhinoceros, in the newspapers of the day. The popular description of this animal, cited
below,* and which appeared in print, exhibits the natural tendency to the marvellous in rela-
tion to all large and rare marine animals.

The Basking Shark has obtained its popular name from its habit of basking, or remaining
quiet for a length of time in one place. It is called Shark by our fishermen. It is sluggish
and inert, without any of the ferocity of its congeners.

* " This nondescript, when taken, was twenty-eight feet long and sixteen feet in circumference, and was computed to
weif h twenty tons. His nose projects abruptly from the upper part of his head like an anvil ! is about the size of a two
gallon jug ; and when seen above the water, resembles a snake's head. When extended, his mouth admits a puncheon
endwise, and was surrounded by cartilaginous lips, studded by several rows of small teeth. His nostrils resemble those
of ahorse! and his eyes, when taken, were a foot in circumference. At the junction of the head and body, on each
side, are two valvular segments nearly encircling the animal, and provided with a fringe resembling whalebone, which
appear to have answered the purpose of gills. His fins are seven in number, broad and pointed ; the two back fins are
four or five feet high, and when the monster was first discovered on the surface of the water, resembled two waves rolling
in succession ! From and between the anal fins, two legs project five feet in length, and are terminated by a claw tipped
with horn ! His tail is of a semilunar form, four and eight feet across in perpendicular height. His skin is in color like
the elephant ! and is rough and mailed like that of the rhinoceros ! "

FAMILY SQUALID^E. 359

GENUS SPIN AX. Cuvier.

A sharp robust spine in front of each of the hvo dorsals. Temporal orifices. No anal fin.
Teeth in several rows, small and cutting. First dorsal in advance of the ventrals. Bran-
chial apertures all in front of the pectorals.

THE SPINOUS DOG-FISH.

Spinjx ACANTHUS'S
PLATE LXIV. FIG. 210.

Spinax acanOaas, Picked Dog-jish. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 187.

Characteristics. Slate-color above ; dull white beneath. Upper lobe of the tail sublruncate
behind. Length one to three feet.

Description. Body elongated, cylindrical. Snout produced, subconic, flattened above, and
in the living fish translucent. Surface with asperities directed backwards. A slightly ele-
vated line on the back between the dorsals, and becoming effaced on the nape. Lateral line
nearly medial, straight, but sinuous on that portion of the tail included between the lobes and
the caudal. Eyes large, oblong. Temporal orifices large, and closed from before by a strong
cartilaginous valve ; they are placed a short distance behind the eyes, and in the plane of the
upper margin of the orbits. Nostrils double, transversely beneath the snout, and rather nearer
the eyes than to the tip of the snout ; the internal largest. Mouth, when closed, semi-circular ;
when expanded, nearly round. Three rows of small trenchant triangular teeth in the upper
jaw, with smooth edges ; two rows in the lower jaw, of similar teeth, and the rudiments of
a third exterior row : the points of all the teeth diverge from the centre of the jaw outwardly.
Numerous mucous orifices about the head and snout. Length of the head, measured to the
first branchial aperture, to the length of the body, as one to six and a half nearly.

The first dorsal broad and quadrilateral, convex in front, slightly concave on its upper mar-
gin, straight on its posterior margin, pointed, and almost parallel with the line of the back.
Imbedded in its anterior base is a robust slightly recurved spine, about two-thirds of the ante-
rior height of the fin, white at the tip, and transversely striate with umber at the base. The
second dorsal, which arises on the anterior part of the posterior third of the animal, is smaller
than the first, but similar in shape with the upper margin, more deeply excavated above, and
finely pointed behind ; the spine on its anterior portion, longer than the first, and nearly equal
in height to the anterior part of the fin. Pectorals large and long, placed low down ; its tip
receiving a point nearly beneath the first dorsal spine. Ventrals quadrilateral, arising mid-
way between the termination of the first and the commencement of the second dorsal, concave.
Caudal fin with unequal lobes ; the upper elongated, broad, subtruncate at the extremity ;
the lower short and rounded.

360 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

Color. Slate above ; rather darker on the summit of the head ; lighter beneath the lateral
line. (" Under the lateral line, a series of white circular spots." Storcr.) Abdomen white
with a pinkish hue, and passing into bluish grey towards the tail. In several specimens the
ventrals were reddish, which may be attributed to infiltration.

This species, which is exceedingly common on our coast, does not occur in Dr. Mitchill's
enumeration of the Fishes of New- York, nor in his Supplement to this Memoir. He was
acquainted, however, with the species ; for I find a notice of it in one of the ephemeral papers
a few years afterwards. In this paper, he states that the greater part of those taken in De-
cember were females in a gravid state. They are so numerous about Cape Cod, according
to Dr. Storer, that they form in the spring and autumn an important fishery for the oil which
they furnish. In Scotland, they are eaten by the poorer classes. They are very voracious.
The oesophagus and anterior third of the stomach is furnished with long white papilla?, the
remainder with brown longitudinal folds. In the stomach of several, I found remains of the
Mya arenaria, and scales of fishes. They are true scavengers of the sea. I am almost
inclined to suspect our species distinct from that of Europe, but I have not any opportunity
of making a direct comparison. An English naturalist, Couch, asserts of this species, that it
bends itself into a bow, for the purpose of using its spines ; and by a sudden motion, causes
them to spring asunder in opposite directions ; and so accurately is this intention effected, that
if a finger be placed on its head, it will strike it without piercing its own skin.

The Spinous Dog-fish does not extend, as far as I have been able to ascertain, very far south
of the coast of New-York. Northwardly it extends beyond the coast of Labrador.

FAMILY SQUALIDiE. 361

GENUS SCYMNUS. Cuvier.

Teeth in two or more rows ; in the upper jaw lanceolate, with the cutting edges rough ; in
the lower jaw pyramidal, compressed, and with the cutting edges crenated. Temporal
orifices. Anal wanting. No spines before the dorsal Jin.

Obs. I refer to this genus, a species of Shark described by Lesueur, on the coast of Mas-
sachusetts, and referred to an illy constructed genus Somniosus.

THE NURSE.

SCYMNCS BREVlPINNi.

PLATE LXI. FIG. 202.

Somniosus brevipinna. Nurse or Sleeper. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc Vol. 1, p. 222, plate.
S. id. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 189.

Characteristics. Fins exceedingly small. Lateral line black, undulating near the head, and
marked by small transverse lines. Length six feet and a half.

Description. " Body elongated, with a slight elevation, and narrow at the tail. Spiracles
" distant from the eyes, and more elevated. Eyes small, round, and situated laterally. Snout
" short, obtuse. Branchial apertures small, and anterior to the pectorals. Pectoral fins larger
" than the others, except the caudal ; four inches at the base, and at most five inches long.

" Teeth . The first dorsal midway between the pectoral and anal [ventral ?] fins ; the

" second a little farther than the ventrals and both very near the tail. Skin rough, beset with
" triangular, curved, striated and pointed asperities. Color, of the entire body, pale lead grey,
" somewhat darker on the back."

This very brief and unsatisfactory notice by Lesueur, indicates a new form among the
Squalida;, hitherto unobserved on our coast. It occurred at Marblehead on the coast of
Massachusetts, and it is inserted here with a view of directing the attention of our naturalists
to the subject. At Marblehead, the fishermen, according to Mr. Lesueur, call it Nurse, and
Sleeper ; doubtless, he adds, from its inactive or sluggish habits.

Fauna — Part 4. 46

362 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

GENUS ZYG^ENA. Cuvier.

Head flattened horizontally, truncated or convex in front, with the sides very much extended
laterally, appearing hammer-shaped. The eyes placed on the extremities of the lateral
prolongations ; the nostrils at their anterior margins ; mouth beneath.

Obs. This genus now comprises about five species. The existence of a species on the
coast of the United States has hitherto been only briefly indicated.

THE HAMMER-HEAD SHARK.

Zycena mallecs.

PLATE LX1I. FIG. 204, and a view of the undeb side.

Hammer-headed Shark, Squalus zygoma. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 281.
Zygoma malleus. Valenciennes, Mem. du Mus. d' Hist. Nat. Vol. 9, p. 223, pi. 11, %. 1 a and 1 b.

Characteristics. Head three times broader than long. Second dorsal over, slightly behind
the anal. Posterior branchial aperture over the base of the pectorals.
Length four to eleven feet.

Description, from a young specimen caught in the harbor of New-York. Body cylindrical,
elongated. Surface rough when rubbed forwards ; under the lens, it appeared to be covered
with plates, fluted with minute deep parallel striae. Head elongated transversely, somewhat
convex, above three times broader than long; the anterior margin describing irregularly the
arc of a large circle ; the posterior margin is rendered straight, thin and submembraneous, by
an expansion of the integuments ; the lateral margin forming almost a right angle with the
anterior edge. Eyes large, and furnished with a lid which is attached to the internal portion
of the base of the orbit ; the eyes are placed near the angle formed by the anterior and lateral
margins, in such a manner as to enable the animal to look above and beneath. Nostrils
placed in a deep notch near the angle ; they form an oblique slit, partially covered by an
acutely pointed process, which is continued by a long and deep furrow along the anterior
margin. Mouth crescent-shaped, with three rows of white hyaline teeth above and below.
Teeth above triangular, acute, not serrated ; their tips directed outwards from the centre,
with a shoulder on the outer side ; in the centre, a few with shoulders on both sides. All
the branchial apertures short and small ; the posterior smallest, and placed over the base of
the pectorals.

The first dorsal quadrilateral ; its origin slightly behind the base of the pectorals, higher
than wide, deeply concave behind, and pointed at its posterior tip. Second dorsal rhom-
boidal, very small, with its posterior tip acutely drawn out behind ; its base extends beyond
a point vertical to the posterior extremity of the base of the anal. Pectorals placed low down,
subtriangular, broad, distant and slightly concave behind. Ventrals small, broad, nearly mid-

FAMILY SQUALID^ SQUATINA. 363

way between the first and second dorsals, with a narrow pointed tip behind. Anal somewhat
larger, but similar in shape to the second dorsal, rather more excavated on its posterior mar-
gin. Caudal equal in length to the transverse diameter of the head ; the lower lobe short ;
the upper with a small triangular lobe near its tip.

Color. Uniform dusky grey, with a very slight tinge of reddish brown ; cinereous beneath.

Length, 25-0 ; of the head 2-0 ; width of ditto, 6'5. Height of first dorsal, 2*5.

This was captured in September, in a seine, in the harbor of New- York, in company with
several others. I have seen them in Hellgate four feet long. Dr. Mitchill notices three which
were taken in 1805, at Riverhead, Suffolk county, in a net. The largest was eleven feet
long ; and on opening him, many detached parts of a man, together with his clothing, were
found in his stomach.

It is popularly termed Shovel-nose, and Hammer-head, by our fishermen, and is much
dreaded for its boldness and ferocity. The existence of the .S'. tiburo on our coast, as yet
rests upon very doubtful authority.

The Hammer-headed Shark is found on both sides of the Atlantic. It ranges on the
American coast from Brazil to the shores of Nantucket, south of Cape Cod, which is the
most extreme northern limit yet recorded.

GENUS SQUATINA. Dumeril.

Body broad, flattened horizontally . Pectorals very wide, extending forward, but separated
from, the head by a cleft in which are placed the branchial apertures. Head round. Eyes
above. Mouth vertical. No anal. Both dorsals behind the ventrals. Temporal orifices.

Obs. This genus forms, by its compressed figure, dilated pectorals and other particulars, a
natural passage to the succeeding family. Some recent systematic writers have in fact made
it the representative of a distinct group in that family ; but, as we think, with little propriety.

THE AMERICAN ANGEL-FISH.

SaCATINA DUMERILI.

PLATE LXII. FIG. 203.
Sqwitina dumerili. Lesceuk, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 2, p. 225, pi. 10.

Characteristics. Head bordered on each side by a white membrane. Abdomen, throat and
ventral fins marked by red spots. Nostrils with a broad ciliated skin on
each side. Length three to four feet.

Description. Body flattened, broad, and elevated towards the pectorals. Tail attenuated
and sharp-edged. Head wider than long, obtuse, emarginated in front between the nostrils,
depressed above and between the eyes. Neck rather tumid and distinct. Eyes small ; orbit
elevated, and furnished with blunt tubercles ; similar ones above the nostrils and between the

364 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

spiracles. Cheeks flat, with numerous mucous pores. Nostrils on the anterior edge, above the
jaws, and between the eyes ; aperture vertical, and covered by a broad membrane. Spiracles
behind the eyes, wide, transverse. Teeth lanceolate, rather gibbose in front, in 6-7 distinct
series, having each 5 [?] teeth. Branchial apertures very near each other, in front of the pec-
torals. Tongue triangular, flat, not distinct, terminated by a small fleshy rounded appendage.
Pectorals subtriangular, and with a round notch at their inner base ; curved sharp points on
the upper surface of its outer margin. Abdominal fins lanceolate, straight, narrow. Dorsals
two, triangular, and situated on the base of the tail. Caudal fin emarginate ; lower lobe
longest, both pointed.

Color. Bluish ash-grey above ; beneath white. Eyes yellowish green ; pupils black. A
red spot on the throat and abdomen, and a reddish blotch on the under side of the tail. Pec-
torals and ventrals bordered with irregular bands of the same color.

Length three to four feet.

This is a very rare species. On the coast of Europe, it has many popular names, such as
Monk or Monkey-fish, Kingston, Shark Ray, and Fiddle-fish. Lesueur describes from three
specimens, without, however, indicating the locality ; but it is conjectured that they were
derived from the southern coast. This is strengthened by the fact that one of them belonged
to Mr. Peale, who made extensive collections on the coast of Florida. I do not find it figured
among the drawings of my friend Dr. Holbrook. Of the occasional occurrence of this species
on the coast of New-York, I have no doubt, as intelligent fishermen have described it to me
under the name of Little Bull-head Shark, and readily recognized the figure.

FAMILY SQUAL1D.-E. 365

GENUS PRISTIS. Latham.

Snout ■produced into a long flattened sword-shaped plate, armed on each side with strong
pointed and trenchant osseous spines, implanted like teeth. The true teeth are small, flat,
and rounded as in Mustelus. Branchial apertures beneath.

Obs. This genus, as revised by Latham and others, now comprises seven species. It
forms, by the position of its branchial apertures, a natural passage to the following family,
from which it is otherwise separated by its elongated body. Some naturalists have, however,
arranged it under the family Raiidce, while others have more precisely erected it into a
separate and distinct family.

THE COMMON SAW-FISH.

PRISTIS ANTKiOORUM.

Squalus pristis. Linneiis, Syst. Ni'.t.

S. id- Schcepff, Bescreibung, &c. Vol. 8, p. 185.

P. antiqunrum. Latham, Linn. Tr. Vol. 2, p. 282.

Saw-Shark. Pennant, Arct. Z'iol. Supplement, p. 105.

Pristis antiquorum. Latham, Linn. Transact. Lond. Vol. 2, p. 282.

Pez de cspada ? Parra, Descripcion, &c. p. 75, pi. 33.

P. antiquorum. Richardson, fide Cuvier, Sixth Rep. Br. Association, Vol. 5, p. 222.

Characteristics. Dusky above ; pale grey below. Elongated beak, with twenty-four teeth
on each side. Length fifteen feet.

Description. I have never met with an undoubted specimen from our coast, and am there-
fore compelled to cite from Schcepff the only account extant of this species as occurring in
our waters : "An individual was captured at New-York in July, 1782. It was fifteen feet
" long, including the saw. This had twenty-four teeth on each side, which were very sharp,
" and appeared as if they had been sharpened against hard bodies. The air-holes in the
" vicinity of the eyes had valvular openings. The skin, particularly of the fins, was of the
"finest shagreen." This or another species, most probably the Pez de Espada of Parra,
occurs along our southern shores. I find in the New World, a weekly journal published in
New-York, an account of a Saw-fish which was captured in 1841, among the Keys of
Florida. No details were given, to enable one to determine the species.

It remains to notice, at the conclusion of this family, a few species, which have been
vaguely, or on loose authority, assigned to our coast ; or which have been so imperfectly
noticed as to leave a doubt as to their being real species.
Squalus carcharias. (Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Tr. Vol. 1, p. 485.) This appears to have been

inserted at random, or more probably confounded with S. maximus. There is no evidence of

its occurrence on the coast of the United States.

366 NEW- YORK FAUNA.

S. americanus. (Id. lb. Vol. 1, p. 483;) and subsequently S. macrodons, (Id. Am. Month. Mag-. Vol.
2, p. 328.) All the particulars given arc that " it belongs to the section of Squali, which has
nasal orifices and an anal fin;" that his body " has a great size;" and that "it has oblong sharp
teeth, each of which has a little one on each side of the base." The presence of small basal
teeth would seem to indicate its affinity with the genus ScyUium.

FAMILY RAIIDJE.

Body very much flattened out, resembling a disk. Pectorals very large, uniting in front
with the snout, and extending backwards to near the base of the ventrals. Tail more or
less long and slender. Mouth, nostrils and, branchial openings beneath. Eyes and tem-
poral orifices above. Dorsals {when present) almost always on the tail.

Obs. An extremely natural family, and composed of more than one hundred species,
distributed throughout the globe.

GENUS RAIA. Linneus, Cuvier.

Disk rhornboidal. Tail slender ; with tivo small dorsals near the tip, and sometimes the
vestige of a caudal fin. Teeth slender, close set, arranged in quincunx.

THE CLEAR-NOSED RAY.

Raia diapiianes.
PLATE LXVII. FIG. 218. (Male and female.)
Raia dtaphams, Clear-nosed Ray. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 478.

Characteristics. Brownish, spotted. Front rounded, with the nose slightly projecting and
prominent. Length two to three feet.

Description. Body obscurely rhomboidal, rounded in front, concave on the sides, dilated
and convex over the pectoral fins ; in its widest part, broader than long. Sharp recurved
prickles over the slightly elevated snout, on the space between the orbits, and on the anterior
part of the disk. A double series of very long concealed curved spines directed inwards, on
the pectorals. A double, arid sometimes a treble row of prickles along the middle of the back,
down along the sides of the tail, leaving a central furrow smooth and spineless. Tail slen-
der, tapering, round above, flat beneath, with a membranous expansion on each side, extend-
ing three-fourths of the length towards the extremity, when it becomes effaced. Eyes small,
black, and furnished with a stellated membrane. . Temporal orifices very large, and closed
by a stout valve, which is furnished on its edge with a row of white fleshy filaments. A
space on each side of the snout, extending backwards nearly to the orbits, so translucent that
any dark substance may be seen through it. This space is filled with gelatinous fluid, through

FAMILY RAI1D.E RAIA. 367

which the blood-vessels maybe seen beautifully displayed. Mouth transverse, sinuous; a
loose membrane at the angle of the mouth, with a deep furrow extending to the nostrils. The
nostrils are furnished with long duplicated fleshy membranes, acting as valves; within, the
olfactory nerve is seen expanded in a plumose form, between two oblong brown bodies.
Within the mouth, a bilobate membrane behind the upper jaw, and the rudiments of another
behind the lower jaw. Teeth in each jaw very minute, arranged with great regularity, and
becoming more acute behind. Branchial openings five, with four bony arches.

Two adipose dorsals, small and subequal, ovate, rough, contiguous to each other, and con-
nected behind to the tail by a smooth pellucid membrane ; a thin membrane behind the last
dorsal, connects it with the extremity of the tail, which has no vestige of a caudal fin. Pecto-
rals rounded, and so much enveloped in the common teguments of the body, that its rays are
difficult to be enumerated ; they appear to consist of from fifty to sixty rays. Ventrals thick
and fleshy, concave on their margins, and contain each from twenty-two to twenty-five rays.
The male organs about six inches long, cylindrical, slightly tapering, and, for the greater part
of that distance, divided by a deep fissure between two bony cartilages.

The female smaller than the male, and its teeth much smaller. The double series of long
concealed prickles noticed on the pectorals of the males, are wanting. A cruciform group of
prickles on the back, which unite with the longitudinal row on the back and tail. Behind the
vent, two narrow apertures leading into the abdominal cavity. Opening of the rectum nar-
row, and anterior to that of the uterus, which is large.

Color. Above brownish grey, sprinkled with numerous small irregular rounded and oblong
darker spots ; beneath white, immaculate.

Length of the body to the vent, 18' 0. Extreme breadth, 24" 0.

The stomachs of several which I opened, were filled with remains of fishes, squids, crabs
and soft clams. The rectum had eight spiral valves ; and the appendix vcriniformis of Monroe,
near its extremity, is very distinct. At the will of the animal, the end of the male organ
expands, and discloses three white tubercles, which are received into corresponding cavities
when closed. Passing a probe along the fissure, we notice a cartilaginous canal, which leads
into a large cavity in the posterior lobe of the ventral fin. In this cavity, an oblong gland,
surrounded by strong muscular fibres ; this gland was homogenous, yellow, and divided by a
deep furrow into two distinct portions. While examining the animal, there was a sudden
and profuse discharge of a milky fluid through the appendages.

The Clear-nosed Ray is usually most abundant in our markets about the middle of March,
when they may be seen of all sizes from one to three feet. They are caught along with
codfish, and are eaten by the poorer classes, although they are insipid gelatinous food.

368 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE PRICKLY RAY.

R.AIA AMERICANA.

PLATE LXVI. FIG. 215. (Male.)

Characteristics. Uniform brown, unspotted. Snout elongated. Pointed groups of prickles
on the upper surface ; a vertebral series, and three series along the tail.
Length one to two feet.

Description. Body rhomboidal. Snout projecting, attenuated, obtuse. Pectoral fins rounded,
subangular. A row of sharp spines on the superciliary ridge, and the interval between and
anterior to the eyes covered with numerous star-like points. An elongated heart-shaped space
extending from the eyes to the nose, glabrous. A central row of large spines, with lateral
rows of smaller ones, extending to the snout, which is covered at the tip with other spines.
The spines on the margin abreast of the eyes are broad at the base, with long, sharp and
wavy tips ; those on the pectorals longer, with narrower bases, and their points directed
inwards towards the vertebral line. The whole upper surface of the pectoral is also covered
with spines, which are most numerous towards the margins. The vertebral series of spines
with broad bases, pointed, recurved, and occasionally fan-shaped. On the tail, which was
much injured, there are three rows of spines ; one dorsal, and one on each of the sides.
Eyes oblong, prominent. Temporal orifices moderately large, and placed a short distance
behind the eyes.

Two small dorsals near the tip of the tail. Ventrals widely emarginate. Beneath smooth,
except on the snout and anterior margin of the pectoral fins, which are armed with minute
prickles. Teeth small, conical, curved, with somewhat enlarged bases.

Color. Uniform pale brownish above ; whitish beneath.

Length 20-0; breadth, 13-0. Length of the tail, 9"0.

I have never seen but the single specimen described above, and that was found on the
shore of Staten island, Richmond county. I supposed it to be the R. desmarestia of Le-
sueur, but a revision of its characters satisfies me that it is distinct from his Florida species.
Its teeth, and the disposition of its prickles, separates it from R. batis of Storer ; to which,
however, it is otherwise allied in shape.

FAMILY RAIID.E RAIA. 369

THE SPOTTED RAY.

Raia ocellata.

PLATE LXV. FIG. 212. Upper and under side (male).

Raia ocellata, Ocellated Ray. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. anil Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 447.
Raia chantcnay. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 4, p. 106, pi. 5.
Ocellated Ray, Raia ocellata. Storer, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 191.

Characteristics. Light brown, with numerous ocellated black spots. Length two to three feet.

Description. Body rhomboidal, depressed, with the anterior margin of the pectorals slightly
sinuous ; the posterior margin undulated, rounded behind, and much attenuated at its junc-
tion with the body. Upper surface roughened with distant patches of spines ; on the nose,
over the eyes, and forming a distinct patch near the centre of the pectorals. A series of
distant acute prickles on the dorsal surface of the tail, and another similar series on each
side. Snout prominent, and continuous with the line of the sides. Eyes oblong, straw-
colored, with a stellated membrane covering the pupils. Temporal orifices situated obliquely
behind the eyes, and one inch in length, with a valvular entrance. Mouth transverse, very
dilatable, with tubular subpentagonal teeth arranged on the semicylindric jaws ; the posterior
teeth more pointed. Triangular processes, or nasal lobes of some writers, on each side of
the upper jaw, with folds extending to the rounded valvular nostrils. The branchial apertures
arranged in an oblique curved series, the posterior smallest. The under side of the body
smooth. Tail stout, rounded above, flat beneath, nearly as long as the body. Two small
dorsals on the tail, near its extremity. Pectorals with a loose cuticular membrane behind
the lateral angle, marked dusky oblique lines indicating the place of the rays ; this membrane
rather more distinct in the males. Ventrals (in the male) very deeply excavated behind, the
posterior lobe broadest ; they contain about twenty-four rays. Sexual organs robust, elongated.

Color. The whole upper surface chocolate-brown, with numerous dusky or black spots sur-
rounded by lighter margins. Occasionally these spots are confluent : they are rather more
numerous on the female : in young males, they are less distinct. Beneath dusky white, with
light brown in the centre and faint pink on the edges. When the thick coat of mucus is
scraped off, numerous dark points are visible over the whole surface. The abdominal cavity
small, and nearly filled by the enormous liver. The stomach of one was filled with the
Cancer irroratus.

The Spotted Ray is caught with the hook on our sandy coast, in company with the Cod.
It does not appear to be uncommon. It is also found on the coast of Massachusetts.

Fauna — Part 4. 47

374 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

The branchial apertures disposed in an oblique series, approaching each other behind ; the
posterior pair six inches apart. Vent longitudinally oval, an inch and a half long. Liver
large, and composed of two large unequal lobes. Flesh firm, white and flaky. Pectoral fins
broadly rounded. Ventrals broader than long; the outer margin concave, wider than the
base ; at their junction beneath the tail, there is a rounded emargination.

Color, of the body and base of the tail, a uniform olive brown ; beneath white ; under side
of the tail dark brown. Eyes light grey.

Length of the body, 36 '5. Width, 42 "O.
Length of the tail, 61 -0. Weight, 110 pounds.

This description is taken from a female captured in September, off the coast of Rhode-
Island, by Mr. Carson Brevoort of this city. I am indebted to him for an excellent figure
made on the spot. On the plate, we have annexed the figure of one of those black horny
cases which are often seen along the coast ; and as they are empty, they have been jocularly
named Sailoi-,s purses. They are excluded from the female ray or skate, and contain the
embryo.

Remarkable as the Whip Sting-ray is for its size, it appears to have been overlooked by
our naturalists, unless it may have been the R. centroura of Mitchill described above. It has
probably been supposed identical with the Common Sting-ray of Europe.* Schoepff merely
remarks that he "noticed two different kinds of skate at Rhode-Island, neither of which
" exactly agrees with the species described by Linneus, but I neglected to describe them
" particularly."

Mr. Brevoort informs me that they appear to associate together, as he noticed many of
similar size and appearance swimming about at the same time. They moved slowly together
through the water, along the edges of the rocks, about three feet below the surface. When
captured, this individual whipped its tail about with great activity in all directions. It receives
the common name of Whip Ray from this circumstance, although the name is also applied to
another species, which I have not been so fortunate as to obtain.

* The Stiv g-ray of Europe, P. vulgaris or Tn/gon pastinaca. Tail equaling in length the transverse diameter of the body,
with a single spine. Smooth above, except along the central line of the back, and on the upper and posterior part of
the pectoral fins, where there is a scries of rudimentary tubercles under the skin. Snout sharp, but very short:
scarcely projecting beyond the pectorals, etc. etc. It is, moreover, a smaller species than the one above described.

FAMILY RAIID.E. RHINOPTERA. 375

THE BROAD STING-RAY.

Pastinaca maclura.
PLATE LXV. FIG. 213.
Raia maclura. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. i, p. 41, plate. (Female.)

Characteristics. Body oval, elliptical, broader than long. Tail short ; one third of the length
of the body. Width six to ten feet.

Description. Shape transversely elliptical. Snout blunt, not produced beyond the lateral
margins of the pectoral fins, but continuous with them. Surface roughened with minute
granulations like shagreen. Eyes small, and near the snout ; temporal orifices large, and near
the eyes. Nostrils small, and near the mouth, not extending to the upper lip. Mouth seven
or eight inches, with minute numerous triangular acute teeth, each emarginate at the base,
for the reception of the hind teeth. Ventral fins short, broad and rounded. Tail short, tri-
angular, one-third of the length of the body, with one or two spines very near the base.

Color. Above greenish blue, with small black vermicular interrupted lines, and larger dis-
tant pale spots ; beneath pale red. Pupils black, round ; irides green, radiated with black.

Length, 42-0. Width, 79' 0.

According to Lesueur, whose description and figure I have adopted, this species is found
at Newport (R. 1.), and is frequently found measuring from fifteen to eighteen feet in width.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. sabina. (Lesueur, Ac. S. Vol. 4, p. 109.) Orbicular. Tail more than twice as long as the body.
Ventral fins long, pointed. A row of spines upon the back and the origin of the tail. Two spines
on each side of the back. Upper part of the head rough. Length . Florida.

GENUS RHINOPTERA. Kuhl.

Head distinctly projecting from, the pectorals, and divided into two short lobes ; beneath
which are two similar ones. Teeth broad and flat.

THE COW-NOSE RAY.

Rhinoptera quadriloba.

PLATE LXVI. FIG. 217.

Raia bonasus, The Cow-nose Ray. MiTCiULL, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 479.
Raia quadriloba. Lesueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 44 (plate).

Characteristics. Body rhomboidal, elevated along the dorsal line. Pectorals acute. Tail
slender, longer than the body. Width of the body two feet.

372 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE HEDGE-HOG RAY.

Raia erinaceds.
PLATE LXXV11I. FIG. 246.
Raia erinaceus, Hedgehog Ray. MrrCHiLi,, Am. Jour. Sc. Vol. D, p. 290, pi. 6. (Male.)

Characteristics. Pale brown, spotted with dusky. Two dorsal fins, and the vestige of a third.
Two series of prickles on the tail ; prickles on the pectorals. Length
seventeen inches.

Description. Form rounded. Rostrum prominent, subacute. Head somewhat distinct from
the body, with rounded cheeks ; the margin posterior to this, concave ; pectorals rounded.
Surface smooth, with several groups of prickles arranged in regular series. A group between
and in front of the eyes, extend to the tip of the snout ; the cheeks are also furnished
with several series of prickles. A triangular group on the back, with the apex between the
temporal orifices. On the pectoral fins, near the margin, are two rows of about twenty parallel
erectile prickles, and a large patch external to these. A double dorsal series along the ver-
tebral line, and extending along the whole length of the tail, on the sides, where they are stiff
and stout. Beneath smooth, with the exception of a series parallel with the branchial aper-
tures. Body, when held up to the light, semi-diaphanous. Eyes large, oblique ; immediately
behind them, the large temporal orifices. Nostrils beneath, near the mouth, with short nasal
lobes. Teeth " associated, compact, sharp-pointed." Dorsal fins two, near the extremity of
the tail, triangular ; the anterior somewhat largest. Pectorals broad and rounded, almost
orbicular, with its margin elevated slightly above the inferior surface. Ventrals two-lobed,
deeply emarginate ; the posterior lobe largest. Male appendages cylindrical, five inches long.
Tail nine inches long, smooth on all sides, except the double line of spines above described.

Color. Pale brown above, with numerous dark brown spots ; paler beneath.

Length, 17-0. Width, 9 '5.

This species was described by Dr. Mitchill, and is different from any with which I am
acquainted. It might be confounded with the R. eglanteria of Bosc ; but that species has
the tail with " three or four irregular series with intervening smaller spines, and a small mem-
brane each side of its whole length." The R. desmaresiia of Lesueur has a prominent snout :
rounded and slightly emarginate on the sides, and three spinous series on the tail.

The specimen described by Dr. Mitchill was taken off the coast of New-Jersey, in seven
fathoms water. Not having seen the species, I have adopted the description and figure of its
original describer.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

R. desmarestia. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 100, pi. 4.) Many ranges of long; curved points exterior
to the eyes, and on the pectoral fins ; a range of spines exterior to the eyes, and along the vertebral
line. Snout elongate, obtuse. Teeth discoidal, surmounted by a point. Breadth l'2i inches. Florida.

FAMILY RAIIDiE PASTINACA. 373

R. eglantcria, Bosc. (Les. lb. Vol. 4, p. 103.) Reddish, sprinkled with small spots. A longitudinal
series of 9-12 simple spines on each side of the lateral fin. Width 10 inches; length nineteen.
Delaware Bay and Soutker?i Coast.

GENUS PASTINACA. Cuvier.

Tail slender, without fins, but armed with one or more long spines, which arc dentated on
the edges.

THE WHIP STING-RAY.

Pastinaca hastata.
TLATE LXV. FIG. 214. (female.)
R. cenlrourn? Prickly-tailed Sting-ray. Mitchill,* Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 479 (male?)

Characteristics. Uniform olive-brown above ; white beneath. Upper surface partially smooth.
Tail longer than the body, and armed with two or more spines. Width
of the body three feet. Length of body and tail five to eight feet.

Description. Body quadrilateral, rounded on the pectoral angles ; its transverse and longi-
tudinal diameters nearly equal ; its vertical diameter, in the thickest part, between six and
seven inches. Snout subacutely pointed, and slightly salient from the lateral margins. Eyes
obliquely oval, nine inches and a half from the tip of the snout, and seven inches apart. Tem-
poral orifices oval, oblique, contiguous to the eyes, and an inch and a half long. Nostrils
small, five inches apart ; the nasal lobes sinuous, truncate. Teeth small, flat, lozenge-shaped,
and arranged in quincunx. The upper surface of the body smooth, and covered with a dark-
colored mucilaginous slime. From a point slightly anterior to the centre of the body, com-
mences a triple longitudinal series of small horny tubercles, descending along and on each side
of the medial line for a short distance on the anterior portion of the tail. Tail long, cylindrical,
rough, tapering and flexible towards the end. At the distance of thirteen inches from the
base of the tail, on its upper surface, is a small flattened pointed spine, with a row of white
acute teeth on its edges, directed downward when the spine is erect. Three inches posterior
to this, is another spine of a similar shape and armature, but more formidable from its length,
which is five inches, with a deep groove on one side and a corresponding keel on the other ;
posterior to this large spine, is another an inch and a half long, and similar to the preceding.

* I make this reference with due reserve, for the following embraces all that Mitchill has said upon the subject :
" Raia centroura, Prickly-tailed Sting-ray. A very large species, found on the coast of Long island, with a tail of five
feet or more in length ; covered all over with prickly shields or scales, and armed on its upper side with two naked
bones of four inches long, inversely serrated."
I find no other notice of this species among his multifarious contributions to the magazines of the day. The prickly
sliields in the above note can refer only to the tail.

370 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

THE SMOOTH SKATE.

RaIA L.EVIS.

The Smooth Skate, Rata lavis. MiTCHILL,* Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 327.
R. batis? The Skate. Storek, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 193.

Characteristics. Small spines on the orbits and anterior margins of the pectoral fins ; the rest
of the body smooth. Three rows of spines on the tail. Length two to
four feet.

Description {female). Form rhomboidal. Upon the anterior angle of the eyes, upon the
upper orbitar margin, and also at the posterior margin, a number of very small spines ; the
last situated, smallest. A few spines are also observed upon the anterior margin of the pec-
toral fins ; the remainder of the pectorals naked, with the exception of a small number of
very minute spines at the posterior base, just in front of the ventral fins. A single row of
spines, larger than are found upon any other part of the body, arm the dorsum of the tail,
commencing a short distance before the origin of the ventrals, and continue to the second
dorsal fin, with the exception of the space occupied by the first dorsal. A row of rather
small spines are situated on each marginal edge of the tail, commencing on a line with the
posterior angle of the ventrals. Length of the head to the entire length, nearly 1 to 4.
Eyes moderate, oblong ; pupils black ; irides silvery, with a beautiful golden fringed curtain
suspended from above. A slight depression on the top of the head, extending a consi-
derable distance forward towards the snout ; top of the snout covered with small flexible
spines ; extremity of the snout naked. Anterior portion of the body tapering from the lateral
angles of the pectorals to nearly a point at the snout, which is slightly blunted. Width

* Having associated these two species, it will be necessary to reproduce the original description of Mitchill. I have

given above, the elaborate description from Dr. Storer.

" Raia ljevis, Smooth-backed Skate. With a smooth back, except a row of direct spines along the middle of the tail, and
an oblong patch of oblique prickles near the extremity of each wing. Snout pointed, elongated towards the extre-
mity. Upper side dark-colored, clouded and smutty. Tail thick and stout, having three rows of short stiff spines ;
one along the middle or ridge, and one along the lower margin on each side; they resemble incipient knobs, rather
than thorns ; towards the end there were two dorsal fins, of nearly the same figure and size ; tile extremity of the
tail itself was soft and flexible, yet it was triangular, like the form of a bayonet. The broad back was of a rather
pale ash-color, overspread irregularly with darkish clouds. About the middle of each wing was a spot of a circular
form, surrounded as a centre by eight or nine smaller spots, and the central spot itself contained something of fighter
and darker shades. There was a roughness, scarcely amounting to prickles, along the margin extending from the
tip of the snout to the extremities of the wings. Towards these extremities, there was an oblong patch of about
three inches long, and one inch broad, whose surface was beset with rows of prickles placed obliquely, and concealing
themselves in channels; they seemed to have a retractile quality. The teeth are distinct, and moveable separately.
The curtain of the eye is elegantly fimbriated. The anal fins are large and sinuated, and the appendages between
them and the tail are very stout, and of about half the length of the tail. The individual now before me was taken
at the city of New-York, beside a wharf in the East river, November 5, 1815. The length was four feet and one
inch, and the breadth two feet and four inches; being a large fish."

FAMILY RAIID/E — RAIA. 371

across the temporal orifices, which are equal in length to the diameter of the eyes and directly
behind them, thirteen inches. Width directly in front of the eyes, ten inches ; across the top
of the snout, one. Ventrals lighter colored than the rest of the body ; the rays digitated at
their extremities. Dorsals equal in length ; the anterior slightly highest, both rounded, and
about half an inch apart; the posterior terminates within an inch of the extremity of the tail,
by a membranous prolongation, which is more elevated at its posterior extremity. All the
under portion of the body dingy white, perfectly smooth, with the exception of a very few-
spines, hardly perceptible except by the touch, on each side of the commencement of the
caudal fins, and a small patch of equally minute spines upon the middle of the tail, just in
front of the termination of the venlral fins. Mucous pores over the greatest part of the under
side, appearing like black dots, generally irregular ; but a longitudinal row towards the
middle of the pectorals, and a transverse row at the base of the ventrals. Mouth large, with
compact hexahedral teeth, forming almost a plane surface ; the inner angle of the inner-
most middle ones beginning to become acute. Nostrils distant from the mouth half its length.
Pectoral rays very obvious beneath. Anal opening oblong ; above of a light-ash color,
sprinkled over its entire surface with blackish ocellated fepots more or less large. Margin of
the pectorals reddish. Length three feet three inches ; width two feet. In a male four feet
six inches long and three feet wide, Dr. S. noticed all the under surface roughened with nume-
rous small tubercles ; the teeth quite sharp, presenting in their middle portions acute angles,
recurved, exhibiting regular rows passing backwards, with a space of a line or more between
them. On a line opposite the eye, on the margin of the pectorals, from four to six longitu-
dinal rows of strong recurved spines ; on the back of the pectorals, towards the lateral angle,
are four to five longitudinal rows of spines directed towards the dorsum of the fish.

Color, uniform light brown, with no ocellated spots.

Although this species, as I have reason to believe, is frequently sold in our markets under
the name of Skate, yet it has always appeared cut up into small portions, and I have never
had an opportunity of examining or obtaining a figure of the unmutilated animal. We find
in the European Skate the following characters, which appear to be much at variance with
those given above : " No spines in front of the eyes ; spines on the ridge of the tail, each
with a broad oval tubercular base ; lateral spines few, rarely exceeding six, and entirely
wanting on the lower two-thirds of the tail ; frequently a solitary spine between the two dor-
sals. Skin above rough, granulated. Teeth numerous, sharp pointed, with broad bases."
On the coast of Europe, the skate is considered quite a delicacy, particularly the pectoral fins.

376 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Description. Form quadrilateral. Body smooth, elevated in the centre. Head sloping
above, divided transversely and laterally into four flattened lobes rounded in front ; the lower
lobes rather longest ; the neck with several protuberances. Eyes lateral. Pectoral fins wide,
pointed at the lateral angles, excavated posterior to this, and rounded behind. Ventral fins
oblong, truncated behind. Dorsal fin small, triangular, and placed on the base of the tail.
Mouth wide, with several series of flat hexagonal teeth, of which the middle are largest,
elongated. Temporal orifices large. Nostrils situated midway between the mouth and the
extremity of the snout. Nasal lobe, truncate, denticulate. Tail long, and exceedingly slen-
der ; longer than the body. A slender serrate spine, behind the dorsal fin, on the superior
part of the tail.

Color. Olive-brown above ; beneath white.

Length three feet ; of the body alone, 18 "0. Width two feet.

This is an exceedingly common species about New- York in the autumn. With its powerful
spade-like snout, it roots up clams ( V. mercenaria), and crushes them between its flattened
teeth, which appear to act upon each other like the cylinders of a rolling mill. In the male,
the pectorals are acute behind, and the ventral fins are more obliquely truncated ; the dorsal
prominence is not very distinct in the living specimen. The name proposed by Mitchill,
although it has the priority in point of date, must yield to that of Lesueur, defective as it is,
as the former is unaccompanied with any description.

(EXTRA-LIM1TAL.)

Genus Myliobatis, Dumeril. Teeth wide, flat, paved. Tail slender, elongated, and armed above
with a serrated spine, and furnished with a fin. Head prominent beyond the pectorals, which
are wide.
M.freminvillii. (Lesueur, Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 111.) Orbit salient, surrounded by an eminence.
Ventrals rounded. Olivaceous, with rounded spots. Tail long, filiform, triangular. Width two
to three feet. Rhode-Island.
M? say. (Id. Ac. Sc. Vol. l,p. 42.) Suborbicular, olivaceous red above. Teeth dilated, and rhom-
boidal at the base. Two elongated vertical opposite fins on the tail, behind the spine. Width 17
inches. New-Jersey.

FAMILY RAIIDjE. 377

GENUS CEPHALOPTERA. Dumeril.

The pectorals produced into long processes at their anterior entremities, presenting the ap-
pearance of two horns. Teeth slender. Dorsal small. Tail slender, with a serrated spine.

THE SEA DEVIL.

Cephaloptera vampirus.

PLATE LXVII. FIG. 219.

The Vampire of the Ocean, C. vampirus. Mitchill, Annals Lyceum, N. Y. Vol. 1. p. 23, pi. 2, fig. 1.
Cephaloptera giorna. Lesuedr, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 4, p. 117, pi. 6, fig. 1.

Characteristics. Tail longer than the body, and armed with one or more spines. Dorsal be-
tween the ventrals. Anterior margin of the pectorals convex ; posterior
concave. Width 16-18 feet.

Description. Body large ; the transverse much exceeding its longitudinal diameter. Skin
rough to the touch, as in many species of Squalus, but without any evident tubercles or spines.
Head not distinct from the body, subtruncate in front, slightly convex. Mouth subterminal,
with very small teeth in seven or eight rows in the lower jaw, distant, and in quincunx ; those
of the upper jaw scarcely visible. Nostrils small, and placed near the angles of the mouth,
two feet apart. Eyes prominent, lateral, four feet apart, and placed on an eminence at the
base of the frontal appendices. Branchial apertures narrow, linear, varying from one to two
feet in length, with valvular coverings. Tail long, slender, subcompressed, terminating in a
slender extremity.

The dorsal fin small, triangular, with thirty-six rays, and placed over the base of the tail
between the ventrals ; a short serrated spine, just anterior to it. Pectorals much elongated,
pointed, arched in front, concave behind ; the frontal appendices projected on each side of the
mouth, and used as instruments of prehension ; they are two feet and a half long, and a foot
wide. Ventrals broad, short, deeply emarginate and rounded behind ; continuous in front
with the pectorals.

Color. Blue black above ; dusky, varied with large opaque white clouds, beneath.

Length to the base of the tail, 10 feet ; to the end of the tail, 16 feet. Width across the
tips of the pectorals, 17 feet.

This is one of those huge monsters of the deep, which are occasionally captured along our
shores. It was first noticed by Catesby (Vol. 1, p. 32), on the coast of Carolina, where it
appears to be more frequent than farther north. The next notice is by Dr. Mitchill, cited
above, from a specimen captured at the mouth of Delaware bay. Another individual was
taken at Savannah, in 1824. Lesueur, who described it anew from the specimen examined
by Dr. Mitchill, considered it as identical with the R. giorna of Lacepede. I have carefully
compared these descriptions, and find too many striking dissimilarities to enable me to con-

Fauna — Part 4. 48

378 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

sider them as identical. In this view I am sustained by Cuvier in the last edition of the
Reg?ie Animal. The giorna rarely exceeds fifty pounds in weight, according to Risso ; while
our species is so large, that according to Mitchill, it required three pair of oxen, aided by a
horse and twenty-two men, to drag it to the dry land. It was estimated to weigh between
four and five tons. It approaches, in fact, nearer to the C. massena of Risso.

The Sea Devil, or Oceanic Vampire as it has been not unaptly named, is known to seize
the cables of small vessels at anchor, and draw it for several miles with great velocity. An
instance of this kind was related to me by a credible eye-witness, as having occurred in the
harbor of Charleston. A schooner lying at anchor, was suddenly seen moving across the
harbor with great rapidity, impelled by some unknown and mysterious power. Upon ap-
proaching the opposite shore, its course was changed so suddenly as nearly to capsize the
vessel, when it again crossed the harbor with its former velocity, and the same scene was
repeated when it approached the shore. These mysterious flights across the harbor were
repeated several times, in the presence of hundreds of spectators, and suddenly ceased.

There is strong presumptive evidence, from the authorities cited by Mitchill and Storer, of
the existence of a Ray on our coast, belonging to the Genus Torpedo, and called Numb-fish
and Cramp-fish ; but as yet it has not been examined by any naturalist.

FAMILY PETROMYZONLL\E PETROMYZON. 379

ORDER III. CYCLOSTOMI.

Gills purse-shaped, fixed, opening outwards by several apertures. Jaws represented by an
immovable cartilaginous ring, formed by the union of the palatine and mandibular bones.
Intestinal canal straight and narrow.

Obs. The skeleton of the fishes of this order is very imperfectly developed; so much so
that they are considered, and with justice, to be the most imperfect of all vertebrated animals.
It forms a small group, scarcely exceeding a dozen species.

FAMILY PETROMYZONIDJE.

Body elongated, cylindrical, eel-shaped. No pectorals nor ventrals. Fins without rays.

GENUS PETROMYZON. Linneus.

Seven branchial apertures on each side of the neck. Maxillary ring armed with strong teeth.
Mouth beneath.

THE AMERICAN SEA LAMPREY.

PETROMYZON AMERICANUS.

PLATE LXVI. FIG. 216.

P. marimts, Sea Lamprey at New-York. Schcepff, Beobachtungen, &c. Vol.8, p. 184.

The Great Lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 461.

Petromyzon americanus. Lesdeur, Am. Phil. Soc. new series, Vol. 1, p. 382.

P. id. Id. Hist. N. A. Fishes, ined. plate.

The American Lamprey, P. id. Storer, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 195.

Characteristics. Body olive-green mottled with dark brown ; ending behind in an acute tip.
Throat armed with three large teeth. Length two to three feet.

Description. Head depressed, and with the mouth closed, obtusely conic ; a single tubular
orifice equidistant from, and slightly anterior to the eyes. Back subcarinate. A row of mu-
cous ducts on each side of the head, from the snout towards the eyes ; a row of from six to
eight before the eyes, and directed forwards ; another from the lower side of the mouth, rising
upwards towards the extremity of the snout ; a short series running backwards, from the su-
perior part of the orbits ; a distant series along the back, on each side ; an indistinct unequal
row between each branchial aperture, and irregular groups and series distributed over the
whole anterior part of the body. Mouth forming a longitudinal fissure, and when attached to
any thing, assumes the form of a regular circle. Teeth of various kinds, which may be con-
sidered as disposed in concentric circles about a common centre, or as arranged in somewhat

380 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

curved series radiating from the pharynx ; this will be better conceived by reference to the
figure. In the throat, and partly closing it, is an isolated group of three large teeth, of which
two are lateral and one inferior. The lateral teeth are sinuous on their edges, denticulate, and
terminated posteriorly by a smooth cartilaginous process. The inferior tooth is also denticulate,
with a central elongated process projecting into the space between the lateral ones. Beneath
this last is a single tooth, forming a solid semicircular cartilaginous ring, with seven acute
yellow points. Underneath this again, are nine perpendicular rows of simple teeth, divided
vertically from each other by a distinct furrow. Considered as concentric rows, they vary in
number from four to six. The first superior tooth above the throat is bifid ; and in a line
above this are two single teeth, and one almost obsolete. From each extremity of the seven-
cleft tooth we enumerate five concentric radii of simple teeth, excepting the internal ones of
the second, third and fourth rows. Lips fleshy, with a distinct and slightly fimbriated mem-
brane ; and beneath this we notice a deep triangular fossa, with a distinct fold on each side.

The first dorsal commences at a point nearly equidistant between the head and tail ; it is
low, composed of very minute rays, and gradually diminishes in height from the middle of the
fin each way. The second dorsal higher than the first, and commences on the posterior third
of the body, and about two inches behind the first ; it gradually decreases behind, until it
overlies what is usually described as the upper lobe of the caudal. The lower lobe (which,
together with the upper, is truncate behind) gradually diminishes forward, until it becomes
insensibly effaced in a soft fleshy mass towards the vent ; this lower lobe contains about
thirty-four rays.

Color. Bluish brown mottled with dark olive-green, which is the general color along the
back ; beneath silvery grey. Pupils black ; irides golden. First dorsal greenish ; the second
reddish. Tail dark brown.

Length, 30 '0. Greatest girth, 6*0.
Fin rays, D. 80.90; C. 80.

This species is very different in its dentition from the P. marinus of Europe, although
described as such by Schcepff and Mitchill. In this respect it agrees better with the P. ame-
ricanus of Lesueur, in his unpublished work on the fishes of America, for a copy of which I
am indebted to my amiable and valued friend Mrs. Say. The description in his work of the
pharyngeal teeth, and of the lower lobe of the caudal fin, does not, however, exactly coincide
with that above described.

The Sea Lamprey is commonly taken in our bays and salt-water streams about the month
of April, and judging by the prices at which they are sold, must be held in high estimation
by the epicures. They ascend streams, and construct conical heaps of stones, among which
they deposit their spawn. I have observed them at Albany in the spring, and was assured
that they were taken a few miles below that city.

FAMILY PETROMYZONID^E PETROMYZON. 381

THE BLUISH SEA LAMPREY.

Petromyzon nigricans.

PLATE LXXIX. FIG. 247.

Petromyzon nigricans. Lesueur, Am. Phil. Soc. new series, Vol. 1, p. 385.

The Bluish Lam-prey, P. id. Stoker, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 196.

Characteristics. Dorsals distinct, white. Mouth with incurved teeth, projecting from widened
bases. Length five to seven inches.

Description. Body cylindrical on its anterior third, compressed behind. Head oval, flat-
tened on the top. Length of the head to the posterior angle of the eye, to the total length,
less than one-seventh. The branchial orifices running obliquely backward and downward
from the eyes. Mouth circular, half an inch in diameter, surrounded by a fleshy margin ;
armed within with numerous incurved teeth or horny spines projecting from widened bases,
resembling the spines with which the Raise are armed. Three teeth in the throat; two
higher up than the third, which is in front of and between the others. In the general ap-
pearance of the teeth, there is great resemblance between those of this species and the pre-
ceding. Eyes moderate. A spiracle on the top of the head, anterior to the eyes. The first
dorsal fin commences back of the middle of the fish ; its posterior portion rounded ; its height
to its length as 2 to 8. The distance between the dorsals is equal to half the length of the
first dorsal. The second dorsal considerably higher than the first ; before reaching the caudal
fin, to which it is continued, it is depressed. Caudal fin a simple membrane, triangular at its
termination, and uniting with the anal fin, which is very small. Anus small.

Color. Upper part of the body of a deep blue color ; beneath bluish white. Pupils black ;
irides silvery. Between the eyes, on the top of the head, a small white spot. Dorsals white ;
the second occasionally margined with bluish.

Length 5'0 -7*0.

I am only acquainted with this species through the descriptions of Lesueur and Storer.
It is found attached to mackerel, haddock and cod fishes.

THE SMALL LAMPREY.

Petromyzon appendix.
PLATE LXIV. FIG. 211.

Characteristics. Dorsals continuous, yellow. Anal fin with a thread-like appendix on its
anterior portion. Length four to six inches.

Description. Body cylindrical, compressed on its posterior half. Head rounded in front.
Eyes large, prominent, and near the dorsal outline. Temporal orifice tubular, central, and
about two-tenths of an inch anterior to a line drawn across the eyes. Mouth beneath, circu-

382 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

lar, with a fimbriated margin. A ring of irregularly shaped corneous processes within the
oral orifice, and a large isolated double tooth of the same texture on the inferior portion of the
mouth. Branchial apertures in an obliquely descending series, valvular ; the first is three-
tenths of an inch distant from the eye. Branchial sac pearly white within, somewhat dilated.
Sides of the body with numerous vertical rugag.

The first dorsal commences at a point somewhat nearer the head than the tail ; it is subtri.
angular, longer than high, 0"6 long, when it subsides into a low membrane, elevated about a
tenth of an inch above the body ; then rises and forms a high rounded fin, in which fibres
representing rays may be detected ; again it subsides into a low membrane, extending to
within half an inch of the caudal extremity, when it assumes a subtriangular figure, passing
round the tail, and is dilated beneath it, forming a rounded fin 0'5 long ; it then subsides into
a low cuticular fold, which gradually rises into a fin 0' 1 high as it approaches the vent, where
it terminates. A slender thread-like process, 0" 3 long, and apparently tubular, arises from
its anterior extremity. Vent near the posterior third of the animal.

Color. Dark plumbeous above, somewhat paler along the sides, but not separated by a
defined line. Irides silvery. All the fins of a pale amber-color.

Length 4-0 -6-0.

This small Lamprey I first obtained from Mr. Joseph Mauran of Providence ; and have
since received specimens, agreeing with it in every particular, from the Hudson river. It is
allied to, but as I conceive very distinct from, the preceding species.

(EXTRA-LIMIT AL.)

P. argenteus. (Kirtland, Bost. Jour. Vol. 3, p. 342, pi. 4, fig. 3.) Silvery grey on the sides, with

irregular series of black dots. A black dot over each branchial aperture. Length 11 inches. Big

Miami, Ohio.
P. tridentatus. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 293.) Bluish grey, with irregular yellowish

patches. Three conspicuous teeth. Dorsals distinct. Length 21 inches. Tributaries of the

Columbia River.
P. lamottenii. (Lesueur, Hist. N. A. Fishes, Op. ined. ; pi. 79, fig. 249, of this work.) Yellowish

on the sides, with irregular patches of dark brown above ; white beneath. The mouth pectinated

on its margin. Dorsals continuous.

FAMILY PETROMYZONIDiE. 383

GENUS AMMOCCETES. Dumeril.

Mouth without teeth. Upper lip prominent, semicircular, covering o?ily the upper part and
sides of the mouth ; lower lip transverse. Branchial apertures as in the preceding.

THE COLORED MUD LAMPREY.

Ammoccetes eicot.or.

PLATE LXXIX. FIG. 248.

Ammoccetes bicolor. Lescecr, Am. Phil. Soc. New Series, Vol. 1, p. 380.
The Mud Lamprey, A. bicolor. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 198.

Characteristics. Back and sides reddish, separated by an undulating line from the white abdo-
men. Dorsals separated.

Description. Anterior part of the body subcylindric ; posterior part compressed, and taper-
ing to the tail. Dorsals low, separated ; the second united with the caudal fin, which is
rounded. Nape of the neck elevated. Head declivous, prolonged into a snout, furnished
with a lip, having two short rounded lobes ; these lobes, when the mouth is closed, embrace
and conceal the lower lip, which is very short. Nostrils small, and placed in the centre of a
white oval pellucid disk, easily movable. On the inside of the upper lip, small granules ;
and at the opening of the throat, small ramified papilla?. Branchial apertures placed in a
longitudinal depression, oblique and a little curved ; the first aperture above the angle of the
mouth. On each side of the head there is a whitish spot, indicating the position of the eyes.

This species was first described by Lesueur, from the Connecticut river, near Northampton,
but has not since been observed.

THE PLAIN MUD LAMPREY.

Ammoccetes ijnicolor.
PLATE LXXIX. FIG. 250. —(STATE COLLECTION.)

Characteristics. Color nearly uniform throughout. Dorsal single. Length three to five
inches.

Description. Form cylindrical for two-thirds of its length from the head, becoming slightly
compressed just anterior to the vent, very much compressed and acuminated at the tail. Sur-
face smooth, with between eighty and ninety transverse folds, giving the body an annulated
appearance. Nape arched ; head sloping to the anterior lip. Mouth quadrilateral. Opening
to the throat very large, but accurately closed by six irregular and ragged subcartilaginous
processes, which meet in the centre. Anterior lip transverse, convex on its outline, and
emarginate at each end, where it unites with the lateral lips ; these latter are wide and convex

384 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

on their slender margins, uniting posteriorly below the edge of the lower lip, leaving them
free above. Eyes distinct, lateral, and covered with the common teguments, 0*05 in diame-
ter, and placed in a depression over the margin of the lower lip ; they are distant 0*2 from
the end of the snout. Temporal orifice large, and surrounded by a raised margin ; contracted,
linear in front, circular behind; it is placed on the summit of the head, 0'15 anterior to the
eyes. The branchial furrow is half an inch long, directed obliquely downwards, and extends
to a point above the lower angle of the lateral lips ; the apertures are exceedingly small, and
appear to be capable of being closed by their membranous edges. Vent a large longitudinal
aperture, 1 ' 3 distant from the tip of the tail. The fins appear to be nothing more than mere
membranous prolongations of the skin, without the slightest vestige of rays. The dorsal
commences 1'6 distant from the tail, and 0'3 anterior to the vent, in a scarcely perceptible
furrow, and advances low and subequally until about the middle of its length, when it begins
to rise, and then rapidly diminishes at the tip of the tail, but at no point exceeds 0" 1 in
height; anterior to its origin, is an obsolete furrow, extending 0-7 towards the head. The
dorsal unites with the caudal and anal, which latter is obsoletely triangular, and becomes
insensibly effaced at a point 0"6 posterior to the vent.

Color. Of a nearly uniform dark or dusky brown, occasionally verging to bluish, somewhat
lighter beneath ; the anterior part of the head darkest.

Length, 4'0. Depth, 0'3.

This species, which is common in most of the muddy streams of the northern and western
districts, varies in thickness from that of a common earth-worm to the size of a swan's quill.
1 have lately received specimens through the kindness of Mr. Z. Thompson of Burlington,
Vermont, who obtained them from Lake Champlain. It resembles the A. branchialis of
Europe, although much larger, and is very distinct from it by its single dorsal. Its popular
name in this state is Lamper Eel. I am not aware that it is used for any other purpose than
as bait for other fishes.

FOSSIL FISHES. 385

In concluding the descriptions of such of the living fishes of the State as I have been
enabled to procure, and which is very far from exhausting the list, a notice of the fossil species
would appear to be necessary. It is, however, remarkable, that although numerous species
are found in the neighboring States of Massachusetts and Connecticut on the one hand, and
New-Jersey on the other, none, until very recently, have been detected in this State.* At
present, one species only, the Holoptychius nobilissimus, is positively known to be found
within our limits. The following list may be found useful to the student of our fossil ich-
thyology. In drawing it up, I have to acknowledge my obligations to J. H. Redfield, who,
together with his father Mr. W. C. Redfield, have most largely contributed to the stock of
our knowledge on this subject.

GENUS HOLOPTYCHIUS. Agassiz.

1. H. nobilissimus. Am. Jour. Science, Vol. 38, p. 89. — Murchison, Silurian System,

Vol. 2, p. 599, pi. 2, figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9.

Old red sandstone. Blossburgh, Pennsylvania; New-York.

GENUS PAL.EONISCUS, Agassiz.

2. P. fultus. Agassiz, Poiss. Fossiles, Vol. 2, pp. 43, 102, pi. 8, /, figs. 4, 5. — Hitch-

cock, Am. Jour. Vol. 6, p. 77. — Id. Rep. Geol. Mass. 1st ed. p. 236, pi. 14,
fig. 46. — W. C. Redfield, Am. Jour. Vol. 41, p. 25.

New red sandstone. Sunderland (Mass.) ; Middletown and Durham (Conn.) ;
Boonton (N. Jersey.) — Pompton (N. Jersey), W. C. Redfield, Am. Journal,
Vol. 44.

3. P. latus. J. H. Redfield, Ann. Lye. Nat. Vol. 4, p. 39, pi. 2. — W. C. Redfield,

Am. Jour. Vol. 41, p. 25. — Eurynotus tenuiceps ? Agassiz, Poissons Fossiles,
Vol. 2, p. 159, pi. 140, figs. 4, 5. — Hitchcock, Am. Jour. Vol. 6, p. 77 ; Rep.
Geol. Mass. p. 236, pi. 14, figs. 45, 48.

New red sandstone. Sunderland (Mass.) ; Middletown and Durham (Conn.) ;
Boonton (N. J.) — Pompton (N. Jersey), W. C. Redfield, Am. Jour. Vol. 44.

4. P. macropterus. W. C. Redfield, Am. Jour. Vol. 41, p. 25.

New red sandstone. Sunderland (Mass.) ; Middletown and Durham (Conn.) ;
Boonton (N. J.)

* Since the above has been in the hands of the printer, I have received the following interesting communication from
Mr. \V. C. Redfield:

"Although the genera Palceoniscus and Catopterus have not been found in New-York, the new red sandstone, or
" 'middle secondary' of Prof. Rogers, to which they are peculiar, extends through Rockland county from the flank of the
" Highlands to the Hudson river, and the boundary line between New- York and New-Jersey, and occurs also in Orange
" county in the vicinity of Long pond. From the position and line of strike of the New-Jersey fish beds, it would ap-
11 pear probable that these fossils should be found in R.ockIand county. Two of the fish beds alluded to have indeed been
" lately discovered near Ramapo, about ten miles from the State boundary. I have obtained from these beds, two or three
" new species of Palfeoniscus, one of which bears a close resemblance to the P. elegans of Mr. Sedgwick, which is found
" in the magnesian limestone or new red formation of England."

Fauna — Part 4. 49

386 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

5. P. agassizii. Id. Am. Jour. Vol. 41, p. 26.

New red sandstone. Westfield, Middlefield and Durham (Conn.); Sunder-
land (Mass.) ; Boonton (N. J.) — Pompton (N. Jersey), W. C. Redfield, Am.
Jour. Vol. 44.

6. P. ovatus. Id. Am. Jour. Vol. 41, p. 26.

New red sandstone. Same localities.

GENUS CATOPTERUS. J. H. Redfield.

7. C. gracilis. J. H. Redfield, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 4, p. 37, pi. 1. — W. C. R. Am.

Jour. Vol. 41, p. 27.
New red sandstone. Same localities.

8. C. macrurus. W. C. Redfield, Am. Jour. Vol. 41, p. 27.

Sandstone shales. Chesterfield county, Virginia.

9. C. anguilliformis. Id. Am. Jour. Vol. 41, p. 27. — Murena anguilla? Hitchcock,

Am. Jour. Vol. 6, p. 78.

New red sandstone. Middletown (Conn.) ; Boonton (N. J.)

10. C.parvulus. Id. Am. Jour. Vol.41, p. 28.

New red sandstone. Same localities.

GENUS PTYCHODUS. Agassis.

11. P. mortoni. Mantell. — Morton, Synopsis Organic Remains, pi. 18, figs. 1, 2. —

Agassiz, Vol. 3, pi. 25, figs. 1, 2, 3.
Greensand formation. Neiv-Jersey.

12. P. mammillaris. Agassiz, Poiss. Fossiles, Vol. 3, p. 151, pi. 25, b, figs. 11 to 20.

Greensand formation. Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

GENUS CARCHARIAS. Cuvier, Agassis.

13. C. lanceolatus. Agassiz, Poissons Fossiles, Vol. 3, pi. 30, figs. 1 to 3. — Morton,

Synopsis Org. Rem. pi. 12, figs. 3, 5.
Greensand formation.

\ I have seen these indications of new fossil species from the ter-

14. C. grosseserratus./ tiarybeds of Maryland, in some foreign publication, which I cannot

15. C. macrodon. > , . . , , . , m, r ,,

t at this moment cite with certainty. Ihe types ol these species are

1 fi \ 771 1 71 07" ^^

) said to be in the collection of the Earl of Enniskillen.

17. C. megalotis. Agassiz, Poissons Fossiles, Vol. 3, pi. 28, figs. 8 to 10. — Morton,

Synopsis Organic Remains of the U. S. pi. 12, fig. 4.
Greensand formation.

18. C.polygurus. Agassiz, Poissons Fossiles, Vol. 3, pi. 30, figs. 9 to 12. — Morton,

Synopsis Org. Rem. pi. 12, fig. 2.
Greensand formation.

FOSSIL FISHES. 387

GENUS GALEUS. Cuvier.

19. G. pristodontus. Agassiz, Poiss. Fossiles, Vol. 3, pi. 26, fig. 6. — Morton, Synopsis

Org. Rem. pi. 11, fig. 6.
Greensand formation.

GENUS LAMNA. Cuvier.

20. L. acuminata. Agassiz. — Morton, Synopsis Org. Rem. pi. 11, fig. 11.

Greensand formation.

21. L. lanceolata. Agassiz. — Morton, Synopsis Org. Rem. pi. 11, fig. 5.

Greensand formation.

22. L. plicata. Agassiz. — Morton, Syn. Org. Rem. pi. 11, figs. 2, 3.

Greensand formation.

GENUS OTODUS. Agassiz.

23. 0. appendiculatus. Agassiz, Poiss. Fossiles, Vol. 3, pi. 32, figs. 1 to 25.

Greensand formation ?

GENUS SAUROCEPHALUS. Harlan.

24. S. lanciformis. Harlan, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sc. Vol. 3, p. 331, pi. 12, figs. 1 to 4. —

Id. Med. and Phys. Res. p. 286. — Agassiz, Poiss. Fossiles, Vol. 5, pi. 25, c,
figs. 21 to 29. — Mantell, Southdown Fossils, pi. 33, figs. 6, 7. — Hays,
Am. Phil. Tr. Vol. 3, pi. 16.
Subcretaceous group. Missouri.

25. S. leanus. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 286. — Saurodon. Hays, Am. Philos.

Soc. Vol. 3, p. 471, pi. 16, figs. 1 to 10. — Agassiz, Poissons Fossiles, Vol. 5,
pi. 25, c, figs. 17 to 20.

Greensand. Five miles S. E. Moorestown, New-Jersey.

APPENDIX A.

A LIST OF THE SPECIES NOTICED OR DESCRIBED BY DR. MITCHILL,

WITH THE NAMES WHICH THEY BEAR IN THE PRESENT VOLUME.

Man. refers to his larger essay in the Transactions of the Literary and Philosophical Society.

Rep. refers to his first Report.

Suppl. refers to his Supplementary Memoir in the American Monthly Magazine, Vol. 2.

[The names in italics are synonimes.]

Acipenser sturio Mem.

A. oxyrhincus "

Ammodytes tobianus "

Anarrhicas lupus Suppl.

Anguilla vulgaris Mem.

A. oceanica Ac. Sc. Vol.

A. conger Mem.

Atherina mordax "

A. notata "

A. viridescens "

Balistes broccus "

B. cuspicauda Suppl.

B. aurantiacus Mem.

Blennius labrosus "

B. ciliatus "

B. pholis "

Bodianus argyroleucos "

B. costatus "

B. triourus "

B. exiguus "

B. pallidus "

B. rufus "

B. flavescens "

Centronotus spinosus "

p. 461

Acipenser brevirostris.

462

A. oxyrhincus.

363

Ammodytes americanus.

242

Anarrhicas lupus.

360

Anguilla tenuirostris.

1, 407

A. oceanica.

360

Conger occidentalis.

446

Osmerus eperlanus?

446

Atherina notata.

447

A. menidea.

467

Monocanthus broccus.

326

Aluteres cuspicauda.

468

Monocanthus aurantiacus,

375

Zoarces anguillaris.

374

Z. fimbriatus.

374

Chasmodes bosquianus.

417

Corvina argyroleuca.

417

Micropogon costatus.

418

Lobotes surinamensis.

419

420

420

Labrax rurus.

421

Perca flavescens.

490

Elacate atlantica.

390 NEW YORK FAUNA.

Cephalopterus vampirus . . . Ann. Lye. 1, 23 Cephaloptera vampirus.

Cephalus brevis Mem. 471 Orthagoriscus mola.

Chetodon oviformis Suppl. 248 Ephippus faber.

C. Plate, Mem. Id.

Clupeaalosa .__ Mem. 449 Alosa praestabilis.

C. harengus Suppl. 323 Clupea elongata.

C. mediocris Mem. 450 Alosa mattowaca.

C. mattowaca " 451 Id.

C. halec " 451 Clupea virescens.

C. pusilla " 452 C. fasciata?

C. parvula " 452 C. parvula.

C. menhaden " 453 Alosa menhaden.

C. indigena " 454 A. praestabilis (young).

C. vernalis Rep. 22, and Mem. 454 A. tyrannus.

C. aestivalis Mem. 456

C. vittata " 456 Clupea vittata.

C. cerulea " 457 C. cerulea.

C. sadina " 457 Alosa sadina.

Coryphena hippuris " 378 Coryphena globiceps.

C. perciformis Suppl. 244 Palinurus perciformis.

Cyprinus teres Mem. 458 Catoslomus teres.

C. comutus Suppl. 324 Leuciscus cornutus.

C. oblongus Mem. 459 Labeo oblongus.

C. corporalis Suppl. 324 Leuciscus corporalis.

C. chrysoleucas Mem. 459 Stilbe chrysoleucas.

C. atromaculatus Suppl. 324 Leuciscus atromaculatus.

C. atronasus Mem. 460 L. atronasus.

Coitus 18-spinosus " 380 Cottus virginianus.

C. aeneus " ' 380 C. aeneus.

C. scorpio " 381 C. mitchilli.

Cyclopterus ceruleus " 480 Lumpus anglorum.

Diodon pilosus " 471 Diodon pilosus.

D. carinatus Ann. Lye. 2, 264 Acanthosoma carinatum.

D. maculatostriatus Mem. 270 Diodon maculostriatus.

Echeneis naucrates " 377 Echeneis naucrates.

E. remora " 378 E. remora.

E. albicauda Suppl. 244 E. albicauda.

Elops inermis Mem. 445 Elops saurus.

Esox flavulus " 439 Fundulus fasciatus.

E. lucius " 440 Esox reticulatus.

E. pisciculus " 440 Fundulus viridescens?

E. pisculentus " 441

E. osseus Suppl. 321 Lepisosteus.

APPENDIX.

Esox ovinus Mem. 441

E. scomberius Suppl. 322

E. longirostris " 321

E. tredecimlineatus Mirror. 361

E. zonatus Mem. 443

E. salmoneus " 442

E. belone « 443

E. maskinongy Mirror. 297

Exocetus mesogaster " 297

E. comatus Mem. 448

E. noveboracensis Suppl. 323

E. furcatus Mem. 449

Fistularia neoboracensis " 437

Gadus morrhua ^ Mem. 367

G. lacustris Suppl. 244

G. albidus Ac. Sc. 1, 409

G. merlucius Mem. 371

G. callarias " 367

G. pruinosus Rep. 4

G. tomcodus Mem. 368

G. ajglifinus « 370

G. blennoides " .370

G. purpureus " 370

G. tenuis

G longipes " 372

G. punctatus " 372

Gasterosteus biaculeatus " 430

G. quadracus " 430

Gobius viridipallidus " 379

Labrus squeteague " 396

L. tautoga " 399

L. chogset " 403

L. auritus " 202

L. appendix Suppl. 247

L. versicolor Mem. 404

L. obliquus " 405

L. grunniens " 405

L. spinosus " 405

L. fulvomaculatus " 406

L. pallidas :< 407

L. appendix Suppl. 247

Lophius bufo Mem. 46

L. gibbus Suppl. 325

391

Lebias ovinus.

Esox fasciatus. Esox 1

Belone? Belone truncata?

Esox id.

(Young.)

Esox.

Belone truncata.

Esox estor.

1

Exocetus comatus.
E. noveboracensis.

E. furcatus.

Fistularia tabacaria.
Morrhua americana.
Lota maculosa.
Merlucius albidus.
M. albidus.

Morrhua americana.
M. pruinosa.

M. id.

M. aeglifinus.

Morrhua ?

Merlangus purpureus.
Phycis tenuis.
P. americanus.
P. punctatus.
Gasterosteus biaculeatus.
G. quadracus.

Gobias alepidotus.
Otolithus regalis.
Tautoga americana.
Ctenolabrus ceruleus.
Pomotis vulgaris.
P. appendix.

Pagrus argyrops.
Leiostomus obliquus.
Pogonias fasciatus.

Hemulon fulvomaculatum.

Pomotis appendix.
Batrachus tau.
Chironectes gibbua

392 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

Lophius piscator Mem. 565 Lophius americanus.

Mugil gigas Rep. 18 Pogonias chromis.

M. albula Mem. 447 Mugil albula.

M. grunniens Rep. 16 Pogonias fasciatus.

M. obliquus " 16 Leiostomus obliquus.

Morone maculata " 19 Pomotis vulgaris.

M. rufa " 18 Labrax rufus.

M. flavescens " 18 Perca flavescens.

Ophidium mucronatum Mem. 361 Gunnellus mucronatus.

O. barbatum " 362 Ophidium marginatum.

Perca mitchilli " 413 Labrax lineatus.

P. varia " 414 Centropristes nigricans.

P. vitrea Suppl. 247 Lucioperca americana.

Petromyzon marinus Mem. 461 Petromyzon americanus.

Pleuronectes mollis " 388 Achirus mollis.

P. aquosus " 389 Pleuronectes maculatus.

P. maculatus Rep. 9 Id.

P. apoda Suppl. 244 Monochirus.

P hippoglossus — . Mem. 386 Hippoglossus vulgaris.

P. planus « 387 Platessa plana.

P. dentatus « 390 P. dentata.

P. oblongus " 391 . P. oblonga.

P. melanogaster " 390 P. plana (reversed).

Polynemus tridigittatus « 449 Trigla cuculus.

P. sexradiatus Suppl. 323 Dactylopterus volitans.

Raiatorpedo Mem. 476 Torpedo 1

R. ocellata » 477 Raia ocellata.

R. diaphanes « 478 R. diaphanes.

R. centroura « 479 Pastinaca hastata.

R. bonasus « 479 Rhinoptera quadriloba.

R. erinaceus Am. Jour. 9, 290 Raia erinaceus.

R. laevis Suppl. 327 R. Iasvis.

Roccus striatus Rep. 25 Labrax lineatus.

R. comes « 26 Otolithus regalis.

Salmo salar Mem. 435 Salmo salar.

S. amethystus Ac. Sc. 1, 410 S. amethystus.

S. fontinalis Mem. 435 S. fontinalis.

S. eperlanus « 435 Osmerus eperlanus.

S. clupeiformis Suppl. 321 Corregonus clupeiformis.

Scomber grex Mem. 422 Scomber grex.

S. vernalis « 423 g, vernalis.

S. plumbeus « 424 Temnodon saltator.

S. hippos... Suppl. 246 Caranx punctatus.

Scomber ductor Mem.

S. crysos "

S. maculatus "

S. zonatus "

S. sarda "

Sciena nebulosa "

S. fusca "

S. gigas "

S. imberbis "

Scorpena flava _ "

S. purpurea Suppl.

S. rufa "

Silurus catus Mem.

S. marinus "

S. gyrinus Suppl.

Sparus ovis Mem.

Squalus zygaena "

S. vulpes "

S. americanus "

S. punctatus.. "

S. littoralis Suppl.

S. maximus Mem.

S. canis "

Stomodon bilinearis Rep.

Stromateus cryptosus Mem:

S. longipinnis "

Syngnathus typhle "

S. hippocampus "

Tautoga niger Rep.

Tetrodon curvus Mem.

T. turgidus "

T. mathematicus "

T. argenteus «

Trigla lineata "

T. palmipes «

Xiphias gladius Suppl.

Zeus capillaris Mem.

Z. rostratus "

Z. setapinnis . _ "

Z. spinosus Suppl.

Z. geometricus. «

Fauna — Part 4.

424

Naucrates neoboracensis.

424

Caranx chrysos.

426

Cybium maculatum.

427

Seriola zonata.

428

Pelamys sarda.

408

Umbrina albumus.

409

Pogonias chromis.

412

Id.

411

Corvina ocellata.

382

Hemitripterus americanus.

245

Id.

245

Id.

433

Pimelodus catus.

433

Galeichthys marinus.

322

Pimelodus 1

392

Sargus ovis.

482

Zygaena malleus.

482

Carcharias vulpes.

483

Scyllium?

483

Lamna punctata.

328

Carcharias littoralis.

486

Selachus maximus.

■486

Mustelus canis.

7

Merlucius vulgaris.

365

Rhombus triacanthus.

366

R. longipinnis.

475

Syngnathus fasciatus.

475

Hippocampus hudsonius.

23

Tautoga americana.

472

Tetraodon curvus.

473

T. turgidus.

474

T. laevigatas.

364

Trichiurus lepturus.

430

Prionotus lineatus.

431

P. carolinus.

242

Xiphias gladius.

383

Argyreiosus capillaris.

384

A. vomer.

384

Vomer brownii.

246

Trachinotus spinosus.

245

Blepharis.

393

50

394 NEW-YORK FAUNA.

APPENDIX B.

The Spotted Wrymouth (p. 63), has been recently discovered by the Rev. Mr. Linsley on
the shores of Long Island sound, near Stratford, Connecticut.

APPENDIX C.

Under the article Mossbonker, (p. 260), I should have stated more correctly that a wagon
load usually contains two thousand fish, and consequently that the number of these fish cap-
tured at Bridgehampton amounted to 168,000. I take this occasion to add, that this fish is
frequently known, on Long island, under the name of White-fish.

APPENDIX D.

Since the preceding sheets were printed, we have received the sixteenth volume of the
Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, de MM. Cuvier et Valenciennes. In this volume we
find a genus of Cyprinidae, hitherto undescribed, from this country.

GENUS GOBIO. Cuvier.

Dorsal and anal short, and without spines. Pharyngeal teeth conic, feebly bent at their
summits, and in two series. Barbels at the angles of the mouth.

THE NIAGARA GUDGEON.

GOBIO CATARACTS.

Le Goujan des Calaractes. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poissons, Vol. 16, p. 315, pi 483.

Description. Body elongated and rounded. Height of the body half the length of the
head, and one-eighth of the total length. Eye moderately large, and on the upper part of
the cheek. Snout obtuse. Mouth beneath, with thick lips, but without a veil, as in the
Catostomus. A barbel at each angle of the mouth, so small as to be perceived with difficulty.
The dorsal, in the middle of its length, is small ; caudal emarginate, and with rounded lobes ;
anal rounded, and larger than the dorsal; ventrals small, but with large pectorals. D. 3.6;
A. 2.6; C. 19. Scales small, smooth, not striated, with seventy in a longitudinal series.
Back deep grey, passing into plumbeous, and becoming silvery on the belly. Pectoral, dor-
sal and caudal grey ; ventrals and anal white. Length five inches.

[Communicated to Cuvier by Milbert, from the Falls of Niagara.]

As the name of Labeo oblongus has been applied by MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes to a
species from Java, we propose to change our L. oblongus to elongatus.

INDEX

POPULAR NAMES OF THE FISHES.

P*GE.

Alewive, American, .... 258

Alligator Gar, 272

Anchovy, 1 42

Angel-fish, American, 98, 363

Angler, American, 162

Argentine, 246

Argyreiose, Hair-finned,. 125

— Rostrated, .. 124

Arius, Milbert's, 179

Aspidophore, American, . 62

Balistes, Dusty, 339

Balloon-fish, Hairy, 326

— Spot-striped, 323

— Unspotted, . 324

— Warty, 326

Barbel, 199

Barracuta, Northern, ... 39
Bass, Black, 15,25,28

— Black Fresh-water, 28

— Black Sea, 24

— Fresh-water, 27

— Little White, 11

— Obscure Fresh-water, 30

— Otsego, 248

— Red, 75

Page.

Bass, Rock, 27, 28

— Ruddy, 9

— Small Black, 12

— Striped Sea, 7

— White Lake, 13

Bellows fish, 163

Bergall, Common, 172

— Spotted, 174

Big-head, Chub, 214

Bill-fish, 229

Black Harry, 25

Black-fish, Common, .... 176

Blenny, Fringed, 156

— Seaweed, 149

Blepharis, Hair-finned, .. 123

Blower, 327

Blue-fish, 25, 130, 173

Bonito, Striped, 107

Bony-fish, 259

Bream, 32

— Saltwater, 93

— Variegated, 191

Brit, 253

Buffalo-fish, 272

Bull-head, Black, 187

Pagb-

Bull-head, Brazen, • 52

— Common, .... 51

— Greenland, ... 54

— Smooth-browed, 53

Bull-pout,

Bunker, 260

Burbot, Compressed, .... 285

— Plain, 283

— Spotted, 284

Butter-fish, American,. . . 153

Calico, 304

Caranx, Southern, 120

— Spotted, 122

— Yellow, 121

Carp, Common, 188

— Golden, 190

Cat, Sea, 159

Catfish, Black, 185

— Blind, 187

— Blue, 187

— Brown, 184

— Channel, 187

— Common, 182

— Great Lake, 180

— Mud, 187

396

ENGLISH INDEX.

Page.

Catfish Oceanic, 178

— Yellow, 187

Char, New- York, 235

Chasmodes, Six-banded, . 151

Chogset, 173

Chub, 193

Chub, Lake, 210

Chubsucker, Brilliant, . . . 193

— Gibbous, 194

— Long-finned, . . 194

— New- York, . . . 192

— Round-backed, . 195

Clubtail, 257

Coachman, 34

Coal-fish, 287

Cod, American, 274

— Bank, 280

— Common, 280

— Power, 277

— Slender, 293

— Tom, 278

Codling, American, 291

— Spotted, 292

Conger, American, 314

Conner, 173

Corporaalen, 213

Corvina, Branded, 75

— Sharp-finned,... 77

— Silvery, 74

Corvino, Banded, 83

Coverclip, 304

Crabeater, Northern, .... 113

Cramp-fish, 378

Cusk, 289

— Little, 316

Cybium, Spotted, 108

Dab, Rusty, 297

Dace, Banded, 212

— Black-headed, 210

— Black-nosed, 205

— Horned, 199, 207

— Lake, 210

— Pigmy, 214

— Red, 208

— Red-finned, 207

Page.

Dace, Roach, 208

— Shining, 209

— Silvery, 212

— White, 209

Darter, Tessellated, 20

Devil-fish, 163, 377

Devil, Sea, 377

Diablo, 167

Diodon, Hairy, 326

— Spot-striped, .... 323

— Unspotted, 324

— Warty, 325

Dog-fish, 270, 285, 356

— Spinous, 359

Dolphin, Bottle-headed, . . 132

Dory, Hair-finned, 123

Drum, Banded, 81

— Big, 80

— Black, 81

— Red, 80

— Young, 82

Eel, Beaked, 312

— Bulkhead, 313

— Common New-York, 310

— Conger, 314

— Sand, 317

— Sea, 312

— Silver, 311

Eel-pout, 285

— Bordered, 156

— Thick-lipped,.. 155

Elops, Smooth, 267

Ephippus, Banded, 97

Fiddle-fish, 364

File-fish, Long-finned, .. . 335

— Massachusetts, . 336

— Narrow-tailed, . 339
■ — Orange, 333

— Thread, 337

Fishing-Frog, 162

Flat-fish, New- York, ... 295

— Pigmy, 296

— Rusty, 297

— Toothed, 298

Flounder, Long-toothed, . 300

Page.

Flounder, Oblong, 299

— Sand, 269

— Summer, 298

— Watery, 302

Flying-fish, 46

— ■ Double-bearded, 231

— New-York,... 230

— Single-bearded, 231

Fool-fish, 335

Frost-fish, 278

Gar-fish, Banded, 227

Gilt-head, Aculeated, .... 94

Glass-eye, 18

Globe-fish, Small, 330

Goby, Variegated, 160

Gold-fish, 190

Goose-fish, 163

Grand Oranchee, 21

Green-fish, 131

Groper, 21

Growler, 26

Gruntcr, .• . . 82

Gudgeon, New- York,. .. 216

— Niagara, 394

Gurnard, Banded, '45

— Red, 43

— Spinous, 48

■ — Web-fingered, . 46

Haddock, 279

— Young, 289

Hake, American, 280

Halibut, 294

Hannahill 25

Hairtail, Silvery, 109

Hard-head, 259

Harvest-fish, Long-finned, 136

— Short-finned, 137

Head-fish, Short, 331

Herring, Autumnal, .... 260

— Blue, 254

— Common Ame-

rican, 250

— Green, 252

Lake, 267

— Little, 253

ENGLISH INDEX.

397

Page.

Herring, Long-island, . . . 260

— Moon-eyed, . . . 265

— River, 266

— Round, 268

— Satin-striped, . . 254

— Shad, 265

— Slender, 262

— Spotted Thread, 264

— Striped, 251

— Tiny, 251

— Toothed, 266

Hickory Shad, 265

Horn-pout, . 183

Horse Mackerel, 103,131

Hound-fish, American, . . 355

Huron, Black, 15

Killifish, Barred, 218

— Big, 2,17

— Striped, 216

King-fish, 78

Lafayette, 69

Lake Lawyer, 270

Lamprey, American Sea, 379

— Bluish. Sea,... 381

— Colored Mud,. 383

— Plain Mud,... 383

— Small, 381

Lampugus, Spotted, 134

Lebias, Sheepshead, 215

Lepisoma, Cirrhous, . . . . 41

Lichia, Carolina, 114

Ling, 156

Lumpsucker, 306

Lump-fish, 305

Mackerel, Bull-eyed, 102

— Chub, 102

— Fall, 103

— Red, 201

— Snapping, 131

— Spanish, 104

— Spring, 101

— Thimble-eyed, 102

— Yellow, 122

Malasheganay, 76

Malthea, Bat, 167

Fauna — Part 4.

Page

Malthea, Dotted, 167

— Short-nosed,... 166

May-fish, 216

Menhaden, 259

Minister, 183

Minny, 218

Minnow, Barred, 220

— Champlain, ... 220

— Transparent, .. 219

Monk-fish 163

Monkey-fish, 3.64

Moon-fish, 99

Moon-eye, Lake, 266

— River, 265

Mossbonker, 259, 394

Mouse-fish, Gibbous, . .. 164

— Smooth, 165

Mud-fish, Western, 269

Mullet, Golden, 147, 201

— Rock, 147

— Snip-nosed, 119

— Spotted, 147

— Striped, 144

— While, 146

Mummachog, 219

Muskelunge, 222

Nibbler, 173

Numb-fish, 378

Nurse, 361

Oceanic Vampire, ...... 378

Ophidium, New-York, . . 315

Ostracion, Shagreened, . . 343

Panhagen, 260

Perch, American Yellow, 3

— Black, 13

— Blue, 173

— Common Yellow, 3

— Red Sea, 61

— Rough-headed, ... 5

— Rough Yellow, . . 5

— Sharp-nosed, .... 6

— Slender Yellow, . 6

— Spineless, 35

Perch, Yellow-bellied, . . 192

Pickerel or Pickering, . . 18

51

Pack.

Pickerel, Common, .... 223

— Varied, 224

Pickering, Champlain, . . 16

Pig-fish, 52

Pike, Blue, 19

— Buffalo Bony, 271

— Common, 223

— Federation, 225

— Flat-nosed, 273

— Grey, 19

— Long-jawed, ...... 227

— Yellow, 19

Pike-perch, Grey, 19

— Salmon, .... 18

— Yellow,.... 17

Pilot, Black, 118

Pilot-fish, New- York,. .. 112

Pipe-fish, American, .... 232

— Banded, 319

— Green, 321

— Spotted, 233

Plaice, New- York, 301

Pollack, Black, 288

— Green, 288

— New-York, 286

Pond-fish, Black-eared, . . 32

— Common, .... 31

Poor John, 282

Porbeagle, Long-tailed, . . 354

— Mackerel, 352

Porgee, Big, 95

— Rhomboidal, ... 93

— Sand, 91

— Three-tailed, ... 98
Pristipoma, Banded, .... 87
Puffer, Common, 327

— Curved, 328

.— Lineated, 329

Pumpkin-seed, 32

Rabbit-fish, 330

Ray, Broad Sting, 375

— Clear-nosed, 366

— Cow-nose, 375

— Hedgehog, 372

— Prickly, 368

398

ENGLISH INDEX.

Page.

Ray, Spotted, 369

— Whip Sting, 373

Razor-fish, 100

Redfiri, 207

Red-fish, 75

Redmouth, Speckled. 84

— Yellow-finned, 85
Remora, Common, 309

— Indian, 308

— White-tailed,... 307

Ribbon-fish, 110

Rock-fish, 9

Rose- fish, 61

Rough-head, 208

Rudder-fish, 119, 129

Salmon, Common Sea.. . . 241

— Lake, 239

— Mackinaw, 240

Sand-launce, American,.. 317

— Banded, 318

Saw-fish, Common, 365

Saury, .267

Scappang, 260

Sea Cat, 158

Sea Devil, 162

Sea-horse, Hudson-river, . 322

Sea Owl 306

Sea Raven, American, ... 57

Sea Robin, 45

Sea Scorpion, Small, .... 58

— Spotted, ... 59

Sea Swallow, 49

Sea Serpent, 358

Sea Wolf, 158

Sea Toad, 52

Sebastes, Northern, 60

Seriole, Banded, 128

Shad, American, 255

— Common, 255

Shad Salmon, Common, . 248

— Otsego, ... 248

Shadine, Spotted, 263

Shanny, Smooth, 150

— Radiated, 150

Shark, Basking, 357

— Dusky, 350

Page.

Shark, Fox, 349

— Green-backed, . . . 352

— Ground, 351

— Hammer-head, . . . 362

— Long-tailed, 348

— Little Bull-head, . 364

— Small Blue, 349

— Mackerel, 353

— Thresher, 348

Shark-sucker, 308

Sheepshead, 82, 89

— Black, 76

— Lake, 73

— Three-tailed, 98
Shiner, 209

— Bay, 211

— Blunt-nosed, 127

— New- York, 204

Shoemaker, 124

Shovel-nose, 362

Silverside, Dotted 141

— Slender, 142

Green-striped, 142

Skate, Smooth, 370

— Smooth-backed, . . . 370

Smelt, American, 243

Snapper, 61

Spawn-eater, , 206

Sole, New- York, 303

Stock-fish, 282

Squirrel-fish, 86

Star-gazer, Little, 61

Stickleback, Four spined,. 67

— Many-spined, 68

— New-York, . 66

— Two-spined,. 65
Sturgeon, Lake, 344

— Sharp-nosed, . . 346

— Short-nosed, ... 345
Sucker, Black, 202

— Chub, 192

— Common, 196

— Horned, 199

— Large-scaled, .... 202

— Missouri, 203

— Little, 203

Sucker, Mullet, 201

— Oneida. 198

— Pale, 200

— Red, 203

— Small Oceanic, . . 309

— Shark, 308

— White, i 203

Sun-fish, Pond, 32

— Short, 331

Surgeon, 1 39

Swell-fish, 327

Sword-fish, Common, .... Ill

Swingle-tail, 349

Tautog, New-York, ... 175

Toad-fish, Common, .... 168

— Two-spined, .. 170

Tobaccopipe-fish, 232

Thread-fish, • 265

Trachinote, Silvery 116

— Spinous, 117

Trout, 26, 72

— Brook, 235

— Cousin, 208

— Creek, 236

— Lake, 238

— Mackinaw, 240

— Pigmy, 245

— Red-bellied 236

— Red-spotted, 235

— Salmon, 239

Troutlet, Spotted, , 244

Tripletail, Black, 88

Trumpet-fish, New- York, 233

Trunk-fish, Dromedary, . 341

— Six-horned, . . 343

— Yale's, 343

Tunny, Common, 105

Tuibot, Spotted, 301

Tusk, 290

Union-fish, Longtailed, . . 338

Uranoscope, Unarmed, .. 37

Weak-fish, 71

White-fish, 247, 394

Wind-fish, 192

Wolf-fish, 159

Wrymouth, Spotted, . 63, 394

LATIN INDEX TO THE FISHES.

[Names italicized are extra-limital or fossil species, or synonimes.J

Page.

ABDOMINALES, ..

.. 177

Abramis versicolor, . .

.. 191

ACANTHOPTERYGII, 2

Acanthosoma carinatum

,. 330

Acanthurus phlebotomus, 139

— ceruleus,..

. 110

. 303

. 303

Acipenser brevirostris,

. 345

— maculosus, . .

. 347

— oxyrhincus, .

. 346

— rubicunduSj .

. 344

— ruperlianus, .

. 347

— transmontanu

s, 347

Agonus monopterygius,

. 62

. 260

. 259

. 255

. 263

. 258

. 258

Aluteres cuspicauda, . . .

. 338

— monoceros, . . .

. 338

Ambhjopsis spelceus, . . .

187

Page.

Amia calva, 270

— occidentalis, 269

— ocellicauda, 270

Ammoccetes bicolor, . . . 383

— unicolor, . . 383
Ammodytes americanus, . 317

— tobianus, ... 317

— viitatus, 318

Anarrhicas lupus, ...... 158

Anguilla argentea, 313

— bosloniensis, ... 313

— conger, 314

— macrocephala, . 313

— oceanica, 312

— rostrata, 312

— tenuirostris, 310

— vulgaris, 310

ANGTJILLip.£, 310

Aphredoderus sayanus, . . 35

— gibbosus, . . 35

APODALES, 310

Argentina sphyriena, . . . 246

Argyreiosus capillaris, .. 125

— vomer, 124

Arius milberti, 179

Aspidophorus monoptery-

gius, 62

Atherinidje, • 141

Page

Atherina Carolina 143

— notata. 141

— menidia, 142

— menidia, ..... 141

— mordax 143

— viridescens, ... 143

Eaione fontinalis, 244

Balistes aurantiacus, .... 333

— fuliginosus, 339

— tomentosus, 335

BalistidjE, 333

Batrachoides vernullas, . . 168

Batrachus celatus, 170

— tau, 168

— variegatus, . . . 171

Belone truncata, 227

Blennius anguillaris, ... 155

— fucorum, 149

— geminalus, .... 149

— pkolis, 151

— punctatus, 149

Blepharis crinitus, 123

Bodianus argyroleucas, . 74

— costalus, 83

— flavescens, •• •• 3

— pallidus, 11

— rufus 6

— Iriourus, 88

400

PA3E.

Boleosoma tessellatum, . . 20

Brosmius flavescens, .... 289

— vulgaris, 289

Bryttus punctalus, 33

— reticulatus, .... 33

— unicolor, 33

Bulirinus vulpes, 2G8

Caranx chrysos, 121

— defensor, 120

— punctatus, 122

Carcharias caeruleus, .... 349

— lanceolatus, . . 386

— littoralis, 351

— megalolis, . . . 386

— macrodon, . . . 386

— minor, 386

• — obscurus, .... 350

— poli/gurus, . . . 386

— vulpes, 348

Catopterus anginlliformis, 386

— gracilis, .... 386

— macrurus, . . . 386

— parvulus, .... 386
Catostomus aureolus, . . . . 201

— communis, ... 196

— cyprinus, .... 194

— duquesnii, . . . 203

— elongatus, . . . 203

— forsterianus, . 203

— gibbosus, .... 194

— longirostris, . . 203

— maculosus, . . . 203

— macrolepidotus, 202

— mazilingua, . . 203

— nigricans, .... 202

— oneida, 198

— pallidus, 200

— sucelta, 203

— sueuri, 203

— tuberculalus, . . 199

— vittatus, 204

Centrarchus seneus, 27

— fasciatus, 28

— gulosus, 31

— hexacanlhus, . 31

LATIN INDEX.

Paoe.

Page.

Centrarchus irideus, ....
— obscurus, ....

31

954

30

Conger occidentalis, ....

314

— pentacanthus,.

30

247

— sparoides,.. . .

31

— clupeiformis, .

248

31

— harengus, ....

249

Centronotus spinosus, . . .

113

249

Centropristes nigricans, . .

24

248

— irifurca, ....

25

— quadrilateralis, 249

331

249

Cephaloptera vampirus, . .

377

Corvina argyroleuca, ....

74

377

76

Chatressus ccpedianus, . .

265

75

— ellipticus, ....

265

73

265

77

264

— richardsoni, ....

76

Chasmodes bosquianus, ..

151

Coryphsna globiceps, . .

132

— novemlineatus,

152

234

59

97

55

Chetodon oviformis, ....

97

— gro?nlandicus, . . .

54

164

55

— laevigatus, ....

165

56

Chrysophrys aculeata, . .

94

53

27
28

55

55

26

51

250
255

Crenilabrus burgall, ....

51

172

254

Ctenolabrus caeruleus, . . .

172

250

172

251

— uninotatus, . . .

174

— harcngus, .. 250

255

Cryptacanthodes maculatus, 63

252

Cybium maculatum, ....

108

— hudsonia,

206

108

255

305

260

Cyclopterus ceruleus, . . .

305

260

— minutus, ....

306

— menhaden,

259

C YCLOSTOMI,

379

253

Cyprinus atromaculatus,

210

252

— atronasus, ....

205

251

190

263

188

258

207

258

— crysoleucas, . . .

204

252

193

Page.
CYPRINIDiE, 188, 394

Cyprinodon ovinus, .... 215

Cypsilurus, 23 1

Dactylopterus volitans, . . 49

Diodon carinatus, 330

— fuliginosus, 324

— maculostriatus, . . 323

— pilosus, 326

— rivulalus, 323

— verrucosus, 325

Dules auriga, 34

EcheneidjE, 307

Echeneis albicauda, .... 307

— naucrates, .... 308

— A-laminatus, . . 309

— remora, 309

Elacate atlantica, 113

ELEUTHEROPOMI,. 344

Ephippus faber, 97

*- g'gas, 99

Elops saurus, 267

— inermis, 267

Enchelyopus americanus, 291

EsociDas, 222

Esox belone, 227

— estor, 222

— Jlavulus, 216

— fasciatus, ....••. 224

— longiroslris, 227

— lucius, 226

— maskinongy, .... 222

— osseus, 27 1

— ovinus, 215

— phaleratus, 226

— reticulatus, 223

— scomberius, 225

— tredecim-lineatus, 225

— tredecimradiatus,. 225
Exocetus appendiculatus, 23 1

— comatus, . . .; . . 231

— furcatus, 231

— mesogaster, ... 231

— noveboracensis, 230
Fierasfer borealis, 316

— parryi, 316

Fauna — Part 4.

LATIN INDEX.

Page.

Fistularia neoboracensis, . 233

— serrata, 232

— tabacaria, 233

FlSTULARIDJE, 232

Fundulus fasciatus, 216

— viridescens, ... 217

— zebra, 218

Gadid.e, 274

Gadus albidus, 280

— aglifinus, '. 279

— callarias, 274

— carbonarius, .... 287

— compressus, 285

— lacustris, 284

— longipes, 29 1

— lota, 284

— luscus, 278

— maculosus, 284

■ — merlucius, 280

— minulus, 277

— pruinosus, 278

— punctatus, 293

— purpureus, 286

— tenuis, 293

— tomcodus, 278

— vulgaris, 280

Galeus pristodontus, .... 387

Galeichthys marinus, ... 178

— parrce, 178

Gasterosteus apelles, • • . . 67

— biaculeatus, . 65

— concinnus, . . 68

— inconstans, . , 68

— mainensis, .. 68

— niger, 68

— neoboracensis, 66

— occidentalis, . 68

— pungilius, . . 68

— quadracus, . . 67

Gerres aprion, 97

Govivm, 148

Gobio cataractse, 394

Gobius alepidotus, 160

— boscii, 160

— ■ viridipallidus, .. 160

52

401

Page.

Grystes salmoides, 26

Gunnellus mucronatus, . . 153

— vulgaris, .... 154

Gymnodontid^, 320

Hemulon fulvomaculatum, 84

— arcualum, .... 86

— chrysopteron, . . 85

— formosum, .... 86
Hemitripterus americanus, 56
Hippocampus brevirostris, 322

— hudsonius, . 322

Hippoglosus vulgaris, . . . 294
Holoptychius nobilissimus, 385

Huro nigricans, 15

Hydrargira atricauda, . . . 220

— diaphana, ... 219

— multifasciata, . 220

— nigrofasciala, 221

— ornata, 221

Hyodon clodalus, 266

— chrysopsis, 267

— tergisus, 265

Johnnius regal is, 71

JUGULARES, 274

Labrid.e, 172

Labrax albidus, 13

— lineatus, 7

— mucronatus, 9

— multilineatus, . . . 14

— nigricans, 12

— nolatus, 14

— pallidus, 11

— rufus, 9

Labrus aurilus, 31

— americanus, 175

— appendix, 32

— chogset, 172

— grunniens, 81

— obliquus, 69

— tautoga, 175

Labeo cyprinus, 194

— elegans, 192

— esopus, 195

— gibbosus 194

— oblongus, . . . 193, 394

402

Paob.

Laboo elongatus 394

Lactophrys camelinus, . . 341

— triqueter, . . . 342

— yalei, 342

Lamna acuminata, 387

— caudata, 354

— lanceolala, 387

— plicata, 387

— punctata, 352

Lampugus punctulatus, . . 134

Lebias ovinus, 215

— cllipsoides, 216

Leiostomus humeralis, . . 69

— obliquus, ... 69

— xanlhurus, . . 70
Lepisoma cirrhosum, .... 41
Lepisosteus bison, 27 1

— longirostris, . 274

— platyrhincus, . 273
Leuciscus argenteus, .... 212

— atromaculatus,. 210

— atronasus, .... 205

— biguttatus, . . . 214

— caurinus, 215

— chrysoleucas, . . 204

— chrysopterus, . . 211

— cephalus, 214

— comutus 207

— corporalis, .... 213

— dissimilis, .... 214

— elongatus,.... 214

— hudsonius, .... 206

— nitidus, 209

— oregonensis, .. 215

— pulchellus, . . . 208

— pygmasus, . . . . 214

— viltatus, 212

Lichia Carolina, 114

Lobotes surinamensis, ... 88

Lota compressa, 285

— inornata, 283

— maculosa 284

Lophid^:, 162

Lophius americanus, .... 162

— bufo, 168

LATIN INDEX.

Page.

Lophius gibbus, 164

— piscator, 162

— radiatus, 166

LOPHOBRANCHII,.. 319

Lucioperca americana, .. 17

— canadensis, . . 19

— grisea, 19

Lumpus anglorum, 305

— vulgaris, ...... 305

Malthaea cubifrons, 166

— nasuta, 166

— notata, 167

— vespertilio, .... 167

Menidje, 97

Merlangus carbonarius, . . 287

— leptocephalus,. 288

— purpureus, . . . 286

Merlucius albidus, 280

Micropogon costatus, .... 83

— undulatus, . . 84

Monochirus apoda, 304

Morone flavescens, 3

— maculata, 31

— rufa, 9

Mollinesia latipinna, ... 221

Monocanthus aurantiacus, 333

— broccus, 335

— massachusetensis, 336

— setifer, 337

— tomenlosus 335

Morrhua americana, .... 274

— ffiglefinus, .... 279

— minuta, 277

— pruinosa, 278

— vulgaris, 280

Mvgilidm, • . . .. 144

Mugil albula, 146

— grunniens, 180

— lineatus, 144

— obliquus, 69

— petrosus, 1 47

— plumieri, 147

Murenoides guttata, .... 153

Mustelus canis, 355

Myliobatis freminvilli, . . 376

Paob.

Myliobatis say, 376

Naucrates ductor, 113

— noveboracensis, 112
Otodus appendiculatus, . . 387
Osmerus eperlanus, 243

— viridescens, .... 243
Ophidium barbatum, .... 315

— marginatum,.. 315

— inucronaium, • • 153

— stigma, 316

Ortbagoriscus mola, .... 331

Ostracionidj;, 341

Oslracion sex-cornutus,.. 343

Otolithus carolinensis,. . . 72

— drummondi, ... 72

— regalis, 71

Pagrus argyrops, 95

Palaoniscus agassizi, . . 386

— fultus, 385

— latus, 385

— macropterus, 385

— ovatus, 386

Palinurus perciformis, ... 118

Pastinaca hastata, 373

— maclura, ..... 375

— sabina, 375

PECTINIBRANCHII, #1

Pelamys sarda, 1 06

PERCID.E, 2

Perca acuta, 6

— formosa, 86

— flavescens, 3

— gracilis, 6

— granulata, 5

— minima, 7

— nebulosa, 7

— ocellata, 75

— saxatili.s, 7

— septentrionalis, ... 7

— serrato-granulata, . 5

Percina, 7

Peprilus alepidotus, .... 136

— cryptosus. 137

Petromyzonid^e , 379

Petromyzon americanus, . 379

Page.

Petromyzon appendix,. .. 381

— argenteus, . . 382
■ — lamotteni, . . 382

— marinus, . . . 380

— nigricans, . . 381

— tridentatus,. 382
Pbolis carolinus, 151

— sub-bifurcatus, ... 150
Phycis americanus, 29 1

— furcatus, 291

— punctatus, 293

Pileoma semifasciatum, . . 16

Pimelepterus boscii, 100

Pimelodus albidus, 186

— aneus, 1 87

— atrarius, 185

— borealis, 187

— catus, 1 82

— cendescens, .. 187

— cmnosus, 186

— cupreus, 1 87

— flavus, 1 87

— furcatus, .... 187

— lemniscatus, . . 1 87

— nebulosus, 182, 187

— nigrescens, . . . 180

— nigricans,.... 180

— pallidas, 187

— pullus, 184

— punctulatus,. . 187

— xanthocephalus, 187

PLAGIOSTOMI, 348

Planid*, 293

Platessa dentata, 298

— ferruginea, 297

— oblonga, 299

■ — ocellaris, 300

— plana, 295

— pusilla, 296

— stcllata, 301

Platirostra edenlula, .... 347

PLECTOGNATHI, . . 323

Pleuronectes aquosus, ... 301

— dentatus, . . . 298

— glacialis, . . . 302

LATIN INDEX.

Page.

Pleuronectes hippoglossus, 294
— ■ linea' "", .. .. 303

— maculatus, .. 301

— melanogaster, 295

— mollis, 303

— oblongus, . . . 299

— planus, 295

Plagusia fasciata, 304

Pacilia fasciata, 216

— multilineata, .... 215
Pogonias chromis, 80

— fasciatus, 81

Polynemus tridigilatus, . 43

— sex-radiatus, . 49
Pomotis appendix, 32

— calesbei, 33

— gibbosus, 33

— holbrooki, 33

incisor, 33

— raveneli, 33

— solis, 33

— vulgaris, 31

Prionotus carolinus, 46

— lineatus, 45

— punctatus, .... 48

— tribulus, 48

Pristipoma fasciatum, ... 87

— rubrurn, 88

Pristis antiquorum, 365

Pteraclis carolinus, 138

Ptychodus mammilaris, . 386

— mortoni, 386

Raia americana, 368

— bonasus, 375

— ccntroura, 373

— chantenay, 369

— desmarestia, 372

— diaphanes, 366

— eglanteria, 373

— erinaceus, 372

— laevis, 370

— ocellata, 359

— maclura, 375

— quadriloba, 375

Raiid.e, 366

403

Paoe.

Rhombus aquosus, 301

— longipinnis. ... 136

— triacanthus, . . . . 137
Rhinoptera quadriloba, . . 375
Roccus strialus, 7

— comes, 71

Salmonidj;, 235

Salmo albus, 247

— alipes, 242

— amethystus, 240

— canadensis, 243

— confinis, 238

— eperlanus, 243

— erythrogaster, 236

— fontinalis, 235

— gairdneri, 243

— hearni, 242

— hoodi, 242

— mackcnzi, 242

— namaycush, 240

■ — nitidus, 242

— otsego, 248

— quinnat, 242

— rossi, 242

— salar, 241

— scouleri, 242

Sargus arenosus, 91

— ovis, 89

— rhomboides, 98

Sauridje, 271

Saurocephalus leanus, . . . 387

— lanciformis, . 387
Sciena multifasciala, ... 69

— oscula, 73

Scienidj:, 69

Scolopsis sayanis, 35

Scomber colias, 104

— ductor, 112

— grex, 103

— hippos, 122

— niger, 113

— vernalis, 101

Scomberesox equirostrum, 229

— sculcllatum, . 229

— stored, 229

404

Page.

SCOMBRID.E, 101

Scopelus humboldti, 246

Scorpsena bufo, 59

— porcus, 58

Scymnus brevipinna, .... 361

Sebastes norvegicus, .... 60

Selachus maximus, 357

Seriola bosci, 1 29

— cosmopollta, 129

— fasciata, 129

— leiarchus, 129

— zonata, 128

Serranus acutirostris, ... 23

— erythrogaster, .. 21

— fascicularis, .... 23

— morio, 23

Siiurid.*:, 177

Silurus catus, 1 82

— gyrinus, 1 86

Somniosus brevipinna, .. 361

Sparid.e, 89

Spams ovis, 89

Sphyraena borealis, ...... 39

Spinax acanthias, 359

Squalid*:, 348

Squalus americanus, .... 366

— canis, 355

LATIN INDEX.

Page.

Squalus carcharias, 365

— elephas, 357

— litloralis, 351

— maximus, 357

— obscurus, 350

— vulpes, 348

— zygmna, 362

Squatina dumerili, 363

Stilbe crysoleucas, 204

Stonwdon bilmearis, .,. . 280

Stromateus cryptosus, ... 137

— longipiniiis, . . 136

— triacanthus, . . 137

StURIONIDvE,

Syngnathus fasciatus, .... 319

— fuscus, 321

— pet kianus, . . 32 1

— typhli 319

— viridescens, . . 32 1

Syngnathide, 319

Tautoga americana, . . . . 175

— cerulea, 173

— niger, 175

Temnodon saltator, 130

Tetraodon curvus, 328

— laevigatas, .... 329

— mathemalicus, 329

Page.

Tetraodon mold, 331

— turgidus, 327

Teuthidje, 139

Thynnus corctta, 106

— vulgaris, 105

Trachinotus argenteus, .. 116

— fuscus, 117

— spinosus, . . . . 117
Trichiurus lepturus, .... 109
Trigla cuculus, 43

— lineata, 45

TriglIDjE, 43

Umbrina alburnus, 78

— coroides, 79

— fournieri, 83

Uranoscopus anoplos, ... 37

Uranidea quiescens, 61

Vomer brownii, 127

Xiphias gladius, Ill

Xirichthys lineatus, .... 177

Zeus capillaris, 125

— crinitus, 1 23

— setapinnis, 127

— vomer, 1 24

Zoarces anguillaris, 155

— fimbriatus, 1 56

Zygsena malleus, 362

LIST

OF

PLATES OF THE FISHES,

Plate I.
Fig. 1. The American Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens).

2. The Little White Bass (Labrax pallidus).

3. The Striped Sea Bass (Labrax lineatus).

Plate II.

Fig. 4. The Fresh-water Bass (Centrarchus aeneus).

5. The Black Sea Bass (Centropristes nigricans).

6. The American Aspidophore (A. monopterygius).

Plate III.
■Fig. 7. The Ruddy Bass (Labrax rufus).

8. The Black Fresh-water Bass (Centrarchus fasciatus).

9. The Two-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus biaculcatus).

Plate IV.
Fig. 10. The Greenland Bullhead (Cottus grcenlandicus).

11. The Northern Sebastes (Sebastes norvegicus).

12. The Banded Gurnard (Prionotus lineatus).

Plate V.
Fig. 13. The Common Bullhead (Cottus virginianus).

14. The Little Star-gazer (Uranidea quiescens).

15. The Web-fingered Gurnard (Prionotus carolinus).

Fauna — Part 4. 53

406 LIST OF PLATES.

Plate VI.
Fig. 16. The American Sea Raven (Hemitripterus hispidus).

17. The New- York Stickleback (Gasterosteus neoboracensis).

18. The Four-spined Stickleback (G. quadracus).

19. The Brazen Bullhead (Cottus aeneus).

Plate VII.
Fig. 20. The King-fish (Umbrina alburnus).

21. The Speckled Redmouth (Hemulon fulvo-maculatum).

22. The Yellow-finned Redmouth (H. chrysopteron).

Plate VIII.
Fig. 23. The Sheepshead (Sargus ovis).
24. The Weak-fish (Otolithus regalis).

Plate IX.

Fig. 25. The Big Porgee (Pagrus argyrops).

26. The Banded Seriola (Seriola zonata).

27. The Striped Bonito (Pelamvs sarda).

Plate X.
The Common Tunny (Thynnis vulgaris).
The Bottle-headed Dolphin (Coryphajna globiceps).
The Carolina Lichia (Lichia Carolina.

Plate XI.

The Spotted Lampugus (L. punctulatus).

32. The Fall Mackerel (Scomber grex).

33. The Spanish Mackerel (S. colias).

Plate XII.
Fig. 34. The Spring Mackerel (Scomber vernalis).

35. The Silvery Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus).

36. The American Butter-fish (Gunnellus mucronatus).

Plate XIII.
Fig. 37. The Green Herring (Clupea virescens).
38. The American Alewive (Alosa tyrannus).

Plate XIV.
Fig. 39. The American Tautog (Tautoga americana).
40. The Banded Drum (Pogonias fasciatus).

Fig.

28.

29.

30.

Fig.

31.

LIST OF PLATES. 407

Plate XV.
Fig. 41. The American Shad (Alosa praestabilis).
42. The Striped Mullet (Mugil lineatus).

Plate XVI.
Fig. 43. The Sea Wolf (Anarrhicas lupus).

44. The Bordered Eel-pout (Zoarces fimbriatus).

45. The Thick-lipped Eel-pout (Z. anguillaris).

Under side and mouth of the same.

Plate XVII.
Fig. 46. The Sea Swallow (Dactylopterus volitans).
Scales and head of the same magnified.

47. The Smooth-browed Bullhead (Cottus mitchilli).

48. The Obscure Fresh-water Bass (Centrarchus obscurus).

Plate XVIII.
Fig. 49. The Black Triple-tail (Loboles surinamensis).

50. The Spotted Wrymouth (Cryptacanthodes maculatus).

Head magnified.

51. The Silvery Corvina (Corvina argyroleuca).

Plate XIX.
Fig. 52. The Groper (Serranus erythrogaster).

53. The Spinous Trachinote (Trachinotus fuscus).

54. The Coachman (Dules auriga).

Plate XX.
Fig. 55. The Maleshagany (Corvina richardsoni).

56. The Razor-fish (Pimelepterus bosci).

57. The Tessellated Darter (Boleosoma tessellatum).

58. The Spotted Troutlet (Baione fontinalis).

59. The Squirrel-fish (Hemulon formosum).

Plate XXI.
Fig. 60. The Mossbonker (Alosa menhaden).

61. The Branded Corvina (Corvina ocellata).

62. The Spineless Perch (Aphredoderus sayanus).

63. The Lake Sheepshead (Corvina oscula).

Fig.

64.

65.

66.

67.

Fig.

68.

69.

70.

71.

Fig.

72.

73.

74.

75.

408 LIST OF PLATES.

Plate XXII.

The Rough Yellow Perch (Perca serrato-granulata).
The Unarmed Uranoscope (Uranoscopus anoplos).
The Seaweed Blenny (Blennius fucorum).
The Lake Sheepshead (Corvina oscula).

Plate XXIII.
The Banded Ephippus (Ephippus faber).
The Black-nosed Dace (Leuciscus atronasus).
The Variegated Goby (Gobius alepidotus).
The Moon-fish (Ephippus gigas).

Plate XXIV.
The Southern Caranx (Caranx defensor).
The Six-banded Chasmodes (Chasmodes bosquianus).
The Gibbous Mouse-fish (Chironectes gibbus).
The Black Pilot (Palinurus perciformis).

Plate XXV.
Fig. 76. The Hair-finned Blepharis (Blepharis crinitus).

77. The Northern Crab-eater (Elacate atlantica).

78. The Blunt-nosed Shiner (Vomer brownii).

Plate XXVI.
Fig. 79. The Sword-fish (Xiphias gladius).

80. The Short-finned Harvest-fish (Rhombus triacanthus).

81. The Blue-fish (Temnodon saltator).

Plate XXVII.
Fig. 82. The Hair-finned Argyreiose (Argyreiosus capillaris).

83. The Smooth Mouse-fish (Chironectes laavigalus).

84. The Sheepshead Lebias (Lebias ovinus).

85. The Yellow Caranx (Caranx chrysos).

Plate XXVIII.
Fig. 86. The Common Toad-fish (Batrachus tau).

87. The American Angler (Lophius americanus).

88. The Dotted Silverside (Atherina notata).

89. The Short-nosed Malthasa (Malthcea nasuta).

LIST OF PLATES. 409

Plate XXIX.
Fig. 90. The Spotted Bergall (Ctenolabrus uninotatus).

91. The New- York Shiner (Stilbe chrysoleucas).

92. The Red-fin (Leuciscus cornutus).

93. The Common Bergall (Ctenolabrus ceruleus).

Plate XXX.
Fig. 94. The Cirrhous Lepisoma (Lepisoma cirrhosum).

95. The Bay Shiner (Leuciscus chrysopterus).

96. The Sharp-finned Corvina (Corvina oxyptera).

Plate XXXI.
Fig. 97. The Horned Sucker (Catostomus tuberculatus).

98. The Striped Killifish (Fundulus fasciatus).

99. The Big Killifish (F. viridescens).

100. The New- York Chubsucker (Labeo elegans).

Plate XXXII.
Fig. 101. The Gibbous Chubsucker (Labeo gibbosus).

102. The Black-headed Dace (Leuciscus atro-maculatus).

103. The Variegated Bream (Abramis versicolor).

Plate XXXIII.
Fig. 104. The Pale Sucker (Catostomus pallidus).

105. The Shining Dace (Leuciscus nitidus).

106. The Common Sucker (Catostomus communis).

Plate XXXIV.
Fig. 107. The Common Pickerel (Esox reticulatus).

108. The Banded Dace (Leuciscus vittatus).

109. The Spawn-eater (L. hudsonius).

110. The Barred Pickerel (Esox fasciatus).

Plate XXXV.
Fig. 111. The Northern Bill-fish (Scomberesox storeri).

112. The Banded Garfish (Belone truncata).

113. The American Pipe-fish (Fistularia serrata).

Head of the same seen from above.

Plate XXXVI.
Fig. 114. The New-York Flying-fish (Exocetus noveboracensis).

115. The Single-bearded Flying-fish (E. comatus).

116. The Black Catfish (Pimelodus atrarius).
Fauna — Part 4. 54

410 UST OF PLATES.

Plate XXXVII.
Fig. 117. The Brown Catfish (Pimelodus pullus).

118. The Oceanic Catfish (Galeichthys marinus).

119. The Common Catfish (Pimelodus catus.)

Plate XXXVIII.
Fig. 120. The Brook Trout (Salmo fontinalis).

121. The Argentine (Scopelus humboldti).

122. The Sea Salmon (Salmo salar).

123. The Lake Salmon Trout (S. confinis).

Plate XXXIX.
Fig. 124. The American Smelt (Osmerus viridescens).

125. The Western Mud-fish (Amia occidentalis).

126. The Red-bellied Trout (Salmo erythrogaster).

Plate XL.
Fig. 127. The Autumnal Herring (Alosa mattowaca).

128. The Slender Herring (A. teres).

129. The Spotted Shadine (A. sadina).

Plate XLI.
Fig. 130. The River Mooneye (Hyodon tergisus).

131. The Saury (Elops saurus).

132. The Spotted Thread Herring (Chatcessus signifer).

Plate XLII.
Fig. 133. The Mullet Sucker (Catostomus aureolus).

134. The Pigmy Dace (Leuciscus pygmajus).

135. The Many-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus occidentalis).

136. The Brilliant Chubsucker (Labeo oblongus).

Plate XLIII.
Fig. 137. The Flat-nosed Bony Pike (Lepisosteus platyrhincus).

l. Upper view of the head. 2. Scales. 3. Anomalous tooth.

138. The Haddock (Morrhua aeglefinus).

139. The Buffalo Bony Pike (Lepisosteus bison).

Plate XLIV.
Fig. 140. The American Cod (Morrhua americana).

141. The Power Cod (M. minuta).

142. The Tom Cod or Frost-fish (M. pruinosa).

143. The Cusk (Brosmius vulgaris).

LIST OF PLATES. 411

Plate XLV.
Fig. 144. The Coal-fish (Merlangus carbonarius).

145. The Plain Burbot (Lota inornata).

146. The Green Pollack (Merlangus leptocephalus).

147. The New-York Pollack (M. purpureus).

Plate XLVI.
Fig. 148. The American Hake (Merlucius albidus).

149. The Spotted Codling (Phycis punctatus).

150. The American Codling (P. americanus).

Plate XLVII.
Fig. 151. The Spotted Turbot (Pleuronectes maculatus).

152. The Long-toothed Flounder (Platessa ocellata).

153. The Pigmy Flat-fish (Platessa pusilla).

Plate XLVIII.
Fig. 154. The New- York Flat-fish (Platessa plana).

155. The Rusty Flat-fish (P. ferruginea).

156. The Oblong Flounder (P. oblonga).

Plate XLIX.
Fig. 157. The Halibut (Hippoglossus vulgaris).

158. Platessa plana, reversed and doubled.

159. The New- York Sole (Achirus mollis).

Plate L.
Fig. 160. The Small Black Bass (Labrax nigricans).

161. The Two-spined Toad-fish (Batrachus celatus.)

a. Dorsal view of the same.

162. The Champlain Pickering (Pileoma fasciatum).

163. The Yellow Pike-perch (Lucioperca americana).

Plate LI.

Fig. 164. The Lake Mooneye (Hyodon clodalus).

165. The White Lake Bass (Labrax albidus).-

166. The Common Pond-fish (Pomotis vulgaris).

Plate LII.
Fig. 167. The American Sand Launce (Ammodytus americanus).

168. The Spotted Burbot (Lota maculosa).

169. The New- York Ophidium (Ophidium marginatum).

170. The Great Lake Catfish (Pimelodus nigricans).

412 LIST OF PLATES.

Plate LIII.
Fig. 171. The Hudson-river Sea Horse (Hippocampus hudsonius).

172. The American Conger (Conger americanus).

173. The Common New- York Eel (Anguilla tenuirostris).

Plate LIV.
Fig. 174. The Banded Pipe-fish (Syngnathus fasciatus).

175. The Lump-fish (Lumpus anglorum).

View of the under side of the same.

176. The Green Pipe-fish (Syngnathus viridescens).

177. The White-tailed Remora (Echeneis albicauda).

Plate LV.
Fig. 178. The Common Puffer (Tetraodon turgidus).

179. The Small Globe-fish (Acanthosoma carinatum).

180. The Hairy Balloon-fish (Diodon pilosus).

181. The Unspotted Balloon-fish (D. fuliginosus).

Plate LVI.
Fig. 182. The Lineated Puffer (Tetraodon laevigatas).

183. The Long-finned File-fish (Monocanthus broccus).

184. The Warty Balloon-fish (Diodon verrucosus).

185. The Spot-striped Balloon-fish (D. maculato-striatus).

Plate LVII.

Fig. 186. The Orange File-fish (Monocanthus aurantiacus).

187. The Massachusetts File-fish (M. massachusettensis).

188. The Dusky Balistes (Balistes fuliginosus).

Plate LVIII.'
Fig. 189. The Sharp-nosed Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhincus).
View of under side, and head viewed from above.

190. The Dromedary Trunk-fish (Lactophrys camelinus).

191. The Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser rubicundus).

Plate LIX.
Fig. 192. The Long-tailed Unicorn-fish (Aluteres cuspicauda).

193. The Short Head-fish (Orthagoriscus mola).

194. The Thread File-fish (Monocanthus setifer).

LIST OF PLATES. 413

Plate LX. ,

Fig. 195. The La Fayette (Leiostomus obliquus).

196. The Northern Barracuta (Sphyraena borealis).

197. The Banded Sand Launce (Ammodytes vittatus).

198. The Common Shad Salmon (Corregonus clupeiformis).

Plate LXI.
Fig. 199. The Thresher Shark (Carcharias vulpes).

200. The Small Blue Shark (C. ceruleus).

201. The Dusky Shark (C. obscurus).

202. The Nurse (Scymnus brevipinna).

Plate LXII.
Fig. 203. The American Angel-fish (Squatina dumerili).

204. The Hammer-headed Shark (Zygasna malleus).

a. Underside. b. A tooth.

205. The Long-tailed Porbeagle (Lamna caudata).

a. Under side of the head. b. A tooth.

Plate LXIII.
Fig. 206. The Mackerel Porbeagle (Lamna punctata).

207. 1, Head of the same ; 2, tail ; 3, front tooth of the upper jaw ; 4, do of

the lower jaw ; 5, a lateral tooth.

208. The Basking Shark (Selachus maximus).

Plate LXIV.

Fig. 209. The American Hound-fish (Mustelus canis).

209 a. Under side of the head of the same.

210. The Spiny Dog-fish (Spinax acanthias).

210 a. Under side of the head of the same.

211. The Small Lamprey (Petromyzon appendix).

Ptate LXV.
Fig. 212. The Spotted Ray, male, (Raia ocellata).

213. The Broad Sting Ray (Pastinaca maclura).

214. The Whip Sting Ray, female, (P. hastata).

a. Egg case with its embryo.

Plate LXVI.
Fig. 215. The Prickly Ray, male, (Raia americana).

216. The American Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon americanus).

a. View of the mouth.

217. The Cow-nose Ray (Rhinoptera quadriloba).

a. Tabular teeth of the same.
Fauna — Part 4 55

414 LIST OF PLATES.

, Plate LXVII.

Fig. 218. The Clear-nose Ray, male and female, (Raia dipphanes).
219. The Devil-fish (Cephaloptera vampirus).

Plate LXVIII.
Fig. 220. The Rough-headed Yellow Perch (Perca granulata).

221. The Canadian Pike-perch (Lucioperca canadensis).

222. The Sharp-nosed Yellow Perch (Perca acuta).

Plate LXIX.

Fig. 223. The Growler (Grystes salmoides).
224. The Black Huron (Huro nigricans).

Plate LXX.
Fig. 225. The Red Gurnard (Trigla cuculus).

226. The Spinous Gurnard (Prinotus tribulus).

227. The Spotted Sea Scorpion (Scorpaena bufo).

Plate LXXI.
Fig. 228. The Rhomboidal Porgee (Sargus rhomboides).
229. The Aculeated Gilt-head (Chrysophrys aculeata).

Plate LXXII.
Fig. 230. The Banded Corvino (Micropogon costatus).
231. The Southern King-fish (Umbrina coroides).

Plate LXXIII.
Fig. 232. The Spotted Cybium (Cybium maculatum).

233. The Spotted Caranx (Caranx punctatus).

234. The Surgeon (Acanthurus phlcbotomus).

Plate LXXIV.
Fig. 235. The Common Pilot-csh (Naucrates ductor).

236. The Slender Silverside (Atherina menidia).

237. The Greenish Seriole (Seriola cosmopolita).

Plate LXXV.
Fig. 238. The Rostrated Argyreiose (Argyreiosus vomer).

239. The Long-finned Harvest-fish (Rhombus longipinnis).

Plate LXXVI.
Fig. 240. The White-fish (Corregonus albus).

241. The Mackinaw Salmon (Salmo amethystus).

LIST OF PLATES. 415

Plate LXXVII.
Pig. 242. The Large-scaled Sucker (Catostomus macrolepidotus).
243. The Long-finned Chubsucker (Labeo cyprinus).

Plate LXXVIII.
Fig. 244. The compressed Burbot (Lota compressa).

245. Dorsal view of the same.

246. The Hedgehog Ray, male, (Raia erinaceus).

a. Dorsal view. b. Abdominal.

Plate LXXIX.

Fig. 247. Bluish Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon nigricans).

248. Colored Mud Lamprey (Ammoccetes bicolor).

249. Variegated Lamprey (Petromyzon lamottenii).

250. Plain Mud Lamprey (Ammoccetes unicolor).

a. Nostril. b. Under side of the mouth.

/