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 



