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. 



